USA > Iowa > Iowa County > The history of Iowa County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 63
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BRANCH, J. H .- President of the First National Bank. Promi- nent among the business men, and a man who by his own unaided efforts has attained an enviable reputation, is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of the old Buckeye State, born in Farmington, Geauga county, May 13, 1838. He is the son of Daniel and S. F. Waldo Branch, who were both professional school teachers, his father being a grad- uate of Union College, of New York. Young Branch, owing to fail- ing health, did not finish the classical course which he had begun. He came to Iowa City during the winter of 1856-7, and here it may be said was the starting point of his life. March, 1867, he removed to this place and started a private bank, which he continued to operate successfully until July, 1880, when it was merged into the First National Bank of Marengo, and upon organization Mr. B. was elected its president. He has the honor of being the first banker in Marengo. At the time the institution for the deaf and dumb was located at Iowa City Mr. Branch was treasurer, and one of the trustees for quite a length of time. Since coming here he has been closely identified with Marengo's best interests and has proven him- self a courteous and safe financier. He was married in Iowa City on the 15th day of August, 1866, to Miss Susan R. Rawley, a native of New York, Their family circle are Widfred M. and Ernest W. Such is the brief out- line of the life history of one who, by constant, persistent and honest efforts. has made his way to a position of honor and influence.
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
BROCKMAN, D. C .- Physician and surgeon. Is a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was born on the 15th of September, 1853. His father, W. L. Brockman, came to Linn county this State in 1842, and en- tered a portion of the land upon which Cedar Rapids now stands. Our subject was raised a farmer and followed that occupation for some time. He entered the Cornell College at Mt. Vernon and attended that institu- tion until his junior year. In 1874 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. M. J. Jones, of Blairstown, and graduated from the medical de- partment of the State University at Iowa City in 1878. He came to this city in the spring of the same year and engaged in the practice of his pro- fession. He enjoys a large practice, second to none in the county. Dr. Brockman was married on the 5th of November, 1879, to Miss Augusta Mallory, of Marshalltown, Iowa.
BUTTERFIELD, W. E .- Of the firm of Butterfield & Co., proprietors of foundry and machine shops, Marengo. The subject of this sketch is a native of Port Huron, St. Clair county, Michigan, where he was raised and educated. After finishing his education he learned the machinist trade, which he continued until the spring of 1873, when he came to Scott Co., this State. There remained until February, 1876, when he came to this county, locating in Ladora, where he started a general repairing shop, but finally built a machine shop and later added a foundry. In October, 1879, he came to this city, built a foundry and machine shop, which was burned down Sunday morning, June 27, 1880. Although the firm has met with misfortunes they have rebuilt and are prepared to do all kinds of work in their line. Mr. B. is a thorough business man as well as a master me- chanic. He has been twice married. First in Michigan, on the 20th of November, 1867, to Miss Ruth Townsend. By that union they had three children: Emory, Ella and Herbert. Mrs. B. died Nov. 1S, 1874, and he was again married in Ladora, December 3, 1877, to Miss Mary Terry. They have two children: Emma and Roy.
BUTTERFIELD, JAMES-Of the firm of Butterfield & Co., proprie- tors of foundry and machine shop. Was born in England, on the 12th day of April, 1831, and when very young (one year old), he was brought by his parents to America, landing in Quebec. From there he went to other parts of Canada and in the winter of 1837 or 1838, to Michi- gan, where he was educated. After leaving school he commenced lumber- ing, blacksmithing, etc., which he followed until 1857. Then went to Missouri, remaining there until 1860, when he moved to Illinois, and Sep- tember 23, 1861, enlisted in the Tenth Illinois cavalry, and was appointed captain of company I. Was in the service until July, 1862, when he resigned on account of disability ; then came to Scott county, Iowa, commenced farm- ing, which he continued until January 1, 1876, when he came to this county .. First located in Ladora, where, with his nephew, he followed blacksmith- ing, then built a machine shop and later a foundry. Mr. B. was married in Scott county, Iowa, November 2, 1870, to Synthia E. Stiles. Their family consists of five children: Lettie E., Frank A., Maggie A., Eva M. and John W.
RENSHAW, H. R .- Postmaster and of the firm of Spering & Cren-
C shaw, editors and proprietors of the Marengo Republican. Was born in Monroe county, Indiana, on the 5th day of April, 1842, where he lived until he was 14 years old. In 1856 he came to this county with his parents and has been a continuous resident ever since, with the exception of
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the time he was in the army. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company B, Twenty-eighth lowa infantry, as corporal and was mustered out in August, 1865, as first sergeant, and was engaged in the following battles: Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi; Red River campaign and through the Shenandoah Valley with Sheridan; about twenty-three engage- ments in all. Mr. C., when a lad, learned the trade of printer and on his return from the army he went into the Republican office as compositor and soon after, in 1866, bonght an interest and has been connected with that paper ever since. In 1874 was appointed postmaster and is the present incumbent and fills the office to the complete satisfaction of all, and commands the respect of all who are fortunate enough to know him. He was married in Marengo to Miss Alice C. Edwards, a native of Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio. Three sons and fonr daughters are the complement of their family circle: Hattie M., Henry H., Clarence J., Susie M., Josephine, Edna and Baby.
D' EFFINBOUGH, H .- Merchant. Was born in New York City in 1853, and at the age of ten years was left an orphan. He then went to Erie, Pennsylvania, living with a brother-in-law, and there served his time in a printing office. In 1856 he left Erie and came to Iowa City, and while there was engaged in the milling business. He came to this city in June, 1857, and clerked for Ogle & Reno. From 1861 to 1874, he was in the express business. In 1871 he engaged in the dry goods trade which he still follows with success. Mr. Deffinbough was married in West- field, New York, on the 13th of October, 1856, to Miss Martha Lamberton. They have one son, William H.
DILLIN, C. R .- Of the firm of Norton, Dillin & Co., dealers in general merchandise. Was born on the 13th of May, 1857; a native of this State and county. He was educated, here and brought up, and after leaving school engaged in painting. This he continued some three years, and in 1876 commenced the study of law with Smith & Kirk. In 1877 he at- tended the State University, graduating therefrom in 1878. Then went to Shelby county, this State, following his profession until 1879, and then re- turned to this county and became engaged in the general merchandise busi- ness, under the firm name of Norton, Dillin & Co. Mr. Dillin is a fine business man and with Mr. Norton, by their fair and honorable dealings, have built up a good trade.
DOWNARD, WILLIAM-The oldest resident of the city of Marengo, was born June 3, 1808, at Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, thirty-six miles from London bridge. He was the son of Henry and Sarah Downard. His father was a carpenter and filled many large contracts in building at Tun- bridge Wells and the adjacent country, and died in 1856. His mother died in 1858. At sixteen years of age young William was bound to John Young to learn the tailor's trade where he remained five years. He then worked at his trade in Brighton, London, his native city and Hastings. He came with his wife and children to the United States in 1843; passing through Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland and Detroit he reached Chicago. While on the schooner across the great lakes they encountered a storm after leav- ing Mackinaw and a whole week was consumed in endeavoring to pass the Manitou Islands, during which they lost all their sails and were obliged to throw overboard all the deck cargo. The captain, who was a religious man, thought the misfortunes encountered in the storm were attributable to having left the port of Mackinaw on Sunday night before twelve o'clock. Mr. Downard followed his trade one year on Lake Street, Chicago. On the
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
first day of November, 1845, started from Chicago by private conveyance to Johnson county, Iowa, and settled on Old Man's Creek. There he left his family and clerked for George Andrews in Iowa City for sometime. In the summer of 1847 he brought a stock of goods to the old trading post, and commenced trading with the Indians, and the following year came to Marengo and commenced selling goods in his own log honse which he had constructed while at the trading post. This was the first store as also the first house on the original town plat of Marengo. This was on the second street west of the public square. He lived on a farm seven miles west of of town from 1853 to1857. While here he was justice of the peace and postmaster. He removed to town and in the spring of 1861 entered the Union army. He saw much service in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and other points in the Western army. 'He was in . the Union army nearly five years and served his adopted country well, hold- ing several important positions there. He has since resided in Marengo where he has sustained the highest respect for his sterling worth as a citi-
zen. Their family consists of five sons and one daughter. The eldest son, William, was born in England and now lives in Arizona. The second, Ed- ward now living in Topeka, Kansas, where he has been assistant Secretary of State for nine years. George, also born in England, is now farming in. Kansas. Jolın died in London when nearly three years of age. Betsy was the fourth child, born in London, now the wife of John Cartwright, of Au- dubon county. Stephen, born in London, is a printer in Kansas. Albert, born in Chicago, now deputy postmaster at Marengo. Thomas, born at Marengo, died when one and half years old. Sarah, born in Marengo, died when one and a half years old.
DOWNARD, A. L .- Jeweler. Was born in the city of Chicago, Illi- nois. July 11, 1845. He is the son of William Downard, the first merchant of Marengo, who with his family came to Iowa, in November, 1845. In 1848 he came to this city where he has since resided. Our subject was married January 5, 1869, to Miss Amanda J. Collins, a native of Johnson county, this State. Her father was one of the earliest settlers of this county. Their family consists of three sons and two danghters: Willie W., Nellie T., Maggie, Fred and Valey. Mr. Downard enlisted during the war, November 3, 1863, in company B, Ninth Iowa cavalry, and was mns- tered out in April, 1866. Participated in several battles and skirmishies during Price's raid through Missouri. He has been assistant postmaster of this place since 1866, with the exception of about eighteen months. IIis. jewelry store is in the post-office and he enjoys a liberal patronage.
E SHLEMAN, A. B .- Clerk of the courts. Among the early settlers of . Iowa county who have been identified with its growth and develop- ment may be mentioned the subject of this sketch, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; born on the fifth day day of February, 1837; about one year later his father died. In due course of time his mother was again married to R. B. Groff, Esq., now of Marengo. When a lad of but eight years lie emigrated with his parents to Johnson county, Iowa; two years later, in 1847, they removed to this county and located but a short distance from Marengo, on a farm. Here young Eshleman worked at day labor for his step-father and others most of the time until 1855. About 1857 he com- menced reading law and after dne length of time attend the Cincinnati Law School and graduated from that institution in 1860. He then returned to Marengo and commenced the practice of his profession and continued suc-
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cessfully until 1862, in August, when he enlisted as private in company E, Twenty-fourth Iowa infantry ; soon after was promoted to quartermaster-ser- geant, and then to regimental quartermaster. He was engaged in the fol- lowing battles: Champion's Hill, Sabine Cross Roads, Winchester, Va., Cedar Creek, and numerons skirmishes; was mustered out with his regiment in. the fall of 1865. On his return from the army he had to abandon his profession on account of failing eyesight .. In 1874 he was appointed clerk of the courts to fill vacancy and was elected in 1875, and has filled that of- fice ever since with honor to himself and satisfaction to his friends. He- was married in Marengo, October 24, 1866, to Miss Louisa N. Nichols, a native of New York. They have had four children, bnt one living, Edwin R. He has held the offices of deputy recorder and treasurer.
F EENAN, JAMES-Attorney at law, of Feenan, Hughes & Kirk .. Prominent among the attorneys and self-made men of Marengo, and one who has paved his pathway to success and influence through his own unaided ability and gained an honored position in society, may be men- tioned the subject of this sketch. He was born in 1842, and at an early age was thrown on his own resources, without funds or favors, but has by. his indomitable will and energy made an enviable record. He received his education in Iowa City. He read law three years with Read, Edmunds & Ransom of Iowa City. He was admitted to practice before Judge Is- bell in October, 1862, and commenced to practice here the same year; and there are now but two in Marengo who have been longer in practice than himself. In November, 1864, he was admitted to practice in the United States Courts. He has been attorney and counselor for the Amana Society of the county for the past twelve years, and is now, and has been the attor- ney for the First National Bank of Marengo since its organization; and is- also one of its directors and charter members, and has been chairman of the Republican central committee for eight years. Mr. Feenan has succeeded in gaining a fair share of this world's goods. He owns one of the finest homes in Marengo and has perhaps been more successful than any other- lawyer in the county. His business relations have brought him into con- tact with most of the leading men of the county, and he enjoys in the high- est degree the respect and confidence of all. This, in brief, is the history of a lawyer who came to the county eighteen years ago a poor boy and who to-day ranks among the wealthiest men of Marengo. Mr. Feenan was married in Dubnque to Miss Laura Kidd in September, 1866. Fannie M., Fred K. and Florence C. are the complement of his family circle.
FLANAGAN, JOHN M .- Farmer. Was born on the 28th of September, . 1838, in Ireland, where he was brought up and attended school. In the spring of 1855 he emigrated to America, landing at New York, and from there went to Greene county, New York, where he commenced farming. This he continued until the fall of 1856, when he came to Iowa, locating in Scott county and there remained until 1867 when he came to this county .: Has since resided here and now owns a fine farm of 160 acres. Was mar- ried in Marengo on the 5th of September, 1869, to Miss Catharine Cos- tholow. They had by this union five children, three of who:n are living: Fargus J., Thomas F. and Mary. Lost two: Matthews and John L.
FLAUGHER, J. R .- Weigher for Ketcham & Bro. Is a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where he was born on the 13th of July, 1832. At the age of seven years he accompanied his parents to Ohio where he attended at Bartell's Commercial College, graduating therefrom
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
in 1854. Then he became engaged in the mercantile business until July, 1855, when he came to this county and has since resided here. He commenced the dry-goods business, which he followed until 1865, when he engaged in the grain and live stock business and still continnes the same. Mr. Flaugher was married in Marengo on the 17th of June, 1856, to Miss Martha E. McFall. They have two children: Ella I. (born March 25, 1857) and Charles E. (born February 18, 1859).
FREDERICKSON, P .- Mason and harnesss-maker. Is a native of Den- mark and was born on the 18th of February, 1849. There he remained un- til fourteen years of age when he emigrated to America, landing in New York, and from there went to Illinois, where he learned the mason's trade. This he continned until 1868, when he came to Marengo and has since re- sided here. He is doing a good business and enjoys a good trade. His marriage was in this county, December 10, 1871, to Miss Maggie Weimer. They have three children: Harry, Clayborn and Mary M.
OLDTHWAITE, H. E .- Of the firm of Goldthwaite & Van Boskirk,
G dealers in general merchandise. Was born in Worcester, Massachu- setts, August 18, 1847, and was there raised and educated, and in 1865 he came to this county, where he attended school. Afterward commenced teaching, which he continued for about two terms and then obtained a position in the court-house as a clerk. He opened the first set of abstract books in the county. Was also deputy recorder and later appointed recorder. Remained in court- house for six years, then became engaged in the general merchandise bus- iness and has since followed the same. The firm is enjoying a large and flourishing trade. Mr. G. was married in Marengo, on the 29th of April, 1869, to Miss Sarah Gardner. They have four children: Lelia A., Lucy M., Frank and Eugene.
GROFF, RICHARD B .- In the year 1681 what now constitutes the State of Pennsylvania was given to William Penn by Charles II. With him and his followers came many Germans, who settled in the interior counties. Among these came Hans Groff, who settled in Groff Dale, near New Holland, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He was the paternal an- cestor of the present Groff family. The father of our subject was Christ- ian Groff, who married Esther Groff, his first cousin. Richard B. was born November 12, 1817, at Strasburgh, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and is now the only survivor of four sons. Young Groff, with his parents, re- moved to Ohio in 1823, and settled in Jefferson county, near Stenbenville, where they remained till 1826. Mrs. Groff, the mother of Richard, died while they lived here, and the remaining members of the family returned and lived in Pennsylvania two years, where the father remarried. Rich- ard, when a young man, attended the academy in Pennsylvania and had Bayard Taylor for a schoolmate, and gradnated in 1841. He married Judith Eshleman in 1842, and four children are the fruits of this marriage, only two of whom now survive: C. H. Groff, and the other the wife of N. W. S. Huston. Mr. Groff came to Jolinson county, in 1845 and to Iowa county in 1847, and was admitted to the bar in 1850, and since that time resided in this county. He has held various public positions of trust and profit in the gift of the county and town, and has for several years been a successful merchant. He is still a man of health and vigor, enjoying a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
H ALE, JOHN-Livery. The oldest in his line of business in the city. Was born in Washington county, New York, in 1842, and in 1857
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came to this county and engaged in the milling business at Koszta. Mr. H. is a practical miller, having been raised in that business. He resided in Koszta about one year, when he removed to this place and bought what was known as the Crenshaw Mills, in the year 1865. He has been en- gaged in the livery business about fourteen years. Was married in Koszta, to Miss Mary E. Hench. They have a family of three children: Maggie, Frank and Nettie.
HEDGES, HON. C .- This gentleman is a good representative of that class. of western men, who after years of patient and industrious application have at length been elevated by the suffrages of their fellow citizens to positions of honor and trust. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, May 3d, 1830; he was raised on a farm, but before he grew to manhood had the advantages of a good academic education, and then chose law as liis pro- fession. After graduating at the Cincinnati Law School, lie commenced to- practice at Mansfield, Ohio. After being engaged in his profession he was attracted to the Pacific Slope by the glowing reports which reached him from the auriferious beds of California; instead of returning in a time, as thousands of disappointed gold searchers did, he remained there till 1859, when he came to Iowa, and located in Marengo; he served a short term of honorable service in the army, during the war of the rebellion, with the exception of which time, he has been constantly engaged in the practice of law in Marengo, since 1859, and with one exception is the old- est practioner in the county. At the beginning of the war he recruited company G, of the Seventh Iowa infantry, was elected captain and served till near the close of the war. Was elected in 1879 to represent this district in - the State Senate, and at the last general election, before the expiration of that term of office, was elevated by the suffrages of his fellow citizens to the position of circuit judge, which is generally regarded by men of his profession as the attainment of their highest ambition. All those who are acquainted with Mr. Hedges, and especially who are acquainted with him professionally, bespeak for him a long and brilliant career on the bench. Equipped with a fine legal education, possessed of wide experience and characterized by an intellect of a judicial turn, he enters upon the duties of his new office. Mr. Hedges was united in marriage with Miss Ella Rush, in Marengo. She is a native of Indiana. They have had seven children, four now living: Lizzie, Jessie, Lulu and Bessie.
HOGAN, E .- Restaurant and saloon. Is a native of Ireland and was born November 27, 1847. Was there raised and after finishing his educa- tion became engaged in farming, which he continued until the spring of 1868. He then emigrated to America, landing in New York, and from there came to this county, where he again took to farming. In the fall of 1873 he came to Marengo, and since has been engaged in his present busi- ness. Mr. Hogan was married in Johnson county, Iowa, Nov. 11, 1872, to Miss Maggie Burrus. They have four children: Millie, Willie, Katie and Edward.
HOLM, G .- Justice of the peace. Was born in Germany, December 14, 1840, and when 14 years of age came to America, landing in New York, July 16, 1855. Then came to Davenport, Scott county, this State, and obtained a position as salesman in a hardware store, which he contin- ued to keep until August, 1861. Then enlisted as a musician in the regi- mental band of the Forty - fourth Illinois Rifle Regiment, and was appointed orderly sergeant. Was mustered out February 1, 1862; returned to Davenport
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and in June, 1862, took charge of a branch store in Marengo, belonging to his former employers. This position he held until 1867, and then became business manager of the firm of S. Huston, hardware dealer, but in 1876 he bought Mr. Huston out and continued business until 1879, when he was appointed justice of the peace. Was re-elected at the last general elec- tion. Mr. Holm has held several important offices, filling them to the en- tire satisfaction of all, among which is that of city treasurer, which he occupied for two terms. For one term he served as township clerk. He was married in Scott county, Iowa, Nov. 3, 1870, to Miss Jennie Stein- hilber. By this union they have two children: Aggie (born May 23, 1872), and Ezekiel (born April 23, 1876).
H TOLBROOK, N. B .- President Marengo Savings Bank, and also dealer in real estate. Many of the early settlers of Marengo have been eminently successful. They were men of intellectual, moral and physical stamina, industrious, energetic and shrewd, and early laid a good founda- tion, and have built slowly, but yet surely and safely. Among these it is the writer's pleasure to mention the subject of this sketch. He is a native of the State of Pennsylvania, born near Somerset, on the 25th day of April, 1836. He was there raised on a farm, and received the advantages of a good academical education. On reaching his majority, in the spring of 1857, thinking the West offered a wider field and better advantages to a young man, he came to this place. His capital consisted chiefly in good health and a determined will, or what is more commonly called pluck, to succeed. Mr. Holbrook was a surveyor by profession, which occupation he followed until 1859, when he was elected sheriff of the county, holding that office four years. In 1862 lie published a paper in Marengo, called. the Iowa. Valley Democrat; two years later sold out. In 1865 he engaged in the real estate business, which he has continued ever since. In 1877 he represented this county in the Seventeenthi General Assembly. Was pres- ident of the school board five years; also president of the board of super- visors under the old law, and has held varions offices of trust. He was one of the organizers of the Marengo Savings Bank and was elected president of that institution. Mr. Holbrook is a man of positive character, and when his opinions are once formed they remain. He is a warm friend and a most vigorous opponent. His social qualities are good, and his moral
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