USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,. > Part 89
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DRAKE, J. C .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Holmes county, Ohio, March 12, 1827, where he was raised and educated on a farm. His father (Jesse) was a farmer. Our subject married, in his native county, in 1850, Miss Martha Quick, of the same place. In the fall of 1853 he came to Iowa, and in the spring of 1854 lo- cated on the same section on which he now lives. He purchased 740 acres, which he subsequently improved. He now owns 234 acres, all under culti- vation. His family consists of five children: Mary Edith (wife of R. T. Cummings), Cincinnatus G., Candance, Seward Lincoln and Lillian. Lost one, an infant.
DRAKE, I. N .- Of the firms of Manatt & Drake Bros., hardware mer- chants, and Drake Bros., dealers in coal, lime and cement. Was born in Wood county, Ohio, August 13, 1845, and resided there until the age of nine years. His father, Isaac Drake, was an agriculturalist in that State. The family came to Poweshiek county in 1854, being among the first set- tlers. In early life I. N. pursued farming. In 1872 he embarked in the hotel business at West Liberty, where he remained until 1875, when he came to Brooklyn, where he has since been in trade. Was married in 1871, to Miss Sophia Thomas, of Brooklyn. By this union they have two chil-
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dren: Alice and Clyde. He is an Odd Fellow (the encampment) and a member of the A. O. U. W.
DRAKE, C. C .- Of the firms of Manatt & Drake Bros., hardware mer- chants, and Drake Bros., dealers in coal, lime and cement. Was born in Wood county, Ohio, May 8, 1848. Came to Iowa with his parents in 1854, his father, Isaac Drake, locating in Warren township, Poweshiek county, where C. C. resided until 1861, when he came to Brooklyn and learned the tinner trade. Was engaged in various pursuits until 1878, when he em- barked in the hardware trade. He is also in company with his brother, I. N., in the coal, lime and cement trade, and does a thriving business in that line. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is numbered among the stalwart business men of the town. He was married February 18, 1872, to Miss C. H. Meyers, of Black Hawk county, Iowa.
E LLIS, J. B .- Farmer, section 27, P. O. Brooklyn. Born in the town of Temple, Franklin county, Maine, June 15, 1834, and was there raised to manhood. He received a liberal education in his youth. His occupation has always been that of a farmer and teaching school during the seasons when work was not pushing on the farm. In 1855 he came to Scott county, Iowa, where he resided about four years, then moved to Mus- catine county. He was there engaged in farming until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in company G, Second Iowa cavalry, in 1861. He was in many severe and closely contested engagements, during his service, among which were the battles of Iuka, first and second bat- tles of Nashville, Franklin, Tennessee, and others. He was taken prisoner at Booneville, Mississippi, in May, 1862, and was conveyed to Mobile, Ala- bama, where he was kept one month; then taken to Macon, Georgia, where he was kept over three months. Was then sent to Libby Prison and was paroled from there after being kept but a few days. He again joined his command at Grand Junction, Tennessee, and was honorably discharged in October, 1865, after having veteranized during his service. He returned to his home in Muscatine county, this State. In 1867 came to this county, purchased his farm, returned home and was married in Muscatine county, to Miss Jane Ann Cunningham, on the 9th day of April, 1868. She is a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. They have three chil- dren living: Robert B., William S. and Anna May. In June, 1868, he moved to his present location, where he owns a well-cultivated farm of eighty acres.
F RANCIS, J. L .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1825, and when a mere child his parents brought him to Green county, Kentucky, where they remained
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about four years, when they returned to Adams county, Ohio. He there received his education and attained the age of manhood. He followed the pursuits of agriculture for his avocation since his early youth, except about one year and eight months, when he followed the tanning and currying business. In 1850 he came to Tazewell county, Illinois, where he remained until 1852; then moved to La Salle county, where he remained until 1864, when he came to this county and settled on his present location, where he owns a fine farm of 435 acres of cultivated land. He was married in La Salle county, Illinois, in 1852, to Miss Margaret Cochran. Their family consists of nine children: John W., Thomas, Moses, Edward, Delilah, Kiturah, Samuel, Dora and Emma.
FRANCIS, T. M .- Brooklyn. Was born in Greenup county, Ken- tucky, September 9, 1828. His father, William Francis, was an agri- culturalist. The family removed to Ohio when T. M. was quite young, where they resided for a number of years, after which they came to Illi- nois, residing in that State for about fifteen years, engaged in agricultural pursuits, etc. T. M. came to Iowa in 1864, locating in Poweshiek county. He first resided two years in Bear Creek township, after which he removed to Malcom township, remaining there until 1875, when he returned to Bear Creek township, locating in Brooklyn. He was married in 1857, to Miss M. F. Cummings, of Massachusetts. Himself and wife are closely identified with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Francis is a member of the A. O. U. W. During his sojourn in Brooklyn he has been engaged in various pursuits. At present he is agent for Messrs. Stirling & Talbott, lumber dealers. His father, William Francis, died in Illinois, in 1855. His mother is still living and a resident of Bear Creek township.
FRIZZELL, THOMAS-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 9, P. O. Brooklyn. The subject of this sketch was born near Westminster, Mary- land, in 1835. He moved with his parents to Holmes county, Ohio, in 1838 and was there educated and raised to manhood. In 1853 he became impressed with the idea that Iowa offered superior inducements to young men of energy and so came here the fall of that year and settled in this township. How well he has succeeded is evident to all, as he now enjoys the possession of a valuable farm of 480 acres of well cultivated land. His buildings are among the finest and most comfortable in his neighborhood. He is extensively engaged in stock-raising. His home is surrounded with groves, orchards, etc., and everything about his place presents the appear- ance of being under the care and management of a skillful agriculturalist. He also owns a farm of 160 acres in Calhoun county, this State. He was married in 1864, to Miss Margaret Buchanan, of Brooklyn. Their fam-
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ily consists of four children: John Wilfred, Hamiett, Isabella, Ada and Martha Ellen. They have lost two, both infants. He is closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the county and has always kept pace with its progress.
FRY, J. F .- Carriage and wagon-maker, Brooklyn. Was born in Som- erset county, Pennsylvania, January 28, 1823. In 1833 he went to Holmes- county, Ohio, with his father (Thomas), where he resided eleven years and learned his trade. He came to Poweshiek county in 1854, being among the pioneer mechanics of the county. He was married, in the fall of 1849, to Miss Barbara Bell, of Ohio. They have one daughter, Hannah (now Mrs. Fred Shim). Mr. Fry is among the early settlers of this county, and has seen the growth and prosperity of Bear Creek township. He is recog- nized as one of Brooklyn's substantial manufacturers. Himself and wife are identified with the Presbyterian Church.
FLAIG, JOSEPH A .- Merchant tailor, Brooklyn. Was born in Lon- don, November 20, 1841. His father (Valentine) came to America with his family when our subject was quite young. He resided for a time in New York and Philadelphia, and then moved to Gloucester, Delaware, where Joseph A. was raised and educated. In 1853 our subject moved to Marietta, Ohio, residing there a few years, after which he lived in Missis- sippi and West Virginia. He learned his trade in Lewisburg, West Vir- ginia, where he resided a number of years, and then moved to Indianoplis, Indiana, and in 1861 located in Shelbyville. In 1866 he came to Iowa, stopping one year in Burlington, coming to Brooklyn in 1867, where he has- since resided. He was married, November 28, 1869, to Miss Miranda Dee, of Poweshiek county, formerly of Vermont. They have had three chil- dren, two of whom are living: Mary Ann and Sarah Maria. Murtie (de- ceased). Mr. Flaig is of German and English lineage, his father being a native of Germany, of German parents, and his mother a native of En- gland, of English parents. His father (Valentine) was a resident of the West Indies for ten years; he died in Mississippi in 1877. Mr. Flaig has been engaged in the merchant tailoring business during his residence in Brooklyn. He is a Master Mason, and also a member of the Masonic Be- nevolent Association of Oskaloosa.
FOSTER, C. L .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 13, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Oswego county, New York, February 1, 1829, where he was. partially raised. His father (W. C.) died when C. L. was quite young. In 1844 our subject went to Racine county, Wisconsin, where he resided for a. time, and then removed to the northern part of the State, subsequently lived in Fond du Lac county, from which place he came to Iowa, in 1856.
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He resided some time in Iowa City, and then located in Tama county, where he engaged in farming for two years, when he returned to Johnson county, and after a short stay there came to Brooklyn, where he has since resided. He was married, May 27, 1857, to Miss Jane Mannagh, of Iowa City, formerly of Canada. They have seven children: Henry, Mabel, Millard, Harry, Fred, Ora and William. Mr. F.'s farm consists of 139 acres, all under cultivation, and comparatively well stocked. He operated a brick yard for sixteen years in connection with farming, but for the past few years has confined himself exclusively to farming. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. Himself and family are members of the M. E. Church.
G ILMORE, J. S .- Farmer, section 29, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Franklin county, Indiana, October 10, 1838, and came west in 1856, first settling in Minnesota, remaining there but a short time, then came to Brooklyn. He followed various pursuits, such as stage driving, railroad- ing, engineering and the hotel business. He was ever willing to engage in any honorable employment. He has visited many of the Western States, yet found no place more to his liking than Poweshiek county. He was married, in Brooklyn, January 1, 1860, to Miss M. C. Bross, formerly of Sussex county, New Jersey. They have seven children: Frank, C. Fred, Etta, Kiturah, Burtis, Charles and Cora. Lost two, infants: Edward and Gracie. Mr. G. owns eighty acres of valuable land, with good comfortable buildings. He also farms 100 acres besides his home place, and is engaged in stock-raising to quite an extent.
GILMAN, L. K .- Proprietor of the Gilman House and restaurant, Brooklyn. Was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, April 8, 1836, where he was raised and educated. His father (Jonathan) was a farmer, his ancestors being among the first settlers of the New England States. In 1855 the subject of this sketch moved to Illinois, where he resided about ten years; he then came to Clinton, Iowa, where he filled the position of foreman in a planing mill for nine years. In 1874 he came to Brooklyn, where he has since resided. He was married, May 8, 1866, to Miss Dorcas Johnston, of County Monehan, Ireland. Mr. Gilman is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and an Orangeman. He has a conveniently located hotel and res- taurant opposite the C., R. I. & P. R. R. depot, and does a thriving business.
GOODENOUGH, S. R .- Farmer, section 12, P. O. Brooklyn. Born in Oneida county, New York, on the 22d day of March, 1826, and when about two years of age his parents brought him to Chautauqua county, same State, where he spent his time on a farm until he attained his fourteenth year. He then moved to Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he attained his
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majority. He was there married, in 1846, to Miss Polly A. Palmer, a na- tive of New York State. In the autumn of 1849 he moved to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he resided until 1851, when he emigrated to the gold fields of California. He there remained until 1855, then returned to Mad- ison, Wisconsin, and resided there until the spring of 1856. He moved on a farm he previously purchased in Grant county, where he lived until 1858, then came to Iowa and settled in Warren township, this county. He re- sided there until the close of the rebellion. Moved to his present location where he owns a farm of 220 acres of cultivated land. In the summer of 1862 he enlisted in company H, Twenty-eighth Iowa infantry. Was in nearly all the battles the regiment participated in. He was promoted to corporal during his service. His family now consists of six children: James E., Loraine M., Monroe, Charles, Eva Belle and Elvina. They lost one, Freddie.
GOODALE, C .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 4, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Martinsburgh, Lewis county, New York, on the 9th day of August, 1831, and was there educated and raised to manhood. Followed the pursuit of agriculture since his early youth, and has always given it his entire attention. In 1856 he moved to Whiteside county, Illinois, where he remained until 1865. In the winter of 1858 he visited Davenport, this State, and was married, December 25th, to Miss Mary A. Lanphere, of Whiteside county. He immediately returned to his home and in 1865, be- coming impressed with the idea that Iowa was the land which was des- tined to become the garden spot of the West, he came to his present loca- tion, in the spring of that year, where he owns a valuable farm of 260 acres of well-cultivated land, well stocked. His family consists of four children living: Linus, Emma, Frank and Clark, and he takes great interest in giving them the benefits of a liberal education.
GWIN, ELIAS-Dealer in grain, coal, etc., Brooklyn. Was born in Holmes county, Ohio, January 27, 1834. His father, James Gwin, was an agriculturalist in that State. The Gwins were of Scotch and Irish lineage. James Gwin came to Poweshiek county with his family in 1850, being among the early settlers of Bear Creek township. Being among the pio- neers they had many of the difficulties to contend with that are incident to the early settlement of a new country, such as long drives, and in those days deep snows were prevalent. Mr. James Gwin died in 1864. Our sub- ject married, September 20, 1857, Miss Elizabeth Flack, of Ohio, Holmes county. By this union they have five children: Edward (deceased), A. F., S. B., Lillian Belle, James E. Mr. Gwin has been in the grain and coal trade since 1874; previous to that time he was engaged in various pur-
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suits, confining his attention principally to farming and the stock trade. He has seen all of Brooklyn's growth and development. Was the first mail agent between Brooklyn and Montezuma, the county at that time being very sparsely settled and comparatively barren. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Gwin's grandfather, John Gwin, figured quite conspicuously in the Revolutionary War. He enlisted at the age of four- teen years as a drummer boy and was mustered out at its close as drum major. He built the first mill in Holmes county, Ohio, packing the ma- terial from Pennsylvania on the backs of mules.
H ARDY, REV. J. B .- Brooklyn. Of Poweshiek's pioneers there is none deserving of more special notice than the subject of this notice, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, February 7, 1820. Moved with his parents to Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1824. He attended the common school of his district until he attained the age of seventeen years. In 1841 came to Iowa and commenced his theological studies. July 9, 1842, was licensed to travel under the auspices of the Rock River Conference. At the organization of the conference in Iowa City, in September, 1844, he was ordained, and commenced his missionary labors in what was known as the Clear Creek Mission, which included Poweshiek county. Rev. Hardy held the first religous service held in the county in the spring of 1844, in the log cabin residence of a Mr. Satchel, about four miles south of where the town of Montezuma now stands. The missionary labors in those days were very arduous, the country being 80 sparsely settled, and the obstacles Mr. Hardy had to contend with can bet- ter be imagined than described. He has been a diligent worker of the M. E. Church in this State from 1842 to the present time, his labors being con- fined to Iowa. He is recognized as one of the stalwarts of that denomina- tion. He was married July 9, 1846, to Miss Emily A. Jamison, daughter of Rev. Milton Jamison, at that time a prominent Methodist divine of Kentucky. By this union they have two daughters: Emma A. (now Mrs. Stafford), Lenora (now Mrs. Kilburn). The Reverend's labors at present are at Eddyville, Mahaska county, but he still is a resident of Brooklyn. He has a pleasant home, the surroundings of which indicate comfort. He can look back with some degree of satisfaction to the early times and know that he sowed the first seed of Christianity in one of Iowa's banner counties.
HENRY, B. S .- Of the firm of Parker & Henry, bakers, grocers and confectioners, Brooklyn. Was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1859. Was there raised until he attained the age of four years, when he moved with his father, Joseph Henry, in company with the bal-
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ance of the family, to Poweshiek county, locating in Brooklyn, where B. S. has been raised and educated. Mr. Henry learned the cabinet trade with Messrs. Tanner and Parker, after which he clerked for W. M. Hanky in his dry goods for three years. In the spring of 1880 he formed a partnership with G. W. Parker. They operate a bakery, grocery and confectionery, and enjoy a good trade. Mr. Henry is well and popularly known in Brook- lyn.
HICKS, B. P .- Proprietor of the Hicks House. Was born in Ontario county, New York, May 4, 1836. His father, Amos Hicks, moved with his family, including B. P., to Orleans county, in that State, when in his in- fancy. After a residence there of eight years, engaged in agricultural pur- suits, the family moved to Wayne county, Michigan, where he was raised to manhood and educated. In 1859 he went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and freighted for some years between that point and Denver, Colorado. From 1866 to 1874 was engaged in various pursuits, railroading a portion of the time. In 1874 came to Brooklyn and since that time has been catering to the wants of the traveling public. He keeps a hotel that will compare fa- vorably with any in the town, coveniently located, opposite the C., R. I & P. depot.
HOLLEY, S. L .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1839, and there educated and raised to manhood. His occupation has been that of a farmer since his early youth, and he has always been successful in that calling. He was mar- ried in 1860 to Miss Ardelia Martin, who died in 1866. He came to this county in 1868, and in 1869 he returned to the scenes of his childhood and was there married that year to Miss Emma Smith of that county, and after a stay of a few months he again came to this county with his bride, and now enjoys the possession of a valuable farm of 320 acres of land. He is engaged in stock-raising to quite an extent. His family consists of two children, living, both of his last union: Fannie Maud and Emery LaMorte. Mr. Holley was elected township treasurer in 1878, and served one year, to the entire satisfaction of his friends and the public. He always takes an, active part in the welfare of the schools of his neighborhood.
HOTT, JOHN .- Car repairer in C., R. I. & P. yard, Brooklyn. Was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, August 3, 1833. Was there raised until he attained the age of ten years, when the family removed to Holmes county Ohio. After a residence in Holmes county for a number of years, the sub- ject of this sketch came to Davenport, where he resided for a time, after which he moved to Marshall county, and resided until 1857, when he came to Brooklyn. He was married in 1860 to Miss Martha Norris. By this
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union they have three children: Laura, Clara, Ernest. Mr. Hott is a car- penter by trade, but for a number of years has been in the employ of the C., R. I. & P. R. R. yard as car repairer.
TONES, D. F .- Contractor and builder, Brooklyn; son of Uriah Jones of Madison township, Poweshiek county. Was born in Indiana, March 13, 1851. Came to Iowa with his parents when quite young. The family resided for a time in Linn county, after which they removed to Poweshiek where the subject of this sketch was raised and partially educated. D. F. attended the schools in Madison township until 1871, when he attended, for a time, the Brooklyn school, after which he attended the university at Iowa City. Went west in 1873, and learned the trade he now pursues in Nevada. In 1875 returned to Iowa, and was engaged for a time in the lumber trade at Blairstown. Came to Brooklyn in the spring of '77. Was married May 30, 1876, to Miss Emma Irene Sherman, of Iowa county. There family consists of two children: Ethel Irene, Raymond Sherman. ' Himself and family are members of the Episcopal Church, and are among its liberal patrons and supporters. He is recognized as one of the leading contractors and builders of the town.
L' ANTZ, J. W .- Agriculturist and nurseryman, Brooklyn. Was born in La Fayette, Sussex county, New Jersey, August 26, 1838. Was there raised and educated. His father, Peter Lantz, was an agriculturalist in that State. The Lantz's were of German ancestry. The subject of this notice came to Brooklyn in 1857, at that time a small station on the State road, and has been a resident since, with the exception of his term in the service. Mr. Lantz enlisted in August, 1862, in company H, Twenty-eighth Iowa volunteers, participating in many of the notable events of the Rebel- lion, among which were Vicksburg and Youngstown. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865, at the close of the Rebellion. He was married February 27, 1868, to Miss Caroline Newkirk, of Brooklyn. By this union they have four children: Edith, Viola, Elmer, Alburti. Mr. Lantz is a member of the B. V. Union, is an Odd Fellow, and belongs to the A. O. U. W. Himself and family are closely identified with M. E. Church.
LEWIS, L. P .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Genesee county, New York; and in 1828 his parents moved to Morrow county, Ohio, when he was about seven years of age; there his mother died in 1835, and her death cast a gloom over his father's house- hold. The subject of this sketch spent most of his time in acquiring an education and helping his father on the farm during his residence there. In 1842 he moved with his father to Knox county, Illinois, where he fin- ished his education. In 1863 he offered his services as a soldier, was
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not accepted on account of disability; but was appointed enrolling-master by the government, which office he retained until the close of the war. He was appointed postmaster at Truro, Knox county, in 1858, which office he held until 1863, when he resigned. He was married in 1849 to Miss Phebe Palmer, of Knox county. In 1869 he became impressed with the idea that Poweshiek county offered superior inducements to men of energy, and so came here in the spring of 1866, after having spent one year in Iowa City. His success in life has been very marked, as he began business for him- self in very limited means, and through his habits of continual industry and careful management, now enjoys the possession of a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land. Is also engaged in stock-raising to quite an extent, and owns a farm of eighty acres in Cerro Gordo county, this State, and a wagon manufactory in Brooklyn. His hospitality is worthy of special mention as his latch-string is always out to the traveling public. He always takes a warm interest in the welfare of the county, and is always willing to lend his influence to all commendable enterprises. His family consists of five children living: Amanda (now Mrs. A. C. Palmer of Fillmore county, Nebraska), Lawrence P. (now in Nebraska), Ella S. (now Mrs. E. M. Palmer of Phelps county, Nebraska), Emma W. (who resides with him and is a graduate of Grinnell College), and Etta A.(also a graduate), and in fact all his children have received a liberal education. Many schools in his neighborhood owe to him their existence and prosperity. He has held many offices of home interests and always to the entire satisfaction of the public.
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