USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,. > Part 100
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VAHITNEY, RICHARD-Farmer, section 29, P. O. Grinnell. Was
born in Vermont, February 16, 1823, and when fifteen years of age removed with his parents to Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was engaged in the livery business until the spring of 1860 when he moved to Michigan, and there followed the hotel business. In the spring of 1862 came to this county, locating in Grinnell, where he engaged in the livery business until 1864, and then took up the occupation of selling patent
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rights. In 1866 he commenced farming, and now owns 210 acres of land, and his farm is but two miles from the city. Mr. Whitney was married in Ohio, March 30, 1857, to Miss Mary E. Page. They have by this union four children: Emma A., Mary E., George A. and Almer C.
WHITNEY, G. A .- Of the firm of Morse & Whitney, grain-dealers. Was born in Penobscot county, Maine, June 19, 1833. Is the son of Isaac and Malinda Harding Whitney, well-to-do farmers of that county, Young Whitney lived on the farm until fourteen years of age. He received the advantages of a good academic education. On reaching his majority he came to Dubuque, Iowa, and here engaged in the mercantile business for five years. In 1859 he went to the mountains where he was engaged in mining for some years. He came to Grinnell in 1872, since which time he has been closely identified with Grinnell's best interests. He was married, in Waterloo, this State, to Miss Augusta Elsworth, in December, 1868; she died in March, 1873. He was married, a second time, in the city of Grinnell, to Mrs. Jane Sanders, April 21, 1874. They have by this union two sons: William and Fredrick. Mrs. Whitney is a native of Lee county, Iowa, and has one son and one daughter by her former marriage: Elizabeth and George.
WILLARD, W. O .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Grin- nell. Was born November 2, 1840, in Henry county, Illinois, and was there educated and developed to manhood. In 1868 he came to his present location, where he owns a fine farm of one hundred and fifteen acres. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Emma E. -, a native of New York. Their family consists of three children: Frank E., William A., Henry G. Mr. Willard enlisted in 1862 in company F, One Hundred and Forty-second Illinois volunteers, and served to the close of the war; he was in some of the most severe battles of the war: Raymond, Jackson, Champion's Hill, Seige of Vicksburg, and after that time in the mail business, and was changed from there to the quartermaster department, in which place he remained to the close of the war. He was mustered out in September, 1865, and returned to Springfield, Illinois. His father was one of the pioneers of Illinois, and followed nursery business for twenty years with a marked degree of success. Mr. Willard has followed the nursery business for seven years since he came to this county.
WILLIAMS, H. W .- Miller. The subject of this sketch was born in Vermont, April 22, 1828. At the age of twenty-one years he came to Ohio, thence to Wisconsin; after which he returned to Ohio, and from there came to Poweshiek county in 1855, being among the first settlers of Grin- nell; he came through from Muscatine to Grinnell on the first stage. For
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a number of years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and has been closely identified with the business interests of the town during his sojourn. Has been twice married, the first time to Miss Harriet B. Hubbard; she died September 12, 1877. He was again married to Miss Mary Verbeck, of Poweshiek county; he has two daughters: Nettie and Alice. Mr. Wil- liams is a Noble Grand of the I. O. O. F., and a member of the Congrega- tional Church; he is one of the leading millers of Poweshiek county.
WISHART, JAMES M .-- Foreman of the Randolph Header Works, Grinnell. Was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, August 21, 1848, and when a youth learned general engineering. He continued that trade until the spring of 1867 when he immigrated to America, landing at St. John, New Brunswick, where he was engaged in the moulding of brass and iron. In 1868 he went to Chicago and was employed as engineer for L. E. Trusdell, of the Chicago bridge builders and contractors, and in 1869 removed to Hintonville, Illinois, taking charge of a foundry and machine shop for Woodruff, Bosworth & Burrows. He remained with that firm until 1870, when he came to Iowa, settling at Nora Springs, Floyd county, and there built and ran a foundry and machine shop. Four years later he went to Fairfield, Iowa, and took charge of Deloerclen Manufacturing Works. In 1875 he took the contract for R. M. Weir's foundry at Boone. In the fall of 1877 he came to this county and took charge of the Randolph Header Works of Craver & Steele, which position he now occupies. Mr. Wishart was married in Floyd county, Iowa, December 20, 1871, to Miss Olive Ank- ney. Their family consists of two sons: Claude and Bruce.
WOOD, R. L .- Stock dealer, Grinnell. Was born in Michigan, Sep- tember 28, 1851, and received his education at Hillsdale Academy, of that State. After leaving school he engaged in teaching and followed that as his occupation for two years, when he engaged in stock dealing; this he continued until the spring of 1878 when he came to this county and be- came a resident of Grinnell, where he deals extensively in stock. He was married in Michigan, December 25, 1873, to Miss Jennie Witherell, daugh- ter of Edson Witherell.
WORKS, Il. D .- Stock broker, Grinnell. Was born on the fourth day of December, 1832, and is a native Masschusetts. After finishing his edu- cation, which was obtained in his native State, he engaged in farming, con- tinuing that until June, 1866, when he came to this county locating at Grinnell, and there became engaged in the hotel business. In the fall of 1872 he commenced the butchering business, and followed it until January, 1880, and since that time has been dealing in stock, being one of the largest
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stock brokers in the county. His marriage was in Belchertown, Massachu- setts.
WYATT, F .- Retired merchant, Grinnell. Was born in Milton, Ver- mont, March 19, 1824, and when twelve years of age removed with his parents to Castleton, same State. After obtaining an education he learned the carver's trade and continued it until the fall of 1855, when he came to this county. He engaged in farming at Grinnell until 1858, when he commenced the marble business, and in August, 1862, enlisted in the Second division band, Sixteenth army corps, and served until May 26, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He returned home, and in April, 1865, engaged in the hardware business, which he followed until January, 1877, when he sold out and retired from active business. He was married, in Fairham, Vermont, September 5, 1855, to Miss C. S. Herrick. The re- sult of this union has been two children: Anna L. and Agnes P.
CHESTER TOWNSHIP.
B ACON, JOSHUA C .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P. O. Chester Center. Was born in Orange county, Vermont, on the 9th of Ootober, 1830, where he was brought up and educated, and remained un- til he was about thirty-three years of age, during which time he spent three years in Indiana, where he was engaged in the railroad business as a bag- gage-master and ticket agent at night, in which capacity he continued to labor for thirty-three months, and the longest time he had for sleeping at any one time was two hours and forty minutes. He returned to Vermont and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which business he had always fol- lowed before he became engaged in railroading. After about seven years he removed to Iowa and settled two and a half miles southeast of Grinnell, where he lived about two years, and removed to this township in the year 1868, where he has since resided. His farm consists of 240 acres of fine land all in cultivation, and is well improved with good fences and build- ings. Was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary Jane Humphrey, who is still living, and is a lady of refined tastes and superior culture. By this union they have eight children: Etta F., Fred H., Ida A., William D., Albert H., Hiram J., Hattie, Eda M. The eldest of these, Etta F. (who is now Mrs. Adilbert Sears), before her marriage was a school teacher, having, however, had no advantages of any high schools. She was one of the finest English scholars in the county. Mr. Bacon was injured while in the railroad busi- ness by the falling of a water-spout which struck him on the back of the head, fracturing his skull and rendering him unfit for duty for a long time.
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He has held several offices of trust in the township where he lives, and en- joys the entire confidence of his neighbors.
AFKEY, WM. C .- Section 10, P. O. Chester Center. Was born in
H Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1842. His parents removed to America in 1851, and came immediately to Iowa, settling in Scott county. Here Mr. Hafkey was brought up on the farm and educated in the schools of Davenport and Le Claire. He continued to make his home in Scott county for twenty-four years, with the exception of three years while he was in the army. In the year 1862 he enlisted in company K, Twentieth Iowa in- fantry volunteers, which regiment was mustered into the United States ser- vice at Clinton, Iowa, in August of the above mentioned year, and went immediately south, via Davenport and St. Louis; from St. Louis to Rolla and Springfield, Missouri. Their first engagement was at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from whence they went to Vicksburg, where they were engaged in the siege, and was one of the first regiments to enter the city when it surrendered on the fourth of July, 1863. From here they went to New Orleans and to Brownsville, Texas, and after some unimportant maneuver- ing returned to New Orleans; thence to Fort Morgan, where they partici- pated in the siege; thence to Pensacola, Florida, and Fort Blakely, where they participated in the siege of and charge on that Fort. They were mustered out and honorably discharged on the 25th of July, 1865, at Clinton, Iowa. He was married, in 1865, to Miss E. Lumbach of Scott county, Iowa, who is still living, and by whom he has six children, whose names are: William F., Charles A., Frank F., Matilda A., George F. and Louis. He has a fine eighty acre farm about one mile from Chester Center, all of which is im- proved.
HODGDON, C. G .- Section 12, P. O. Sonora. Was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, on the 7th day of April, 1853, where he was brought up, and educated partly in the common schools of the country and partly in New Hampton Academy. He was brought up to labor on the farm. When he was nineteen years of age he removed to Iowa and settled in Grinnell where he attended Iowa College one term and then taught school in Chester township. In the spring of 1874 he purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies. His farm consists of 280 acres of fine land in a fine state of cultivation; has good buildings, and has his farm well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs.
HOLMES, JOHN-Section 2, P. O. Sonora. The subject of this sketch was born in New York on the 24th of June, 1820, where he was brought up, educated and became a farmer, which business he followed until the war broke out. In December, 1861, he enlisted,
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in company H, Seventy-eighth New York volunteer infantry, being mus- tered into the service at Buffalo on the 16th of December, from whence his regiment was sent to Washington, D. C., but owing to his failing health he was discharged as being unfit for duty. He was married, in 1846, to Miss Ann Utly, who is still living, and by whom he has six children, whose names are: Emma S., Lola E., Fremont A., David E., Lottie J., Leonard F. Mr. Holmes removed to this county in the year 1863, where he has re- sided ever since and has made for himself and family a comfortable home. L IGHTNER, JOHN-Farmer, section 4, P. O. Chester Center. Was
born in Pennsylvania on the 16th of March, 1827, and was educated there and followed farming until 1855, when he removed to Jasper county, Iowa, and continued his chosen calling until 1860. Then came to Powe- shiek county, and now owns a farm of 135 acres well improved, his resi- dence being surrounded by evergreens and ornamental trees to the number of 600. He is at present making the breeding of Holstein cattle a specialty, some of these animals having received first premium at the State Fair. Mr. L. was married in Trumbull county, Ohio, March 28, 1855, to Miss Cynthia M. Maltbie. By this union they have had three children: Albert H. (born February 22, 1856; died March 22, 1861), Carrie M., (born March 18, 1859; died June 8, 1861) and Fred L. (born July 28, 1863). Mr. L. is a member of the Congregational Church.
M
ANN, J. H .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, P. O. Grinnell. Was born in the State of New York, on the 30th of July, 1820. He was brought up and educated in the schools of New York, attending the common schools in his younger days and afterward the high school at Homer. After finishing his education he taught school during the winter season and farmed during the summer until 1871, when he removed to Iowa and settled at Iowa City. There became engaged in the real estate business, building and improving city property. After remaining here some three years he removed to the place which he now occupies. He was married, in the year 1845, to Miss Susan J. Willis, of Oswego, New York, who died in the year 1872, at Iowa City, by whom he had six children, three sons and three daughters: John E., Hannah M., Willis P., Mary L. and Ella C., living, and one deceased. John E., the eldest son, is now an accountant and book-keeper in Cleveland, Ohio. Willis P. is at home with his father on the farm. Hannah is a school-teacher of the first grade, having been thoroughly educated at Oswego, New York, and at the train- ing school at Iowa City. Mary is now attending the high school in the city of Grinnell and Ella is at home with her parents. He was married to
58
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his present wife, who was Miss Hattie E. Lester, of New York, in January, 1873. She was educated at Ithica and Genoa academies, New York. Mr. Mann was for three years Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue in New York; was twelve years on the Board of Supervisors in that State. Has been trustee of the township in which he now resides and was one of the corps of enumerators in 1880, taking the census of Chester township. He had been a member of the M. E. Church for twenty-five years before com- ing West. Was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and is now a member of the Farmers' Alliance.
R OTH, GEO. N .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, P. O. Panora. Born on the 26th day of October, 1818, in Memmelsdorf, in Bavaria, Germany. He was brought up in his native city and acquired a most thorough education, having attended school for the full period of thirteen years. He remained in his native country until he was twenty-one years of age, when he came to America, settling in Juniata county, Pennsyl- vania, where he became engaged as a home missionary for the American Tract Society. For a period of eight or ten years he continued to labor in Pennsylvania, and for eight years following this period he labored as a blacksmith and conducted his farm, besides preaching every sabbath. He came to Iowa in the year 1857, landing at Davenport on the 16th day of September. Here he engaged in the missionary work in Scott county for a period of eighteen months and removed to this county in the fall of 1857, his son having preceded him six months. The township at that time was very new and but little improvement to be seen anywhere. He had many hardships to undergo such as are incident to the settlement of all new coun- tries. The lumber of his house had to be brought from Davenport. Mr. Roth proved a very valuable acquisition to the infant settlement as he was the only minister within its bounds. He organized the first sabbath- school and labored with the people for their good. He drew the first load of stone for the M. E. Church in the township, which is such a fine monu- ment of the energy and enterprise of this people. Mr. Roth has always been first in all good works and is highly esteemed in his neighborhood. He was married, on the 15th of August, 1841, to Miss Sophia Backer, of Union county, Pennsylvania, who is still living, and who has ever since shared the hardships of life with him. By this union they have six children: Joseph B., John, Catharine B., Maria M., Pauline H. and Mar- tin F.
S HERMAN, WILLIAM-Retired farmer and loan agent, section 16, P. O. Chester Center. Was born on the 25th of December, 1801, and is a native of Sullivan county, New Hampshire. There obtained his
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education and followed farming until 1849, when he went to Illi- nois, there continuing his former occupation. In the fall of 1854 he moved to Clinton county, this State, and ten years later came to this county, where he now owns a farmn of thirty acres. He has been engaged in the loan business for sixteen years and has been success- ful. Is respected by the citizens of his community; is a member of the Congregational Church and has several times been deacon in that denomi- nation. He, together with Mr. S. Stockwell, entered the first land in Chester township in 1854, taking about four sections of the finest and most fertile of the township. Mr. Sherman has been twice married; first, in Croydon, New Hampshire, November 28, 1824, to Miss Mahala Durkee. The result of this union was five children: Jasen W. (born August 26, 1826), Luke N. (born October 20, 1828), Wilson (born August 7, 1830), Henry (born September 10, 1832) and Cynthia M. (born August 1, 1836). Was married the second time, September 8, 1880, at Grinnell, to Mrs. Sarah B. Blais- dell.
SHERMAN, WILSON-Farmer, stock-raiser and dairyman, section 10, P. O. Chester Centre. Was born August 7, 1830, in Croydon, New Hamp- shire, and after leaving school followed farming until 1840, when he re- moved to Hancock county, Illinois, engaging in his former occupation till 1855. He then came to Iowa, locating in Lyons, and in 1859 changed his residence to this county. He is the owner of a farm of 140 acres, and has an orchard of 230 trees. Is engaged in stock-raising and the dairy busi- ness to some extent, and is well qualified for that position. Belongs to and is a consistent worker in the Congregational Church. Has held numerous offices of the township from its earliest settlement. Mr. Sherman has been twice married; first, in Illinois, March 9, 1854, to Miss S. A. Carter. She died November 27, 1866, leaving four children: Edgar W. (born February 25, 1855; died December 3, 1863), Charles C. (born June 5, 1860), Albert W. (born November 9, 1861) and Edward M. (born September 9, 1866). His second marriage was in Illinois, October 7, 1867, to Miss Louisa N. Morrison. They have two children: Arthur M. (born August 17, 1869) and Wilbur W. (born October 7, 1874).
SHERMAN, J. W .- Farmer and stock-dealer, section 16, P. O. Chester Centre. Was born in Croydon, New Hampshire, August 26, 1826, and was there raised and educated. He engaged in farming until 1852, when he went to California and followed mining until 1855, then returning to his native place. Was there married, after which he came to Lyons, in this State, and after remaining until August, 1856, came to Poweshiek county, being the first man to settle in Chester township. His farm consists of
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320 acres, his residence being surrounded by shade trees; also has an or- chard of 300 trees. Mr. Sherman has taken quite an interest in the rais- ing of, and deals extensively in, stock. He is interested in the cheese fac- tory of Chester, which is doing a large business. He was elected to the office of County Supervisor, being one of the first members of the board. Since then he has held numerous township offices, to the entire satisfaction of all parties. He has been twice married; first, in Croydon, New Hamp- shire, December 20, 1855, to Miss Angenette C. Blanchard, who died De- cember 25, 1863, leaving two children: Sarah F. (born November 19, 1857, the first white child born in this township; died January 20, 1864) and George Walter (born January 10, 1862). His second marriage was in this township, October 13, 1864, to Miss Laura Jane Wheelock. By this union they have three children: Luella A. (born July 5, 1866), Edna M. (born June 30, 1869) and Myron W. (born March 10, 1872). Mr. Sherman is a member of the Congregational Church.
SHERMAN, HENRY -- Farmer and stock dealer, section 10, P. O. Chester Centre. Was born in Croydon, New Hampshire, September 10, 1832, and there remained until 1849, when he removed to Illinois, settling in Carthage. There his education was completed, after which he engaged in farming until 1853, then moving to Lyons, this State. There he con- tinued farming and school teaching for some time and in 1857 again moved, this time coming to Poweshiek county. He is one of the oldest settlers in Chester township, being the second person to locate here. Is a man of fine business qualifications and stands high in the esteem of his neighbors; is the owner of a farm of 217 acres, and his residence is surrounded by a grove of maples; has an orchard of 250 trees. Mr. Sherman has held nu- merous offices in this township and county, having once been elected County Supervisor. He is also engaged in the loan business to quite an extent. His marriage was at Newport, New Hampshire, March 24, 1857, to Miss Elmira Dudley. They have two children living: Fannie Hall (now attend- ing Iowa College) and Ralph. One deceased, Elmer H. Mr. Sherman is a member of the Congregational Church.
STOCKWELL, B. F .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 9, P. O. Chester Centre. Was born in Croydon, New Hampshire, November 27th, 1835, and there received a part of his education. In 1851 he came to Iowa, set- tling in Clinton county, where he resided until 1862, then coming to this county. Has since made this his home and now owns eighty-four acres of well cultivated land; his barn is one of the best in the township and his cottage is entirely surrounded by shade trees; also has an orchard of 400 bearing trees. Mr. Stockwell is an extensive breeder of thorough-bred
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Holstein cattle, receiving first premium and sweepstakes on some of them at the State Fair (1880). He has held the office of constable for twelve years, filling said office to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Is a mem- ber of Chester Grange, No. 127, but this is, for the present, suspended. He belongs to the Congregational Church, and has great influence as a Christian worker. He was married, October 14, 1857, to Miss B. A. Cock- ing, in Clinton county, Iowa. By this union they had two children : Harry and Luella, both of whom are deceased.
STOCKWELL, WINCHESTER-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Chester Centre. Was born in Croydon, New Hampshire, March 30, 1834, and was there educated. He followed farming until 1852, when he removed to Iowa, settling in Clinton county, and engaged in school teaching until 1853. Again commenced farming and in 1862 came to this county, where he now owns a farm of 160 acres, upon which is an orchard of 400 apple trees. Has held various township offices. Is a member of the Congregational Church and stands high in the esteem of all. His marriage was in Clinton county, Iowa, to Miss Margaret Sullivan. Their family consists of five children : Frank E., Arthur, Laura, Fred and John D.
SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP.
A LLEY, ALEX .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 4, P. O. Sheridan Center. Was born in Canada, September 2, 1842, at which place he remained until he attained the age of two years. Then moved with his parents to Madison, Wisconsin, where he resided eleven years. He then moved to his present location, where he owns a fine farm of 150 acres of well cultivated land. His father (J. Alley) died in 1879. Mr. Alley was married, in March, 1880, to Miss Ellen Robison, a native of this State. Mr. Alley is an active member of the M. E. Church and a warm friend to the advance of education.
B ALDWIN, I. B .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P. O. Sheridan Centre. Was born May 6, 1837, in Vermont, where he resided until he was about thirteen years of age. Then moved to Chester township, of the same State, where he resided for sixteen years, following farming. Enlisted October 23, 1862, in company E, Sixteenth Vermont volunteers, and served nine months. Was in the battle of Gettysburg, and was engaged most of his time in skirmishing. He was mustered out at Bradford, Vermont, April 13, 1863. He returned to his home, and in 1866 traveled over the northwest States, and in 1867 moved to his present location. He was married, December 5, 1872, to Miss Mary J. Storm, native of Franklin county,
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New York. His success in life may be inferred from the fact that he began with very limited means, but through his good habits and honest deter- mination he now owns a fine farm of 160 acres, all under good cultiva- tion. Is engaged in raising stock to quite an extent.
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