The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,., Part 91

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

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S COTT,JOHN T .- Attorney, Brooklyn. Was born in Kilmanerc, Scot-

land, October 16, 1840. His father, Joseph Scott, was a carpet weaver by profession. He came to America when John T. was three years of age and located at Terryville, Massachusetts (now Thompsonville), where he engaged in carpet-weaving and resided six years, when he came West, locating in Fayette county, Wisconsin, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, residing there until the time of his demise in 1856. From 1856

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to 1861 John T. was engaged in various pursuits, attending the common schools during the winter season and studying at every available opportu- nity, his early education facilities being very limited. In 1861 he ten- dered his services to his country, enlisting at Elizabeth, Illinois, in company E, Fifteenth Illinois volunteer infantry, participating in many of the prominent engagements of the Rebellion. After his enlistment he was retained at Freeport, Illinois, until the call for 300,000.men, when his com- pany was mustered into the service. Was honorably discharged the spring of 1862, and re-enlisted in September of that year in the One Hundred and Second Illinois infantry. In 1863 he was promoted from the ranks to sec- ond lieutenant of the Sixteenth United States colored regiment. In Janu- ary, 1864, he received his commission as first lieutenant, which office he filled until he was honorably discharged in May, 1866. He came to Brook- lyn in the same year and engaged in agricultural pursuits for one season, after which he entered the law office of J. D. Hale, of Brooklyn, and read law. Was admitted to the bar in December, 1867. Was admitted to prac- tice in the Supreme Court in 1870. Was married, in 1868, to Miss Marian Shimer, of Brooklyn. By this union they have one son, John O. He is a member of the Brooklyn Veteran Union and a Mason.

SEELEY, J. B .- Carriage and wagon-maker, Brooklyn. Was born in Malaquanatch, Island of Cape Breton, December 5, 1843. Was there raised until he attained the age of twelve years, when he moved with his parents to. Canada. His father, Austin Seeley, was a mill-wright. The family located at Renfrew, where they resided until 1858, and where J. B. was partially educated. In 1859 they came to Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, and where the subject of this sketch learned the trade he now pursues. In 1861 he tendered his services to the cause, enlisting in company H, Twelfth Illinois infantry, participating in many of the leading battles of the war, among which were Ft. Donel- son, Shiloh, Corinth, first and second engagements, Ball's Knob, Jonesboro, Bentonville and others. At the second battle of Corinth he was severely wounded in the thigh and still retains in his person the lead. He was hon- orably mustered out as sergeant at Louisville, Kentucky, August 5, 1865, after which he returned to his home at Princeton, and pursued farming antil 1867, when he came to Poweshiek county. He farmed for a number of years four miles northwest of Brooklyn. Moved to Brooklyn in 1874 and clerked in the mercantile house of O. F. Dorrance until 1878, when he embarked in his present business. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Anna Wasson, of Washington county, Iowa. They have four children: Elsie Maud, Jennie, James Austin and Ellen. Mr. Seeley is a Master of the

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A. O. U. W .; also member of the Brooklyn Veteran Union. Himself and family are identified with the M. E. Church.

SHINE, ADAM-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Malcom. Was born in Saxon, Germany, December 3, 1835. He came with his par- ents to the United States when he was about eleven years of age. They settled in Holmes county, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was raised. In 1854 he came this county, remaining about eleven months, when he re- turned to the home of his parents, in Holmes county. He was married there in December, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth Uhl, of that county; they have eight children living: Jesse, Lafayette, Caroline, Catharine, Adam, Lydia, Matildia, Rosetta and Charles, they have lost four infants. Mr. Shine has been very successful in business, as he started out a poor boy. He owns two valuable farms as well as some lots in Malcom and Victor. Mr. Shine has won the confidence and respect of the people of the county.

SPENCER, J. A .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Jefferson county, New York, February 19, 1829. His father (Stephen Spencer) was an agriculturist in that State. Mr. Spencer resided in Jefferson county until he attained the age of twenty-two years, attending the common schools and improving his mind as circumstances would per- mit. In 1851 the family removed to Ohio, where Mr. Spencer resided five years. In 1856 he came to Illinois, where he remained until 1867, when he came to Poweshiek county, where he has since resided. He was mar- ried July 2, 1862, to Miss Mary Banning, of Ohio; himself and Mrs. Spen- cer are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Spencer is a Master Ma- son. His farm, which consists of 260 acres, is well stocked, his house pleasantly situated and adorned with a good orchard.

STAHL, JACOB-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Germany, in 1835, and was there educated and raised to manhood. His occupation in youth was that of a shepherd. He came to the United States in 1853 and made his first settlement in Newark, New Jersey, where he followed the pursuit of agriculture for about two years, he then moved to Bureau county, Illinois, where he resided until the spring of 1869, when he moved to his present location. He was married in Bureau county, in 1862, to Miss Jane Sterling, of that county; their family consists of three children living: Frank, William and Mertie; they lost four in childhood. Mr. Stahl owns a nice farm of 160 acres of well cultivated land with first- class improvements. He is deserving the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors.

STEVENSON, J. D .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P. O. Brook- lyn. Was born in Carroll county, New Hampshire, September 14, 1831;

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was there raised until he attained the age of sixteen. His father (D. G. Stevenson) was a farmer. The Stevensons are of Scotch lineage. At the age of sixteen years Mr. Stevenson went to Boston, and clerked in a mercan- tile house for eight years, after which he came to Illinois, locating in Shef- field, where he resided until 1864, when he made a tour through the Wes- tern country, returning in 1866, and continued to reside there until 1876, when he came to Poweshiek county. In that year he embarked in the hardware business in Brooklyn, which business he conducted for eighteen months when he turned his attention to tilling the soil. He was married, in 1854, to Miss Mary Pickett, of Beverly, Massachusetts, daughter of Thomas and Sophia Pickett of that place. She is of English leaneage. Their family consists of three children: Willie A., Florence C. and Francis L. Mr. Stevenson's farm consists of sixty acres. He makes a specialty of raising and trading stock. Is a member of the A. O. U. W .; himself and family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

STOBER, J. C .- Dealer in saddlery and harness, Brooklyn. Was born in Baden, Germany, June 30, 1840. Was there raised until he at- tained the age of nine years, when, with his father, F. G. Stober, and his family, he came to this country. They located at Freeport, Illinois, and resided there until 1859, when he moved to Iowa City, where he resided until 1862. During his sojourn at Freeport he learned the trade of harness making. In 1862 he enlisted in company K, Twenty-second Iowa, partici- pating in many of the notable events of the war, among which were Port Gibson, Black River and Vicksburg. At the battle of Winchester he was se- verely wounded in the arm. Was with Gen. Mullinaux in his tour through Texas. Was honorably discharged July 25, 1865, and returned to Iowa City. Came to Brooklyn in 1867. Was married October 3, 1865, to Miss Anna M. Dostal, of Iowa City. By this union they have two children: George and Antonie. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Encampment and the Brooklyn Veteran Union. Mr. Stober is the pioneer harness maker of the town, and carries a large stock.

SWENSON, JOHN .- Farmer, section 22, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Sweden in 1830, where he was raised. He followed the pursuits of agri- culture since his early youth. In 1853 he came to America and made his first settlement in Princeton, Illinois, where he remained until 1867, when he moved to this county. Was married June 28, 1866, to Miss Christine Johnson. His family consists of four children: Andrew S., Frank W., Albert Theodore and Josephine. Has lost one, an infant. His success in life has been very marked, as he made a comfortable home through his habits of continued industry. He owns a farm of 80 acres of well improved

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land, with good comfortable buildings, and also engages in stock-raising to quite an extent.

T ALBOTT, J. C .- Farmer, section 13, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born

in Tuscarora, New York, June 9, 1823. Was there raised until he at- tained the age of four years, when he moved with his father, J. J. Talbott, to Holmes county, Ohio, where the family resided until 1845, when they came to Iowa, locating in Jefferson county. In the spring of 1846 they came to Poweshiek county, locating where J. C. now resides, being the first settlers in the township. Mr. J. J. Talbott died February 20, 1849. The subject of this sketch was married, December 14, 1854, to Miss Mary Ann Swaney, of Ohio, by which union they have five children: John S., Thomas Kinsie, Laura Jenette, Adda Belle, Matilda Mary. The two latter are de- ceased. Mr. Talbott is the pioneer of Bear Creek township, and has seen its development from a barren waste, inhabited only by the dusky natives, wolves, buffaloes, etc., to a township now settled with an intelligent class of agriculturalists, and laden with the choicest productions of the soil. He owns a fine farm in close proximity to Brooklyn, and is recognized as one of the leading agriculturalists of the township. Is a member of the I. O. O. F.

TALBOTT, B. M .-- Banker, Brooklyn. Was born in Holmes county, Ohio, October 23, 1843. His father, John J., was of Scotch lineage and his mother of English descent. In 1846 he came to Poweshiek county with his parents, his father being the first settler in Bear Creek township. B. M. has been a resident since that time, with the exception of his term in the service. John J. Talbott died February 20, 1849. August 14, 1862, Mr. Talbott tendered his services to the cause, enlisting in company H, Twenty- eighth Iowa volunteer infantry, participating in many of the notable en- gagements of the late war, among which were Champion's Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, and others. January 15, 1863, at Vicksburg, he received a se- vere wound on the left breast and arm, which incapaciated him for duty for a time. Was honorably discharged November 7, 1864, at Rock Island, Illi- nois, after which he returned to his home in Brooklyn. Was married, May 12, 1866, to Miss Sarah J. Ashton. By their union they have five children: Albert B., Charlie D., Eddie H., Effie E., Lena E. In 1866 he established a land office in connection with being notary public, which agency he oper- ated for a number of years. He has a partner in the banking business, Mr. Sterling, and the transactions of their house will compare favorably with any in the county. Mr. Talbott is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Brooklyn Veteran Union. Himself and family are members of the M. E. Church, and are among its liberal patrons and supporters.

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TERWILLIGER, M .- Capitalist, Brooklyn. Was born in Sullivan county, New York, November 14, 1814. Was there raised and educated. His father, William Terwilliger, was an agriculturalist in that State. The family is of German and Holland lineage. The subject of this sketch came to Ohio in 1832, locating in Huron county, where he engaged in farming for about four years. He then went to Branch county, Michigan, and en- gaged in the real estate business, remaining there for two years. He re- turned to Ohio and resided for a time, after which he engaged in the mer- cantile trade in Colwells Prairie, Wisconsin, for a short period. In 1846 he erected a store at Omro, Wisconsin, and was engaged in trade there for a number of years. After residing in different portions of Wisconsin until 1852, he came to Iowa and was for a time in the real estate business in Clarke county. He then removed to Illinois, residing at Moline and differ- ent parts of the State until 1873, when he came Brooklyn, where he has since resided. 1879 he engaged in mercantile business, which he operated until 1878, when he retired from active business. He was married November 8, 1833, to Miss Betsey Converse, of Ohio, formerly of Connecticut. Mr. Terwilliger from early boyhood has been a close Bibical student. His pro- gress may be inferred from the fact that he was licensed to preach while in trade at Omro, by the Baptist denomination, of which he has been a life long member. He built the first Baptist Church at Oshkosh, and was duly . ordained at Neceda, July 13, 1853. Filled various calls in different por- tions of Illinois while a resident there, and supplied the Brooklyn Church for three months after he arrived here.

THOMPSON, IRA A .- Book-keeper for Sterling & Talbott, Brooklyn. Was born in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1853; was there educa- ted and raised to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. His parents were Robert and Mary Thompson, of Scotch and Irish lineage. He pur- sued the vocation of carpenter and joiner a number of years previous to his coming to Iowa. Has been in the employ of Messrs. Sterling & Talbott, for the past four years. Mr. Thompson was married, May 12, 1880, to Miss Maria McKnight, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the M. E. Church.

TINKER, E. W .- Blacksmith, Brooklyn. Was born in 1836, in Mer- cer county, Pennsylvania; was there raised, educated and learned the trade he now pursues. His father (W. J. Tinker) was a carder and fuller in that State. The Tinkers were of English lineage. The subject of this sketch came West in 1868, locating in Brooklyn, where he has since resided. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Margaret Greenlee, of Pennsylvania. They had a family of five children, three of whom are living: J. F., Estella J.

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and Adela May. Mr. Tinker tendered his services to his country in 1863, enlisting in company H, Second battalion, his term of service being six months, after the expiration of which time he was honorably discharged. He is a skilled workman, makes a speciality of horse-shoeing and does & thriving business.

TINKER, EDWIN-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, P. O. Brook- lyn. Was born in what is now Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the 11th day of March, 1812. He was there raised to manhood on a farm and edu- cated in a log school-house, at a subscription school. It was the best the country afforded at that time, and was built on the cob-house principle,. with substantial puncheon floors, rude benches made of hewn logs, the win- dows being an opening between two logs, the space covered with greased paper to admit light. He was married in Butler county, Pennsylvania, November 26, 1840, to Miss Arabella Thompson, of that county. In 1866 he came to Warren township this county, where he began his arduous task of making a home on the then wild prairie of Iowa. In this he succeeded beyond his expectations. In the spring of 1867 he moved to his present. location, where he owns a farm of 355 acres of cultivated land, well stocked. His family consists of eleven children living: James, George E., Hannah, Joshua, Sarah (now Mrs. D. Sliggle, of this county), Matilda (now Mrs. M. V. Sterling, of this county), Martha (now Mrs. Paris Fimford, of Cedar county, Nebraska), Charlotte (now Mrs. Wm. Scott, of Texas), Wesley, Ara- bella (now Mrs. Charles Jewell, of this county). He lost one, Wainwright, who died during his service as a soldier.

T THL, CHARLES-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in

Holmes county, Ohio, on the 7th day of October, 1831; was there educated and raised on a farm. He was married in Holmes county, in De- cember, 1858, to Miss E. J. Patterson, a native of that county. In the au- tumn of 1861 he came to this county, arriving here on the 25th of Octo- ber. He settled near his present location, and in the spring of 1865, he moved on his present farm, which consists of 240 acres of cultivated land. His family now consists of five children living: George, Drusilda, Nora, Florence Clementine and Walter. They lost two, one an infant and the other aged two years.

W ALTERS, W .- North Brooklyn. The subject of this sketch was

born in Center county, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1814; was there raised until he attained the age of eighteen years. In 1832 he removed with his father (Jacob Walters) and the balance of the family to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he was engaged in the merchandise business for a number of years. Was also engaged in the foundry and machine business, after

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which he engaged in the mercantile business until he removed to this State. He was married, in 1834, to Miss Elizabeth McKey, of Ohio; by this union they have eight children : Mary Ann (now Mrs. W. H. McQuene), Margaret (now Mrs. Skinner), Jacob (residence in Ohio), James (residence in Kansas), Hiram (residence in Kansas), William (married Miss Mary Reynolds), Josephine (now Mrs. George W. Dolby) and LeRoy (residence Toledo, Tama county, Iowa). Mr. Walters located in Brooklyn in Febru- ary, 1864; the residence he took as his abode at that time he still occupies. Immediately after his arrival he was elected to the office of justice, which he filled for a number of years. Among the important cases that came before him was that of Kirk G. Vincent for the murder of Caliborne Show- ers, which is given in detail in another portion of this book. Mr. Walters has retired from active public life, and in his declining years is enjoying the comforts of home and his family. He is a Chapter Mason.

WHEELER, A. K .- Farmer, section 28, P. O. Brooklyn. Was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1823; was there educated and raised to man- hood and has followed the pursuit of agriculture since his early life and has always given it his entire attention. In 1854 he came to this county and purchased his present farm. After a stay of a few weeks he returned to his home in Ohio, where he remained until the fall of 1859 when he again came to this county and settled in Malcom township. He resided there until 1863 when he moved to his present location. Has always been among the leaders of his neighborhood. He is virtually the architect of his own fortune, as he attributes his success to his habits of industry and careful management. Mr. Wheeler owns a farm of 360 acres of well im- proved land.

WOOD, A. J .- Hardware merchant, Brooklyn. Was born in Mont- gomery county, New York, July 10, 1835. In 1855 came to Illinois, in 1858 came to Iowa, locating in Johnson county; in 1862 came to Brook- lyn, where he has since resided. His popularity may be inferred from the fact that he is now serving his second term in the State Legislature from this district.

MALCOM TOWNSHIP.

A KERS, W. R .- Malcom. Was born in Harrison county, Ohio, No- vember 18, 1839, and moved with his parents to Iowa, in the year 1850, making his first settlement in Iowa county, where he remained until 1861. He then enlisted in company G, Seventh Iowa infantry, and participated in the following battles: Fort Henry, Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth,

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Iuka, Resaca, Dallas, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta and others. He was honorably discharged in August, 1864, and then returned to Iowa, and set- tled at Mount Vernon where he engaged in teaching school. Was elected County Superintendent in 1868, and held that office two years. He came to Malcom in 1871, and followed school teaching a short time. Was admitted to the bar in 1872, and followed the practice of law for an occupation about four years. In 1876 he was again elected County Superintendent, and held the office four years. In the summer of 1880 he engaged in working for the Union Historical Company of Des Moines. Was married, April 23, 1868, to Miss Susan Karnes, of Ashland county, Ohio. Their family con- sists of five children: Cora May, Mary A., Bertha L., Nellie M. and John E. Mr. A. has held important city offices, and has been a member the council.

ARNOLD, H. D .- Deceased, Malcom. Was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1828, and was there educated and raised. He early learned the trade of a blacksmith, and followed that as an occupation until a few years after his removal to Iowa. He was married, in 1851, to Miss Mary S. Morse, of Otsego county. He came to this county in 1854, and settled on the State road, on what is now section 14, and was among the first set- tlers in Malcom township. He died September 20, 1866, leaving a wife and two children: Dewey H. and Mary E. They now conduct a farm of 160 acres of well cultivated land. The subject of our sketch was a man who had won the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He was always a friend to the poor, a zealous worker for the advancement of morals and christianity. His life was closely associated with the Presbyterian Church; honest and upright in every respect. Was a soldier in the late war. His decease was regreted by a large circle of friends and relatives.

AYLETT, JOHN-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 14, P. O. Malcom. Was born in Essex, England, in 1848, and there followed the pursuits of agriculture until he was about eighteen years of age, when he learned the trade of engineer, which occupation he followed until 1875, when he came to America, and settled in Poweshiek county, where he now farms about 200 acres of land. His farm is well stocked. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Harriet Sines, of Essex, England. Himself and wife have been closely identified with the M. E. Church.

B AIRD, E .- Carpenter and joiner, Malcom. Was born in Wayne county, Ohio, June 17, 1826, and until twenty years of age was en- gaged in farming. In 1847 he went to Ashland, Ohio, where he learned his trade, and also studied architecture, and in 1850 removed to Wolcott, and six months later to Hamilton, Wisconsin. He made that place his

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home about one and a half years, and then returned to Wayne county, Ohio, where he remained two years, and then to Osceola, Wisconsin, pur- chased 160 acres of land, and engaged in farming, working at his trade during this time. In 1860 he came to Iowa, locating in Iowa county, and followed his chosen avocation until August 11, 1861, when he enlisted in company I, Twenty-eighth Iowa infantry, and participated in the battles of Magnolia Heights, Champion's Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, Jackson and Red River expedition. Was captured at Sabine Cross Roads, and sent to Tyler, Texas, where he was kept four months, and then effected his escape. He, with six others, bribed a boy (who was employed in running a scavenger cart) to cover them with debris, and was thus carried safely outside of pris- on quarters. After a long and tedious journey of twenty-seven days, suf- fering intensely for food and water, Mr. Baird succeeded in capturing three geese and one small hog, which were divided. On the 28th day they arrived at Fort Gibson, in the Indian Territory. There he remained but a few days, when he was sent by the government to Fort Scott, Kansas, and there joined his lines. Was honorably discharged in the fall of 1865. In 1869 he came to this county and engaged in working at his trade, and also in the manufacture of a patent weather strip, besides other inventions. His mar- riage was in Wayne county, Ohio, December 28, 1845, to Miss Sophronia Burgan, of that county. They have eight children living: Frank M., James, Allie, Byron K., Alva L., Clara, Flora and Frances. Have lost two.

BATES, N. F .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 23, post-office Malcom. Born in Orleans county, Vermont, November 6, 1839, and resided there until sixteen years of age, when he moved with his parents to Sangamon county, Illinois. Lived there until 1865, when he came to Poweshiek county and settled in section 15, Malcom township. He was married, in 1864, to Miss Elmira H. Cummins, of this county. Their family consists of three children: Eugene S., Gertrude A., Norma F. Mr. Bates en- listed in 1862, in company E, Fourth Iowa cavalry, and participated in the Siege of Vicksburg, was with Sherman on his march to Meridian, and others. He was honorably discharged in 1864. He re-enlisted in the same company and served to the close of the war. His father, Sylvester Bates, is an old settler of the county and was elected County Treasurer, which office he filled satisfactorily to the public. His second wife, Mrs. Eliza Bates, has been a literary writer since her youth and has attained considerable prominence as such.

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The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,., Part 91

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