USA > Iowa > Marion County > The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C. > Part 92
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While all the gloom and agony cansed by the dreadful loss still lowered over the people, it was announced that a Marion county mother, like Rachel of old, had refused to be comforted, when she heard that both her sons were killed on that fatal field, and that her mind had yielded to that dread enemy, insanity. When the cruel dart pierced her breast, she bewailed the loss of her noble boys, until reason fled. Then the husband and son (for there was but one child left) carried her away to an asylum, where they hoped she would have her reason restored. They calmly endured the double stroke, knowing only the comfort which comes from the throne of the Great Eternal.
At this time another notable event occurred, very closely connected with the other, and in such a manner, that to tell one necessitates the repetition of the other. The night after the news had arrived in Pella, between eleven and twelve o'clock, a knock was heard at the door of a widow's house. One arose to learn what was wanted. The door was opened and before them stood a handsome, educated, heroic girl, stricken with sorrow. When qnes- tioned as to the cause of her emotion, she told that a farmer had passed her father's house, twelve miles from town, and had said that a great battle had been fought, in which two young men (the ones above mentioned) had been killed. Almost wild with grief, she confessed that one of them was to her more than a friend, and that when she heard of his probable fate, she
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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
immediately started for town to learn the truth of the statement. Twen miles she rode, unprotected and alone, through the darkness of night to learn that he was dead and must have a common burial with comrades and strangers, on that bloody battle-field.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
The population of Union township by the United States census of 187 W88:
Native.
75
10 Foreign
Total
The population in 1875 was 700; in 1880, 707.
The following are the present township officers:
Trustees-D. B. Horsman, A. C. Sumner and W. E. Hyer. Justices of the peace-G. W. Franks and W. Blain. Constable-F. M. Womacks.
Clerk-Amos Moomaw.
Assessor-M. V. Harsin.
A post-office called Lucas Grove was established in 1875, in section 16 J. W. Smithson was the first, present and only post-master.
There are in the township three saw-mills and one saw and grist-mill.
The M. E. Church was organized in 1874. The congregation having = house of worship meets in the Rees school-house, located near the center of the township.
The following were the first members of the society: J. E. Rees and wife, D. B. Horsman and wife, Mrs. May E. Worthington, Miss Emma Worth ington, Mrs. Ann Harsin, Jasper Nye and wife, H. D. Lucas and wife. The society now numbers about twenty members. Rev. A. H. Shaffer has been their pastor. There is a Sunday-school in connection with the church which numbers about thirty pupils. Amos Moomaw is superintendent and Miss Cora Moomaw secretary.
The Christian Church was organized in 1878. Services are held at the Prickett school-house. There are about thirty members.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
A MOS, JAMES -- Sec. 3, P. O. Red Rock. Was born March 16th,
1822, in Highland county, Ohio, where he remained with his par- ents till 1848, when he came to Marion county, Iowa, and remained until 1851, when he returned to his old home in Ohio and returned to Marion county in 1857. He owns a farm of 540 acres on which is situated a ban and house, both of which denote comfort and prosperity. He was married to Miss Martha A. Brown, of Highland county, Ohio, August 24th, 1845. She was born November 6th, 1829. They have six children living: Na- cissus, J. B., Forrest, H. J., Laura and A. H. They have four deceased. Mr. Amos served one year in the Mexican War.
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UNION TOWNSHIP.
B ARNES, WILLIAM-Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 18, P. O. Pleas- antville. One of the most prominent stock-raisers and farmers of Union township is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Pike county, Illinois, in 1841, and is the son of Nineval and Sobrina Barnes. William came to Marion county with his parents in 1853, and. was here raised to manhood and educated. His boyhood days were spent in tilling the soil and to this he has principally adhered, being a constant resident of this county with the exception of five years sojourn on the Pacific slope, engaged in mining. Mr. Ninevah Barnes has been closely identified among the pioneer agriculturists and respected citizens. The subject of the sketch married in 1871 Miss Matilda Bacon, a native of Marion county, daughter of Samuel Bacon, one of the Marion county pioneers. Their union has been blessed by three children: Girtie D., Miles O., and R. Loretto. His estate consists of 260 acres of choice land and his buildings are among the finest in the township, the barns and sheds being well adapted for his extensive stock-raising.
BUNTING, HENRY-Farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 16, P. O. Knox- ville. He was born November 7th, 1835, in Muskingum county, Ohio, and is a son Eli and Hannah; the former of Virginia, the latter of Ohio. When twenty-one years of age he went to Henderson county, Illinois, where he remained five years, and in the fall of 1866 he moved to Marion county. He came here in meager circumstances and he now owns a farm of 331 acres, which is well adapted to the raising of all kinds of stock. Mr. Bunt- ing makes a specialy of buying and selling stock and has been very success- ful in this business. January 1, 1863, Miss Nancy A. Cornell, became his wife. She was born July 28, 1840, in Hancock county, Illinois. They have six children, four of whom are living: John E., Joseph E., Emma C. and Elfie A.
BURCH, WM .- Farmer, Sec. 16, P. O. Lucas Grove. Was born February 25, 1822, in Barren county, Kentucky, where he spent his young days on a farm. He first came to this State in 1843, but only remained one season, when he returned to Kentucky. In 1846 he took a trip to Texas with the intention of locating there, but not being so well satisfied as with the State of Iowa, he returned home and in 1851 came to Marion county. He owns a farm of 130 acres, 10 acres of which are timber. Has been twice married; first, to Sarah J. Kinslow, a native of Kentucky, June 19, 1849. By this union they have three children: Eugenia, Sarah F. and Aaron S. Was married to Miss Pheba H. Funk, his present wife, a native of Indiana, and have seven children: Trizali K., Leonard G., Jessie A., Lincoln E., Albinus H., Joseph R. and Jared W. One deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Burch are members of the Baptist Church.
ROOKHAM, H .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 29, P. O. Pleasant-
C ville. Was born September 8th, 1812, in Jackson county, Ohio, and was raised in his native county on a farm. In 1838 he removed to Ross county where he was largely engaged in feeding stock. In 1874 he emi- grated to Iowa and settled in Marion county, where he has large landed interest, comprising abont 2,000 acres in Iowa, besides 1,000 acres in Ohio. Mr. Crookham has proved a valuable acquisition to the agricultural interest of the county, and he is preparing to build him a dwelling that will be an ornament to the county. He has been twice married; first, to Mrs. Eliza- beth Davis (whose maiden name was Hayes), February 22, 1840. She died September 14, 1865. His second marriage occurred April 3, 1866, to Miss
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HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY
Mary Montgomery, of Chillicothe, Ohio, born February 9th, 1845. She is a daughter of David and Sarah Montgomery, her father being a prominent merchant of that city. Their family consists of six children: Elizabeth (born April 8th, 1867), Charles D. (born January 15, 1869),. Horace (bor November 27, 1870), George L. (born April 3, 1873), Nellie S. (born October 16, 1875), Minnie M. (born Dec. 10, 1877).
CROSSEN, MRS. M. I .- Widow of John Crossen, Sec. 16, P. O. Knoxville. She was born May 28th, 1831, in Fayette county, Pennsyl- vania. Remained with her parents until she had attained the age of fiftea years, when they moved to Athens county, Ohio, where she became the wife of John Crossen on the 3d day of February, 1857. In the same yar they moved to Mahaska county, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming until the spring of 1878, when they moved to Marion county. He died September 24, 1878. They have nine children, eight of whom are living. Louisa V., Mary E., Emma J., Martha B., Wm. D., Jessie O., Charles L. and Franklin W. Lost one.
ENTON, JOHN-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 20, P. O. Lucas F Grove. Was born June 21st, 1797, in the county Kerry, Ireland. and was raised to manhood, educated and followed agricultural pursuit until 1847. In that year he bade adieu to the gem of the sea for to seek his fortunes in America. He landed in New York City, which he made his home for a time and subsequently, resided in Ohio, Indiania and Wiscon- sin, coming to Marion county in 1868. He married in Indiana Miss Muy Kelleher, a native of the county Kerry, Ireland. They have seven children by this union: Ann, Ellen, John, Bridget, Patrick, Simon and Thomas Mr. Fenton came to his adopted country in very humble circumstances, and by untiring industry and skillful management has secured a fair com- petency. His estate consists of 160 acres of as fine land as there is in Union township. In stock-raising he does a business that will compare fa- vorably with any in the neighborhood. Himself and family are members of the Catholic Church and are among its staunch supporters.
FRANKS, G. W .-- Sec. 32, P. O. Pleasantville. Was born August 19. 1833, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. He remained in his native county until fifteen years of age, when with his parents he moved to Wayne county Ohio, where he remained about fifteen years engaged in agricultural pursuits, excepting in the year 1857, which time ne spent in Iowa, Missouri and Dakota, and the summer of 1860 in Michigan. In the spring of 1863 he moved to Mahaska connty, Iowa, where he re- mained until the spring of 1864, when he moved to Marion county, lo- cating in Pleasantville for the season, and in the latter part of winter he moved on the farin where he now resides, consisting of 207 acres. He was elected a member of the board of supervisors in the fall of 1865; has been justice of the peace for four years and holds the same for the next two years. Was married to Miss M. E. Walker, of Marion county, Indi- ana, May 18, 1863. They have had nine children, six of whom are living: T. J., J. W., Charles, Orpha, Olive and Frank. They have three de- ceased.
H OWSARE, J. A .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 16, P. O. Lucas Grove. Was born October 5, 1830, in Bedford county, Pennsylva- nia. At the age of two years came with his parents to Coshocton county, Ohio, where he spent his boyhood days. He moved to Marion county in the year 1856, where he remained, engaged in agricultural pursuits, un-
i
749
UNION TOWNSHIP.
... ......
til 1860, when he moved to Wabash county, Indiana, where he remained about three years, and returned to Marion county. He owns 311 acres of ! land, 280 of which are in cultivation, and 31 acres timber. He has been a member of the M. E. Church about six years. Was married in August, 1855, to Miss Margaret Smith, of Coshocton county, Ohio. She died Jan-
-- uary 16, 1880, leaving two children: Marian and Ira.
M OHLER, T. K .- Miller, Sec. 31, P. O. Pleasantville. Was born August 1, 1821, in Athens county, Ohio, and raised a farmer. In 1847 he enlisted in the Mexican War. After his discharge be returned ' home, and for one year was engaged in boat building. He also worked at this business three years before going into the army. He then engaged in mill-wrighting and milling. In 1851 he came to Van Buren county, Iowa, and lived there for some time, working in various counties at his trade. He returned to his native county and remained there two years, and once more came to Iowa, living in various places nntil 1860, when he went to Adams county and engaged in farming until 1863; then went to Madi- son county and engaged in milling. In 1866 he came to this county, and since that time has been engaged in the milling business. ' He first pur- chased a saw-mill, which was situated six miles up the river, and built in addition to that a flouring-mill and moved both to their present location in 1871. He owns thirteen acres of ground on which is located a coal mine, known as Mohler's Coal Mine. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge. Was married to Miss Maria Balcom, a native of Canandaigua, Ontario county, New York. She was born September 5, 1831. Have nine child- ren: Ira J., M. A., Samuel, Almira P., Hiram B., Ziba, Elmer G., T. K., Clarence L. Lost three.
MOOMAW, AMOS Farmer and stock-raiser. Was born June 24, 1834, in Ross county, Ohio, where he was raised and educated. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching school, which he followed most of the time for eight years in his native county, and then was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits for a time, after which he moved to Boerneville, Ohio, and engaged in the hotel business for one year; then moved to Bainbridge, Ohio, where he was engaged in the butcher business for most three years. He then moved to Hillsborough, Highland county, Ohio, where he was en- gaged in the mercantile business for three years, and in the summer of 1869 he moved to Marion county and engaged in teaching school for four years. He then purchased the drug store in Red Rock, which business he followed for three years when he traded his store for part of the land which he now occupies. He owns 200 acres: also owns property in Red Rock, consisting of four lots, on which is located a very fine residence. Has been clerk of his township for the last year. He is a member of the Dunkard Church and was appointed minister of the same on the twenty-second day of May, 1880. He has been twice married; first, to Miss Maggie J. Ferrell, of Ross county, Ohio, June 30, 1859. She died September 9, 1878, leaving a family of three children: James, Cora and Harry. Was married the second time September 2, 1880, to Mrs. Maggie E. Young, whose maiden name was Taylor. She has one child by her former husb and, Samuel A Young.
EES, ALFRED-Farmer, Sec. 10, P. O. Lucas Grove. Was born .in Berkley county, Virginia, February 4, 1811, spent his boyhood days on a farm with his parents. When he attained the age of nineteen years
47
.750
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
he learned the carpenter and cabinet trade. He followed his trade in Fred erickstown until the age of twenty-one, when he went to Highland county Obio, to make his home. He worked in Dayton eleven months, and i Goshen, Indiama, three months; in the fall returned to his home in 0's in the spring, in connection with his trade, he was engaged in agriat tural pursuits, until 1849, when he came to Iowa and becaine a citizen d Marion county. He owns a farm of eighty acres and has given to hisch dren over 1.200 acres. He was married March 17, 1835, to Miss Namy Amos, of Highland county, Ohio. She was born February 2, 1820. T have eleven children, five of whom are living: Martha J., J. W., Mary L John H. Have six deceased.
REES, JAMES W .- Sec. 33, P. O. Red Rock. A prominent agriculta ist and stock-dealer of Marion county. He was born in Fayette county, Ohio, October 1, 1843, at which place he lived with his parents, on a fun until about twelve years of age, when they moved to Randolph county, Is diana, where he remained until 1871, when he came to Marion county. M. Rees is engaged, at the present time, principally in the buying and di ping of stock, and has had very good success in this business. He owns IN acres of land, most of which is equal to any in the county. He was mr ried to Miss Melda C. Judy, of Greene county, Ohio, February 1, 180 She was born July 4, 1848. They have three children: Montraril, (born February 14, 1868), Adda J. (born March 20, 1874), Fred E. (bon January 20, 1880). Mr. Rees is one of the present trustees of his tom ship.
RUCKMAN, AMOS-Retired farmer, Sec .. 11, P. O. Red Rock. Ws born in Barren county, Kentucky, February 17, 1806. In 1852 he mond to Marion county, Iowa. Entered land, on which he now resides. He by been a hard working, honorable and an upright man. He and his son, E. B., possess 845 acres of land. He was justice of the peace two yen, 1857-8. He was married to Miss Amanda T. Houck, a native of Barra county, Kentucky, January 14, 1836. They have had three sons, two d whom were killed in the late war, 1863: John L. and Joseph. E. R RUCKMAN, the only living son of Amos Ruckman, is now living with his parents. He was born April 28, 1837, in Barren county, Kentucky. He came to Marion county with his parents at the time before mentioned. H. is now one of the most influential farmers and stock-raisers in Marion county. He has recently purchased some of Kentucky's finest bred cattk He was county surveyor for a term of three years, 1863-66. He was mur- ried to Miss Charity Walker, of Ross county, Ohio, March 17, 1859. Nime children were the fruit of this union, eight of whom are living: Robert Q (born December 20, 1859), Mary E. (born October 9, 1861), Eliza J. (bon December 28, 1863), John L. (born January 25, 1868), Joseph I. (born July 4, 1870), Zaccheus (born April 4, 1873), Martha S. (born January 29, 1876), Wm. Clyde (born May 17, 1878). Hannah (deceased, born February & 1866). Her death was caused by lightning, May 25, 1878. Mrs. Charity Ruckman's death occurred in January, 1881.
RUSSELL, S. E .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17, P. O. Lucas Grow Was born June 2, 1834, in Greene county, Pennsylvania. He spent his boyhood days on a farm with his parents. Came to Marion county in the spring of 1869. He owns a farm of forty acres. Was married November 15, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth McOlure, of Greene county, Pennsylvania. By this union have six children living: Buena Vista (born Angust 17, 1859)
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751
UNION TOWNSHIP.
5. J. (born February 22, 1861), Wm. McC. (born June 22, 1862), Josephine f. (born March 1, 1866), Chas. D. (born May 31, 1872), Samuel E. (born Lay 17, 1876). Have lost two: Oliver P. and Mary E.
S TITTSWORTH, D .- Farmer and stock-raiser. Is a native of Fayette county, Ohio, and was born September 16, 1837. Spent his boyhood Days in his native county until the age of sixteen. Came to Marion Founty, Iowa, in the fall of 1855, and purchased the farm on which he now Lives which contains 355 acres. He has the finest mansion in his township ¿which adds much to the appearance of a home. He has recently purchased Tome of the finest stock bred in Kentucky. He was married to Miss Eliz- .beth Lenty, a native of Ross county, Ohio, November 14, 1862. She was worn August 16, 1843. They have five children: Franklin, John L., Ar- phie. Mary, Annie and Amos.
I STORTES, ANDREW-Retired farmer, Sec. 32, P. O. Pleasantville. Dne of the oldest men and a pioneer settler of Marion county. Was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, near Bedford Springs, September 16, 1802, and when three years of age was taken to Wood county, Virginia. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to a woolen manufacturer and worked at the business seven years. He then removed to Steubenville, Ohio, where he worked at his trade one year, and then for several years fol- lowing he worked in various cities and then engaged in farming in Wood county, Ohio. In 1837 he came to Iowa and settled in Burlington and made his home in and near this place for seven years and in 1844 came to Marion county and settled near Red Rock. The first year he lived here he went to Burlington to mill three times; the same year he had ten acres of born, and while on one of his 'milling expeditions his wife gathered the corn. In 1848 he went to Oregon, and in 1849 to California where he was for a short time in the mines, and the same year returned to his home in Marion county via Panama. In 1853 he made a second move to California and Lived there until 1856, and then returned to Marion county and purchased 600 acres of land and engaged in farming until 1870, then removed to La- bette county, Kansas, and returned to this county in 1871, stopping six months in Henry county, Missouri. He now lives within one mile of where he first settled after coming to the county. He married Miss Margaret Rice of Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1826. She was born March 10, 1803. Having no children of their own they have raised five orphan children, four of whom are now living: Martha Butcher, Nancy Rice, John Stortes and Benton Stortes.
T ETER, S. E .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 12, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Ross county, Ohio, May 1st, 1817. His father was an agri- culturist in that State. In early life his vocation was that of a farmer, which he closely adhered to until he attained the age of twenty, receiving such benefits of the common schools of the county as his limited circumstan- ces would permit. At the age of twenty he apprenticed himself to learn the gunsmith trade in Ross county, which he pursued with a considerable degree of success until 1845, when he started for Iowa. While the steam- boat which contained his goods was plonghing up the Mississippi en-route to the Hawkeye State, the vessel and all his effects sank. Mr. T. was then a penniless inan, having lost his all which amounted to $3,500. But he had started out to make a new home, and if his capital of cash was a loss he had a bank on which to draw, willing head and hopeful heart, which has been the key to his success. Being among the first settlers, he had all the diff-
759
HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
oulties of a pioneer life to contend with which are incident to the cus settlement of a new country. Game was in abundance in the early dand Marion county, and Mr. Teter had an opportunity to gratify a long sous for desire. He was the first justice of the peace in the township in wha he resides, and had the honor of having the now ex-Governor Stone phd his maiden case before him. His estate consists of 400 acres on which i situated a brick mansion that will compare favorably with any in the to ship. On the second day of May, 1843, Miss Eliza J. Lenty, a native of Bus county, Ohio, became his wife. By this union they have eight child, five of whom are living: Walker, James L., Wilson, Samuel and .Hand J. Lost three. Mr. Teter is a Master mason of Oriential Lodge Nunk sixty-one.
CHAPTER IX. POLK TOWNSHIP.
Organization and Early History-Villages-Biographical.
THE first election in this township was held in 1848; there were abed forty votes cast. Warren D. Everett and Mr. Lowry were the first justies of the peace, and Andrew Hopkins was chosen clerk.
On the fourth of July, 1848, township 76, range 19, was declared! township to be known as Polk, thus dating the beginning of its munici history on the seventy-second aniversary of our national independen The place of holding elections was appointed to be at the house of War D. Everett. The formation of this township took that part of Red Rock i township 76, range 19, lying north of the Des Moines River.
The formation of this township was in opposition to a remonstranced Josiah Bullington and others; so, on the third of October, of the same jesz, in response to a petition of Jeremiah Shepperd and others, the whole tom ship was attached to Knoxville. But it appears that the court shorty afterward, in defining the boundaries of the township, recognized the kg existence of Polk by describing it as all of township 76, range 19, exce the two southern tiers of sections, and all of township 76, range 20. Bu on the eighth of January, 1850, township 76, range 20 was struck off, thu limiting the townsphip to the four tiers of sections, which is as it un exists.
j
Polk is bounded on the north by Summit, on the east by Lake Print and Clay, on the south by Knoxville, and on the west by Union. The De Moines and Whitebreast rivers run through the township; which, being mostly within the margins of these streams is well timbered and uner
The names of those who settled within the limits of Polk township we the Stevensons, the Billaps, George Wilson, M. S. Morris, the first justio of the peace within the present limits of the township before its organis tion; Richard R. Watts, Alexander Caton, Mordecai Yearns and Andre Stortes. These all settled on the north side of the river in 1843, except Watts, who settled near where Coalport now is. John Babcock, Warra D., Frank and John Everett, Andrew, George and William Karr and Rob- ert Ethrington settled in the township at later dates, from 1845 to 1847. But few of these still live in the county.
The first school was taught by an Englishman, in a small log house built for that purpose, near the creek, at the head of White Breast Prairie, is
758
POLK TOWNSHIP.
848 or 1849. John Everett next taught in the same house. This little Eg school-honse also served the purpose of a church occasionally, where Varren D. Everett, Baptist, and John Demoss, United Brethren, preached it. The flood of 1851, a never-to-be-forgotten event, as we have already Len, swept the house away; and not far from where it stood, but above Eigh water mark, now stands a well-finished frame building large enough For any ordinary nse in a country district.
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