The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 71

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company
Number of Pages: 915

USA > Iowa > Marion County > The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C. > Part 71

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L ANHAM, T. S .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 7, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in West Virginia March 23, 1836, is the son of Benjamin and Rebecca Lanham natives of that State. T. S. was raised to manhood, educated, and followed agricultural pursuits in his native State until 1864, when he emigrated to Henry county, Illinois, and there resided up to 1873. In that year he located in Marion county. Mr. L. made his debut in life in very humble circumstances and has attained his prominence as a citizen

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and farmer by his own exertions. His estate consists of 142 acres of land. He married, January 14, 1864, Miss H. M. Holland, a native of West Virginia, daughter of Eli and Louise Holland. They have five children: Emmes L Helen R., Grace M., Lucian E. and Orfie J. His father died in Virginis and the mother in Illinois. Himself and family are members of the Bop tist Church.

LEONARD, M -- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 36, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, October 26, 1828, and there partially raised and educated. His parents were Thomas and Annie, the former a natin of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Connecticut. His early life was spent principally in tilling the soil. The father for a time was ce- gaged in merchandising at New Lisbon, and at the time of his death was a resident of Delaware connty. The subject of the sketch, when he attained his majority, was a resident of Miami county, where be was engaged in various pursuits. In 1852 be removed to Carroll county, and in 1854 emigrated to Iowa, locating in Marion county, on the land where his present home stands. His estato consists of 280 acres, the greater portion of which is rich in coal. He deals extensively in stock, keeping fine grades. Mr. Leonard is the architect of his own fortune, as be started in life a poor boy, has accumulated a competency, though his own exertions and management. He is a man whose perceptive faculities are well developed; is a warm friend and a liberal contributor when necessity makes known its wants. Is a member of the I. O. O. F. He has been twice married; first, in 1850, to Miss Martha Snider. She died in 1859. By this union he has one son, Arthur. His present wife was Miss R. J. Snider, married in 1856. They have a family of five children: Lizzie, Deleno P. Irvin S., L. B. and John C.

LONDON, N. S .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33, P. O. Knoxville This pioneer agriculturist was born in Morgan county, Illinois, April & 1844. Is the son of James and Prudence London. The family emigrated and located in Marion county in 1847, being among the first settlers. They passed though all the privations the pioneers of that day had to contend with .. Mr. James London was closely identified with the development of the county until the time of his demise which occurred in 1854. N. & was raised to manhood and educated in the county, although the educational advantages in his boyhood days were rather limited. On the twenty-eighth of March, 1864, he left for Montana, where he was engaged in mining for eighteen months. He was married November 30, 1865, to Miss Caroline Good, a native of Iowa. They have a family of seven children: Mary L, Robert N., Samuel E., Jaimes H. and Minnie B. His farm consists of 40 acres. In the spring of 1875, his mother, who was a pioneer of the county. died. Newt., as he is generally called, is well and popularly known through- out the county as an old settler and a public spirited citizen.

LOONEY, A. T .- Dealer in hats, caps and gentlemen's furnishing goods. Among the more recent acquisitions of business men in Knoxville is the name that heads this sketch. "He was born in Cass county, Indiame, on the third day of March, 1842, and when young was taken by his parents to Marshall county, the same State, where he lived until twelve years of age. In 1855 the family emigrated to Iowa, and settled first in Poweshist county and thence to Washington county, where he was raised on a farm. .In 1864 he commenced his mercantile experience in Washington, and is 1877 removed to Knoxville and commenced his present business, and in

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, which he has secured a large patronage and a constantly increasing trade. , As a business man is prompt and energetic, upright in all his dealings and he has attained to a well merited success. He was married in 1875, to Miss Ella Chapman, a native of Ohio. They have one daughter, Lottie.

LYTTLE, MRS. CAROLINE-Sec. 21 P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Germany, December 4, 1830. She is the daughter of Simon and Mary Rohm. The family emigrated to America when Caroline was an infant, locating in Holmes county, Ohio, where they engaged in farming; they died when Caroline was quite young. In her fourteenth year she removed to DeKalb county, Indiana, with her brothers, Frederick and Simon. She here married, September 21, 1850. Dr. John Wesley Lyttle, a native of Ohio. Dr. Lyttle was a student of Dr. Garris, of Enterprise, Indiana, and subsequently pursued his studies at Goshen and Orland, Michigan. He was born in German, Harrison county, Ohio, September 8, 1828. After a suc- cessful professional career in Indiana, in 1863 he came to Marion county, locating where his widow now resides. Being thoroughly skilled in the profession, he soon had a large practice, but on account of his family's health he returned to Indiana, and as. before soon had his usual practice. After a short sojourn he again returned to Marion county, where he was closely identified with the medical fraternity up to the time of his demise, August 17, 1870. In regard to Dr. Lyttle as a professional man and a citi- zen, we glean in substance from the Knoxville Democrat: "The deceased was highly respected by all who knew him; as a practitioner he stood second to none in the county; he was a warm friend and always was found on the side of right and justice. He was a Free and Accepted Mason, and a member of the Christian Church." Mrs. Lyttle had all the difficulties to contend with after his death, that a person similarly circumstanced could possibly have, but possessing considerable skill as a manager she soon over- came this and at the present time herself and family are in comfortable cir- cumstances. Her farm consists of 120 acres. She is a lady whose sense of duty is strong, and is possessed of those graces of heart that make her many friends. She is a member of the Pleasant Ridge Christian Church. She has a family of three children living. Lydia, Ann (a teacher in the Marion county schools), William L. K. and John W. She lost three: Adolphus G., Louis Kossuth and Mary Elizabeth.

M cCLAIN, J. M .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 29, P. O. Knoxville. Of the substantial and enterprising citizens of the Northwest may be mentioned the subject of this sketch, who was among the pioneers and farm openers of Marion county. He was born in Kentucky October 11, 1827. His parents were Philip and Raphael. He traces his lineage to Irish and Dutch ancestry. When in infancy his parents removed to In- diana, where they resided until 1840, during which time he attended the common schools. In 1840 the family came to Iowa, locating in Henry county, where they resided one year, after which they removed to Van Buren county, where they resided for a time, and where his mother's death occurred. The father and son came to Marion county in the autumn of 1845, but returned after a short stay to Henry county, and in 1849 or '50, the subject of this sketch returned to Marion county, locating where he now resides. Mr. McClain was twice married; his first wife was Nancy J. McClain, married in 1850. By this union he has three children: Sarah Jane (now Mrs. Owen), Martha Ann (now Mrs. Owen), Rosetta. Mrs. M.

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died in December, 1856. He was again married, in 1858, to Mis Martha Jane Huron, a native of Ohio, daughter of Seth and Matilda. By this union they have a family of five: Mary Louisa, Raphael Matik James Ely, George Washington and Nancy M. His estate consists of 19) acres. His residence is pleasantly located. Has a fine orchard of 150 tree His barn, which is among the finest in the township, is commodious and arranged to accommodate his extensive stock-raising. He keeps thorough- bred Short-Horns and grades of hogs which will compare with any in the county. He is the architect of his competency, as his exchequer when he came to the county was $15, $13 of which he invested in a cow. He own his success in life to industry, frugality and good judgment. Mr. Phili McClain died in July, 1874.

MoCLURE, B. K .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 3, P. O. Knoxville Was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1831. His parents were John and Nancy, who were residents of the farming district of the county. B. K. was there raised and educated, following agricultural pur- suits continually until 1865, with the exception of five years spent in the lumber region of that State. In 1865 came to Marion county, locating da his present home. His landed estate consists of 242 acres. His residence is a model of taste, and the general surrounding are an indication d skilled overseers. He married, May 17, 1859, Miss Mary Douglass, a m- tive of Pennsylvania. By this union they have six children: James E, John D., Rose, Effie, Bertha, and Jessie.

MoCOLLUMN, JAMES-Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 35, P. O. Knox- ville. Was born in the County Tyrone, Ireland, September 15, 1829, and is the son of John and Jane McCollumn. His early life was spent in at tending school and tilling the soil of the "Gem of the Sea." His father died when James was quite young, and his mother married a second husband, James Hindman. "The family, including the subject, came to the United States in 1845, locating in Muskigum county, Ohio, engaging in farming. where James resided until the autumn of 1853, when he came to Iowa and took up his abode in Marion county. He came to the county in meaga circumstances, and passed through many of the hardships of the pioneers. By industry and good management has become one of the leading farmen of the township. His estate consists of 220 acres, twenty of which are tim- ber. His residence is among the finest in the neighborhood, and his baras and sheds are commodious and well arranged for stock-raising, in which line he is one of the leaders. Mr. M. has been married twice; his first wife was Miss Mary Coats, of Ohio, whom he married in 1858. She died in 1863, leaving two children: Mary T. and Louanna May. War again married in 1865 to Miss Rebecca Taggart, daughter of John and Jane By this union they have five children: Sarah J., James B., Zallah M., Rob- ert E., Mattie F. Himself and family are members of the United Presby. terian Church.

MoCORMACK, CAPT. J. L .- Editor and publisher of the Marion county Reporter. The subject of this sketch owes his nativity to London, Madison county, Ohio, where he was born on the fifteenth day of December, 1836. His boyhood days were passed in his native town, receiving the full benefits of the union schools. At an early age he entered the office of the Ohio State Journal, at Columbus. After his graduation as a compositor he worked at the case until 1854, when he decided that the law offered a broader scope for the employment and cultivation of his best powers, and he decided to

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Sit himself for that profession. Was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Dourt at Columbus, in 1855. For two years he practiced his profession in "London and in 1857 was elected prosecuting attorney. In April, 1858, came to Marion county, opening an office in Knoxville, and was identified as one of "the legal fraternity until August, 1861, when his spirit of patriotism was Displayed in the organization of company E, Eighth Iowa volunteer in- ffantry, of which he was commissioned captain. At the battle of Shiloh the, with his command, was captured, and for seven months was an occupant Fof Libby and other southern prisons. After his release he returned to St. Louis, reorganized his command, returned to the scene of action, partici- pating in the Vicksburg campaign, was mustered ont in August, 1863, re- turned to Knoxville, and at the fall election was elected as representative to the lower house In the spring of 1864 he organized company ¡A, of the Forty-seventh Iowa volunteer infantry, and as captain of the same served until the close of the war. On the fifth of Septem- iber, 1865, the first issue of the Marion County Democrat was made under this management and proprietorship, which continued to exist until Febru- ary, 1879. In 1880 he established the Reporter. In 1871 was elected to the Senate by the Democratic party and re-elected in 1875. As a citizen, soldier, senator and editor few men have better records than Capt. McCor- mack. He possesses a versatile, well-stored mind, thinks and puts his ideas on paper with great rapidity, is genial and social but not loquacious, is a Master Mason and an Odd Fellow. He married, September 13, 1859, Ella J. Crain, of London, Ohio.

McMILLAN, HON. T .- Among the honored and esteemed citizens of Marion county no one is deserving of more special mention than the sub- ject of this sketch. He was born in Scotland, on the twentieth day of Feb- ruary, 1809, and learned the trade of baker in his youth. In 1832 he de- cided to emigrate to the United States and settled first in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then removed to Dayton, in that State, and while living here was married to Miss Mary Breckenridge, in 1835, a native of the same town in Scotland. After a residence of three years in Dayton he removed to In- dianapolis, Indiana, where he remained eighteen years, working at his chosen occupation. In 1854 he came to Iowa and settled in Marion county on a farm, and for twelve years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1864 he was elected to the Senate of the State Legislature, and the manner in which he tilled this position is evinced from the fact that he was re- elected in 1868, and served with great credit. His private character and public record are alike untarnished. Mrs. McMillan died in 1872, leaving five children: Thomas, John, Charles, Sarah (now Mrs. Ann Clark) and Maria (now Mrs. Welch).

McMILLEN, SOLOMON, SR .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 26, P. O. Knoxville. This pioneer citizen and substantial agriculturist was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, September 25, 1806. His father, Alex. McMillen, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He removed, with his family, at an early day to Wayne county, thence to Ashland, where the subject of the sketch was raised, educated, and followed agricultural pursuits until 1854, when he came to Iowa, locating in Marion county, where he has been closely identified with its general development since that time. His estate consists of eighty acres on section twenty-two and his homestead of 160 acres. His home is pleasantly located, the general surroundings indicating taste and comfort. Mr. McMillen has had three wives; his first was Mise

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M. A. Firestone, married May 1, 1828. By this union he has two childna living: Alexander and Annis (wife of J. T. Welch). Mrs. McMillan death occurred September 17, 1842. His second wife was Miss Sarah A Kerne, an estimable lady, whose death occurred a few years ago. By the marriage he has five children living: George, Solomon, Allie, Margus and James L. The autumn of 1880 Mrs. L. J. Kelly became his vik She is the daughter of Tracy R. and Abigal Wheeler, and a natime d Ohio.

McMILLAN, JOHN-Of the firm of Welch & McMillan, dealers in dry goods and clothing. Was born in Lafayette, Indiana, on the elevend day of September, 1842, and lived there until thirteen years of age, then accompanied his parents to Marion county, Iowa, in 1855. He raised a farmer and followed it as an occupation until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in company E, Eighth Iowa infantry and ser three years. After he was mustered out he returned home and resund his former avocation, which he continued until 1874, and then engaged i his present business with D. T. Welch, under the present firm name, in a business point they have been very successful, and have secured s large patronage by pursuing a straightforward business course. He wer ried Miss Margaret Welch in 1867; she was born in Oskaloosa. They han one child, Jennie.

MADDY, JACOB A -Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 27, P. O. Knoz- ville. This substantial agriculturist was born in Rush county, Indian, December 2, 1831. His parents were Thomas and Rhoda Maddy. Wha he attained the age of two years the family removed to Shelby county, where he was raised to manhood and educated. In 1854 came to Mario county. The county at that time was very sparsely settled. After a rei dence of one year he moved to Monroe county, where he was engaged in farming. In 1871 he returned to Marion county, locating on the farm ad- joining his present home. On the twenty-fourth of May, 1855, Miss C lenda Kelsey, of Indiana, daughter of Isaac and Hannah, became his vi The Kelseys were among the early settlers of Indiana. Their family com sists of five children: James, Isaac, Aaron, Martha and Mary Olive. H success in life may be inferred from the fact that his landed estate consis of 220 acres, which has been accumulated by untiring industry. Mrs. Mary Kelsey, mother of Mrs. Maddy, was born August 12, 1812. She reside with her daughter. Mr. Maddy and family are members of the Methodist Church.

MADDY, I. T .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22, P. O. Knoxville Was born on the 16th day of June, 1858, in Monroe county, Iowa. H father, Jacob Maddy, was an agriculturalist in that county. I. T. Maddy was there raised, assisting on the farm and attending the common schools of the county as the opportunities offered. In the spring of 1871 Mr. Maddy removed to Marion county with his family, including I. T. H. lived with his parents until the spring of 1878, when he located on his pra- ent farm. On the tenth of March, 1878, Nancy Roberts, of Marion county, an estimable young lady, became his wife. Mr. Maddy's homestead con- sists of eighty acres. He has forty acres on Sec. 16; and five acres of timber on Sec. 21. His home is pleasantly situated and indicates comfort and prosperity.

MARSHALL, MRS. REBECCA A .- P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Bal- timore, Maryland, June 19, 1819. Her maiden name was Wilson. In 1838

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harried Andrew Mickey; he died in 1842. February 21, 1844, she mar- led John Marshall, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, June 8, 1818. He was raised a farmer and followed it during his life. In 1854 he came Iowa and located in Washington county; and after a residence of nine years came to Marion county and located on the farm now occupied by Mrs. Marshall. He was a man of sterling integrity and industry, whose influence re always on the side of right. He was a consistent member of the Pres- ›yterian Church, and one of its most liberal contributors. He assisted in organizing a Presbyterian Church at Talleyrand, Keokuk county, and was s ruling elder in the same. After coming to this county he identified him- wolf with the Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, and subsequently was E plected elder. Mr. Marshall's great aim in life was to educate his children and ho availed himself of the best opportunities within his means. Mr. Mar- hall spent some time in California, where he was taken with severe attack of that dread scourge, the cholera, and from which he never entirely recov- pred, and it was the primary cause of his death, which occurred Angust 18, 1871, leaving six children; Fillmore, Clifton, Melvin, Joseph, William L. and Carlos B. Fillmore was educated at the Iowa Agricultural College, and graduated with honors in 1873. He made choice of civil engineering _ As & profession, and was elected county surveyor and served two terms. He was then employed by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad as civil engineer, and was the first, after several attempts on the part of others, to success- fully conduct the road over what is now called Marshall's Pass (Dr. Christy's range of mountains), and is held in high esteem by the company. Clifton is also associated with his brother in the employ of the same com- pany. Joseph is in Leadville and has interest in several mines. Melvin is a farmer in 'Pottawattamie county. William L. and Carlos B. are at - home on the farm with their mother.

MARSH, OSBORNE-(Deceased). Was born June 20, 1817, in Wash- Rington county, Indiana, there resided until he attained the age of twenty Jears, when, in company with his parents, he moved to Morgan county, ame State, where he remained for fourteen years. In 1848 he emigrated tto Iowa and settled in Marion county on the farm five miles west of town, which he occupied at his decease, which occurred May 20, 1878. Few men stood higher in the estimation of the community than did Osborne Marsh. He was married March 3, 1839, to Jane Kirby, born in Monroe county, Kentucky, March 7, 1820. By this union they have three children living: William, Malissa and Artie E. They lost two sons in the late war: Cyrus (a member of Captain McCormack's company, died March 18, 1862), and James (a member of Captain Cherrie's company, died August 13, 1863).

- MARSH, WILLIAM-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 10, P. O. Knox- ville. This substantial agriculturist was born in Morgan county, Indiana, January 6, 1840. He is the son of Osborne and Jane, natives of that State and among the early settlers of Morgan county. William's carly life was that of a farmer boy, receiving the benefits of the common schools as his opportunities would permit. In 1849 he came to Marion county with his parents, his father locating on the farm where the subject now resides. Mr. Osborne Marsh died May 21, 1878. At the time of his death he was among the stalwart farmers of the county. The first Sunday-school held in the district was at his house, and he was closely identified with the educational Interests and all matters for the advancement of the public morals. The Subject of the sketch was married in 1862 to Miss R. J. Allison. They

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have had, by this union, a family of nine children: Cyrus J. (deceased) Frank, Dowel, Maggie, E. L., Candis, Alta, Dora and William. His estan consists of 220 acres of as choice land as there is in the neighborhood Stock-raising is his specialty and in this branch of industry he does a thris- ing business.

MARSH, DANIEL -- Farmer, Sec. 8, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Washington county, Indiana, August 9, 1824. When seven years old moved with his parents to Morgan county, where he lived until 1850, al then emigrated to Iowa, locating in Marion county, on the farm lie now os cupies. For many years Mr. Marsh has been identified with the interest of this county, and is a part of its history. Mr. M. has always been amay the foremost advocating measures touching the interest of the county, bod morally and politically. He accumulated a fine property and secured the esteem and respect of all who know him. He enlisted in the Mexican We June 5, 1847, in company B, Fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, con- manded by Captain J. Alexander, of Col. Garmand's regiment, and partie ipated in several battles. Was innstered ont July 16, 1848. Was married October 14, 1852, to Charlotte Butcher, who was born in Indiana. Han four children: . S. James, Alice, William A., Lanra A. Have lost om child, Mary E., who died July 29, 1876.

MATHEWS, JAMES-Attorney. Prominent among the many sub stantial and worthy citizens of Knoxville who have given reputation to the city and reflected honor on its residente is the name that heads this sketch. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 5th day of June, 1805. H was raised in this, Columbiana, Jefferson and Coshocton counties, and m til twenty-five years of age his life was that of a farmer. He then made choice of the practice of law as a profession and read with Gen. Stokely, d Steubenville, Ohio. He was admitted to the bar in 1830 and commenced practice in Coshocton county, Ohio. In 1833 he was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature, and served in the lower and upper houses, with the exception of one year, until 1840. He was then selected as the Democratic standard bearer for Congress in that district, and not withstanding the large majorities for General Harrison for president, Mr. Mathews was elected, and the manner in which he filled the office may be inferred from the fact that he was re-elected in 1842 and, including the ext session called by President Harrison, he served five sessions. In 1855 he came to Iowa and settled in Knoxville, and pursued his chosen calling, ? part of the time in company with ex-Governor Stone, a former student. I 1863 he was appointed by President Lincoln provost-marshal of this district, and served until the close of the war. In 1867 he was appointed postmas ter at Knoxville and held the office until 1870, when he resigned to accept the chair of Pomology in the State Agricultural College, a position he was eminently qualified to fill from the interest and attention he had given the subject for years previous. He remained in this position for four years In connection with his son, Benton A. Mathews, they have been conduct ing a nursery business for several years, and their reputation is not excelled by any one in the State. Their fruit orchard of thirty-five acres, with per- haps one exception, is the largest in the State and what adds largely to its value is its choice varieties. He is a man of acknowledged ability, and whose convictions of duty are strong, and when his mind is once made up it requires strong and convincing arguments to change. He is a man d cultivation and much interested in educational matters, and in the various

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The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 71

Author: Union Historical Company Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company Number of Pages: 915

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Company
Number of Pages: 915