USA > Iowa > Marion County > The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C. > Part 69
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 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105
GAMBLE, JOHN-Retired farmer. One of the pioneers of Marion county. Was born in Fayette county, Ohio, in 1814. He was raised in his native State, and was a farmer. In 1836 he removed to McLean county, Illinois, and lived there until 1848, and then came to Iowa. He owns a fine farms of 142 acres adjoining the city. He married Miss Rachel O'Neal in 1836. She was born in Mason county, Kentucky. Their family consists of eight children living: James D., Mollie E. (now Mrs. Henderson), Wil- Jiam A., John R., Levi L., Joseph W., Marion M., Edward HI. and Charles. Lost Joshua R. and Joseph W.
GAMBLE, W. A .- Coal operator, Knoxville. Was born in McLean
86
374
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
county, Illinois, February 15, 1840, and lived there until seven years of age and came to this county with his parents in 1847, and was raised a farmer. In 1860 he went to Idaho and California and spent sixteen years. In 1876 returned to Marion county, and in 1877 commenced his mining operations and is doing a good business and furnishing a good quality of coal. He has been twice married; first, in 1864, to Nancy Gibson, a native of Iowa. She died in 1872, leaving two children: Edward L. and Wm. L. His second marriage occurred in 1877, to Miss Florence Cunningham. She was bon in Knoxville. They have two children: Carl C. and an infant.
GARRISON, WILLIAM HI .- Farmer, Sec. 30, P. O. Knoxville. This pioneer citizen 'was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, Angust 21, 1819. His parents were Silas and Eliza, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of New York. He traces his lineage to English, Irish and Dutch ancestry. He resided in Dearborn county until he attainded the age d thirteen years, receiving the benefits of the select county schools. In 1833 the family removed to McLean county, Illinois, where W. H. resided until 1841, when he came to Iowa locating in Jones county, where he remained for a short period; married Miss Rebecca Cronkhil. By this nnion they had fourteen children: Sarah, Silas, Eliza Ann, Omer, Samantha and Li- coln; they lost eight: Abraham, Willie, Eliza, the balance died in is- fancy. Jones county not proving congenial to his taste, he returned to McLean county, Illinois, and, resided until 1843, when he again came to Iowa locating in Wapello county, remaining until the spring of 1845, wha he located in Marion county. He staked out a claim which now include the court-house square and the entire east part of the city of Knoxville He dug the first well inside of what is now the corporation limits; at that time there was not a solitary building in that territory. Mr. Garrison threw up his claim after retaining it a short time and entered the land that he now occupies. Dr. Conry took possession of the same claim that he relinquished. He was at the christening of the town of Knoxville, and voted at the first election held in that locality. He had many trials and pri- vations to contend with during the first few years. Mr. Garrison's estate consists of 226 acres; his residence, which is one of the finest in the town- ship, is pleasantly situated and surrounded by a handsome evergreen forest and a thrifty old orchard.
GARRISON, OMER-Farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Marion county, July 16, 1857; he is the eleventh of a family of fourteen children. He has been educated and raised to manhood in this county. March 1, 1880, Miss Harriet C. Betterton became his wife.
GARRISON, JOHN-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 20, P. O. Knox- ville. Was born in Parke county, Indiana, December 11, 1839. His father, William, was an agriculturist in that State; he was among the early set- tlers of Indiana and took an active part in the development of Parke county. In 1850 he came west, locating in Marion county, where the subject of this sketch was educated and raised to manhood. On the fifth of August, 1862, he enlisted in company G, Thirty-third Iowa infantry. On account of sickness contracted soon after his enlistment was in the hospital employ the greater portion of the time until December 26, when he was honorably discharged. He was married September 13, 1868, to Miss Dortha Little, native of Elkhart county Indiana, danghter of James and Elizabeth Little, who were among the pioneers of that State. The family consists of seven children: Ira Einerson, James William, Charles Wesley, Ida May, David
575
KNOXVILLE.
Franklin, Purdy Elvin and John. His estate of eighty acres is conveni- ently located to Knoxville.
GARRETSON, I. H .- Proprietor of planing mill. Was born in Warren county, Ohio June 27, 1838, and raised there on a farm. In 1868 he came to Iowa and settled in Mahaska county and lived there until 1873, and then came to this city, and had a mercantile experience. In 1879 he en- gaged in his present business. He has been twice married, first to Miss M. E. Rogers, in September, 1859. She was born in Warren county, Ohio, She died in March, 1872. By this marriage has three children: Laura, Margaret A. and Margaretta S. He married for his second wife Mrs. Jo- sephine Atherton, who has three children by a former marriage: Carrie B., Cora D. and Frances M.
GIFFORD, MANLY - Retired farmer. Was born in New York, September 8, 1816, and when young was taken by his parents to Ohio, where they lived one year and then removed to Fayette county, In- diana, where he was principally raised on a farm. In 1843 he came to Iowa and settled in Jasper county, near Monroe, and engaged in farming, and experienced all the hardships of the early pioneers in the settlement of the county. He came to Knoxville in 1870. He is one of the stock- bolders of the Knoxville National Bank also of the Marion County Na- tional Bank. He has been twice married, first to Miss Sallie Danes, De- cember 13, 1838. She was born in Ohio. She died December 2, 1865, leaving seven children: Ellis, William R., John M., Nancy J., Alfred, Mary E. and Sallie E. His second marriage occurred December 14, 1873, to Miss Matilda T. Bain, of Pennsylvania.
GILLILAND, T. F .- Of the firm of Gilliland & Co., grain-dealers. Among the enterprising men for which Knoxville is noted no one has con- tributed more for its advancement. Was born in Seneca county, New York, June 16, 1834, and lived there until fourteen years of age, then moved with his parents to Michigan, and in 1848 located in Albion. Here he commenced his education, continning in school until 1852. He then went to California, stopping at a place called Michigan Bar, re- maining two years, during which time was engaged in mining. He re- turned to Michigan, his former home, and in 1855 removed to Sterling, Illinois. While here the hard times swept away a greater part of his ef- fects. He went back to Michigan and from there to Chicago. Being short of funds he went to work on the dock at sixty-two and one-half cents per day; from that to piling lumber and afterward accepted a position as teller in a bank. Failing health induced him to cross the plains. He returned to Chicago, engaging in the lumber and grain business; in 1876 came to Knoxville, Iowa, establishing his present business, where he has built up an enviable reputation for honesty and fair dealing, richly meriting the confidence and esteem so generously conferred upon him by his patrons. He married Miss Elizabeth Sheldon, the twenty-seventh day of November, 1855. She is a native of New York. Their family consists of two child- ren: Emma (now Mrs. Dangherty) and John S.
GOODENOUGH, ERI-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 20, P. O. Knox- ville. Was born the 23d day of January, 1828, in Bradford county, Penn- sylvania, on the Sesquehanna River, and there resided until he attained the age of nine years, when his father, Alvin, removed with his family to La Salle county, Illinois, where they resided for a time; thence removed to McLean county, where the subject of this sketch was raised to manhood,
576
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
was educated, and resided there until 1858, when he removed to Missouri. Came to Marion county in 1860, and has since been a resident, with the exception of his terin in the service and four years spent in Illinois. In 1857 he married Miss E. Drake, of Iowa, danghter of Wm. and Mary Drake; the former was a native of Indiana and the latter of Tennessee. By this union they have had four children, two of whom are living: Willism Alvin (born December 8, 1857), and Mary A. (now Mrs. Simmons, born September 10, 1860). On the 7th of August, 1862, he enlisted in company I, Thirty-third Iowa volunteer infantry. Some of the battles he participated in were Helena, Arkansas, Saline River, where he was wounded in the arm, and at the Siege of Mobile. Was honorably discharged July 17, 1865.
GREENLEE, J. F .- One of Marion county's representative men, is . native of Knox county, Ohio, and was born on the 16th day of November. 1838. His education was received in the common schools and Wash- ington College, Pennsylvania. He was raised with a mercantile experience. and when seventeen years of age, on account of ill health, assisted in driv- ing a drove of 800 sheep from Ohio to this county, and was seventy days on the road, walking the greater part of the distance. He responded to the call of his country for troops to assist in putting down the rebellion of the south, and enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-second Ohio volunteer infantry. After his marriage, which occurred to Miss Helen A. Sackett, of Ohio, on the 20th day of November, 1862, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which business he followed until 1868. He then followed a long cherished plan of emigrating to Iowa and settled on a farm. He afterward engaged in the hardware and grocery business, which he continued for four and a half years with satisfactory results. Since selling out his interest in this business he has devoted his time, more or less, to agricultural pursnite, and owns a farm of 200 acres. In 1879 he was selected by the Republican party as their candidate for representative in the Senate of the State Leg- islature, and was elected to this position and served on the committees of Ways and Means, Agriculture, Agricultural College, Military, Horticulture and Forestry, and was marked as a man of acknowledged ability and his services as such are recognized by a host of appreciating friends; his intel- lect is quick and incisive as well as comprehensive, and his address forcible and impressive. His character as a business man may be inferred from the success that has attended his career; his private life and public record are alike untarnished. His family consists, besides his wife, of three chil- dren: Fred. S., J. Arthur and Charlie.
GRESHAM, JOHN-Farmer, Sec. 11. P. O. Knoxville. Was born June 6, 1819, in Orange county, Indiana. At the age of ten years he moved with his parents to Harrison county. In 1857 he emigrated to Iowa and settled in Marion county in the town of Knoxville, where he resided about two years, then moved to Clarke county where he owned a piece of land which he improved, and then returned to this county in 1862. He proved his loyalty and patriotism to his country, during the late war, by tending his services in her great hour of need. He entered in August, 1862, and served until May 12, 1863, when he was discharged on account of typhoid pneumonia, which rendered him untit for service. He returned home and rented the farm now cwned by Benjamin McClure. In 1867 he bought the farm he now owns. He was married May 12, 1842, to Fannie Wolf, born in Harrison county, Indiana, May 10, 1819.
GRIFFIN, C. F .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 32, P. O. Knoxville.
577.
KNOXVILLE.
Among the early settlers of this county the Griffin family stands promi- nent. The subject of this sketch was born in Greene county, Illinois, July 9, 1853. His father, R. G. Griffin, came to Marion county with his family in 1855, and was closely identified with its development until 1880, when he removed to Montgomery county, Kansas, where he now resides. He was raised to manhood and educated in Marion county, adhering strictly to the the profession of his father, that of tilling the soil. In August, 1868, Miss Belle Weatherall became his wife. She is the daughter of William E. Weatherall, one of the pioneers of the county.
GRIFFITH, SAMUEL-Farmer, Sec. 5, P. O. Knoxville. Is a native of Preston county, Virginia, and was born September 30, 1814, and lived there until eighteen years of age when, with his mother, moved to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1868, and then came to Iowa and settled in Wayne county. In 1871 he came to this county. During the late Rebellion he enlisted in company F, Seventh Virginia volunteer infantry September 18, 1861, and participated in the battles of Winchester, Romney, Harrison's Landing and other engagements of less importance. At the battle of Harrison's Landing Mr. Griffith lost his sight from extreme exposure while on the march, and was discharged. He has been blind for seventeen years. Few men during the late struggle for the pres- ervation of our country were called upon to make a greater sacrifice than Mr. Griffith in the loss of his sight. Yet. notwithstanding his irreparable loss, he is patient, cheerful and social. He was married October 11, 1847, to Julia Burris, born in Monongahela county, Virginia, January 9, 1829. They have seven children: William B., Sarah, Charles M., James D., Susanna, Edward F. and Samuel R.
H AFNER, CHARLES -- Of the firm of Rehkopf Bros & Co. Is a na- tive of Ohio, and was born in Cleveland March 24, 1854, and lived there until he arrived at manhood. He learned the carriage painter's trade with Louman, Wardman & Co., of Cleveland, and worked with them three and one-half years, and thence to Chicago and worked at his trade for three and one-half years, and thence to Washington, this State, and worked at his trade with Wm. Ditman for three years, and in 1880 came to Knox- ville and formed his present associations. He married Miss Josephine Rehkopf October 2, 1878. She was born in Iowa.
HAMRICK, ALLEN -- Was born in Highland county, Ohio, March 10, 1824. His father, John Hamrick, was a farmer, and died when Allen was in his fourteenth year. Was educated and learned the saddlery and har- ness trade in his native State. In 1842 came to Knox county, Illinois, where he was engaged in various pursuits for eighteen years. In 1860 he came to Marion county and opened a harness shop at Pella. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company G, Thirty-third Iowa volunteer infantry, serv- ing three years, and was honorably mustered out as sergeant; returned to Pella and the autumn of 1866 he was elected by the Republican party county recorder, and at the expiration of his term in 1868, was re-elected. In 1872 the same party elected him county clerk, which office he held for three consecutive terms. Few men in Marion county are more popular or better known than Mr. Hamrick. During his career as an official, the duties of his respective offices were discharged creditably. On account of his health he was obliged to retire from public life. Is a Master Mason and an Odd Fellow.
HAMILTON, C. Y .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 32, P. O. Knoxville
578
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
Was born in Marion county September 2, 1854. Is the son of W. H. and Elizabeth Young. The subject of this sketch was raised to manhood in his native county, receiving the full benefit of the public schools and in 1875 graduated at the commercial college of Davenport. In 1875 Mr. W. H. Hamilton removed to California, where he died soon after his arrival, Angust 3, 1875. At his death passed away one of Marion county's pio- neers, who was held in high esteem. During his sojourn in the county he had accumulated considerable property by industry in his legitimate par- suits. C. Y. is one of Marion county's promising young men.
HAMMOND, JACOB, JR .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 24, P. O. Durham. Was born in Ohio, May 11, 1846; there raised to manhood, re- ceiving the benefit of the common schools of his native county. In early life his vocation was that of a farmer boy. His father, Jacob Hammond, came to Iowa with his family, among which was Jacob, in 1854, locating in Marion county. On the twentieth of February, 1868, Miss Nancy P. Beard, of Marion county became his wife. They have two children living: Mary Jane and John Alvin. They lost fonr: J. W., E. A., Charlie and an infant. His farm consists of 135 acres of choice land. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, and has grades of cattle and hogs that will com- pare favorable with any in the township. His orchard of eighty trees is in a thrifty condition. Himself and family are closely identified with the M. E. Church, and are among its liberal patrons and supporters.
HARNER, J. C .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 6, P. O. Knoxville Was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1836. His parents, John A. and Elizabeth C., were natives of that State. In 1846 the family re- moved to Champaign county, Ohio, thence to Logan county, where the subject of the sketch was raised to manhood and educated. His early life was spent in tilling the soil of the Buckeye State. His parents resided in Logan county to the time of their demise. The father's death occurred December 14, 1870, and the mother's February 21, 1876. J. C. learned the saddlery and harness trade in Ohio, and resided there until 1860, when be removed to Dane county. Wisconsin, engaging in farming, and made it his home until 1878. In that year came to Marion county, locating where be now resides. His farm of 175 acres is one of the finest in the town- ship. In stock, he keeps good grades and does a trade that will compare with the average. He married in Dane county, Wisconsin, October 2, 1862, Miss Mary J. Beaty, a native of Wisconsin, daughter of George and Mary Beaty. They have five children living: George B., Willie C., John A., David A. and James E. They lost one, Mary E.
HARRINGTON, N .- Of the firm of Boyle & Harrington, millers, was born in Washington county, Ohio, August 27, 1840, and lived in his na- tive State until 1863, and then emigrated to Iowa and settled in Marion county. . His early life was spent on a farm and attending school. When twelve years of age his services were secured by a farmer, who, in addition to his farming operations, conducted a milling business, and during his res- idence of four years he formed a taste for the business. He then returned to his home, remaining several years, and then came to Iowa and worked ona farm one season, and attended school during the winter, and then served an apprenticeship of four years with Bussing Bros, in the milling business, after which he worked for the firm two years. He then formed a copart nership with Win. Boyle, under the firm name of Boyle & Harrington, in the same business. He was married, October 17, 1867, to Miss Mary Smith,
579
KNOXVILLE
of Coshocton county, Ohio. They have one son, Charles (born July 20, 1872). Mr. and Mrs. H. are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church of Knoxville.
HARMON, SAMUEL O .- Secs. 23 and 24, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Pennsylvania, January 22, 1833. When three years of age his parents moved to Highland county, Ohio, where they remained about three years. In 1849 emigrated to Iowa, and located in Van Buren county. In 1865 Samuel O. came to Marion county and stopped in Knoxville, residing one year. In 1867 he rented a farin four miles north of town and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1869 he formed a copartnership with William Davis and en- gaged in farming and stock-raising, which continued for three years, when it was dissolved and Mr. Harman again rented a farm, upon which he re- mained for two years. In 1873 he purchased the farm he now occupies. He is a self-made inan; he came to the county with but little means, having but one horse and eighty dollars in money. He now ranks among the fore- most farmers and stock-raisers in the county. He married, December 16, 1869, Lyda Davis, born in Hamilton county, Indiana, March 23, 1851. Have two children: Reese and Ulry.
HARDING, MASON-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 4, P. O. Knox- ville. Born in Shelby county, Kentucky, June 22, 1876. His parents were Mason and Margaret. They were among the early settlers of that State and natives of Virginia. Mason was raised in his native State until he attained his eighteenth year, receiving the benefits of the common schools. The family removed to Parke county, Indiana, when he was in his eigh- teenth year, and in 1854 they came to Marion county. He was married, in 1841, to Miss Clo Ann Billington, of Indiana. She died in 1854. Was again married, December 6, 1865, to Mrs. Martha Stroud. She was born March 21, 1821. Her parents were Miles and Lucy Brooks, of Ken- tucky. They were among the early settlers of the State. She is the youngest of a family of eleven children. When quite young they removed to McLean county, Illinois, where she was raised and married Bert Strond. In spring of 1846 they emigrated to Iowa, taking up their abode in Ma- rion county. They settled in the northeast corner of Knoxville township. The difficulties they had to contend with were above the average. Mr. Stronds' death occurred May 17, 1853. Mrs. Stroud was left with a family of five children: Percilla (deceased), Beckie (Mrs. Brown). Louis (died in the army), Jasper (resides in Pottawattamie county), William Bertram (in Illinois). She has been a lady of untiring industry, and in the pioneer days was her husband's best support and intelligent counselor. Mr. Hardin, by his first wife, had eight children: John W., Josiah E., Mary E. (Mrs. Welch, deccased), Emily Frances (Mrs. Conry), Martha Jane (Mrs. York), W. H. (died in the army), two died in infancy. By the latter union they have one daughter, Nancy Ann (Mrs. Newberry). Mr. Harding's farm consists of 160 acres, pleasantly located, close to Knoxville.
HAYS, SUSAN-Sec. 14, P. O. Knoxville, wife of the late C. B. Hays. who was born in the State of New York, July 7, 1819, and at an early age removed to Virginia with his parents, where he was raised to manhood, educated, and married Miss Susan Wood, a native of that State, daughter of William and Viola Wood. In 1856 Mr. Hays came to Iowa, locating in Marion county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and resided un- til the time of his demise, March 31, 1875. By his death Marion county was not only deprived of one of its pioneers, but also one of its much re-
580
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
spected and enterprising citizens. Since his death Mre. Hays has had the management of the affairs. Her farm consists of forty acres. She has s family of ten children: Leitha Jane (now Mrs. Bennett), Charlie, Marcel- lus, Wm. Harvey, Christopher Bowen, James Smith, Margaret Ellen (now Mrs. Welch), Thomas, Henry and Hiram. Mrs. Hays and family an closely identified with the Methodist Church, and are among its liberal pat- rons and supporters.
HAYS, E. R .- Attorney. Is a native of Wood county, Ohio, and we born May 26, 1848. His early life was spent on a farm. During the war he enlisted in the First Ohio battery, and served three years. After he was mustered out he returned home and attented Heidelberg College. Afta making choice of law as a profession he pursued his legal studies with W. P. & H. Noble, of Tiffin, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. The same year he came to Knoxville, where he has since been engaged in the active duties of his profession, and where he has taken a prominent place, and has an excellent standing among his brother practitioners. He has proved himself a safe counselor and an able advocate. He was married in 1873, to Miss Julia McAlister, a native of Ohio. Their family consists of two children: Roy and Winefred.
HAYS, L. N .- Attorney. Among the rising attorneys of Marion county is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Wood county, Ohio, on the twenty-sixth day of Angust, 1849. He was raised on a farm and divided his time between attending school and assisting in the management of the farm. During the war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio infantry, company K. After he was mustered out of the service he went to Kansas and was for some years engaged in teaching. He returned home and commenced reading law with John McCauly, and was admitted to the bar in Bellefontaine and continned with his preceptor until the follow- ing May, when he came to this city and became associated with his brother in the active practice of his profession, and in which he has been very suc- cessful. In 1879 he was elected by the Republican party to the State Leg- islature. He has made a diligent and faithful representative, and secured &high reputation for his fidelity to his constituents, his liberality, and for the courtesy he extends to all who approach him. The party find in him an able advocate of their principles, and as a speaker he is clear and argo- mentative, clothing his ideas in appropriate words of which he has a ready command.
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.