The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 96

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 96

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).

776

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY

is well improved and on which he has good buildings. He married Miss Elmira Byers on the 25th of December, 1853. She is a native of Indiana. and was born September 14, 1833. By this union they have three children living: Amanda E., Mary O. and James B. They lost three: Marths A. Olarendo C., David S. Mrs. Foster lived to enjoy life until February 24, 1875. He is an honest, energetic farmer, and one that attends to his own business. His daughter, Ollie, keeps house for him at present.

FRY, G. W .- Farmer, Sec. 35, P. O. Columbia. Was born in Marion countr on the 18th of February, 1855, and was raised here on a farm, and is still following his favorite occupation. He received a common school education in his younger days. He married Miss Mary Robinson the 89th of January, 1880. She is also native of this county. He is a thoroughly drilled agriculturalist and stands high in the estimation of the public.

AMES, EZRA-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 5, P. O. Dallas. Is s

J native of Muskingum county, Ohio. Was born the 19th of February, 1825. He spent the youthful years of his life on a farm, and received as education in the common schools of that place. In the spring of 1858 he emigrated to Iowa and settled in Lucas county. Was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits there for fifteen years. In the fall of 1867 he came to this county and settled where he now resides. He owns 240 acres of fine farm land well improved, on which he has good and comfortable buildings. He was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Murry in 1848. She is a native of Virginia, and was born on the first of January, 1824. By this nnion they have nine children: Sarah, Franklin, Delila, Alva, Charles E., Henry. Mary E., Emma B. and Clarence. They lost two, David and Lemuel. Mr. James commenced life with limited capital, and by his industry and atten- tion to business has made himself a fine home.

L AFAVER, J. W .- Farmer, Sec. 34. P. O. Columbia. Is a native of Morgan county, Indiana, and was born in August, 1835. Was there raised on a farm and educated at Greencastle, Indiana. When eighteen years of age he commenced teaching school, and followed it for two years. Came to this county and settled at Gosport in 1855, and resided there until 1860, when he returned to Indiana. He enlisted in company A, Thirty-third Indiana infantry in Angust, 1863, and took part in the battles of Johnsonville Nashville and others. Was mustered out in December, 1864, at Nashville. Tennessee. Came home to Indiana and returned to Marion county in the fall of 1866. He married Miss Sarah Gregory in 1857, at Gosport. She is a native of Indiana. Their family consists of six children: James F., Mary, Jane. Ellen, Rachel and Joseph D. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church of Columbia.

LINDSAY, WM. H .- Farmer, Sec. 27, P. O. Columbia. The subject of this brief sketch is a native of Lincoln county, North Carolina, and was born May 29th, 1815, and was principally raised on a farm. In the fall of 1839 he emigrated to Georgia, where he followed agricultural pursuits and school teaching until the winter of 1846. He then returned to his native State and followed school teaching and farining until May, 1851. when he emigrated to Macoupin county, Illinois, where he taught school two terms, then again took np farming and has made that his business ex- clusively. Came to this county in April, 1865. His farm consists of 900 acfes which is well improved. He has held various offices in the township, ss justice of the peace and trustee. He married Miss Nancy Ann Falls in the summer of 1839 in North Carolina. She is a native of the above State and

777

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

i was born Jannary 10th, 1816. By this union they have two children living: Rachel G. and Marcus C. Lost three. Himself and wife are # members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Columbia, and he is also a member of Tyre Lodge, No. 185, located at Columbia.

I LONG, BRUMFIELD-Farmer, Sec. 32, P. O. Columbia. Was born in April, 1819, in Virginia, and emigrated with his parents to Elkhart , county, Indiana, when thirteen years of age. He spent the early part of life on a farm and received a common school education. He also worked at the cabinet trade about one year. Came to this county in the summer of : 1853 and purchased 200 acres of land. He has added froin time to time and at present his farm consists of 360 acres, besides orre that he presented to his son. He kept the Columbia post-office two years. He has been a member of the county board two terms, and was appointed by the Legisla- ture to locate the State road from Bellefontaine to Chariton. He enlisted with the home guards and started for the front, but he was taken sick at St. Joseph, Missouri, and was compelled to return home. His son J. W. enlisted in company I, Thirty-third Iowa infantry, but was obliged to return on account of ill health, and has since died from the effects of disease 1 contracted in the service. Mr. Long was married to Miss Eliza Wyland, a native of Ohio, in 1843. She was born April 29th, 1827. By this union one child is living, Wm. T. Lost one, John W. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Columbia, in which he has held the office of trustee and steward.

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1 . 1 M cCORKLE, E. W .- Farmer, Sec. 27, P. O. Columnbia. Was born in June, 1833, in Putnam county, Indiana. Was raised there on a farm and received his education. He also assisted his father in clearing a farm in that county. He removed to this State and settled in this county in April, 1858, and has remained here since, following agricultural pursuits. He now has a farm of 430 acres, well improved. He has good buildings, etc., and one of the best orchards in the township, embracing five acres. He deals in and raises considerable stock. Has held the offices of justice of the peace, assessor, trustee, and others. He married Miss Nancy M. McCorkle in October, 1855. She is a native of Rush county, Indiana, born in May, 1835. They have eleven children: James A., Mary R., John E., Matthew S., Abram Y., Melissa J., Margaret A., Joseph W., David C., Nathan H. and George E. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of Columbia, in which he is ruling elder, and also superintendent of the sabbath-school.

McCREARY, G. C .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 8, P. O. Dallas. Was born in Crawford county, Ohio, the 4th of September, 1840, and was there raised until nine years of age, then emigrated with his two brothers to Iowa and settled in Marshall county. Resided there on a farm until the spring of 1861, and received an education in the common schools. In April, 1861, he enlisted in company A, First Kansas infantry, and served three years, then re-enlisted as a veteran in company B, First Kansas cavalry and served in that company until the close of the war. He took part in the following battles: Wilson's Creek, Missouri, Pittsburg Landing, Siege of Vicksburg, Corinth, Springfield and others. Was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas, August 30th, 1865. He went to St. Joseph, Indiana, where he followed agricultural pursuits three years, thence to Michigan two years, from there to Kansas where he remained four years, thence to Marshall county, Iowa, eventually locating in Marion county. He owns 104 acres

778

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

of land. He married Miss Mary Nodrufft, a native of Ohio, in 1866. Sha was born in 1845. By this union they have two children: Zerldia and Sarah S. He holds the offices of school secretary and road supervisor.

MoKEE, CHARLES-Farmer, Sec. 3. P. O. Gosport. Was bom Angust 8, 1812, in the county of Donnegal, Ireland. He spent his younga days on a farm and received a common school education. In 1829 he cam to America, locating in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he worked in : foundry for a time, then removed to Coshocton county, Ohio, where he remained fifteen years teaching school and farming. He came to this county in the fall of 1851, and has remained here since, following agricultural pur- suits. He married Miss Lavina Russell in October, 1851. She is a native of New York, and was born in 1835 in the city of New York. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which he holds the office of trustee.

MOKINON, JOIIN-Of the firm of McKinon & Hoffman, carpenters and wagon-makers, Columbia. Was born October 10th, 1838. in Orange county, Indiana, and was raised and educated in the town of Bloomfield He learned the house carpenter and wagon-maker trades of his father at an early age, and has followed it for a business. He enlisted in company D. Fourteenth Indiana infantry. June 7th, 1861, and participated in the battle of Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Malvern and others, and was honorably discharged June 7, 1864. Came to Marion county and settled at Columbia in April 1866. In April, 1880, he took in Mr. Hoffman as partner, left the shop in his charge and went to Colorado, remaining there six months prospect- ing, and then returned home. He is a member of Tyre Lodge, No. 185, located at Columbia. He married Miss Martha A. Jerome on the 24th of October, 1867. She is a native of Ohio, and was born January 24, 1850. By this union they have five children: Lnretta, Susan, Lilly, Martha and an infant.

MITCHELL, ALLEN-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 9, P. O. Gosport Was born the 24th of April, 1841, in Parke county, Indiana. At the age of eighteen months was taken to Buchanan county, Missouri. He was there raised on a farm until eleven years of age, and received an education in the common schools. He came to this county in 1851 with his mother (now Mrs. Nicodemus). He enlisted in company F, Fortieth Iowa infantry in August, 1862, and was mustered out August 2d, 1865, at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, receiving an honorable discharge. He returned to his home in this county and took up agricultural pursuits again. He now owns 175 acres of fine farming land well improved. He married Miss C. A. Stone on the 11th of February, 1866. She is a native of Iowa, born on the 15th of April, 1841, on the present site of the city of Fairfield. He father built the first house in that place. They have one child living. Laura. Lost two.

MITCHELL, NEWTON-Farmer. Sec. 34, P. O. Columbia. Was born January 30th, 1826, in Highland county, Ohio, and at the age of twelve years emigrated with his parents to Decatur county, Indiana, where he was principally raised on a farm, and received most of his education. He enlisted in company I, Sixty-eighth Indiana infantry in 1862. Was at the battles of Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga and many others, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, in August, 1865. Came to Marion county in January 1866, and settled on the land whereon he now resides, and has made agri- cultural pursuits his business since that time. He owns a fine farm of 69

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779

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

icres, and also 19 acres of timber land in Lucas county. He was married o Miss Joan Glass in 1851 in Rush county, Indiana. She is a native of Kentucky and was born in 1833. By this union they have one child living, Lra B. Lost two. Himself and wife are members of the United Presby- erian Church of Knoxville. Mrs. Mitchell, during the war, was head cook n the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, and other points. Mr. Mitchell has held several of the township offices, always filling them faithfully.

P RATHER, B. R .- Druggist and physician, Columbia. Is a native of Bartholomew county, Indiana, and was born March 23, 1823, being raised there on a farm until twenty-one years of age, when he commenced the study of medicine at Asbury University, Greencastle, Indiana, and continued therein until nearly twenty-five years of age. He then itinerated with the Methodist Episcopal Church nine years, then renewed the study of medicine at Moore's Hill, Indiana, and in the year 1859 he commenced the practice of medicine at Hartford, Indiana. Emigrated to LaGrange, Lucas county, Iowa, April 6, 1860. He continued to practice for two years, then helped to make up company G, Thirty-fourth Iowa infantry, and went with them as a private August 15, 1862. He was soon employed as con- tract surgeon, in which capacity he continued seven months. His health failing him he returned home. In 1876 he moved to Pleasant township, Lucas county, thence to this county in Angust, 1879, and purchased his present drug store. He is a member of the Masons and Odd Fellows. Has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Mary A. Lind. They were married in 1847 and by this union had one child. Lost one. His present wife was formerly Mrs. Maggie A. Van Dyke, of Knoxville. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Columbia, of which he holds the office of local elder.

TRAHAN, MRS. S. A .- Sec. 17, P. O. Gosport. Owns 290 acres of fine S

farm land which is well improved and well adapted to the raising of all kinds of grain and fruit, and on which she has a fine house and a good barn, etc. Is a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, and was born on the first of Jannary, 1818, being there raised and educated in the common schools. At the age of seventeen she removed to Putman county, Indiana, with her parents. She was united in marriage with S. H. Strahan, on the twenty-first of November, 1889. He was a native of Kentucky and was born in September, 1819, and emigrated to Putnam connty, Indiana, when young and was raised on a farm. He died February 24, 1879, and was bur- ied at Gosport. He left five children living: J. W., R. Alexander, Mar garet J., Clara L. and Ira N. Lost four. She is a member of the M. E Church.

W HITLATCH, W. A .- Of the firm of Whitlatch & Meeks, dealers in general merchandise, Columbia. This gentleman is a native of Montgomery county, Indiana, and came to this county with his parents while young. Was here raised on a farm. Commenced the mercantile bus- iness at this place in July, 1874, In August, 1880, he took in Mr. J. G. Meeks as a partner. They have a large roomy building filled with a superb stock of goods and are doing a good business and are building up a fine trade. He married Miss N. C. Fletcher on the ninteenth of September, 1871. She is a native of Kentucky and was born in July, 1848. By this union they have one child, Guy. Mrs. Whitlatch died July 27, 1879, and is interred in the Columbia burying ground.

780

HISTORY .OF MARION COUNTY.

CHAPTER XIII. INDIANA TOWNSHIP.

Descriptive Geography-Early History-Barkersville-Attica-Miscellaneous-Biographia

INDIANA township corresponds with congressional township 74, rangel Timber and coal are abundant, and away from the streams the surface of sists of an almost unbroken level prairie. The farming lands of this tom ship have the reputation of being the best in the county and the fama among the most prosperons in the State.

EARLY HISTORY.

Indiana township was at first a part of Round Grove precinct. This precinct, as formed in the early part of 1846, consists of what is now Indian township, and a portion of what is now Washington township.

The first election held in Round Grove precinct was on the eighth dayd April, 1846. The following is a copy of the poll-book of the election: "Poll-book of an election held at the house of Alexander May, in Round Grove precinct, on the first Monday, the sixth day of April, 1846. John I. Pearce, A. May and Jeremiah Gullion, judges, and James Cade and Jana M. Walters, clerks, were sworn, as the law directs, previous to entering upon the duties of their respective offices.

"JOHN T. PEARCE. "Justice of the peace.

"Number and names of electors: Nelson Hill, Noah Whitlatch, Joba Campton, Wm. D. Greenman, James M. Walters, David I. Deem, Jobs Whitlach, W. T. Smith, Solomon Z. Tumbleson, James Cade, Jeremiah Gal- lion, Alexander Mays, John T. Pearce Esq., Benjamin Spillman, Isaac Wi- sey, Martin Neal, Nathaniel Day, Jeremiah Gullion, Jr., Allen Low. James I. Pennel, John Riddle, John Greenman, Benjamin Sherwood. " I. John T. Pearce, A. May and Jeremiah Gullion, do solemnly swear that I will perform the duties of judge of the election, according to law and the best of my ability. I will studiously endeavor to prevent fraud, deceit or abuse in conducting the same."

" JOHN T. PEARCE, "ALEXANDER MAY, "JEREMIAH GULLION, "Judges of the election.

"I, James Cade, and James M. Walters, do solemnly swear that I will perform the duties of clerk of the election according to law and the best of my ability. I will studiously endeavor to prevent frand, deceit or abuse in conducting the same.

"JAMES CADE, "JOHN M. WATTERS, "Clerks of the election.

781

INDIANA TOWNSHIP.

TERRITORY OF IOWA, 88 " MARION COUNTY,

Subscribed and sworn to before me, this sixth day of April, A. D. 1846. "JOHN T. PEARCE, "Justice of the peace"

" At an election held at the house of Alexander May, in Round Grove precinct, in the county of Marion, and Territory of Iowa, on the first Mon- Lay, the sixth day of April, A. D. 1846, the following named persons eceived the number of votes annexed to their respective names, for the office of Delegate to the Convention to form a Constitution for the State of .owa; to-wit,

"For Delegate, James L. Warren has received twelve votes. For Delegate John Conery has received eleven votes.

" We, the undersigned judges and clerks, do certify the above to be correct. " JOHN T. PEARCE, "ALEXANDER MAY, "JEREMIAH GULLION, Judges. "JAMES CADE, "JAMES M. WATTERS, Clerks."

The first election after the organization of Indiana township of which there is any preserved record, was held at the house of Benj. F. Williams, in Barkersville (now Attica), April 5, 1852. Fifty-three votes were cast, and the following officers elected: Harvey Manners and W. T. Smith, justice ; Nathaniel Coclerce, Samuel M. Coolly and Jacob Bonebreak, trustees; No Bonebreak, clerk, and Allen Lowe and John Champlin, constables.

Indiana was so named in consequence of a large majority of the first set- Blers being from that State. The following is a list of their names and date of settlement: Alexander May, Noah Whitlatch, Wmn. Carlisle, George Henry, Allen Lowe, Samuel Coolly, Wm. Shanks, Samuel Nicholson and John Riddle in 1843; Jeremiah Gullion, Benj. Sherwood, David Sweem and Jas. Cade, in 1844; Isaac Kelsey and Lewis Pierce in 1845, and John Bonebreak in 1846.

Alexander May originally settled in the township, and with several others mentioned in the above list, formed what was known as May's Settleinent. He was born in Henry county, Kentucky, January 5, 1801, emigrated to Orange county, Indiana, in 1816, to Fountain county, same State, in 1827, from thence to Montgomery county, same State, in 1831, and from thence to this county, arriving here June 22, 1843.

David Sweem was born in Ohio, in 1819, moved to Indiana and from thence to this county and township in the autumn of 1844.

Mr. S. was first an exhorter, and during his residence here an itinerant preacher in the M. E. Church. He also took a somewhat active part in pol- itics, by which he became well known in the county. His residence was near Attica, where he died January 15, 1868.

The first gospel preaching was done by Rev. Jas. L. Warren, in the sum- mer of 1843, at the residence of Noah Whitlatch. On this occasion the Doctor, having sent an appointment to preach there at 11 o'clock A. M. on a

789

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

certain sabbath, walked the distance between his residence, in Lake Praii, and the place appointed, but arrived too late. The people had collected waited a long time, and then dispersed. After they were all gone the De tor made his appearance, weary and heated with his long jourmy After having come so far he was not disposed to return without accompli ing his mission, so he announced that he would preach at night if the p ple could be notified of it. Thereupon runners were sent abroad to met them, and he was enabled to hold forth to a goodly number of home The first persons married were Samuel Nicholson and Eleanor My daughter of Alexander May, at the residence of the latter, June 1, 1844 The first post-office in this township was kept at Alexander May's, bet# what date we have been unable to learn. Benj. Sherwood, postmais mails from Knoxville weekly.

The first school was taught by Fletcher Cain, in a little cabin near wie Attica now is, in 1845. Number of scholars, sixteen. Harvey Manas taught near the same place in 1847-8. John B. Hays taught two mi south of Attica the same year. Hessey May also taught a school at l own house at an early date.

BARKERSVILLE.

On the twenty-sixth of July, 1849, James Barker and Nathaniel C+ clerce caused to be surveyed on the northwest quarter of section 11, a ton that was called Barkersville, in honor of one of the proprietors. Survera, James Rousseau. James Barker erected the first house on the survey,: one-story brick, that is now occupied by Wm. Thomas. Barker also col the first goods, and was, at the same time, first postmaster. Mail ondt week. It was first carried from Knoxville, in a pocket handkerchief, y M. M. Marks. B. F. Williams afterward bought Barker's store, and alu took charge of the post-office. Present postmaster, T. S. Cathcart; ma daily. The first hotel was kept by a German named Michael Himnd haver; fare, ten cents per meal. The house still stands, near the Attia House.

The first school in town was taught by Hessey. May, and the Rev. M. Neur organized the first M. E. society there.

Not long after Barkersville had been in existence, its, principal proprietor, James Barker, for whom the town had been named, became so infamous is a criminal attachment for another inan's wife, that the name was regarded as a disgrace to the town, and by common consent it was changed to

ATTICA.

It now contains the following business enterprises: Three general store; the first by D. P. Cathcart, the second by J. H. Mears, the third by B. N. & Etcher. Two drug stores; first by Bell & McVay, second by Samuel Board Boots and shoes made and repaired by J. H. Brennan. Harness shop by J. H. McVay. Two blacksmith shops, James Heffner and Levi Shane; wagon shop by I. B. Sharron. Grist and saw-mill by O. C. Sharron. Tw .potteries; one by Joseph Jennings, the other by Ira Kendrick. Sorghum mill by R. S. Elainea Hotel by S. C. Bell. Post-office by D. P. Oatheart Two physician & C. Bell and Samuel Buzard. Two ministers; Rev. O. H. Montepuegy and Bev. Scott. A'school taught by Miss Mary Weigerd.

783

INDIANA TOWNSHIP.

MISCELLANEOUS.

In 1855 there were in the township:

Polls.

Real estate valued at $142,028

F'ersonalty

41,539

[. The valuation in. 1870 was:

Real estate

$175,540

"Personalty. i

80,851

Total

$256,391

In 1879 the valuation was:

Real estate

$ 203,774

Personalty

53,833

Total

$257,607

The population in 1870 was 1,332; in 1875 it was 1,281; in 1880 there vere inhabitants to the number of 1,131.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

B ELL, S. C .- Physician and surgeon, Attica. Was born in Clarks- ville, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1846. Moved with his parents to owa, in 1864, commenced the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Wm. Crowder, of Springfield, Keokuk county, an old school practioner, graduating at the State University, in the spring of 1875, and came to At- ica, where he has established a large practice, and has built up for himself um enviable reputation. On the twentieth day of May, 1875, he married Miss Loice Wightman, a lady of culture, and refined domestic habits. She @ a native of Illinois, born in McLean county, July 3d, 1852. They have Three children: Estella M., Harry C. and Charley.

BUZARD, SAMUEL-Physician and surgeon, Attica. Born in West Virginia, October first, 1842. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he left his native State, returning in 1866-remaining three years, engaged in teaching school; then went to Philadelphia University, where he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated in the spring of 1871. Came to Iowa in the same year; located at Eldorado, Monroe county, and commenced the practice of his profession, and in 1875 to Attica, where he has since been engaged, practicing with considerable success. He married Miss Sarah F. Morrison, September twenty-second, 1870. She is a native of the same State as her husband, and a lady of refinement, the daughter of Thomas Morrison, Esq. By this union they have five children: Iberi Ann, Islen- aich, Orena Iona, Oletia Venza and Ovaca R.

H ILL, NELSON-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 33, P. O. Attica. Is a native of Ohio, and born in Monroe county, on the twenty-fourth day of May, 1817. He was taken by his parents when quite young to In- diana, where he resided until five years old, then emigrated to Montgom- Bry county, remaining until 1844; emigrated to Iowa, and located in Ma-

784

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

rion county, entering his land from .the government. The hardships and p vations he endured were many. He married Miss Eliza Stover, Februn twenty-third, 1837. She was a native of Highland county, Ohio; diedi 1860, leaving four children. His second marriage occurred in 1861, Mary A. McElerth, a native of Indiana, born in Shelby county. Thi family consists of seven children: Rufus A., Quintillian, John H., Jum E., Ollie May, Wesley L. and Franklin O.

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The History of Marion County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, & C., Part 96

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