USA > Iowa > Marion County > The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C. > Part 65
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BARKER, HON. FRANCIS A .- Deceased. One of Marion county's pioneers, and one of her most worthy and respected citizens. Was born in Dutchess county, New York, on the 2d day of April, 1798. His father was a fariner and at this business the son was raised. When twenty years of age he started for what was then the " Far West," and settled in Marietta, Ohio, and engaged in teaching school for some time; then went to McCon- nelsville, and being an expert in figures and a good penman he found ready employment. and was elected anditor of Morgan county, and resided there until 1829, and then went to Malta and engaged in general merchandise. He also engaged in the manufacture of linseed oil, and afterward in the salt manufacture, doing a large but unsuccessful business, owing to the im- provement of the Muskingum River with locks and dams, which broke up nearly all the salt merchants. He then came to Iowa on a prospecting tour, with a view of selecting a home for his family, and after deciding to re- move to Iowa he returned to Ohio. In April, 1844, came with his family, landing at Burlington, and went out in the country twenty miles and lived there during the summer, and raised a small crop of corn and vegetables. Late in the fall of that year Mr. Barker went up to the third purchase and selected a claim near Bellefontaine, now known as the Converse place, giving a saddle in exchange for it. He rented a small cabin in which he moved his fam- ily in November, that year. This cabin had puncheon floors, stone fire-place outside, dirt hearth, with places cut out for doors and window. They hung up carpet for a door, and oiled paper and covered the opening for a win- dow, and used a large box for a table with swinging cots fastened to the joists for the children during the winter. Mr. B. made rails to fence in the spring crops, but not being used to farming he had many obstacles to over- come on account of inexperience. The provisions they brought with them were fast disappearing, and he thought best to return to New London and get some corn and buckwheat that he had left and get it milled. He was prevented from returning for a month, owing to the bad roads and swollen streains, and for five days before he returned the family was compelled to live without bread, on hominy and crab-apple pickles. The neighbors, too, were all out, and no mill nearer than fifty miles. The improvement of his claim was slow, owing to sickness in his family. This sickness resulted in the death of two of his children. In 18- Mr. Barker received the appoint- ment of clerk in the State Legislature. In 1855 he was appointed warden of the State penitentiary at Ft. Madison and held the position two years, and in 185S returned to this county and settled, once more engaging in farming. During the late war he was deeply interested in the success of the Union army, which so taxed his mind that before hostilities ceased he was struck with paralysis. He sold his farm and removed to Knoxville, where he had
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a second attack. He died in 186 -. He was married in Ohio to Catharine Barker.
BARKER, F. C .- Editor and proprietor of the Knoxville Journal. L the son of Hon. F. A. and Catharine Barker, who were among the early and honored settlers of Marion county. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, January 23, 1836, and lived there until eight years of age, and then accompanied his parents to Iowa, and settled in Marion county. His early life was spent on a farm. In 1855 his father received the appointment of warden of the Penitentiary at Fort Madison, and Mr. Barker moved there with his father and learned the printing buisness. He then went to Guth- rie county and commenced his journalistic experience as editor and pub- lisher of the Guthrie Ledger. In response to the call for troops to assist in putting down the Rebellion, he enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infan- try and served three years, and was with the regiment all the time during its campaign. He was mustered out at New Orleans and returned to Guthrie county; and, in connection with A. F. Sperry, published the Guth- rie Vidette until 1867, and then exchanged the office for what is now the Knoxville Journal, and since that period has published the leading paper in Marion county. Mr. Barker has attained no small amount of celebrity. as a substantial advocate of the Republican party. He has an eloquent pen, and through the medium of the Journal, during past campaigns, has spoken in a distinct and convincing manner. As a citizen he is public- spirited, and is among the foremost in all enterprises that have a tendency to promote the county's interests. Mr. Barker was married in 1874 to Miss Matilda Mathews.
BARNES, A. J. P .- Book-keeper. Was born in Carroll county, Indi- ana, on the Twenty-ninth day of March, 1843, and was raised on a farm, and with a mercantile experience in his father's store. When eighteen years of age he enlisted in company H., Second Iowa infantry, May 23, 1861, and for meritorions conduct was commissioned first lieutenant in the Forty-second United States colored infantry. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing and others of prominence, and was taken prisoner in the fall of 1862, and atter being held twenty days was released. He married Miss M. W. Adams the first of March, 1866. She was born in Pennsylvania. They have a family of six children: Ella, Willie, Bessie, Bertie, Robbie and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are members of the U. P. Church.
BARGE, ELI-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Marion (now Morrow) county, Ohio, November 17, 1830. His parents were Lewis and Susanna Barge. They were among the early settlers of that county. His father, Lewis, entered the land that is now adjoining the town of Cardington. Eli was there raised to manhood, and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In the spring of 1853 he came to Muscatine, where he worked at his trade for a time. In the spring of 1854 he removed to Warren county, Iowa, when, after a short sojourn, he came to Marion county. His residence in the county dates from 1855. The first year he was engaged in operating a saw-mill; after which, for a number of years, he was engaged in building. He worked on the court- house, Baptist church, and many other old land-marks. In 1867 he re- moved to his present location. For five years previous to removing to his farm, he was engaged in teaming between Knoxville, Pella and Eddyville. Many of the Knoxvilleites will recollect gray Jim, a horse he drove, which
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scored 30,000 miles in four and one-half years. This favorite roadster died at the age of twenty-three years. His farm consists of 126 acres. On the seventeenth of January, 1858, Miss Eliza Moss, of Richland county, Ohio, a lady of many virtues, became his wife. Their union has been blessed by nine children, seven of whom are living: Lewis L., Hulda H., Edward E., Mattie M., Sadie S., Robert R., Libbie L. They lost two: Albert and Ella E.
BAUGHMAN, MRS. REBECCA-Sec: 28, P. O. Knoxville. Among the pioneers of Marion county who took an active part in its development was L. Banghman, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, where he was raised to man- hood and married Miss Elizabeth Crozier, a native of that State, in 1839. She was born April 13, 1824. In infancy she was deprived of her parents by death, and was raised to womanhood among strangers. In 1857 the family came to Marion county where they engaged in farining, which vocation Mr. Baugh- man pursued to the time of his decease in April, 1874. They have had a family of ten children, seven of whom are living: Mary Ann, Francis Marion (deceased), Thomas Benton (supposed to be dead), George Morgan, Sarah Maria, Scott, Asberine, Beckie Ellen, Marion, Serenis. Her oldest son, Francis Marion, lost his life at Shiloh in the late war. Thomas Ben- ton also tendered his services to the cause and has never been heard fromn.
BAXTER, ROBERT-Merchant. Among the enterprising and prom- inent business men of Knoxville is the subject of this skatch. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 11th day of December, 1839, and lived in his native State until 1851, when he came with his par- ents to lowa, landing at Burlington. The family settled in Henry county, where the youth of Mr. Baxter was spent on a farm. He enlisted in com- pany E, First Iowa cavalry, in July, 1861, and was mustered out in March, 1866. He then returned to his home, and in June of that year was appointed sheriff of Henry county owing to a vacancy, and in the fall of that year was elected to the office. After his term had expired he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1873, when he was elected auditor of the county and held that office two years. In March, 1876, he came to this county and engaged in his present business, and in which he has been very successful and has taken a prominent place among the business men of Marion county. He is also senior member of the firm of Baxter & Ken- nedy, dealers in boots and shoes. He was married to Miss Marietta Mil- tenberger in 1866. She is a native of Ohio. They have a family of four children: Katie, Theo, Lula and an infant.
BENDER, CHARLES-Fariner and stock-raiser, Sec. 33, P. O. Knox- ville. This enterprising agriculturalist was born in Richland county, Ohio, April 16, 1849. His parents was Jacob and Catherine (formerly Hoffman). They were among the early settlers of Ohio. Charles was there raised to manhood, receiving the benefits of the common schools of the county. From early life he has been a farmer, with the exception of short periods he was engaged in railroading and surveying. In 1872 he came to Marion connty, where he has since resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising; of the latter he makes a specialty and keeps graded cattle that will compare favorably with any in the connty. He was married April 7, 1874. to Miss Mary Welch, daughter of James Welch, one of the pioneers of Marion county. She is a lady of many virtues, who devotes her time to making home attractive. Their quion has been blessed by two children: Jessie Olive and Nellie.
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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
BERKEY, F. W .- Of the firm of Lytle & Berkey, horse-shoers, black- smithing and general repairing shop, Montgomery Street. Of the iron- workers of Knoxville there is no man more deserving of special mention than the subject of this brief sketch, who was born in Johnstown, Cam bria county, Pennsylvania, December 30, 1835. He is the son of Joseph and Dorcas Berkey, the former a native of Belginin and the latter of Scotland. His mother died when F. W. was an infant; his father was a blacksmith but did not follow the trade to any extent. He removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, at an early day, and was sheriff of Allen county for two years. In 1844 came to Fort Madison, Iowa, and after a short sojourn removed to Des Moines county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for a few years,
when he removed to New London, Henry county, and embarked in the hotel business. F. W. was here raised to manhood, educated, and learned the trade he now pursues. Joseph Berkey continued in the hotel business for fourteen years and eventually returned to Pennsylvania, where he died a few years ago. F. W. worked as a journeyman at various points until 1868, when he came to Knoxville, opened a shop and has been playing anvil choruses for the citizens of the county. In 1859 Miss Mary John- son, a native of Ohio, became his wife (married at Oskaloosa). They were blessed by two daughters: Elmira (wife of W. Savage) and Annie (wife of John Rolph.
BETTERTON, G .- Fariner and stock-raiser, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Elkhart county, Indiana, June 13, 1833. His father, William, was a native of the District of Columbia and was raised in Washington City. The subject of this sketch came to the Territory of Iowa with parents in 1837, locating at Iowaville. The senior Betterson was a resident of Iowa to the time of his demise, March 13, 1860. He underwent all the hardships of pioneering that were incident to that time. The subject of this. sketch was a resident of Wapello county until October, 1863, when he came to Marion county. He married, February 5, 1854, Miss E. J. Sutton, a na- tive of Illinois. They have nine children living: Obadiah, Harriet, Jessie, Viola, Charles, Francis, Free, Ova and Arthur. Lost one, William.
BITTENBENDER, JOHN S .- Farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Knox- ville. Was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1840, and lived there until he attained the age of thirty years, and then emigrated to Iowa, locating in Marion county, near the western limits of the city of Knoxville. While young he formed a taste for agricultural pur- suits, which have since occupied his attention. Mr. B. is one of the well- informed men of the county and his library, consisting of fifteen hundred volumes, is one of the largest private collections of books in the county. He was married, August 11, 1864, to Mary E. Hanly, born in Pottsville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1845. Have had seven children. three of whom are still living: Clara A., Alice B. and Stephen W.
BITTENBENDER, N. H .- Of the firm of Bittenbender & Savage, ma- chinists. Was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. August 24, 1849, and raised there on a farm. He resided in his native State until twenty- two years of age and then emigrated to Iowa and settled in Marion county, and for three years followed farming and then engaged in his present basi- ness. On the twenty-seventh day of July, 1876, the building was burned and he then formed a copartnership with W. B. Savage, and the firm are doing a good business and richly merit .the success which has attended
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them. He was married to Miss Alice Kelly, in 1875. She is a native of Knoxville. They have one daughter, Katie.
BLACK, WM .- One of Marion county's most esteemed citizens. Was born in Ireland on the third day of August, 1821, and while an infant less than a year old, was brought by his parents to the United States. They settled first in Pennsylvania, and after a residence of four years removed to New York, where Mr. Black lived until fourteen years old, and in 1846 removed to Ohio. He learned the trade of blacksmith, but never followed it as an occupation. After a residence of some years in Ohio, he came to Marion county, Iowa. He purchased the land on which he now resides, but his means being limited, he engaged in freighting goods from Keokuk, and made the first trip that was made in eight days in the county. He afterward engaged in threshing, and brought one of the first improved Massilon threshing machines into this part of the country and did a large and profitable business. His farm contains eighty acres, and his dwelling, built in 1857, was at that time the finest farm building in the county, and compares favorably at the present time. Starting without means, he has made the competence he now enjoys by honest toil, and he has justly earned, and is more than entitled to his marked success and po- sition in the community. He has been twice married; first, to Mies Jane McMeekin, in 1842. She was a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. B. died February 7, 1874. His second marriage was to Mrs. Mary J. Robertson, whose maiden name was Sanders, a native of Delaware county, Ohio, De- cember 31. 1877.
BLACK, JOHN F .- Of the firm of Black Brothers, dealers in dry goods, notions, carpets, boots and shoes. Is one of Marion county's repre- sentative business men. He was born in Ohio on the twenty-eighth of January, 1845. He lived in his native State until eight years of age, and in 1853 came to Iowa and settled in Marion county. His early life was spent on a farm. When seventeen years of age he commenced looking after his education; was first in the common schools, afterward at Monmouth College, in Illinois, and a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton's Col- lege in Chicago. He then went to Keokuk and was engaged in business for some time; thence to Boston, and entered the employ of a large boot and shoe house, and traveled for ten years. On the first of October. 1875, he commenced his present business, in which he has been eminently suc- cessful, and he is a good illustration of what an industrious man can accom- plish. No firm in Marion county have a better reputation among their patrons, and they merit the success which has attended them.
BLACK, J. T .- The subject of this sketch was born in Ohio on the thir- teenth day of February, 1848, and was raised there on a farm. In 1869 he came to Iowa and settled in Knoxville, where for three years he had a mer- cantile experience. In 1872 he engaged in general merchandise, at Colum- bia, and continued the same eight years, and the past year has had charge of mining interests in Leadville, Colorado, and his ability as a business man, and his reputation for industry, honor and integrity, as well as good sound business qualifications may be inferred from the confidence and trust imposed in him, as well as the success which has attended his career. He married Miss Kate T. Anderson in 1872. She was born in Pennsylvania, and is a lady of refined taste and domestic habits, as well as a most excel- lent manager of household affaire, and her husband's best counselor Their family consists of two children: Louis and Inez.
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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
BOCHTALL, M. H .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 14, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Washington county, Maryland, June 27, 1828. His parents were Jacob and Mary Bochtall, and he traces bis lineage to German ances- try. He was raised to manhood, educated, and learned the trade of car- penter and joiner in his native county. In 1852 Miss Susan Divert, of Maryland, became his wife. By this union they have four daughters: Mary L., Selina A., Emma K. and Gertie. In 1862 he removed to Brad- ford county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1877, engaged in differ- ent branches, principally farming. In that year he came to Iowa, locating in Marion county, where he has since resided, engaged in agricultural pur- suits. Although but a few years in the county, Mr. Bochtall is recognized as one of its substantial citizens. Ilimself and family are members of the Lutheran church.
BODINE, PETER-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 26, P. O. Knoxville This popular citizen was born in Cayuga county, New York, September 20, 1825. His father, John, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother, Mary, a native of New York. When Peter was quite young the family re- moved to Livingston county, New York, where he was raised to manhood, educated and learned the carpenter's trade, wnich he followed in that State until 1855. The autumn of that year he came West and located at White Rock, Ogle county, Illinois, and the following spring came to Marion county, locating where he now resides. His estate consists of eighty acres, a residence that indicates comfort. For a number of years he followed his trade in connection with farming, and is closely identified with the build- ing interests of Knoxville and Pella. In stock-raising he does a fair busi- ness. He married the third of February, 1848, Miss H. A. Everett, a na- tive of Virginia, daughter of Francis and Kathern, the former a native of New York and the latter of Massachusetts. Mrs. Bodine is a cousin of Edward S. Everett, the noted attorney. She is a lady of many graces and considerable literary taste, which is characteristic of the Everett family. Her father was in the War of 1812, and her grandfather a soldier in the Revolutionary War. she has raised a family of five children: Mary E. (wife of L. F. Coffman), Virginia M. (wife of E. Brown), Harriett E. (wife of A. Salsburry), Eva K. (wife of John A. Young) and Edward E. S. Lost one, Helen F.
BONSELL, I. A .- Retired farmer. Knoxville has no more worthy and respected citizen than the subject of this sketch. IIe was born in Win- chester, Frederick county, Virginia, January 5, 1817. He was early de- prived of the care of a father by death and his mother with ten children moved to Highland county, Ohio, in 1823. Ilere he worked on a farm and lived in the family of a Quaker until seventeen years of age. He then commenced life for himself working for seven dollars per month. He fol- lowed farming until 1844, then went to Shelby county, Illinois, and worked at the trade of blacksmith for ten years. In 1865 he came to Iowa and settled in Marion county. His first farm was purchased in Indiana town- ship. He sold this and purchased one in Union township, which he has since sold at a handsome profit. Mr. Bonsell commenced life without means and the competency hie now enjoys is the fruit of honest toil and he has earned and richly merits the success that has attended him and the esteem in which he is held. His home is one of the choice locations of the town, and attached to it are forty acres of land. He married Miss
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Grace Bonecutter on the sixth day of December, 1836. She is a native of Highland county, Ohio.
BONEBRAKE, P. K .- Was born in Floyd county, Indiana, on the twelfth day of March, 1838, and lived there until fourteen years of age, and then accompanied his parents to Marion county, Iowa, and until seven- teen years of age his life was that of a farmer-boy. He then commenced his mercantile experience, which lasted two years. In 1862 he enlisted in company I. Thirty-third Iowa infantry and served three years. He was with his regiment in all of its engagements. He enlisted as a private and was appointed orderly-sergeant, and during the last two months of his services had command of the company, owing to the sickness of superior officers. He was wounded at Jenkin's Ferry, Arkansas, at the same time Brigadier- General Rice received his wound. After returning to his home he en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until 1874, when he was elected county re- corder, and in 1878 was elected county clerk. He has been twice married; first, to Miss Sarah C. Payne, on the fourteenth day of March, 1858. She was a native of Indiana. She died in September, 1877, leaving four chil- dren: Alma M., Blanche M., Lillie C. and Parkison D. His second mar- riage occurred on the twenty-first day of November, 1878, to Miss Jessie Craddick, a native of this county. By this union they have one daughter, Carrie E.
BOOTH, HENRY-Superintendent of coal mines, Flagler. Was born in Lancashire, England, March 20, 1842. When six months of age his parents emigrated to the United States, landing in New Orleans, and the same year came to this State and settled in Augusta, ten miles from Bur- lington. His father was a weaver by occupation, but after coming to this country was engaged in burning brick for ten years, then went to boating on the Mississippi River, and in 1846 moved to Missouri and engaged in mining. His mother and all of his brothers and sisters died of cholera in 1849. In 1850 he accompanied his father to Kingston, Illinois, and after a residence of one year removed to Henrytown, Marshall county, Illinois, where young Henry first commenced his business of miner. In 1852 he returned to St. Louis county, Missouri, and lived there until 1857, and then went to St. Clair county, Illinois. August 3, 1862, he enlisted in company C, Eightieth Illinois infantry, and was mustered out June 10, 1865. He participated in a number of severe battles, among which were Perryville, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and the second battle of Nashville and at Atlanta, Georgia. At the latter place had his haversack shot from him. He was with Col. Straight on his expedition to Rome to de- stroy Confederate property and military stores and to draw Bragg's cavalry from in front of Murfreesboro, and when within eighteen miles of the point of their destination were captured by Gen. Forest's command and taken to Rome, where they were paroled. In July, 1863, they were ex- changed and ordered to the front. After the close of the war he returned to St. Clair county, Illinois, and engaged in mining. In 1868 he went to Randolph county. In 1870 he went to Ray county, Missouri, and in 1874 returned to St. Clair county, Illinois, and in 1875 came to Iowa and stopped a short time in Monroe county, thence to Marion county. He has been twice married; first to Miss Mary Bailey, of Cheshire, England, January 14, 1869. She died November 13, 1870, leaving one daughter, Mary E. His second marriage occurred February 20, 1873, to Susan Jones, born De-
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cember 19, 1852. They have four children: Esther A., William H., Myr- tle and Albert J.
BOYLE, WM .- Of the firm of Boyle & Harrington, proprietors of the Pearl Mills, Knoxville. Marion county has no more worthy and esteemed citizen than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Pennsylvania, Sep- tember 2, 1825, and raised on a farm until sixteen years of age and then learned the milling and mill-wright business, and with the exception of five years, when engaged in the foundry and machine business and four year while in the service, he has followed it as an avocation. He left Pennsyl- vania in 1850 and came to Ohio, and after spending four years returned to his native State, and in 1856 came to Knoxville. In 1862 he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Iowa infantry as a private and was commissioned captain. He was with the Army of the Tennessee until after the surrender of Vich burg, and his regiment was then transferred to the Department of the Gulf His mill contains all the latest improved machinery and does both cus- tom and merchant work, and the quality of his manufactures are unsur- passed and have a wide reputation. In addition to his interest in Knox- ville he has milling interests in Lucas county. His home is in Chariton He married Miss Sarah A. Mathews in 1849. She was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
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