The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 72

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 72

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positions of honor and trust which he has been called to fill he has dis- charged his official duties with scrupolous care and fidelity. As as citizen le is public spirited and ever identified with the best interests and substan- ial progress of the city, and in private life a warm friend and an out- poken opponent. At over three-score and fifteen his step is still firm, his orm erect and his countenance cheerful, and he bids fair to see a ripe, mel- ow old age. He married Miss Mary A. Conley in 1833. She is a native f New York. Their family consists of six children: Caroline (now Mrs. W. M. Stone), Benton A., Augusta (now Mrs. Foote of Philadelphia), Ma- ilda (now Mrs. F. C. Barker), Helen (now Mrs. Robinson) and Addie (now [rs. Edwards of Texas).

MATHEWS, BENTON A .- Was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, Jan- ary 4, 1840, and came with his parents to Marion county. After finish- ag his education he engaged in horticultural pursuits, and in which he as attained a good degree of success. During the late war he enlisted in ne Third Iowa infantry, and was wounded at the battle of Shiloh. He married Miss Cynthia Lindley, of Newton, Jasper county, in 1878; she as born in Ohio. They have one daughter, Alice.

MILLER, A. B .- Attorney at law. One of the pioneer settlers of this Dunty, was born in Petersburg, Adams county, Pennsylvania, on the eighth ay of January, 1818, and was raised principally in Franklin county. In 835 he removed with his parents to Columbiana county, Ohio. His early fe was spent on a farm. He availed himself of the educational advantages ffered by the public schools, supplemented by two years' attendance at Iberlin College. Having made choice of law 98 a profession, he entered ne office of Wm. D. Ewing, of New Lisbon, Ohio, and after a thorough reparation, was admitted to the bar in 1846. In April of that year he ame to this county and settled in Lake Prairie township, and in 1848 re- Loved to Red Rock. In 1852 he was elected clerk of the courts, and in 854 re-elected to the same position. During the late war he enlisted in e Fortieth. Iowa infantry and served two years as quartermaster of his giment. After his return from the army he resumed the practice of law. [e was married to Miss Eliza Chapman on the twenty-fifth day of Decem- er, 1845; she was born in Columbiana county, Ohio. They have three hildren: Helen (wife of J. A. Donley), Rinaldo S. and Nora (wife of [on. J. B. Elliott.

MILLER, MINOS-County clerk. Was born in Hendricks county, In- iana, on the second day of Angnet, 1841, and lived there until fifteen ears of age, and then came with his parents to Iowa and settled in Mon- ve county, where he was raised on a farm. During the war he enlisted in mpany D, Thirty-sixth lowa infantry, and was appointed a sergeant, and ter serving over a year was transferred to the Fifty-fourth regiment of nited States colored troops, and served until October 1, 1866. After he as mustered out he went to Indiana and took a course in a commercial llege, and accepted a situation as book-keeper, and after serving in this pacity for some time, he once more retraced his steps to Iowa and settled . Warren county and improved a farm, which he disposed of and came to [arion county and improved a farm in Knoxville township. In 1872 he ngaged in the coal trade, and the year following engaged in the planing- ill business, which he has followed successtully until the present time. , the fall of 1880 he received the nomination for clerk of the courts of le county, at the hands of the Greenback party, and after the most excit-

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ing campaign ever held in the county, was elected over a competitor wh was a formidable rival. He married Miss Mahala Sparks in 1869; is a native of Iowa. Their family consists of one son and one daughter Lora B. (aged eight years) and Lillie V. (aged six years).

MILNER, J. M .- Clothier and merchant tailor. Was born in Coles biana, Ohio, on the thirteenth day of May, 1824, and resided there mt thirteen years of age, and then removed to Jefferson county. He leurad the tailors' trade in youth and followed it until 1849, when he went to C fornia. After spending three years in different portions of this State went to Oregon and remained there one year, and then in 1853 returnedt Ohio. In 1855 he emigrated to Iowa and settled in Knoxville, and gaged in the dry goods trade. After he had been here between seven al eight months he was burned ont, leaving him penniless. With nothing but his good name, willing hands and hopeful heart he set ont to retrion his loss, and turned his hand to anything he could find to do, digging conl chopping wood and teaming. In 1860 he went to Colorado and remaind there one year. In 1864 he commenced his present business. He started: with the belief that God helps those who help themselves, and having full in his own powers and diligent in his business, and with his heart in work he has been very successful. He is generous and charitable, a fait ful friend and an outspoken opponent. He has been twice married; fint to Miss Mary McGrew, in 1855; she was a native of Ohio. She died in 1864, leaving two children: Katie and Harry. Lost one son, Willie. H second marriage was to Miss Melissa McGrew, a half-sister of his first wife

MILLARD, WILLIAM J .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 15, Tp 75, Range 19, P. (). Knoxville. Was born on the twenty-fifth day of Ar- gust, 1826, in Tioga county, Pennsylvania. His parents were William J. and Betsey J. Millard. His father was a millwright and contractor of con- siderable note, and called to various parts of the United States to superia- tend work in his special line. When W. J. was quite young the family removed to Monroe county, New York, where they resided until he attaind the age of twelve years, when they emigrated to the Western Reserve in Ohio, where they resided until he emerged into his seventeenth year. At that time the Hoosier State attracted the attention of Mr. Millard, and be located his family a short distance from Indianapolis, where W. J. made his home for more than twenty years. During his sojourn he followed for a time the profession of his father, which he learned in his younger dan For several years was Grand Lecturer of the State for the Masonic fraterni- ty-receiving his appointment from the Grand Lodge. He was also duly elected to, and held the office of Junior Grand Warden for one year, Senior Grand Warden for two years, and was holding the position of Deputy Grand Master for the second year, when he removed to his present home in this county in 1866. On the eighteenth of November, 1850, Mis Paulina Ellis became his wife. She is daughter of James and Leah, who were among the earliest settlers of the immediate vicinity of Indianapolis Their union has been blessed by six children, three of whom are living: James W., John R. and Flora A. They lost three :. Alfred H., Frank and Charles E. Mr. Millard's landed estate consists of 306 acres. His home, which is one of the finest in the township, indicates comfort and prosperity. His orchard will compare favorably with any in the neighborhood. Mr. Millard is a Master Mason, Knight Templar and a Granger. He traces his ancestry to English and Welch lineage. Mrs. Millard is of Scotch-Irish

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And German nationality. W. J. Millard, Sr., died in 1877, in the eighty- recond year of his age, having served this country in the War of 1812. His "widow, mother of the subject of this sketch is still living at the old home, in be eighty-first year of her age. Mrs. Millard's father died in 1845. His inother is still living on the old homestead in Indiana.

MITCHELL, J. W .- Physician and surgeon. Was born in Washington Ecounty, Indiana, on the nineteenth day of June, 1847, and when five years of age his parents removed to Marion county, Iowa, settling on a farm. The Early life of the subject of our sketch was divided between attending school sand in assisting in the management of the farm. During the war, when only seventeen years of age, he enlisted in the Third Iowa cavalry and served until the close of the war. After his return from the army he at- Ronded school and in 1867, having a taste for the practice of medicine, he decided to make it his profession, and commenced reading with Dr. Scoles Fas preceptor. He attended lectures at Keokuk and was graduated from the Detroit Medical College in 1870, and since that time has been actively en- Egaged in the practice of his chosen calling and with eminent success. He a member of the Marion County Medical Society, also of the State Med- ical Society. In 1876-7 he went to Philadelphia and attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, from which he received a diploma. He pos- posses considerable professional pride and courtesy and is highly esteemed by his brother practitioners for his ability and interest in his professior. He married Celestia Kelly, October 27, 1870. She was born in Michigan. They have one son, W. Frank.

MOMYER, PERRY A. - Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 26, P. O. Knoxville. Is a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and was born August, 1847. When an infant he was brought to Marion county with his parents and here he has been raised to manhood and educated. He enlisted, February 28, 1864, in company K, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, passing through the usual routine of warfare. He married, in September, 1866, Miss Mary E. Hannan. By this union they have three children; Charles F., Ralph B. and John R. He is closely identified among the thorough-going farmers.

MOORE, JACKSON-Farmer and stock-raiser. P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1833. His parents, Abraham and Hester Moore, were among the early settlers of that State. He traces his lineage to Dutch and French ancestry. His mother's maiden name was Campbell. At the time of her union with Moore, her name was Girard, her first husband being dead. Mr. Moore died when Jackson was in his tenth year; his mother died in Marion county, in 1878, in her seventy- eighth year. The subject's vocation in early life was that of a farmer boy, which he has closely adhered to. In 1868 he took up his abode in Marion county. On the second of August, 1861, he enlisted in company N, Sixth Virginia, was commissioned second lieutenant, and was mustered in as first before he entered active service. He participated in the Fairmount engage- ment, and many minor skirmishes. Lieutenant Moore was principally en- gaged in dealing with the bushwhackers in Virginia. He was honorably discharged, June 10, 1865.

MORRIS, WILLIAM I .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 31, P. O. Knox- ville. Was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1849. His parents were J. S. and Sarah Morris. The subject was here raised to man- hood and educated, following agricultural pursuits in early life. His father

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was a tanner by trade, and died when W. I. was in his eighth year. When : eighteen years of age he emigrated to Warren county, Illinois, where here sided seven months, and in the autumn of 1867 came to Marion county. Fa two years he was engaged in stock-feeding, in different parts of the State In the spring of 1870 he located permanently in the county. He married, the nineteenth of August, 1869, Miss Sarah Neal, a native of Fayeth county, Pennsylvania, a very estimable lady. They have three children: Harry E., Carrie E. and Grace Greenwood. His farm consists of eighty acres. He is a man possessed of a thorough knowledge of farming, good judgment, and as a citizen and neighbor, few men are more populer.

MULKY, G. Z .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22, P. O. Knoxvilh Was born in Crawford county, Indiana, March 10, 1817. His parents wen James and Elizabeth. They were among the early settlers of that county. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was taken prisoner Dudley's defeat. His boyhood days were spent tilling the soil in the Hoosier State and improving his mind at the select county schools. H. married, on the 25th of January, 1838, Miss Sarah Slatterback, a native d Indiana, daughter of John and Elizabeth, natives of Pennsylvania. L 1846 came to Iowa and located a claim four miles east of Agency City, Wapello county, and resided there three years. The spring of 1849 camet Marion county. He built on Whitebreast a saw-mill the material d which he transferred from Keokuk by ox teams. This was the first in that section; its capacity would average 2,500 feet per day. In connection with this he built a grist-mill with one run which he purchased second-hand at Eddyville. His patrons came from thirty miles around. In 1851 a freshet swept down the Whitebreast which proved very disastrous to him. The storm began the eleventh of May and continued to rain for seven week His residence, which was situated on an elevation in close proximity to the mill, was flooded and the mill was nearly entirely submerged. He obliged to leave the house at eleven o'clock at night in a canoe. In 1858 he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, locating one mile west of his present home where he resided three years when he removed to his pres- ent location. They have had a family of eleven children; eight of whom are still living. John, Elizabeth (now Mrs. Watkins), Nancy Jane (Mrs. Richi, deceased), James B., Enoch L. (deceased), Robert G., Sarah (Mrs. Wilson, deceased), Daniel B., Jasper N., Nancy Ellen, Margaret W. and William Henry. Their home, which is situated four miles southwest of Knoxville, is pleasantly located and indicates ease and comfort. They are closely identified with the Christian Church and are among its liberal patrons and supports.

EAL, MRS. MARY-Sec. 6, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Fayette N county, Pennsylvania, March 2, 1827; is the daughter of Adam and Sarah Staurn, who were natives of that State. She was raised and educated in her native State. Her father was an agriculturist. On the eighth of January, 1852, Mr. Geo. G. Neal became her husband. He was also a native of Fayette county, born November 7, 1816. In 1864 they emigrated to Adams county, Ohio, where they resided until 1867, thence to Marion county. Iowa, where Mr. Neal was actively engaged in farming until the time of his decease which occurred May 2, 1879. He was a man respected by all and mourned by a large circle of relation and acquaintances. He left a family of three children: Sarah B. (wife of W. I. Morris), S. S., and John A. Herestate consists of 76 acres on section six, thirty-six acres on section five

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and ten acres on section four. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Knoxville. Mr. Neal, previous to his death, was also a member of that denomination.

NEWBREY, B. W .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33, P. O. Knoxville: This enterprising young farmer was born in Brown county, Ohio, in 1853; is the son of John Newbrey. B. W. Newbrey came to Marion county with his parents in 1857, where he has since been a resident. Mr. John Newbery, who at present resides in Kansas, was closely identified among the Marion county farmers for a number of years. The subject of the sketch married, in 1877, Miss Jennie Dear. Their union has been blessed by one child, Ernest. His farm consists of forty-five acres. He is a full- fledged, industrious, go-ahead agriculturist, and promises in the near future to be among the stalwarts.

NICHOLS, MRS. ARTHUSA-Whose maiden name was. McClain, was born in Indiana, March 8, 1829, and was married to Harmon Garrison in June, 1845. Mr. Garrison died June 1, 1858. She was again married to James D. Nichols in 1834. He was born in Ross county, Ohio. In 1855 they came to Marion county, where he remained till his death, which occurred June 16, 1872. Mr. Nichols left a widow and one son, Thomas F.

NORRIS, JAMES HENRY-Sec. 28, P. O. Knoxville. Among the pioneers of Marion county the Norris family are popularly known. J. H. Norris, the subject of this sketch, was born in Greene county, Indiana, October 16, 1845, his parents being William M. and Clarinda Norris. When J. H. Norris was in his fourth year the family came to Iowa, land- ng in Marion county, Union township. After an active agricultural career of a number of years the senior Norris engaged in mercantile pursuits in Knoxville, and was closely identified with the commercial interests of that ;own for several years. The subject of the sketch was raised to manhood n the county, receiving the full benefits of its educational facilities; for a number of years he pursued the vocation of school-teaching. He studied pharmacy with Dr. Scoles, of Knoxville, and for six years operated a Irng store at Columbia, Marion county. In 1878 he embarked in agricul- nral pursuits. He married, in 1861, Miss Nancy J. Fee, daughter of J. C. Fce.

VERTON, DREWRY-Among the early settlers in Iowa is the snb- ject of this sketch, who was born in Randolph county, North Car- lina, April 11, 1815. His father, Asa, was a mill-wright, and a native of hat State. Drewry was the youngest of a family of eight. He received the benefits of the common schools, and learned the mill-wright trade. In 1835 removed to McLean connty, Illinois, where he resided until May 10, [836, when he came to the territory of Iowa, locating in Lee county, where le was a resident until 1849, when he came to Marion county. During his vojonrn in the county he has devoted his time to agricultural and horticul- ;ural pursuits, making a specialty of the latter; has been closely identified with the progressive citizens of the county. Mr. Overton has been mar- 'ied four times; his first wife was Miss Matilda Hockett, married in 1844; the died in 1856. His second wife was Eliza Essex; she died in 1874. Adda Drummond was his third wife; died in 1878. His present wife's maiden name was Maggie Clealand, a native of County Down, Ire- and. By his first wife he has five children living: Thomas, .Nathan, Franklin, Julian, Anna. By his second wife he has tive children: Samuel

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Hiram, Phebe, Clarenda, Nancy. By his third wife, one son, Ben. B. One son, Stephen, died in the army.

OVERTON, MR8. REBECCA-Sec. 28, P. O. Knoxville. Of the fint settlers of Marion county there are none more worthy of special mention in this work than Tyler and Rebecca Overton. Mr. Overton was born ia North Carolina on the tenth of November, 1813. His parents were Ass and Cady. They were residents in Randolph county until Tyler had de veloped to be a sturdy young man, when the family came to Iowa, locating in Lee county, where they resided until the time of their death. In 1843 came to what is now Marion county, locating the 320 acres which are now the family homestead, being among the first settlers in that part. The dif- ficulties he had to contend with in opening a farm at that early day can be imagined from the fact that during the summer season he camped out on the prairie. His provisions he secured at Pella and transported them to bis abode on his back. On the nineteenth of December, 1844, he was mar- ried to Miss Rebecca May, then in her sixteenth year, daughter of Alex- ander and Hessie. Mr. May is a native of Kentucky, and his wife of North Carolina. The family is of English and Dutch lineage. They were among the eary settlers of Indiana. Mrs. Overton was born in Fountain county, Indiana, January 30, 1829. Removed with her parents to Mont- gomery county where she resided until 1843, when the family came to. Ma- rion county. Mr. Overton died September 24, 1878. By his demise the county was not only deprived of one of its pioneers, but also one of its public spirited and enterprising citizens. Their union was blessed by nine children, six of whom are living: Mary Elizabeth (now Mn. Francis May), Henry Alexander, Benjamin Franklin (deceased), Hester Helen (now Mrs. Wm. Robuck), Sherwood (deceased), John W., Sarah Frances (now Mrs. James E. L. Beebout), Asbury Sheridan, Laura Re- becca (deceased). Mrs. Overton's landed estate consists of 323 acres. Her orchard and outbuildings will compare favorably with any in the township. Her residence is one of the finest in the township. M .. Overton was a member of the Christian Church from 1851 until his death. Mrs. Overton has been closely identified with the same denomination since that date.

OVERTON, JOHN W .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 25, P. O. Knox- ville. Son of Tyler and Rebecca. Was born in Marion county, October 11, 1857, and was here raised to manhood and educated. His wife is Miss Nancy Jenkins, daughter of Joshna and Serena C., of Knoxville township. His farm consists of 200 acres.

OVERTON, HENRY ALEXANDER (OR BUD) - Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 34, P. O. Knoxville. Son of Tyler and Rebecca. Was born in Marion county, September 27, 1848. He was married February 11, 1871, to Miss Sarah Applegate, of Marion county. By this union they have a family of five children: Zella R., Tyler P., Isaac W., Claude Belle, and Clarence. His farm consists of 240 acres.

P HILLIPS, J .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 2, P. O. Flagler. Was born in Culpepper county, Virginia, July 8, 1827. In his third year he removed to Ohio with his parents, William and Harriet Phillips, where they resided five years, after which they emigrated to Indiana, where the subject of the sketch was raised. His early life was that of a farmer boy. In 1851 he caught the Iowa fever and came to Marion county, in very hum- ble circumstances. He participated in all the inconveniences of the early set-

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tlers so circumstanced. He now owns 340 acres, which he has secured by industry and careful management. The greater portion of his land abounds in a good grade of coal. In 1851 Miss Elizabeth Warner, a native of Vir- ginia, became his wife. They have six children: John, Harriet, Nancy, Demeretta, D. and Carrie.

POPE, DANIEL-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 4, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in the county of Sangamon, Illinois, April 18, 1828. His parents were John and Margaret, natives of Kentucky, and early settlers of Illi- nois. In 1848 the family removed to Iowa, locating in Jefferson county, from whence, after a residence of one year, came to Marion county. Mr. John Pope died September 7, 1879, and Mrs. Pope in 1873. Thus passed away two of the pioneers who took an active part in the opening and de- veloping of the county. The subject of the sketch was married May 16, 1853, to Miss Mary Jane Adams, a native of Fayette county, Ohio, dangh- ter of Charles and Maria Adams. By the union they have five children: Charley Wesley, O. Kella, Margaret J. A., Samantha and James. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company G, Fortieth Iowa volunteer infantry; was honorably discharged in the autumn of 1865. His farm consists of 120 acres, and he makes a speciality of stock-raising, and does a trade in that line that will compare with any in the neighborhood. Mr. Pope is closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the township and is numbered among its live and substantial agriculturists.

R ANKIN, W. J .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 35, P. O. Attica. Was born in Harrison county, Indiana, June 3, 1832. His father was Abraham and his mother, Mary. W. J. was raised to manhood in Harri- sen county, receiving the benefits of the common schools-the educational advantages in those days were very limited. His early life was that of a farmer. In 1854 came to Marion county. He was married, May 26, 1859, to Miss Emeline Hammond, danghter of Jacob Hammond, one of the pio- neers of Clay township. By this union they have a family of four children: Mary E., H. H., W. W. and Ollie Celeste. During his sojourn In the county he has been closely identified with the educational interests of his district, and all enterprises for the advancement of the public good. His landed estate consists of 370 acres. His home is pleasantly situated on.a homestead of 160 acres and indicates comfort and prosperity. Mr. Rankin has.by husbanding his resources placed himselfamong the substantial farmers of the county and is a fair illustration of what can be accomplished when there is a will to execute.

REED, JNO .- Dealer in general merchandise and one of Marion county's successful merchants. Is a native of Iowa. Was born in Van Buren county, on the eighth day of March, 1849, and raised a farmer. In response to President Lincoln's call for troops to assist in putting down the rebellion of the South, he enlisted in company E, Eighth Iowa infantry, in 1861, as a pri- vate, and passed through the various grades of promotion; was mustered out as first lientenant in June, 1866. He was taken prisoner at Shiloh, and after being held for two months was paroled. After his return from the army he commenced his mercantile experience and his standing as a business man may be inferred from the success which has attended his career. He has secured a good patronage by building a reputation for honesty, integrity and fair dealing, and his influence is always on the side of morality and right. He was married in August, 1868, to Miss Mina Collins, daughter

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The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 72

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