USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,. > Part 68
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The first minister of the gospel was Rev. Jamison, a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He came out from Marengo and hield meet- ings in a school-house.
The first weaving was done by Mrs. Smith, now the wife of James Sum- ner, of Tama county.
Andrew Wilson, in the year 1856, built and operated the first saw mill in
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HISTORY OR POWESHIEK COUNTY.
Jefferson township. It was situated on Walnut Creek, in section 1. It is said that he would go down to his mill every day, and for weeks together work entirely alone. Other men would haul him logs, but in sawing them he asked no assistance.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Jefferson was organized in the year 1854, with only a few members, but it increased in numbers and in strength till now there is a membership of twenty-five, and they have a neat little house of worship. The church was built in the summer of 1872 at a cost of $850. It is situated on the southeast corner of section 2. Rev. J. B. Hardy, who served this church for some time, is said to have preached the first sermon in Poweshiek county.
There are two burying grounds, one in section 11, which has been used a long time and contains about 150 graves; the other is in section 27, and has now only ten graves, having been recently laid out.
The present officers of the township are:
Justices-J. A. Elliott, I. O. White.
Trustees-James Scott, A. S. Kizer, C. E. Cone.
Constable-Wm. Noble.
Assessor-I. O. White.
Clerk-Andrew Ostrom.
There are two Indian graves on the opposite sides of Walnut Creek, in section 1. These red men were buried many years ago, but the mounds where rest their bones are still plainly visible, facing the creek. They be- longed to the same tribe, but eternal hatred made them mortal enemies. For several years they cherished this deadly hatred and many times set upon one another, but each time some one happened to be near to separate them. Finally it was agreed to let them fight till one or both were killed. The whole tribe assembled to witness the terrible duel. The combat was long, but finally both fell mortally wounded. The chief ordered them buried on opposite sides of the creek to prevent their contending together in " the happy hunting ground."
In the fall of 1870, while engaged in threshing, J. P. Salton was caught by his clothing on the tumbling rod, and being hurled backward was car- ried around a score of times till life was nearly pounded out. This occurred on section 36.
John Huntoon lay very sick with fever in November, 1874, when his house took fire. Before the fire was discovered it was far beyond control. The neighbors rushed in, seizing the sick man in their arms and carrying him out just before the roof fell in. The man was saved but the house was a total loss.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
A DAMS, CHARLES G .- Was born October 9, 1825, in Greene county Tennessee. In 1831 removed with his parents to Indiana, and settled in Johnson county. In 1837 removed to Brown county. Was brought up on a farm, or rather making a farm in the beech woods of In- diana. Had but limited means of obtaining an education, only such as was afforded at the log cabin school-house presided over by the "Hoosier School Master." In the spring of 1844 got a situation as clerk in a store, and remained there two years. In 1846, when war was declared with Mexico, enlisted in what was afterward company E, Third Indiana volun- teers. Soon after entering the service contracted disease from which he has never recovered. Was discharged the same year, at camp Belknap, Rio Grande, Texas, for disability. In the fall of 1848, in company with two of his comrades, Joseph Rubertson and Theodore Whitney, came to Iowa on a prospecting tour, located a land warrant in township 80, range 17, Jas- per county. Returned to Indiana, and on the 22d of February, 1849, was married to Miss Sarah Fusselman, a native of Richland county, Ohio. In April of the same year left Indiana for Iowa, intending to settle on his land, but owing to adverse circumstances did not reach Iowa until late in the fall of 1850. Settled in, and has been a resident of, Powshiek county ever since. Shared with other early settlers the privations and hardships of frontier life during the rainy season of 1851. Lived for weeks without bread, only such as was made of corn meal, beat in a mortar. In 1852 was elected Clerk of the District Court, being the second person to hold that office from the organization of the county in 1848. Served until 1856, two terms. There being but little business in the office and the emoluments being light, in order to make a living, worked all the time not employed in the office at carpentering and clerking in a store, etc. Has a family of three children: Jennie (the oldest, now Mrs. J. T. Enser), Charles G. and Emma.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
B ABB, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Montezuma. Was born in Belmont county, Ohio, November 9, 1826, and when twelve years of age, removed to Illinois, where he was engaged in farming until the spring of 1850. He then went to California and commenced farming, which he followed until 1852, and then returned to Illinois, remaining until 1855. He moved to Minnesota and followed farming until 1865, at which time he again returned to Illinois, and in the winter of 1869 came to this county, where he now owns a good farm of 319 acres. He was married on the 16th of June, 1853, to Miss Nancy J. Marple. Their family consists of six children: Milfred F., Mary J., George W., Harvey, Della, and Cyn- thia. During the late war Mr. Babb enlisted in 1864, in the Fourth Min- nesota infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he was mus- tered out at Louisville, Kentucky.
BAIR, J. A .- Proprietor of restaurant, Montezuma. Was born in Iowa county, this State, on the 4th day of October, 1852, and received his educa- tion at Mount Vernon. On the 1st day of May, 1880, he changed his resi- dence to Poweshiek county, and is now engaged in the confectionery and restaurant business. April 13, 1880, he was married in Montezuma to Miss Lizzie McCadam.
BALLARD, A. W .- Attorney at law. The subject of this sketch was born in Highland county, Ohio, June 13, 1834. He came with his parents to Jefferson county, Iowa, in June, 1845. The following August, his father, Wm. Ballard, though not yet a legal voter, was nominated by the Whigs of Jefferson county for Representative to the Legislature, and in that, their strong Democratic county, was defeated by a small majority. In November, 1846, they removed to Oskaloosa, Mahaska county, then a small village, at what was then called the narrows. Here young Ballard was reared and received his education in the private schools of the place. When a mere boy, had the honor of bringing the poll-books and tickets for the first election in this city. At that time Nathan Brown was under- stood to be the Whig party of this county and R. B. Ogden the Democratic party. He delivered the tickets to the respective political parties. While in Oskaloosa he held the position of Deputy Treasurer under Blackburn, and Deputy Clerk under Judge M. T. Williams. While holding this position he spent his spare time reading law with Judge Crookham, and was admitted to the bar in 1858. He then came to Montezuma, hung out his shingle and commenced the practice of law, his chosen profession. He is now the oldest attorney in practice in the county. He was married in Oskaloosa to Miss Eliza A. Fletcher, January 27, 1856. Mrs. B. is also a native of Highland county, Ohio. Their family consists of two sons: Wm.
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
L. and Burton, and two daughters: Emma J. (now Mrs. S. H. Cox), and Sarah E. Under the call of President Lincoln, in 1862, for more soldiers, B. enlisted as a private soldier in company B, Fortieth Iowa. Was elected sergeant, and on the organization of the regiment was appointed by Col. Garrett sergeant-major of the regiment, in which position he served with credit until 1864, when he accepted an appointment under General Steele to recruit for the colored service. He entered upon this duty with others, recruited and mustered into service the One Hundredth and Twelfth U. S. colored infantry, he being appointed and mustered in as captain of com- pany B, under Colonel Whipple. At the surrender of the rebel General Lee, General J. J. Reynolds appointed him Provost-marshal and Superin- tendent of Freedmen, for the district composed of Polk and Linn coun- ties, Arkansas, Red River and Bowie counties, Texas, and the Choctaw Nation, headquarters at Paraclifta, Arkansas. In this capacity he served until March 1, 1867, receiving the surrender of the rebel force in that sec- tion. Appointed civil officer and re-organized the civil government; was at his own request relieved from duty and mustered out March 1, 1867, when he returned to his home and business at Montezuma. His muster- roll into service shows him to be six feet two and a half inches in height- profession, a lawyer. He is orthodox in religion and Republican in politics. On resuming business he was the first to propose to incorporate the town of Montezuma. Was the first mayor, and re-elected. Was again mayor in 1879. Was an active promoter in the movement to build the G. & M. R. R. Was secretary of the company and resigned on completion of the road.
BERNARD, W. H .- Farmer, section 9, P. O. Montezuma. A native of Highland county, Ohio. Born June 7, 1840, and when young com- menced farming. In the fall of 1860 he came to this county and engaged in his previous calling, and is now the owner of 240 acres of improved land. During the war he enlisted, in the spring of 1861, in company H, Third Iowa Infantry, and served until May, 1865, when he was mustered out. His marriage was in this county January 7, 1871, to Miss Alice Bowman. Their family consists of three children: Lena, Anna and Vema.
BLAIN, JOHN -- Farmer, section 22, P. O. Montezuma. Was born October 19, 1840, in Burlington, this State, and remained there until five years of age, when with his parents he moved to Johnson county. He was raised on a farm and has followed that occupation through life. In the spring of 1869, he came to this county, and now owns 160 acres of land. He was married on the 29th of December, 1864, to Miss A. E.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
Baines. They have a family of eight children: Helen A., David C., Clyde M., Frederick C., Clara, Elmer, and two infants.
BOYDSTON, LON. H .- Editor of the Poweshiek Democrat. Was born in Mt. Morris, Greene county, Penn., on the 13th day of April, 1849. During the fall of 1854 he with his parents moved to Oskaloosa; two years later (1856) removed to Knoxville. Here Lon. grew to manhood, receiving the advantages of a good education. When eighteen years of age he went in the Journal office at Knoxville, and there served three years appren- ticeship. He continued in Knoxville until 1872; he then went to Fair- mount, Fillmore county, Nebraska, and there established the Fairmount Bulletin, which paper he managed but a short time, when he sold out and came to Montezuma. In June, 1874, he bought and published the Casey Clarion, which paper he edited until December 11, 1875. He then bought a half interest in the Oskaloosa Standard, and in February, 1876, sold his interest. In February, 1877, he established the Poweshiek Democrat, the only Democratic paper of Poweshiek county. It is a live paper and re- ceives a liberal share of patronage. He was married in Montezuma Octo- ber 31, 1872, to Miss Mary E. McCormick. She is a native of Wheeling, West Virginia.
BRYAN, ALBERT-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 23, P. O. Mon- tezuma. Was born in Greene county, Ohio, July 29, 1815, and when young engaged in farming, which he continued until the spring of 1835, and then went to Indiana. There he learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed until the spring of 1840, and then went to Mt. Pleasant, Henry county, this State, resumed his former occupation, and in 1855 came to this county. Owns a fine farm of 80 acres, and his grounds are orna- mented with shade trees. He was married in Jefferson county, Iowa, No- vember 12, 1858, to Miss Ann Parker. They have five children: Oliver, William M., Sarah E., Alice E., and Joseph T.
BRYAN, NERI-Proprietor of brick-yard, section 14, P. O. Monte- zuma. Was born in the State of Ohio, March 11, 1820, and after receiving his education engaged in farming, and followed that until February, 1846, when he went to Jefferson county, Iowa. He there engaged in agricul- tural pursuits, and in the winter of 1849 he came to this county, which has since been his home. In 1850 he commenced brick-making, and was the first man in this business in the county. His brick-yard is one of the best in the county and he now makes 12,000 bricks a day. Mr. Bryan has been twice married. First, in Ohio, May 20, 1840, to Miss Sarah Mendenhall. She died in March, 1867, leaving seven children, four of whom are now living: Alanson, William A., James H. and Elma I. Three are deceased:
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
Silas, Thomas P. and John M. His second marriage was to Margaret H. Kirk, on the 25th day of August, 1869. She died November 21, 1877, leaving three children: Charlie I)., Lucy R. and Mary E. Mr. B. was one of the pioneers of this county, and has seen many hardships, such as now would seem almost unendurable.
BRYAN, B .- Farmer and stock-dealer, section 6, P. O. Montezuma. Was born in Ohio, February 28,1834, and when fifteen years of age he re- moved to Mahaska county, this State, and there commenced farming. He remained there until the spring of 1855, when he came to Poweshiek county, and has since resided here, following farming and stock-dealing. He is the owner of 182 acres of improved land, and also owns 240 acres in Shelby county, this State, and 160 in Missouri. He is situated one mile northeast of Montezuma, and has a good location. He was married in Mahaska county, this State, April 14, 1855, to Miss Margaret A. Victor. They have four children living: Sarah E., Elliott M., John B. and William A. Lost one, Mary E. Mr. B. has an orchard of 125 trees, and also a walnut grove of 400 young trees.
BRYAN, J. M .- Farmer, section 6, P. O. Montezuma. Is a native of Ohio; born August 10, 1829, and after leaving school commenced farming, which he continued until 1849. He then came to this county, resumed his former occupation, and now owns a farm of 320 acres. His marriage was in 1851, to Miss Tacy J. Smith. They are the parents of fifteen children, thirteen of whom are living: Dennis J., William T., Annetta, James M., Lavina E., Elmer E., Ida M., Nellie G., Cora B., Ferdinand, Lillie J., John W. and Leonard. Two are deceased: Sarah G. and Arthur.
BUHMANN, J. F .- Grocer and proprietor of bakery, Montezuma. Was born in Germany, December 7, 1835, and after receiving his education he became engaged in the dry goods and grocery business. He continued this for seven years, and then learned the cigarmaker's trade. In 1867 he immi- grated to America, landing in New York, and from there came to this State, first settling in Davenport. There continued his trade until 1871, when he commenced farming, and in 1872 engaged in the hotel business. He resided in Davenport until January, 1878, when he came to this county and engaged in his business. By strict integrity and close attention to bus- iness he has built up a good trade. He was united in marriage April 27, 1870, at Davenport, to Miss Margaret Quickenstedt. They are the parents of four children: Paulina, Henry, William M. and Herman. Mr. B. also owns a fine farm of 245 acres, situated on section 2. It is well supplied with water and is one of the best stock farms in the county.
BURTON, P. D .- Clerk of the courts. Was born in Pike county, Ohio,
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
September 24, 1840. When nine years of age he, with his parents, moved to Austinburg, Ashtabula county, same State. Here young Burton received all the advantages of a good school education. He here commenced, when quite young, to make his own way in the world. He commenced as clerk in a store, where he continued until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the Fourteenth Ohio battery, in August, 1861, and was mustered out September 24, 1863. Mr. B. was engaged in the following battles: Shiloh, Fort Donelson, Siege of Corinth, and numerous skir- mishes. On his return from the army he came to Iowa, but remained only a short time, when he returned to his native State. In 1865 he again came westward and located in Grinnell township on a farm, where he has since made his home, and has 108 acres of Poweshiek's best land in his posses- sion, finely improved. In 1876 he was elected by his friends to the office of Clerk of the Courts and re-elected in 1878, and has filled the office with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is characterized as a man of industry, and is governed by the most rigid principles of hon- esty and integrity. He was married in Lake county, Ohio, on February 5, 1867, to Miss Ruby Merriman, a native of that county. Their family circle are: Frank, Arthur, Kate and Grace.
C ARR, CAPT. J. W .- Attorney at law. This gentleman is a native of Logan county, Illinois. Was born April 26, 1839. At the age ·of four years his mother died, and three years later, his father, when he was taken by his grandmother to raise. When about eight years of age, young Carr was brought by his uncle, Stephen R. Moore, and his grand- mother, to the county (December, 1847). He was raised on a farm and received all the advantages of the common schools supplemented with two years of college study at the Iowa College of Grinnell. On the breaking out of the Rebellion, while in college, he was roused from his student dreams. The call of April, 1861, for troops saw young Carr in the very front of those who sprang to answer the treasonable roar of the guns upon Fort Sumter. J. W. Carr enlisted in company F, Tenth Iowa infantry as second lieutenant, and in February, 1862, he resigned on account of sick- ness and returned home. Soon after regaining his health he organized company C of the Twenty-eighth, in September, 1862, and was elected captain and served with distinction until the close of the Rebellion, and just before his muster out he was breveted major. On his return home, he engaged in the mercantile business for three years, when he was urged by his friends to accept the nomination of clerk of the courts, and was elected and re-elected three consecutive terms, and served to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. During this time he studied law with Judge L. C.
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
Blanchard, and was admitted to practice in February, 1877, and is now a member of the firm of Redman, Carr & Fariner. These gentlemen enjoy a large and lucrative practice. In his own home Captain Carr has been well blessed; the partner of his joys and sharer of his life's ills he found in the person of Miss Lottie Frick, a native of New York, whom he married January 10, 1866. Two children, Fred and Tad, are the complement of their family circle.
CARR, NICHOLAS-Montezuma. Of the firm of Carr & Blanchard, dealer in agricultural implements. The subject of this sketch was born in Logan county, Illinois, on June 28, 1836. His parents both died when Nicholas was quite young. He was brought to this county by his relatives as early as December, 1847, and has been a resident of this county ever since. His boyhood days were passed on a farm, and he received only the advantages of a common school education. In September, 1861, he en- listed in company K, Tenth Iowa volunteers and was with the company fourteen months, when he was discharged on account of disability. He par- ticipated in the battles of Corinth and Iuka and several skirmishes. In 1865, Mr. Carr was elected Sheriff, and held that office four years, with honor to himself and satisfaction to his friends; was also mayor of Monte- zuma one year. He was married in Dresden to Miss Mary A. Correl, No- vember 20, 1856, native of Pennsylvania. They have three sons and two daughters: John W., Rosanna (now Mrs. James A. Stone), Charles A. and Almeta (twins), and Edward.
CHESHIRE, THOMAS A .- Born in Pleasant township, this county, April 2, 1854; remained on the farm ten years, during which time he attended school at the old log school-house that stood for years at Blue Point. After removing to Montezuma he attended the graded school there until the course of study had been completed, then went to Iowa College, and afterward to the State University located at Iowa City. Owing to ill health he did not take a regular college course. When he was seventeen years old he entered the Republican printing office and served an appren- ticeship of three years. Having a natural inclination for the legal profes- sion, at the age of twenty he entered the law school at Ann Arbor, Michi- gan, and after two years study received a diploma and the degree of LL. B. He then opened a law office in Montezuma, and practiced his pro- fession for a year, at the end of which time, his father's death made it nec- essary for him to abandon his profession and take charge of the Republi- can. He edited the paper for three years, and then again entered his chosen field-the law-and is now one of the firm of Lewis, Clark & Chesh- ire. Mr. Cheshire was married September 18, 1879, to Miss Virginia Belle
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
McClellan, who was born May 25, 1862, at Montpelier, Williams county, Ohio, and died August 3, 1880, eight days after the birth of a daughter.
CLARK, CHARLES R .- Was born at Plymouth, New Hampshire, December 28, 1842. The first fifteen years of his life were passed on a farm. He entered Kimball Union Academy, and graduated therefrom in 1853, when he became a school-teacher, which profession he followed in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Wisconsin, until 1865, when he came to Scott county, Iowa, and began teaching at Le Claire, where he remained until August, 1866, when he came to Montezuma, and became the superintendent of public schools, which position he occupied twelve years. During the school vacations he read law and fitted himself for admission to the bar, and was admitted in April, 1878. In May following, he formed the partnership of Lewis & Clark. He possesses idomitable perseverance, a well-cultured, evenly-balanced mind, is courteous and affable in manner, and is distin- guished for his nobility of character. He was married at Davenport, in September, 1869, to Miss A. E. Tousley, of Shelborne Falls, Massachusetts. To them has been born one son, Charles W.
D' ALBEY, S. J .- Of the firm of Dalbey & Griffith, dealers in fine gro- ceries. Was born in Greene county, Ohio, October 15, 1834. At the age of fifteen he removed with his parents to Iowa and located in Os- kaloosa, where they remained but a short time, when they located in Union township, Mahaska county. About four years later they removed to this coun- ty, on a farm. In 1855 his father came to Montezuma and started a general store, where the subject of this sketch has since lived. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company B, Fortieth Iowa, and was mustered out in March, 1864. He was married in Mahaska county October 1, 1854, to Miss Paul- ine Deardorff, a native of Indiana. They have by this union two sons and one daughter: Florence E., Clarence W., and Willie. Mr. Dalbey has been long established in business, carries a well-selected stock, and by close attention to business has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative trade. He is a pioneer house in his line in the city, and his ability as a business man may be inferred from the success which has attend his ca- reer.
DEAN, D. R .- Farmer, sections 3 and 4, P. O. Montezuma. Was born on the 17th of February, 1839, and is a native of Fulton county, Illinois. He was there educated and was raised on a farm, which occupation he has followed to the present time. In August, 1863, he enlisted in company H, Ninety-third Illinois infantry, and served for over one year, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability. He returned to Illi- nois, where he remained until the spring of 1870, then coming to Powe-
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shiek county. He is the owner of 80 acres of improved land. Mr. Dean was married in Bureau county, Illinois, March, 26, 1860, to Miss Ester C. Dean. By this union they have five children: Nellie D., John D., Eliza- beth, Estella, and Georgie A.
DRYDEN, J. A. H .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Monte- zuma. Was born in the State of Ohio June 21, 1840, and after obtaining his education engaged in farming, which he continued until the fall of 1866, then came to Poweshiek county, and is now engaged extensively in farming and dealing in stock. His farm consists of 200 acres, well im- proved. September 18, 1861, he enlisted in company A, Forty-eighth Ohio infantry, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and several others equally as severe. He served until 1864, when he was honorably discharged. His marriage was in this county November 21, 1869, when Miss Emma, daughter of Thomas Walker became his wife.
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