The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,., Part 88

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

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WILLIAMS, BENJAMIN-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born January 8, 1826, in Carroll county, Maryland, where, after finishing his education, he engaged in farming till 1849, then moved to Holmes county, Ohio, and engaged in farming till 1854, when he came to Iowa and settled where he now lives, and owns one hundred and twenty acres of good land with abundance of fruit and well stocked. Mr. Williams was mar- ried August 17, 1854, in Holmes county, Ohio, to Miss Lucinda Hull, who was born there in May, 1830. Five children are the fruits of this union: James Thomas and Jessie Washington, twins (born February 28, 1857), Catharine E. (born July 12, 1861), Charles (born in 1864), James H. (born in 1867). Mrs. Williams, after years of suffering, died July 17, 1875; she was an earnest, patient Christian, a member of the M. E. Church, a kind and loving wife and mother, and was mourned by a wide circle of friends and relatives.

BEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.

A NDERSON, D .- Physician, Brooklyn. Was born in Wynette,

Bureau county, Illinois, December 11, 1853; was there raised and attended the common schools until the age of fourteen years, when his father (F. Anderson), who was a farmer, came to Brooklyn with his family. In June, 1875, our subject entered the drug store of Sterling & Talbott as clerk, and remained there eight months; after which he went to Mt. Pleas- ant and attended the Iowa Wesleyan University for two years, graduating as pharmaceutical chemist June 19, 1877. While attending the University he made a study of medicine, Drs. J. and C. D. Conaway, of Brooklyn, being his instructors. After his return to Brooklyn he studied in their office for nine months, after which he took a course at the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, graduating June 3, 1879. July 7, 1879, he opened an office in Brooklyn, and has pursued the practice of his profession since with a considerable degree of success. Although but a young practitioner, he has attained a successful record, and is recognized by the leading mem- bers of the profession throughout the county.

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B AKER, DANIEL-Farmer, section 33, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1842, and was there raised until he at- tained his seventeenth year, when he went to Sauk county, Wisconsin, and remained until 1862, when he enlisted in company K, Twenty-third Wis- consin infantry (better known as the Sauk County Rangers). He was in the battles of Champion's Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, Carrion Crow Bayou, and many other hard fought battles; was in all engagements that his regiment participated in; was one of the surviving two of his company at Carrion Crow Bayou, the rest being killed or wounded; had many narrow escapes. He was honorably discharged at Mobile, Alabama, in 1864, and returned to his home in Wisconsin, where he was married, in 1868, to Miss Sarah A. Young, a daughter of William Young, formerly of Richland county, Ohio, but moved to Sauk county in 1849. Their family now consists of five children: Mary Isabella, John L., Ira A., Walter G. and Lawrence W. Lost one, an infant. In 1869 he moved to his present location, where he owns a nice farm of 160 acres of well cultivated land, and is engaged in stock- raising quite extensively. He is numbered among the thrifty, energetic men of the county.

BALL, H. C .- Architect and builder, Brooklyn. Was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, February 5, 1839; was there raised and educated; his father (J. R. Ball) was a farmer. The family (including the subject of this sketch) came to Poweshiek county in 1854, being among the early settlers of Bear Creek township. They resided for a short time in Jasper county soon after their arrival in the State, and J. R. Ball died in that county, after which they returned to Poweshiek county. In 1861 the subject of this sketch went to Pike's Peak, returning in 1862. After a residence in Brook- lyn of one year he went to Montana, and after residing there one year he again returned to Brooklyn, where, ever since, he has been a permanent · resident. His mother, also, is a resident of Brooklyn. His brother (J. J. Ball) is at present studying medicine at the University at Iowa City. Mr. Ball is an Odd Fellow, and is well known in Brooklyn and the surrounding country as being one of the prominent architects and builders of the county.

BARCLAY, J. P .- Farmer, section 25, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th day of March, 1829. He there spent his youth on a farm, and there acquired an education. He was mar- ried in his native county, November 3, 1852, to Miss Sarah Newkirk, also a native of the same county. In the autumn of 1857 he came to this county and settled on his present location, where he owns a farm of 160 acres of valuable land, and also ten acres of timber in Warren township.

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His wife died on the 12th day of May, 1878, leaving a family of five children, two of whom are living: Newkirk S. and Nettie May. Three deceased: James, Ella and an infant. Mr. Barclay is an active member the Presbyterian Church, and is a liberal supporter of all religious institu- tions.

BAUER, AUG .- Brooklyn. Born in the city of Spyer, Bavaria, Ger- many, October 31, 1851. Came to New York in 1854 with his parents, resid- ing for a time in Brooklyn. After a residence in the States of Delaware and Indiana, the subject of this sketch came to Iowa, locating at Monte- zuma, and has been a resident of Poweshiek county since. He was married in 1875 to Miss Lavina Weaver, of Ohio. By this union they have two children: Harry and Jennie. Mr. Bauer is a Master Mason. He has been in the employ of the C., R. I. & P. R. R. for a number of years, and is among its trusted employes.

BENNETT, L. M. - Butcher and stock-dealer, Brooklyn. Born in Muskingum county, Ohio, November 19, 1836; was there raised to man- hood and educated. Came to Poweshiek county in 1864, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Has been in the stock trade and butchering for the past twelve years. He was married, November 12, 1863, to Miss O'Ban- nan, of Licking county, Ohio, daughter of the Hon. W. P. O'Bannan, of that county. By this union they have two daughters: Ella and Clara H. He enlisted, October 14, 1861, in company A, Seventy-sixth Ohio, participat- ing in a few of the fierce battles of the war, such as Fort Donelson, Shiloh and others. Was honorably discharged September 17, 1862, on account of sickness contracted while discharging his duty. Mr. Bennett is a Master Mason, and a member of the Brooklyn Veteran Union. Himself and family are members of the M. E. Church.

BLANKENFELT, J .- Dry goods, notions and groceries, South Brook- lyn. Was born in Prussia, April 12, 1843. His father was an agriculturalist in that country. He was there raised and learned the trades of tailoring and butchering. Came to America in 1865. First located at Geneseo, Illinois, where he resided nine years, after which he came to Brooklyn, where he has since resided. He operated a butcher-shop in South Brooklyn for three years, previous to which he was engaged in various pursuits. In 1879 he embarked in the merchandise business. Was married in the autumn of 1868 to Miss Maria Egler, of Illinois, originally from Bohemia. By this union they have five children: Annie, John, Charles, Fredricka and Fran- cis. Mr. Blankenfeld is a member of the I. O. O. F., being well and pop- ularly known, and as he keeps a well selected stock of goods, commands a liberal trade.

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

BYERS, JOHN-Billiard hall, Brooklyn. Was born in County Belfast, Ireland, June 25, 1834, and when quite young he moved with his parents to Canada, where they resided for a number of years, and where John was partially raised and educated. They next moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania, where they remained ten years and here the subject of this sketch learned the trade of paper-staining. In 1848 he moved to Illinois, where he resided for a time, returning to Pennsylvania, where he lived for eighteen months, after which he returned to Illinois and resided until 1867. In 1867 the family came to Poweshiek county, Scott township, where the subject of this sketch was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1873, when he removed to Brooklyn, engaging in the grocery trade, which he operated six years. Was married February 25, 1859, to Miss Eliza John- ston, of Illinois. By this union they have one daughter, Eliza Jane. A portion of his time in Pennsylvania he was engaged in clerking in a gro- cery house at Manchester, at which place he was unfortunate, meeting- with an accident by the explosion of a package of gun caps, by which he was deprived of the sight of one eye.

C ANDER, REV. T. H .- Of the Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn. Was

born June 20, 1854, in Rock Island, Illinois. Was there raised and partially educated. He adopted his calling at an early age and received his degree as A. M. at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois, in 1876. Was connected with the Mission in Chicago for three years. Came to Brooklyn in 1879.

CARDER, JOHN B., M. D .- Of the firm of Rayburn & Carder, physi- cians and surgeons. Dr. Carder was born in Athens county, Ohio, Febru- ary 14, 1848. In 1854 his father, Henry Carder, with his family, among which was the subject of this sketch, came to Iowa and located in Marion county, engaging in agricultural pursuits and resided there for thirteen years. In 1867 the family moved to Decatur county. John attended the common schools in Marion county and in Decatur county. He attended the Garden Grove Seminary two years during the seasons of 1868-9. Was a student at the Iowa Central University of Pella, after which he entered the academical department of the Iowa State University at Iowa City, and remained there two years. While pursuing his studies at Garden Grove- and Pella, during vacation, he engaged in school teaching. In April of 1872 he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Prof. J. C. Shrader, well and popularly known in the Northwest as a professor, doctor and senator. After pursuing his studies for four years he took two courses of lectures in the medical department of the State University. He then went to Brooklyn, New York, and entered the Long Island College Hos-

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pital, graduating from that institution June 22, 1876. He resided for two years at Garden Grove, his old home, practicing his profession, after which he came to Brooklyn and formed a co-partnership with Dr. Rayburn. He was married September 12, 1877, to Miss Adelia L. Shrader, of Iowa City, daughter of Senator J. C. Shrader. By this union they have one child, Helen. Although Dr. Carder has been in Brooklyn but a few years, he has obtained considerable celebrity as a practitioner.

CARRUTHERS, P .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Brook- lyn. Was born in Herkimer county, New York, March 1, 1832; was there raised and educated. His father, William Carruthers, was an agricultur- alist in that State. The subject of this sketch came to Scott township, Iowa, in 1856, where he was engaged in farming until 1862, when he came to Poweshiek county, locating where he now resides. He was married in 1861, to Miss Phena McAra, of New York. By this union they have one daugh- ter, Phena. Mr. Carruthers' farm consists of 200 acres, all under cultiva- tion. His residence is one of the finest in the county and is pleasantly situated one-half mile from town. He makes a specialty of the stock trade and is numbered among the leading stock men and agriculturalists of the county.

CHASE, H. M .- Deputy Sheriff of Poweshiek county, Brooklyn. Was born in Indiana, February 22, 1840. Came to Iowa with his father, Harvey Chase, in 1853, the family locating in Tama county. The Chases were among the pioneers of that county. H. M. resided there for seven- teen years, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married in the winter of 1859, to Miss Matilda Bayley, of Tama county. By this union they have three children: William L., Clara, Ada. Mr. Chase located in Brook- lyn in 1870. During the first few years he was engaged in the stock trade.

CHAMBERS, F. A .- Carriage, wagon-making and general blacksmith- ing, Brooklyn. Was born in Frederick county, Maryland, December 17, 1825; was there raised until he attained the age of sixteen years. In 1841 he went to Liberty, Indiana, where he resided six years, engaged in various pursuits. He then went to Richmond, Indiana, where he learned his trade and remained four years. In 1851 he went to Jacksonville, Illi- nois, where he remained two years, after which he went to Petersburg and resided there for a number of years. In 1863 enlisted in the ninety-day call; was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term. He was mar- ried in 1855 to Miss Sarah Ann Sutton. By this union they have had four children, one living, Charles. Mr. Chambers has been in Brooklyn since

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1865. Is doing a large and lucrative business. Himself and family are. members of the M. E. Church.

CONAWAY, JOHN-Physician, Brooklyn. John Conaway, for the last four years State Senator, representing Poweshiek and Tama counr- ties, is a native of Cadiz, Ohio. Born on the 16th of November, 1822. His parents were Charles and Frances Arnold Conaway. The Conaways were from Ireland, and among the pioneers in Maryland and Virginia. The subject of this notice spent his youth in and near his native town, tilling the soil and improving his mind as far as a common school afforded oppor- tunities. At twenty years of age he entered the academy at Ha- gerstown, Carroll county, spending two years there, teaching during the winter seasons. He read medicine while continuing his teach- ing for four years, two with his cousin, Mr. Enoch Conaway, of Franklin, Harrison county, and two with another cousin, Doctor Henry Conaway, of Rogersville, Tuscarawas county. Practiced five years at Bakersville, Coshocton county. Attended lectures at the Eclectic Medi- cal Institute, Cincinnati. Graduated on the 25th of February, 1854. Prac- ticed three years more at Bakersville, and on the 1st of May, 1857, reached Brooklyn, Poweshiek county, where he settled and where he has been the leading physician for twenty-one years. He has had a very extensive ride, often reaching into Iowa county on the east and sometimes into Tama on the north. He has a good name wherever known. The winter of 1866-7 Dr. Conaway spent in New York City attending lectures in Belle- vue Hospital Medical College, the Eclectic Medical Institute and the Ophthalmic Hospital, giving himself a thorough brushing up in several branches of the healing art, and increasing the confidence of the people in his skill. His medical education is thorough. During the last seven years he has been associated with Charles D. Conaway, a younger brother, and both have ordinarily all the business they could desire. For the last five years Dr. Conaway has been United States Medical Examiner for pensions. He was State Senator from January, 1874, to January, 1878. Was chair- man of the Committee on Township and County Organization, and acted on four or five other committees. While he was in that body he was appointed to visit the Hospital for the Insane at Mount Pleasant. Dr. Conaway was a Democrat until the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, since when he has usually acted with the Republicans. When elected to the Senate he was nominated and supported by the Patrons of Hus- bandry. He is a Master Mason and an Odd Fellow. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; has been a steward nearly thirty years, and is a trustee of the Wesleyan University, a Methodist school, located at

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Mount Pleasant. The Doctor's wife was Miss Mary E. Canning, of Rog- ersville, Ohio; married the 7th of October, 1849. They have lost three children and have three still living: Francis (wife of O. F. Dorrance, a merchant of Brooklyn, Iowa), Florence Narcissia (music-teacher) and Freeman R. (student at the State Normal School at Cedar Falls).

CONAWAY, C. D .- Physician, Brooklyn. The subject of this notice was born near Cadiz, Ohio, September 25, 1836. His parents were Charles and Frances Arnold Conaway. The Conaways were from Ireland and among the pioneers of Maryland. The Arnolds were among the first set- tlers of Pennsylvania. They were descendants of the Cullums, of Mary- land. The subject of this notice spent his early life in farming and attend- ing the common schools in the vicinity of his native town. In 1856 he entered the McNeely Normal School, at Hopedale, Ohio, and studied for three years, after which he was engaged in farming in Richland county, Ohio, until 1864, and teaching school during the winter season. He then attended the Hayesville College, of Hayesville, Ohio, for one year and a half, and then came to Iowa, locating in Brooklyn. In 1868 he took a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati. After his return to Brooklyn he formed a partnership with his brother John. Dr. Conaway has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Margaret McClintock, of Ohio, by whom he had three children, only one of whom is living: John. Deceased: William and Enoch. His first wife died June 24, 1865. His second wife was Miss Julia Ann Busby, of Carroll county, Ohio, whom he married August 20, 1868, and by whom he has had two children: Earl D. Hone (born April 4, 1871; deceased) and Jennie Independence (born July 4, 1876). Dr. Conaway is a Chapter Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Methodist Church, and has been a steward in the same for a number of years. Mrs. Conaway is a class leader in the church. They are among its liberal patrons and supporters.

CONE, GEORGE WARREN-Attorney-at-law, Brooklyn. Was born in Rockinghamtown, Vermont, October 17, 1837, where he lived till thir- teen years old. His father (Theodore) was a farmer. He moved with his family (including the subject of this sketch) to Galesburg, Illinois, in 1850. In 1861 our subject enlisted in company G, First Illinois cavalry. His first engagement was at Lexington, Missouri, where he was taken prisoner by Gen. Price, and paroled. He returned to his home in Illinois, and on August 10, 1862, re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Second Illinois in- fantry, participating in many of the notable events of the war. He was promoted to first lieutenant in the spring of 1863, and received his com- mission as captain the autumn of the same year. He was honorably dis-

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charged June 5, 1865, at Chicago, and commenced the study of law in the same year at Galesburg. He was admitted to the bar in 1867, at Knox- ville, Illinois. He practiced at Oneida, Illinois, until 1869, when he came to Brooklyn. Mr. Cone is numbered among Brooklyn's prominent attor- neys, and has a large and lucrative practice.

COTTER, CHARLES R .- Switchman for the C., R. I. & P. R. R., Brooklyn. Was born in Auglaize county, Ohio, September 7, 1854, where he was raised and educated. He came to Iowa and located for a time at Iowa City. He then came to Brooklyn, where he has been a resident for a number of years, and in the employ of the railroad company. He was married, February 23, 1874, to Miss Emiline Whitsett, by whom he has three children: Lena Grace, Charles Albert and Willie Ernest. Of the employes of the railroad he is regarded as among the faithful and trust- worthy.

CRAWFORD, W. B .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 11, P. O. Brook- lyn. Was born in Morrow county, Ohio, February 22, 1837; his father (John) was a farmer in that State. The subject of this sketch came to Iowa in 1859, locating in Iowa county, where he resided several years. He first engaged in school teaching. In 1860 he went to the Rocky Mountains on an exploring tour. In 1864 he entered the United States service, par- ticipating in many of the notable events of the war, among which were: Macon, Georgia, Savannah and others. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 1865, after which he returned to this State and located in Powe- shiek county, where he has since resided. Mr. C. has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Mary Ann Davidson, by whom he had five chil- dren: Margaret E., John D., W. W., Mary Jane and Cora O. His first wife died in the spring of 1866. His second wife was Miss Gertrude Happy, of New York, whom he married in March, 1867. Mr. C. owns in all 411 acres of land, his home farm embracing 161 acres.

CUMMINGS, H. G .- Retired, Brooklyn. Was born in Hampshire county, Massachusetts, October 8, 1826. In the spring of 1835 he moved with his parents to La Salle county, Illinois, where he was raised and edu- cated. His business has been that of farming, at which he was engaged till 1865, when he retired from active life. He married, November 22, 1854, Miss Mary Peck. In the spring of 1855 he came to this county and settled in what is now Warren township, where he resided till his removal to Brooklyn. His business prosperity is due to himself, as he started out in life with very limited capital. He owns a handsome residence in Brook- lyn, besides large tracts of land in this and other counties of the State. He has five children living: Eliza (now Mrs. J. John Francis), Edith, Dora, Clorine and Maggie. They have lost one, an infant.

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CUNNING, M. S .- Carpenter and builder, Brooklyn. Was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, September 7, 1834, was there raised, educated and learned the trade he now pursues; came to Poweshiek county, in 1857, locating in Brooklyn, where he has since resided. In 1863 he enlisted in company E, Fourth Iowa cavalry, participating in many of the prominent engagements of the war, among which were: Big Blue, Columbus, Geor- gia and others; was wounded at the Big Blue engagement; was honorably discharged, August 23, 1865, and returned to his home in Brooklyn. He was married in 1860 to Miss Matilda Newkirk, of Brooklyn, formerly of Pennsylvania. By this union they have seven children: Henry, Charlie, Mamie, Eugene, Reene, Sadie, and an infant. Mr. Cunning is an Odd Fellow, and a member of the B. V. U. He is one of the pioneer car- penters of the town, being a first-class workman, and well and popularly known.

D AVIDSON, JOHN-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 15, P. O.

Brooklyn. Was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1830, where he was raised and educated. John Davidson, Sr., his father, was a farmer in that State. In the spring of 1855 Mr. Davidson came to Poweshiek county and located in Bear Creek township, being among the pioneers; his father came the same season, locating where Mr. Robt. David- son now resides; he died April 10, 1880. Our subject was married, March 18, 1852, to Miss Raphel Davidson, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had five children: Albert, William, Andrew, Raphel and Mary J. His wife died in 1861, and in 1862 he was again married to Miss L. S. Higgens, of Iowa county, by whom he has one son, Herbert W. Mr. Davidson owns in Powe- shiek county over 1,143 acres of land; his home farm comprises 360 acres. In company with Dr. I. N. Busby, he owns a fruit farm of eighty-seven acres in Jefferson township, which contains 6,000 apple and 400 cherry trees, and other fruits in proportion. He is numbered among the leading agriculturists of the county. In 1857 he was County Assessor, and has held various township offices since that time. He was among the pioneer school teachers of the county, and has been closely identified with the pro- gress of education since 1857. Himself and family are members of the M. E. Church.

DAVIDSON, A .- Farmer, section 5, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1854, and was brought by his parents to this county in 1855. His father, John Davidson, was among the first set- tlers of this county. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and educated in this county. He always followed farming, and is now conduct- ing a farm of 120 acres, besides being engaged in stock-raising quite ex-

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tensively. He was married, December 18, 1878, to Miss K. Z. Dunlap, of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. She is a lady of refinement and culture.

DODGE, H. L .- Editor, Brooklyn. Was born in Stewart county, Ten- nessee, January 26, 1839, and moved with his parents to Dayton, Ohio, when very young, where he remained until he attained his thirteenth year, when he came with his parents to Burlington, this State. He there finished his education, being employed as a merchant clerk a short time. In 1857 he entered a job printing office in Burlington, and continued at that busi- ness until the fall of 1863, when he enlisted in company G, Twenty-fifth Iowa infantry. He was on detached duty at Gen. Logan's head-quarters most of the time during his service. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865, and then returned to Burlington, and soon after entered the same printing office, where he remained until the spring of 1870. He then came to Mt. Pleasant, where he entered the office of the Mt. Pleasant Jour- nal as foreman, and there remained until the fall of 1875. He then came to Brooklyn and entered the employ of W. A. McFarland on the Brooklyn Chronicle, of which publication he became the editor in September, 1879, and has conducted it ever since. He was married April 8, 1862, to Miss Lela Haskell, daughter of Daniel Haskins, of Burlington. They have five children.

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The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,., Part 88

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