The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,., Part 98

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

USA > Iowa > Poweshiek County > The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,. > Part 98

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M ACY, J .- Principal of the academy, Grinnell. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, on the 21st of June, 1842, and continued to live in that place until he was about fourteen years of age where he was brought.

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up to labor on the farm in summer, and attended school in the winter. In 1858 he removed with his parents to Iowa, and settled in Sugar Creek in this county, where he assisted in opening up a new farm. In the year 1860 he entered Iowa College, at Grinnell, in the infancy of that institu- tion, and attended for one year, and then he attended Spring Creek Academy near Oskaloosa (which institution was under the control of the Society of Friends) until 1864, when he was drafted into the army of the United States. As he was a Quaker, or Friend, he was exempt from fight- ing, and was assigned to service in the hospital department, not, however, without some argument with the officers of the regiment to which he had been assigned, and the generals in command in relation to the matter. After a settlement of the difficulties, and the termination of Sherman's memorable march to the sea, he was assigned to duty in the hospital in Savannah, Georgia, where he served two months, and was removed by order of the War Department to the hospital in Springfield, Illi- nois, where he served until August, 1865, when he returned home and entered Iowa College. He has been ever since either in the capacity of student or teacher. He is now the principal of the academy and teacher of history and polical science. Was married, in the year 1872, to Miss Maud M. Little of Grinnell, who is a lady of refinement and culture and a graduate of Oberlin, Ohio. By this union they have one child living: Prescott. They have lost three children.

MAGOUN, REV. GEO. F., D. D .- President and Williston Professor of mental and moral science in Iowa College Grinnell. Born in Bath, Maine, March 29, 1821, second son and third child of Hon. David C. Ma- goun. In youth attended Bath Academy, entering Bowdoin College at the early age of sixteen, and graduated with high attainments in 1841. Three years were then spent in the Theological Seminaries of Andover and Yale. In 1844 he came West and engaged in teaching, and subsequently in preaching in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. He was called to the pastorate at Davenport, Iowa, in 1855, and in 1860 to the church at Lyons Iowa. In 1862 he was elected President of Iowa College, and after resign- ing his pastorate, traveled part of one year in Europe. Entering upon his duties as president in March, 1865, he has since rendered untiring service in the cause of higher Christian education, supplying the pulpits of a num- ber of churches in addition to his college duties, in Iowa and Illinois, among them the Congregational Church in Grinnell. Dr. Magoun was first married, in 1847, to Miss Abbey A. Hyde, of Maine. By this marriage there were four children: Fredrick H. (born January 22, 1852); David O. (born February 19, 1854); Mary R. (born July 5, 1858); Hannah W. (born

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August 8, 1860). Mrs. A. A. Magoun died in 1864 at Lyons. Married a second time to Miss Elizabeth Earlcot, at Waterburg, Connecticut, June 5, 1870. They have one child, Emily W. (born June 10, 1871). Dr. Magoun has been president of Iowa College nearly sixteen years, and as a practical bus- iness financier and profound educator, stands in the foremost rank. He is an eloquent preacher and lecturer, an excellent writer and a deep thinker. Though possessed of charitable and generous nature has unbending Chris- tian principle and character.

MAHLER, G. F .-- Of the firm of Mahler & Sutherland, dry goods and groceries. Was born in Dayton, Ohio, November 2, 1855, and there at- tended school until February, 1868, when he moved to Galena, Illinois, and there attended the Galena College, graduating therefrom in July, 1871. Then returned to his place of birth and engaged in the mercantile business which he continued until the winter of 1874, and then went to Kellogg, this State. There he continued the same business, and in the spring of 1876 came to this county and settled in Grinnell. Here he has been in business since. Was married in Grinnell, April 21, 1879, to Miss Etta L. Newman.

MARSH, C. H .- Farmer, section 27, P. O. Grinnell. Was born in Windsor county, Vermont, December 13, 1846, and at the age of five years removed with his parents to Wisconsin, where he remained one and a half years. He then came to Poweshiek county, settling here September 10, 1854, and has received his education here. Has followed farming all his life, and now owns a farm of 240 acres, improved, upon which is a large barn 36x72 feet; also has fifty-five head of cattle, twelve horses and colts and about ninety hogs. His marriage was in Grinnell on the 24th of March, 1870, to Miss Melinda Dacator. Their family consists of two children: Ira P. and Edith J.

MERRILL, A. M .- Of the firm of Kimball & Merrill, dealers in dry goods, boots and shoes, etc., Grinnell. Was born in Maine, May 2, 1848, and there grew to manhood and was educated. In 1864 he moved to Mc- Gregor, Iowa, where he taught school one term, and in 1866 became en- gaged in the lumber business, which he continued one year, until 1867, and then went to Minnesota where he remained about two months. He then returned to McGregor and obtained a position as book-keeper in a hardware store. In 1868 he left there and went to Castana, this State, and resumed the lumber business until 1869, when he became engaged in the mercantile and produce business, continuing that trade until the fall of 1877. In Sep- tember, 1878, he came to Grinnell and embarked in his present business. This firm has a large and lucrative trade. Mr. Merrill has been twice mar-

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ried; first, in Dakotah, Iowa, May 7, 1870, to Miss Anna M. Treadwell. His second marriage was in McGregor, September 7, 1875, to Miss Mary J. Barnhart. By this union they have two children: Grace E. and Charles S.

MILLIMAN, J. H .- Deputy Sheriff, Grinnell. Was born in Tompkins county, New York, and was there educated and raised to manhood. He remained there following farming until the fall of 1865, when he removed to Ohio, resumed agricultural pursuits, and on the seventeenth of April, 1861, enlisted in company G, Twenty-fifth Ohio volunteers. Was promoted from private to orderly, then second and first lieutenants and finally to a captaincy, and was assigned to company K. Served until the fall of 1864 when he was honorably discharged; participated in the sec- ond battle of Bull Run, Cross Keys, Chancerlorsville, Gettysburg, Ce- dar Mountain and many others. After his discharge he returned to Ohio, and in December, 1864, came to Poweshiek county where he followed farming until the fall of 1873, and then came to this city. He was ap- pointed Deputy Sheriff and is the present incumbent. Mr. Milliman has been twice married; first, in Tompkins county, New York, January 14, 1853, to Miss M. A. Burlew. They had one child by this union, Hiram W. His second marriage was in Grinnell, April 25, 1878, to Miss Mary S. Lei- sure.

MUSCOTT, H. B .- County Auditor, section 13. To a self-made man who has battled his way to success through his own unaided ability and gained an honored and responsible position in society, much should be accredited. The subject of this sketch is the architect of his own for- tune, and his rise in the world must be attributed to his energy and per- severance. Born in Oneida county, New York, October 21, 1829, where he lived on a farm until he was sixteen years of age, assisting his father during the summer and attending the common school during the winter; this, with three terms in a graded school, when nine, twelve and fourteen years of age, comprised his schooling as far as schools were concerned. In 1846, in company with his parents, he removed from his native State and located in Washtenaw county, Michigan, at a place called Dexter, where he continued to live until 1866, when he again removed to Polk county, Iowa. During Lincoln's administration he was appointed postmaster of Dexter, Michigan, a position he held five years, commencing in 1861; and was also there engaged in the mercantile business for two years; with these cxceptions his time was mostly devoted to agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he came to this county and located on section 13, Grinnell township, where he still resides, having one hundred and sixty acres of Poweshiek's best soil

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in his possession, all well-improved. In 1875 he was elected by his friends to the office of County Auditor, and has been re-elected two consecutive terms; during this time he has discharged the duties of his office with such care, integrity and effectiveness, that his character both as a private citizen and public officer has never been tainted by a breath of suspicion. In Jan- uary, 1856, he returned to his native county and was there united in mar- riage with Miss Sylva Macomber, and their family circle are: Clayton A., Freddie, Hattie A., Mabel, Brayton, Martha and Horace.

N EEDHAM, G. S .- Dealer in groceries and queensware, Grinnell. Was born in Wyoming county, New York, November 28, 1838, and at the age of eleven years removed with his parents to Henry county, Illinois, and in 1855 moved to Galesburg, same State. There he received his edu- cation, and in the spring of 1858 came to Mitchell county, this State, where he was engaged in farming for about six years. In the fall of 1864 he was elected Recorder of Mitchell county, and held that office for three terms; and in February, 1871, he went to Dickinson county; there continued farming, and in the fall of 1871 was elected Treasurer of that county, hold- ing that office until December, 1874, having performed the duties with satisfaction to all concerned. He then went to California and engaged in teaching vocal music, remaining until June, 1876, when he returned to Dickinson county, and in October, 1876, came to this county. He is now engaged in teaching vocal music in the public schools of Grinnell. Mr. Needham was married, June 27, 1860, in Mitchell county, this State, to Miss Mary L. Smith, who was born in Chautauqua county, New York, June 20, 1843. At an early age she developed a taste for music, and is now a very efficient and successful music teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Needham have two children: Francis S. and Mary A.

NELSON, SAMUEL-Dealer in general merchandise. Was born in Ireland in November, 1843, and was there raised and educated. In the fall of 1867 he immigrated to America, landing in Quebec, and from there went to Kingston, Canada, where he became engaged in the grocery business, and followed the same until the spring of 1872. Then came to this county settling in Grinnell, and is now enjoying a good trade in his line. He was married in Canada on the tenth day of January, 1871, at which time Miss Annie Campbell became his wife. The result of this union is four chil- dren: Mamie, William J., Gracie and Samuel S.

P ALMER, E. T .- Manufacturer of carriages, wagons and general re- pairing. Was born near Kingston, Canada. He was there partially raised, educated, and commenced the trade he now pursues. Came to Mus- catine, Iowa, from Canada, where he completed his trade and resided four-

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teen years. In 1864 he came to Poweshiek county, locating in Grinnell, where he has since resided. Mr. Palmer was married, October 1, 1860, to Miss Hannah Jane Parvin, of Muscatine. The family consists of three children living: Amanda Matilda, Charles Walter and Ethelbert Till- man. In 1861 he tendered his services to his country, enlisting in company E, Fourth Iowa cavalry, participating in many of the leading engagements, among which were Siege of Vicksburg, Columbia and others. Was hon- orably discharged in 1865. Mr. Palmer is a member of the A. O. U. W. and is identified among the leading manufacturers of the town.

PEARCE, C. W .- Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Grinnell. Was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, March 22, 1839. Removed with his parents to Illinois at an early age where his father, P. S., resided until 1848, when he came to Iowa with his family, among whom was C. W., locating in Poweshiek county, being among the pioneers. Mr. Pearce's farm consists of 320 acres. He makes a specialty of stock-raising and has breeds that will compare favorably with any in the township. His home is pleasantly situated and his orchard, which contains 150 apple trees, is in a thrifty condition. Mr. Pearce was married, in 1864, to Miss Matilda G. Brown, of England. By this union they have five children: George G., Franklin H., Seth J., Nellie M., Herbert J.

PEIRCE, L. G. C .- Farmer and stock-breeder. Prominent among the business men of Grinnell township is the subject of this notice, who was born February 15, 1836, in Chautauqua county, New York. He there spent his days on a farm until he attained his sixteenth year, when he moved to Ontario county, same State. He remained there with his uncle one summer, then went to Illinois, residing about ten years in the counties of Kane and Kendall. In the spring of 1863 he came to this county, arriv- ing here on May 7th, and settled in his present location, where he owns a valuable farm of 320 acres. He is engaged in breeding fine stock. He is now devoting his attention to Short-Horn cattle, Poland-China swine and Clydesdale horses. He has won the admiration of all stock lovers for his successful efforts in this line. Has followed his present line of business for his avocation since his early youth, except about seven years that he was engaged in the mercantile business in the capacity of a clerk. Has held many offices and positions of trust, the duties of which he always dis- charged faithfully and with credit to himself and the satisfaction of the public. He was married, September 27, 1860, to Miss Esther M. Snow, a native of New Hampshire. They have eight children: P. Austin, Burt Bryan, Edna L., Mary Geneva, Lucy Estella, Goodwin, Helen T. and Wil- liam Astor. Lost two, both infants.

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PEXTON, WILLIAM-City marshal, Grinnell. Was born in Oneida county, New York, July 24, 1832, and there grew to manhood. After his education was completed he learned the harness-making trade, which he followed until the spring of 1853. Then obtained a situation as a deck- hand and fireman on a steamboat running from Albany to New York, and in the fall of 1853 he learned the trade of moulder, which he followed until the fall of 1857. In the spring of 1858 he came to Poweshiek county and settled in this city. In the spring of 1877 he was elected city marshal and held that office until 1878. In 1879 was re-elected, which position he is now filling. He was married in Hannibal, Missouri, May 8, 1878, to Mrs. Maria A. Abbott.

PHELPS, LOYAL C .- On the streets of Grinnell may be seen an elderly gentleman, on whom Time has lightly laid his hand. Erect and hearty he passes among his fellow-citizens respected and beloved for his life of unsel- fish usefulness. To Loyal C. Phelps, perhaps, more than any other man is due the existence and location of the town of Grinnell in Iowa. In a corre- spondence with Hon. J. B. Grinnell, when he was solicited to join in founding a Congregational colony in Missouri, Mr. Phelps stated that he would not settle in a slave State, but wanted to go where they could have schools. Since his arrival in April, 1854, Mr. Phelps has always been keenly alive to the best interests of the town and has given freely of time and money to further its prosperity. He was born in New Haven, Ver- mont, January 16, 1807. His father, Matthew, died in the War of 1812, when this son was seven years old. At the age when boys were usually apprenticed he was bound out by his uncle and guardian to a hatter; but this trade being distasteful to him, he did not follow it after the completion of his apprenticeship. Endowed with energy and hope young Phelps went out West, and soon became acquainted with a large part of the western and southern United States. He was in business at different times in Roches- ter and Buffalo, New York. He was also connected with the first line of transportation on the Ohio Canal and business manager of a line of steamers on the great lakes. In 1839 he returned to his native town and married Miss Jennietta Cook, the eldest daughter of Hubbard Cook. The next year the young couple came to Benton, Lake county, Illinois, and opened a farm where they lived the hard and toilsome life of the early pioneers. Sometime after they returned to Vermont, where Mr. Phelps was connected with the Burlington and Rutland Railroad. From Vermont Mr. Phelps again followed the star of empire to Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming until 1854, when the family moved to their present home. The people of Grinnell, always enthusiastic on the subject of education, early

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established a literary fund, of which Mr. Phelps was a trustee and after- ward the president. The East College building was built by this fund, and afterward donated to Iowa College upon its removal from Davenport. He was for many years a trustee, and also auditor of Iowa College after its location at Grinnell. He was mayor of the town three terms, and was postmaster for a number of years. He was removed from the latter office by Andrew Johnson, for refusing to subscribe for the circulation of Johnson's "My Policy" doctrine. In the same letter Mr. Phelps showed his prin- ciples and Yankee grit by telling Johnson that he would contribute for the dissemination of Thad. Stephen's speeches in opposition thereto. Mr. Phelps has always held a prominent place in the home of his choice, and is now spending the closing years of his life happy and contented, surrounded by the culture and intelligence of the community he so greatly helped to establish; respected for his far-sightedness in business affairs and honored for the integrity of his life and character.

PHELPS, MATT .- Firm of Phelps & Moer, attorneys at law. Born in Lake county, Illinois, near Waukegan, on the 23d day of July, 1843, he removed with his parents soon after to Vermont, and afterward to Wisconsin. Came to this county July 19, 1854. He was educated and a graduate of the Iowa College, and also a graduate of the Iowa Law School of Des Moines, now of Iowa City; he also attended the Ann Arbor Law School, in Michigan. He was admitted to practice in 1867, and commenced the practice of his profession in Grinnell, where he has succeeded by his own unaided efforts in building up a large and lucrative business, and is the attorney for the C., R. I. &. P. Railroad. Mr. Phelps was married to Miss Marielma Paige, of Iowa Falls, in September, 1870. She died August 12, 1879, leaving one little daughter, Marielma F. (aged two and a half years).

PHILLIPS, ERNEST L .-- Of the firm of Phillips & Co., hardware mer- chants. Is the son of A. L. Phillips and was born in Henry county, Illi- nois, January 8, 1858. When nine years of age he came with his parents to Iowa, locating in Grinnell, where he has been educated. In the fall of 1875 he went to the Davenport Business College, and graduated in the spring of 1876. Then returned to Grinnell where he taught school for one term, and then engaged in his present business. His marriage was in Grin- nell, September 3, 1879, to Miss Anna Belle Ferguson. Their family con- sists of one child, Vena Olio (born July 16, 1880).

PHILLIPS, A. P .- Of the firm of Phillips & Co., hardware merchants. Was born in New York, February 13, 1828, and was there raised and edu- cated. He became engaged in teaching school and music, and continued

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the same until the spring of 1855, when he removed to Henry county, Illi- nois. Was there engaged in farming until the fall of 1867, when he came to Grinnell, and in the spring of 1871 commenced his present business, in which he has been very successful. Was married in New York, March 25, 1854, to Miss Maria Griswold. They have three children by this union: Sarah M., Ernest L. and Grace E.

PITMAN, HENRY .-- Of the firm of Pitman & Co., butchers, Grinnell. Was born in England, January 30, 1845, and at the age of ten years immi- grated with his mother to America, landing in New York. From there he went to Wisconsin, where he attended school, after which he commenced farming and lumbering, and continued the same until the spring of 1869. Then came to Poweshiek county, settling in this city, and engaged in his present business. August 11, 1862, Mr. P. enlisted in company B, Thirty- first regiment Wisconsin Volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged July 6, 1865. His marriage was in Wisconsin, December 4, 1870, to Miss Cornelia Hatch. Ther fam- ily consists of three children: Samuel A., Harry A. and Hattie C.

POWELL, J. C .-- Carpenter and builder, Grinnell. This gentleman owes his nativity to Pennsylvania, where he was born on the 17th of Sep- tember, 1836. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade, and, with saw-milling, followed it until 1861, when he enlisted in company E, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserve Corps and served three years and three months, when he was honorably discharged. Was in the battles of Lewis- burg, McClellan's Campaign and several others equally as severe. After receiving his discharge he returned to Pennsylvania and continued his trade until 1866, when he went to Illinois, and in the fall of 1868 came to Grinnell and is now doing the largest business in contracting and building in the city. In the spring of 1878 he was elected a member of the city council, which position he now holds. He was married in Grinnell, May 28, 1873, to Miss Ida M. Quivey. They have four children: Mary E., Maud A., Willie and Mabel J.

PRESTON, S. J-Proprietor of Opera House, Grinnell. Was born in New York, September 3, 1832, and when five years of age was deprived of the care of a father and mother by death. His education was received in his native place, and he followed farming until the spring of 1857, when he came West and located in Davenport, Scott county, Iowa. In the spring of 1869 he came to this county and located where he now resides. He is doing a large business in the bakery and grocery line, under the firm name of Joy & Preston. Through his integrity and perseverance he has worked himself to the position and high standing he now holds, having commenced

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life with nothing. He was married in New York, October 28, 1852, to Miss Martha Johnson. They had one son, Dorr (born in March, 1854; died in October, 1854). His second marriage was in Scott county, Iowa, March 24, 1858. The result of this union is three children: Carrie A., Mary E. Harry F.

PRESTON, S. S .- Proprietor of stock farm, P. O. Grinnell. Was born in Orange county, Vermont, on the 7th of December, 1832, and resided there until twenty years of age, when he went to Dartmouth College, Han- over, New Hampshire. He remained there for four years, with the excep- tion of two terms, when he gave up his studies on account of ill health, and in the spring of 1857 came to Iowa, locating in Jasper county. There en- gaged in farming until 1870, when he came to this county and settled in Grinnell, where he engaged in the general merchandise business. In the spring of 1880 he sold out to his sons, B. W. and H. B., and J. W. Ken- dall. Mr. Preston has a fine stock farm of 250 acres, and also owns 480 acres of improved land in Jasper county. In 1861 he became connected with the quartermaster's department, remaining for three years. His marriage was in Orange county, Vermont, September 4, 1856, to Miss Amelia M. Wilde. By this union there are nine children living: Byron W., Herbert B., Arthur L., Elmer S., Myrtie L., Virgil G., Viola G., Fred A. and George W. Lost one, Thomas A.

PROCTOR, H. P .- Dealer in jewelry, etc., Grinnell. Was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, January 14, 1855, and was there partly edu- cated. When nine years of age he went to Jasper county, Iowa, remaining for five years, when he came to this county and located in this city and here finished his schooling. He then learned the jewler's trade and has since followed it as his occupation, having one of the finest stores in the county. In the spring of 1874, he went to Fontanelle, Adair county, where he first started the jewelry business, but only remained until the spring of 1876 and then returned here. He also deals in two kinds of sewing ma- chines. Mr. Proctor was married in Grinnell, October 23, 1867, to Miss Emma P. Hamlin. They have one child, Hattie (born August 25, 1879).

PROPST, W. A .- Dealer in groceries and provisions. Was born April 29, 1829, and is a native of West Virginia, where he was raised and edu. cated. He commenced farming while young and continued it until the fall of 1851, when he came to Iowa, locating in Scott county, where he re- mained until the spring of 1868. Then came to Grinnell and since that time has been engaged in his present business. Mr. Propst has been twice married; first, in Scott county, November 7, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth A. Cunningham. They had by this union six children: Frank, Ida May, Em-

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The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, &c.,., Part 98

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