The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,., Part 69

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1004

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MSLIE, WILLIAM -- Montezuma. Retired. Was born in Scotland August 12, 1829; was raised on a farm and received the advantages of an ordinary education. He was married in his native country to Miss Mary Scott about 1852. Two years later he with his wife emigrated to the United States and made their home in Champaign county, Ohio, until 1856 when they came westward and located in Montezuma, where he has since made his home. Mr. E. is evidently a self-made man. He came here with little or no means, but, being a good manager and a careful business man, he has succeeded in placing himself above want. He owns a well-cultivated farm just east of town; also the hotel known as the Stanley House, which was under his management for about thirteen years, and as " mine host" he was a success; also a very fine property on the north side of the street from the hotel, and other property. Mr. Emslie is a man of kind heart and obliging disposition, combined with social qualities, which have made him many friends. In his home he is well blessed. Mrs. Emslie is a lady of rare good judgment, and the respect shown her is as wide as her acquaint- ance.

ENSOR, D .- Proprietor of brick-yard, section 12, P. O. Montezuma. This gentleman owes his nativity to Maryland, where he was born on the 27th of April, 1818. He there received his education, after which he com- menced farming and continued the same there until April 21st, 1856, then came to this county and resumed his former occupation, and now owns a farm of 80 acres of impoved land. He has a fine brick-yard situated about one mile southwest of Montezuma, and is employed at present in making about 5,000 brick per day. He was married in the State of Maryland Au- gust 5, 1838, to Miss Mary Cross. By this union they have had seven

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children, four of whom are now living: Johanna, John T., Nathan L., and Francis A. Three are deceased: George W., William J. and Mary L.

ALKINBERGH, JOB-Stock-dealer, section 5, P. O. Montezuma. F

Was born in Ohio, May 13, 1830, and there reached his majority. While young he learned the blacksmith trade, and May 15, 1853, came to this county, engaged in working at his trade, and continued the same until August, 1878, at which time he commenced farming. He now owns a farm of over 360 acres, improved. On the 27th of March, 1858, Miss Eliza J. McVey became his wife. They were married in Montezuma, and have three children living: Hannah A., Fred A., and Frank E. Have buried four: Mary, Josie, Irbin, and one unnamed.

FARMER, JOHN W .- Of the firm of Redman, Carr & Farmer, attor- neys and abstracters. Born in Pickaway county, Ohio, December 23, 1833. When young Farmer was four years old his parents moved to Kosciusko county, Indiana. His parents were well-to-do farmers, and he had the ad- vantages of the schools of his neighborhood. In 1856 he came West and located in this county, and has ever since made it his home. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company B, Fortieth Iowa, and was mustered out of service in August, 1865, as first lieutenant. He was engaged in the follow- ing battles: Siege of Vicksburg, at the capture of Little Rock, Ark., was on the Camden Expedition, Prairie d' Annie, and Jenkins' Ferry. He was married in Kosciusko county, Indiana, to Miss Sarah G. Arnold, August 12, 1865, who died at her home in Montezuma October 14, 1880. He was elected sheriff of this county January 1, 1874, and continued in that office until January, 1878. He commenced reading law with his present firm, and was admitted to practice in April, 1880, but gives his atten- tion mostly to the abstract business. Mr. Farmer is a man of good busi- ness qualifications, and the respect shown him is as wide as his acquaint- ance.

FORCUM, J. B .- Contractor and builder, Montezuma. Was born in the State of North Carolina, December 19, 1835, and was there raised and educated. While young he learned the carpenter trade, and followed it until October 31, 1866, at which time he came to Iowa and settled in Powe- shiek county. Has since been engaged in working at the contractor and builder's business, and, being a practical workman, enjoys a good share of the patronage of the people. In 1862 he entered the Quartermaster's De- partment. Also saw considerable field service, being with Gen. Lee through his entire campaign. Mr. Forcum was married in North Carolina, October 25, 1866, to Miss Martha E. Gaither. By this union they have five chil- dren: Eugene D., Lucian B., Theophilus W., Preston L., and Mary R.

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G ILLILAND, A. F .-- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Monte- zuma. Was born in Johnson county, Iowa, September 17, 1844, and was raised on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools. In July, 1865, he came to this county, and now owns a farm of 320 acres. It is one of the best stock farms in the township, and he is dealing in and raising a good deal of stock. He was married in this county January 4, 1870, to Miss Margaret Banard. They have one child by this union, Maud (born May 6, 1873).

GORDON, ALEX .- Retired merchant, Montezuma. Was born in Scotland, May 29, 1823, and there was educated and raised. In youth he engaged in tilling the soil, and followed the same as an occupation until June 22, 1851, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York. From that place he went to Ohio, continued farming, and in the spring of 1855 he came to this county. During the late war, in August, 1862, he enlisted in company C, Twenty-eighth Iowa volunteers, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. Participated in the battles of Champion's Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, and was with Banks in the Red River Expedition, and during this latter march was taken pris- oner and held for over thirteen months, suffering many hardships incident only to rebel prisons. After receiving his discharge he returned to this county, and was here married on the 7th day of September, 1871, to Miss Agnes Mills. By this union they have three children: Mary A., Maggie G., and Lena A.

GORDON, DAVID-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Montezuma. Was born in Aberdeen county, Scotland, January 9, 1829, and there resided until 1851, receiving his education there. In June, 1851, he immigrated to America, landing in New York, from which place he went to Huron county, Ohio. There engaged in farming until October, 1856, when he came to Poweshiek county, and has since resided here; owns a farm of seventy-two acres, im- proved. On the 9th of January, 1858, Miss Margaret Cook, of Ohio, be- came his wife. By this union they have five children, four of whom are living: David, Mary J., Alexander W., and Ida B. Lost one: Maggie L. H ALL, JOHN, SR .- Banker, of the firm of Hall, Kierulff & Co., is a native of the County Armah, Ireland, born on the 18th day of No- vember, 1823. When young Hall was but twelve years of age his father died, leaving a wife and family of four children to mourn his loss, the sub- ject of this sketch being the youngest. Five years later (1840) his mother, with the family, emigrated to America and located on a farm in Coshocton county, Ohio. Here young Hall grew to manhood, receiving only a limi- ted education. Later on we find him married to Miss Rebecca Hamil-

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ton, a native of that county, and in 1854 he came West and located on section 26, in Jackson township, this county, where he entered 160 acres of land from the government. Two years later he brought his wife and only child, John (who is now cashier of the bank), to their lowa home. When Mr. Hall came to this county his means were limited, having barely enough money to enter his land, but by good management and fine busi- ness qualifications he has succeeded in gaining a good share of this world's goods. In 1862 he gave up farming, and enlisted in company B, Fortieth Iowa, and served his adopted country with honor until the close of the war. In his younger days he learned the trade of cabinet-making, and on his re- turn from the army he commenced working at his trade in Montezuma; and while thus engaged he was persuaded by his friends to accept the nomina- tion of County Recorder, and was elected to that office two consecutive terms, which he filled with honor to himself and satisfaction to his friends. On his retiring from office he engaged in the abstract business, which he continued for some time. In 1876, in connection with his present partner, G. W. Kierulff, they organized and started the flourishing bank of Monte- zuma. Mr. Hall is eminently a self-made man, commencing life with lit- tle means, and is a good illustration of what an industrious man can ac- complish. A marked characteristic of his entire career has been his un- tiring energy and enterprise. His career as a business man may be in- ferred from the success that has attended his efforts.

HALL, JOHN W .- Farmer, section 35, P. O. Montezuma. Was born in the State of Rhode Island, November 16, 1816, and when sixteen years of age removed to Illinois, where he was engaged in farming. In the win- ter of 1846 he came to Poweshiek county, continued agricultural pursuits, and in the spring of 1855 went to Decatur county, Iowa, where he became engaged in the mercantile business, and in the spring of 1865 returned to this county. He owns a fine farm of 105 acres; residence surrounded by shade trees; has a young orchard of 140 trees. He was married Novem- ber 16, 1840, to Miss Eliza Stout. They have had seven children, five of whom are living: Sarah, Mary, Jane, Laura, and Hattie. Lost two: Wil- liam and Ellen.

HARROD, DANIEL-Stock-raiser, section 16, P. O. Montezuma. Was born in Knox county, Ohio, June 24, 1838, and while a youth com- menced farming. He was also engaged in teaching, and in the spring of 1864 he came to this county, resumed farming, and for four years was em- ployed in sheep-raising. He then commenced the raising of stock, and deals quite extensively in thorough-bred cattle. In the fall of 1875 he re- turned to Ohio, remained there until the fall of 1878, then came again to this county, where he owns a farm of 170 acres.

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HAWIER, ANDREW-Farmer, section 24, P. O. Montezuma. Was born in Virginia, June 16, 1814, and when three years of age moved with his parents to Ohio, where he was raised and educated. He commenced farming, and in the spring of 1837 went to Indiana, where he continued this occupation, and in the spring of 1824 came to Poweshiek county, where he now owns a farm of eighty acres. He was married in Ohio, May 28, 1835, to Miss Sarah Reed. They have six children: Harriet, George and Joseph W., living, and three deceased: John H., Reed and one infant.

HAWKINS, W. B .- Farmer, section 5, P. O. Montezuma. Was born in Kentucky, May 2, 1825, and at the age of eleven years removed with his parents to Indiana, where he attended school. After obtaining his educa- cation he engaged in farming, continuing the same until 1846. He enlisted in the Mexican War in company I, First regiment Indiana volunteers, Capt. C. C. Nave, and was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. He remained in the service one year, when he was honorably discharged. Then returned to Indiana, resumed farming, and in the fall of 1848 he came to this county, being the first one to enter land in Jackson township. He owns an im- proved farm of 425 acres. His marriage was in Missouri, May 5, 1850, to Miss Amy Agler. They have had ten children, six of whom are living: Nevada A., Charles A., William W., George, Fred and Emma. Lost four, Ida, Eddie and two unnamed.

HUTCHINSON, ROBT .- Retired farmer, Montezuma. Was born in County Derry, Ireland, in the year 1816. Here may be mentioned the name of another self-made man. When quite young he emigrated to New York City, where he lived three and one-half years, working at his trade, that of a mason. He then removed to Coshocton, Coshocton county, Ohio, where he remained until 1855. In the meantime, having saved a good share of his earnings, he came to this county and entered 800 acres of land from the government and located in the southwest part of Jackson township, where he still owns a fine farm of 420 acres. In 1876 he gave up farming and moved to Montezuma, where he has since made his home. He was mar- ried in Coshocton county, Ohio, to Miss Elner Hall, sister of John Hall, Esq., of this place, November 10, 1842. She died, leaving a family of four sons and one daughter: John H. (dealer in general merchandise at Agri- cola), A. C. (dealer in stock, living in Montezuma), William (attorney at law, Montezuma), James (who devotes himself to agricultural pursuits and lives on the homestead farm), and Ella (now the wife of Mr. Ed. Lytle, of this place).

RVIN, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Montezuma. Was born March 10, 1849, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and at the age of

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six years removed with his parents to Illinois, where his education was ob- tained. He engaged in farming and followed it until May, 1871, when he- came to this county, and is now the owner of an improved farm of eighty acres. He was married in Sigourney, Keokuk county, this State, on the 3d of January, 1873, to Miss A. M. Wier. They have a family of three- children, living: John S., Myrtle and William W.

TONES, W. N .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, P. O. Montezuma.

Is a native of Hendricks county, Indiana, and was born on the 18th of October, 1834. He was there raised and received his education, and when young engaged in farming and stock-raising, which he has continued to the present time. In October, 1857, he came to this county, and is ex- tensively engaged in the raising of fine stock. His farm consists of 325 acres, well improved. His marriage occurred on the 9th of December, 1861, at which time Miss Sarah Thorn became his wife. They have eight chil- dren : Elizabeth, John, Mary, Nancy, Robert, Elma, Ida and Jessie. Have lost one son, Ira.

JOHNSON, REV. J. B .- Retired Protestant Methodist preacher. Born in Highland county, on what is called Harden Creek, near Greenfield, Ohio, June 5, 1807. When about four years of age his father moved to Clinton county, where the subject of this sketch was raised on a farm. He received only the advantages of the common schools. He lived with his- parents until he was about twenty-two years old, when he was married to Miss Abigail B. Haines, October 30, 1828. He then moved with his wife on a farm, in the same county, and in 1842 he, with his family of five children, came to Missouri and located in Andrew county. He was there licensed to preach. He remained in Andrew county until the spring of 1847, when he returned to his native State, where he remained until 1848, when he came to Iowa, and located in Oskaloosa, where he engaged in keeping hotel for one year, where the Downing House now stands. The following October he came to this county, and engaged in his chosen call- ing. He was the first minister in Montezuma, and erected the first church building. Also, organized the first sabbath-school, which was held at his house. His family consists of five sons and two daughters: Sophroneus, Sylvester, Mordecai, Garland G., Z. S., Keziah S. (now Mrs. Jones), Aba- gail (now Mrs. Bane, living in Colorado). Lost two sons and one daughter: John I. (died from disease contracted in the army), Salathael and Vetu- rah A.

JOHNSTON, ELIZA J .- Section 3, P. O. Montezuma. Widow of the late J. W. Johnston, who was born in Ireland, and when six years of age came with his parents to the United States, first settling in Illinois, where

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he followed farming. In November, 1866, he came with his family to this county and continued his former occupation till his death. He was mar- ried September 4, 1857, to the subject of this sketch. She was born in Ireland, October 22, 1839, and there received her education, and at the age of eighteen years came to the United States, landing in New York. From there she moved to Illinois, and lived in that State until her marriage. Mr. Johnston died February 8, 1874, leaving, besides his wife, six children to mourn his loss.

JOHNSON, SYL .- Proprietor of the Johnson House. Was born in Ohio on the 25th of February, 1835, and in the fall of 1848 came to this county, and has since made it his home. He has been raised and educated here, and now owns forty acres of well-improved land. His residence is well located, a half mile from town, and the view of the country around is quite fine. He was married in the county, August 16, 1855, to Miss Anna T. Hope. They are the parents of four children: Abbie J., Sarah M., Maggie L. and Dora.

K IERULFF, G. W .- Of the firm of Hall, Kierulff & Co., bankers, Montezuma. This gentleman was born on the island of St. Croix, West Indies. His father, being an attorney and a man of culture, decided upon giving his son a good education, and when but seven years of age he was sent to Altona, Schleswig-Holstein, where he attended school for five years, then returned to the West Indies and remained several years. When nineteen years of age he embarked on the steamer Kent for Califor- nia, where he engaged for a short time in mining. He then moved to San Francisco and kept books for a large lumber firm for about two years. He then went to Calaveras county and opened a small store of general mer- chandise to supply the miners. In 1857 he went to New York, where he remained but a short time, and then went South and taught school a few months. The same year he came to this county, and bought 320 acres of good farming land, on the present site of Ewart, in Pleasant township. Here he continued in agricultural pursuits till 1869, when his friends, rec- ognizing his good business qualifications, urged him to accept the nomina- tion for County Treasurer. He was elected, and held that office three consecutive terms, thus showing the appreciation of his worth by the general public. After his retirement from office he formed his present partnership with Mr. John Hall, making, with his good business tact, the banking busi- ness a thorough success. He was married in Selma, Alabama, to Miss F. B. Harralson. Their family circle are George B. and Anna E.

KILBURN, F. A .- Montezuma. One of the most prominent and suc- cessful merchants of the county. Was born in Gilsun, New Hampshire,

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February 21, 1820, and there received a part of his education. When nine- teen years of age he removed to Vermont and finished his education, after which he engaged in farming and teaching. This he continued until Octo- ber, 1851, when he came to this county, and in February, 1852, went to Keokuk and purchased merchandise. On the way home he disposed of the most of it, and returning with the balance to Montezuma, he engaged in the mercantile business. He is now one of the most successful business men of this city. He is also a large land owner, having 775 acres, 600 of which are under cultivation. Mr. K. has been twice married. First, in Hartford, Vermont, June 14, 1841, to Miss Sarah Chandler. She died February 25, 1870, leaving three children, two of whom are now living: Mary H. (now Mrs. Wm. A. Moody, born June 7, 1842) and Abigail S. (now Mrs. Dr. John C. Tibbett, born November 22, 1846). Sarah is deceased. She was the wife of Judge L. C. Blanchard, and was born Octo- ber 9, 1850; died February 19, 1878, leaving two children: Claude and Rose. Mrs. K. was an estimable lady, one loved and respected by all, and many mourned her loss. Mr. K.'s second marriage was February 2, 1871, to Mrs. Mary F. Ferry. They have one child, Lillian F. (born June 2, 1873). He is an extensive dealer in fine stock, and has one of the largest stock farms in the county. In the year 1872 he shipped 101 car-loads of hogs.

KIMBLEY, W. H .- Farmer, section 9, P. O. Montezuma. Is a native of Indiana, having been born in Lawrence county. After receiving his education there he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and followed it as his occupation until July 11, 1861, at which time he enlisted in company A, Twenty-fourth Indiana volunteers, and served for three years, then being honorably discharged. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Schuyler, Corinth and Grand Prairie, Ark. After the war he removed to Illinois, continued his former business, and in the spring of 1869 came to this county. He has since lived here, and owns a farm of eighty acres. He was married in Illinois, October 10, 1869, to Miss Sarah E. Redman. They had four children by this union: Perry N., Ella, Orrin and Charlie. His second marriage was to Mary A. Fulton, March 20, 1879. They have one child, Bertha.

L ATCHEM, A. R .- Merchant. Was born in Warren county, Ohio, No- vember 11, 1850. When six years of age his parents came to this place and engaged in the boot and shoe business. He received his early educa- tion here, and afterward a business education in Davenport, Towa. He was married here to Miss Jennie Mullikin, October 11, 1876. They have one son, Harry Earl, eighteen months old. Mr. Latchem has been thoroughly educated.

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LEINS, W. T .- Wagon-maker, Montezuma. Was born in Germany, May 30, 1847, and resided there until four years of age, when, with his parents, he emigrated to America, landing in New York. He removed to Wisconsin, and there attended school, after which he commenced farming. This he continued until February 22, 1866, when he learned the wagon- making trade, and has since followed it to the present time. In Novem- ber, 1868, he came to Poweshiek county, and has since resided here, and is now enjoying a good business. He was married in this county May 24, 1873, to Miss Mary Scott. They had by this union four children, three of whom are living: Mary G., John W. and Ella P. Charlie is deceased.

LEWIS, WILLIAM ROBINSON-Firm of Lewis & Clark, attorneys at law. The subject of this sketch was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, October 12, 1835. For fifteen years his place of residence was in the county of his birth, where he served his father, who was one of the thrifty farmers of that deservedly renowned region of country. In 1850 his parents re- moved to Coshocton county where they still reside. During the seven years following his removal to Coshocton county he was in the employ of his father, who, during this time was engaged in carrying on a store of gen- eral merchandise. At the age of twenty-one years he removed to Peoria county, Illinois, where he remained for one year. In 1857 he again re- moved westward and selected as a place of permanent abode the then flourishing town of Montezuma. Previous to leaving the State of his na- tivity, he began the study of law, which study he pursued until admitted to the practice in 1866, nor did his study of his chosen profession cease with his admission to the bar, for the high standing Mr. Lewis enjoys as a lawyer is neither attained nor maintained without persistent and labor- ious study. He was County Superintendent of schools from January 1, 1862, till the fall of the same year, when he resigned, and in response to the general request of his fellow citizens, became candidate for Clerk of the District Court. He was elected by a large majority and served the people for one term to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In the meantime, in company with Hon. M. E. Cutts of Oskaloosa, he purchased the old MeIntire mill, which the two continued to operate till 1865. Dur- ing the last fifteen years he has devoted his entire attention to the practice of his chosen profession, and his superior attainments as a safe counselor, successful practitioner and profound student are generally acknowledged throughout a judicial district which contains some of the brightest lights of the legal fraternity. Mr. Lewis has not attained his present position by easy and sudden flights, " but he, while his companions slept, was toiling upward in the night." Brought up on a farm, he was inured to the un-

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ceasing toil and strict economy which has for many years been characteris- tic of the region of his nativity. When he left the parental roof, it was not with a competence nor a collegiate education; his schooling was what could be obtained at the country district school-house during the winter months, and his capital was simply an indomitable will and an earnest pur- pose. He toiled on a farm, worked at the carpenter's bench, taught school and shunned no labor which seemed necessary to procure for him the means of completing his studies. Mr. Lewis was married at Burlington, Ver- mont, September 12, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Cutts of that place; she is a sister of the Hon. M. E. Cutts of Oskaloosa.

M cCREADY, W. W .- Montezuma, attorney at law. Was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 5, 1849. When he was twelve years old he, with his parents, moved to Knox county, Illinois. His father was a farmer, and young McCready received the advantages of a good school education. He came to this county in 1864. He read law with Judge L. C. Blanchard; was admitted to practice in 1874, and at once formed a partnership with A. W. Ballard of Montezuma and continued with him for two years. Although Mr. McCready was too young at the time of the war to take an active part, he belonged to the telegraph corps of Ohio for six months. He was married in this county, to Miss Lizzie, daughter of James S. Chew, Esq., of Mahaska county, in February, 1872. They have one daughter, Floy.

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The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,., Part 69

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1004

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Des Moines : Union Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1004