USA > Iowa > Iowa County > The history of Iowa County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 66
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William Taylor, who had lived for a few years in Honey Creek township, came here in 1849, and was for the most part employed by those who de- sired to look up land and find the corners. He charged one dollar per day for his services. After living here about two years he went to Tama. county.
William Hill, a blacksmith, came in the year 1848 and engaged at his trade for about two years, when he removed to Tama county.
Israel Dillin came from Ohio in 1849, and, with his sons, entered upon the work of digging a race from Bear Creek to Iowa River through the town of Marengo. They constructed the first grist mill in this place. Mr. Dillin went to California, and died in the year 1850.
C. C. Slocum, who was a son-in-law of Mr. Dillin, opened a store in the old log court-house. He died here in about the year 1858.
Dr. W. Wallace came from Ohio and commenced the practice of medi- cine in the year 1850. He afterward removed to Council Bluffs, and there died.
Calvin and John Salisbury came from Ohio. Calvin was a carpenter. He went to California, and there died. John was a good farmer, and after accumulating some property, died over twenty years ago.
R. F. Mason, W. H. Wallace, Dr. E. C. Hendershott, Stephen Chase, Charles Kitchens, John Ervin, David Troup, I. S. Frost, I. N. Kitchens, D. Sprague, Mathew S. Cleveland, James Gilbert and some others came to Marengo, or the immediate vicinity, about thirty years ago. Some are alive and still in our midst and some have died or moved away.
ORGANIZATION.
For the organization of the townships the reader is referred to the gen- eral county history, though in many instances we have in connection with the township sketch named the date of the order and time of holding the first election. Marengo was at first a voting precinct, then one of the four townships into which the county was divided, afterward reduced to its present size by cutting off other townships. Marengo was first organized in the year 1847, and Washington Kitchens was township clerk and Absa- lom Kitchens was assessor. It is not certain who were the first trustees, but it is certain that they met at the private house of Washington Kitch- ens.
The present township officers are:
Trustees-Edwin Tucker, B. F. Reno, S. J. Swaney. Justices-L. C. McBride, Lewis Miller, Gustav Holm. Constables-J. Elliott, S. A. Wilson, L. Dillin.
Assessor-George W. Reed.
Clerk -- H. E. Goldthwaite.
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
STATISTICAL.
The present population of Marengo, town and township combined, is 2,485; ten years ago it was 2,329. The population of the township outside the city is 747; ten years ago it was 636; in the year 1875 it was 669; in the year 1850 it was 286.
The assessed valuation of realty outside the city is $187,000, personalty $140,000. There is live stock as follows: cattle, 1,755; horses, 445; mules, 11; sheep, 25, and swine, 2,334. There are six good schools out- side the city, and they continue in session eight months during the year. Including the city schools, there are 838 pupils enrolled, with 505 in aver- age daily attendance.
Much that might properly be considered as belonging to Marengo town- ship will be found under the head of Marengo City. Since the two are so nearly identical it is difficult to separate their interests, resources and ad- vantages.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
B AILEY, E. H .- Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 23, P. O. Marengo. Was born in New York State, on the 12th of September, 1852, and when only an infant was taken by his parents to Illinois, where he received a part of his education. In March, 1870, he came to this county and here completed his schooling. Then became engaged in the produce business and continued it for one year, when he commenced painting. In the fall of 1874 he commenced farming and has since continued it. Is also en- gaged in the raising of stock, and owns 250 acres of good land, upon which are a good house and barn, situated three-fourths of a mile west of Marengo. Mr. Bailey was married in Marengo, March 3, 1880, to Miss Belle Smith, a native of Illinois. She was raised and educated in that State and in De- cember, 1879, came to this county, where her parents reside.
BELL, HENRY-Proprietor grist mill, Sec. - , P. O. Marengo. Was born in England, Jan. 18, 1828, and there was raised and educated. In the spring of 1852 he emigrated to America, landing in New York and from there he went to Ohio, where he followed farming. He removed to near Lake Superior, where he worked for the Cleveland Iron Manufactur- ing Company and in September, 1855, came to Iowa, settling in Benton county, there engaging in farming. This he continued until August, 1878, when he came to this county and engaged in his present business. Being a thorough and practical miller he enjoys a good patronage. Mr. Bell was married in Cedar Rapids, in November, 1857, to Miss Catharine Whit- enack. The result of this union was five children: William, Lizzie, George, Lulu and Sarah.
BLADEN, W. L .- Farmer, stock raiser and dealer, Sec. 27, P. O. Ma- rengo. Was born on the 22d of November, 1823, a native of England, and there was raised. After finishing his education he commenced farm- ing and was thus employed until the spring of 1853, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York. From there he went to Illinois, resumed farming and also engaged in the stock and grain business, continuing the same until February, 1876. Then came to this county and has since lived here. Owns a fine stock farm of 360 acres, one of the best in the township. Mr. B. is an extensive dealer in stock, having some very fine specimens. He was married in England, on the 9th of April, 1.852, to Miss Rachel
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MARENGO TOWNSHIP.
Atkins. They have had thirteen children, eight of whom are living: George C., Walter A., Minerva, James H., Romine E., Ambrose L., Oscar A., Leona R. Lost five: Sarah, George, Louisa, Gertrude and an infant unnamed.
BRADFORD, JAMES-Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 36, P. O. Marengo. Was born in Erie county, Ohio, April 23, 1844, and when ten years of age came with his parents to this county, where he was educated. Then com- menced farming and has since made it his occupation. Owns a fine farm of over 75 acres, well improved. Has a good residence one-fourth of a mile from Marengo. Mr. B. was married in this county, on the 1st day of Jan- uary, 1868, at which time Miss Barbara Hall became his wife. They have two children: Barbara J. and William V.
BRYAN, ISAAC -- Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 33, P. O. Marengo. The subject of this notice was born in Pennsylvania, February 10, 1828, where he grew to manhood and attended school. In March, 1849, he removed to Madison county, Illinois, remained for three months and then came to this county, where he has since lived. Is the owner of a farm of 110 acres of well improved land under cultivation. Mr. B. is a man of good business qualifications and a successful agriculturist. He was married in this county, October 23, 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Zahrt. Their family con- sists of five children living: Charles E., Cynthia J., Albert S., Sidney R. Luella M. and one, Mary C., deceased.
LARK, WILLIAM-Sec. 31, P. O. Marengo. Was born in Connec-
C ticut, May 18, 1807, where he was educated and raised. After leaving school he went to Massachusetts, where he continued farming and in 1825, moved to Troy, New York. There obtained a position on a steamboat, run- ning on the North River, and in 1827 became engaged in the distillery busi- ness. This he followed until 1836. Then went to Tompkins county, New York, and until 1856 was engaged in farming. At that time removed to Illi- nois, and in 1863 went to Wisconsin and remained for two years. Then came to Iowa, locating in Floyd county, where he worked as a laborer, and in 1876 came to this county. Has since resided here and owns a farm of 65 acres, all improved. Mr. C. was married in this county, December 25, 1876, to Alma A. Bradford.
CLEMENTS, J. J .- Farmer, Sec. 31, P. O. Marengo. Is a native of Ire- land, born May 15, 1836, and there was partly educated. In the spring of 1852 he came to America, landing in New York and from there went to Paterson, New Jersey. In the spring of 1853 he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended school and followed farming. In the spring of 1856 he took up his abode in this county and has since resided here. Owns a farm of 120 acres all under cultivation. His residence is so located as to com- mand a fine view of the surrounding country. His marriage was in this county, January 16, 1861, to Miss G. L. Reed. They have six children : Charles C., Mary E., William I., Estella M., Maggie G. and George J.
CLEMENTS, MRS. ANNA-Sec. 10, P. O. Marengo. Was born in County Down, Ireland, in November, 1826, and there was raised and educated. In 1851 she emigrated to America, landing in New York, and from there went to Paterson, New Jersey, remaining until 1852. She then removed to Ohio, staying until 1856, when she came to Iowa county, this State. Since that time she has resided .here, owning over 207 acres of land, well improved and in a good state of cultivation, situated four miles southwest of Marengo. Mrs. C. was married in Oct. 1845, in Ireland, to John Clements. The re-
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
sult of this union was six children: Mary, Jobn W., William J., Joseph J., Thomas A. and Anna B.
CRONK, HENRY-Farmer, Sec. 7, P. O. Marengo. Is a native of New York State, and was born May 25, 1825, there being raised and edu- cated. In October, 1847, he went to Wisconsin, following farming until 1860, when he removed to this county and has since been a resident here. He owns S5 acres of land, well improved. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company B, Twenty-eighth Iowa infantry, and served until August, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Participated in the battles of Cham- pion's Hill, Port Gibson, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Pleasant Hill and nu- merous others. Mr. C. was married in Massachusetts. January 28, 1847, to Miss Maranda Collar. They have eight children: Charles Henry, John A., Jesse P., Frank, Mary, Jennie, Annie and Lizzie.
ANSKIN, ALEXANDER-Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 26, P. O.
D Marengo. Was born in Scotland, on the 4th of May, 1816, and at 13 years of age removed with his parents to Canada East, where he was raised and educated. After leaving school he commenced farming and continued it there until May, 1853, when he came to this county and has since re- sided here, owning 280 acres of well improved land. His farm is one of the best stock farms in the township. Has 60 head of fine cattle some of them being thorough-bred. His residence is so situated as to command a fine view of Marengo. Mr. D. was married in Canada, Nov. 27, 1840, to Miss Anza Preston, who died February 5, 1880, leaving eight children : George N., William P., Agnes H., Alexandria, Elizabeth, John H., James M. and Ella G. Mrs. D. was a very estimable lady, one honored and re- spected by all who knew her, ever ready to help a good cause, never falter- ing in the path of duty. She left a large number of friends to mourn her loss besides her husband and children.
DENSLOW, H .- Farmer and stock raiser, Secs. 2 and 35, P. O. Ma- rengo. Was born in Connecticut, August 3, 1815, and when about three years of age, removed with his parents to Massachusetts. There was educated and also learned the trade of mason. This he followed until the fall of 1855, when he came to this county locating in Marengo and there continued his trade until 1865. Then dropped his trade and commenced farming which he still continues. Is the owner of 175 acres of well-im- proved land and his residence is beautifully located, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country. Mr. Denslow has been twice married: first, in Massachusetts, November 25, 1842, to Miss Adaline E. Millard. His second marriage was in Marengo, June 7, 1860, to Mrs. Martha A. Cady. By this union they have one child, Henry C.
H AAS, MRS. CAROLINE-Sec. 31, P. O. Marengo. Widow of the late Jacob Haas. She was born in Germany, January 26, 1827, and there was raised and educated. Was married to Jacob Haas, August 25, 1851, and in the spring of 1852 they came to America, landing in New York, and from there went to Cincinnati. Here Mr. Haas worked at the furniture trade, and in the fall of 1855 they came to this county. He was engaged in farming and stock raising, having a fine farm of 258 acres. Mr. Haas was born in Germany, July 25, 1822, and there grew to manhood and at- tended school. He died in this township, on the 11th of September, 1872, and his loss was deeply mourned by a host of friends. , Deceased was a man well thought of by all, honorable and upright in all his transactions.
HARRINGTON, F .- Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 34, P. O. Ma-
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MARENGO TOWNSHIP.
rengo. Was born in Madison county, New York, December 21, 1817, and when four years of age removed with his parents to Chenango county, New York, where he was raised. After leaving school he commenced farming and followed it until the spring of 1841 when he removed to Miami county, Ohio, and there became engaged in the hardware business. In the spring of 1847 he went to Howard county, Indiana, resumed farming until 1850, and then moved to Camden, Carroll county, same State, where he con- tinued the hardware business. There remained until the spring of 1860 when he came to this county, and now owns a farm of over 137 acres, well- improved. Has a herd of about forty-one head of Cotswold sheep. Mr. Harrington has been married four times: first, in New York State, October 18, 1840, to Miss Angeline Chapman. They had two children: Benjamin F. and Clinton O. Was married a second time, February 4, 1847, to Naomi Tucker. By this union they had four children: William A., Angeline, Addison T. and Naomi. His third marriage was in Indiana, October 26, 1854, to Miss Maria Tucker. Two children were the result of this mar- riage: Myrtle and an infant. His present wife was Sarah A. Monnett, whom he married August 11, 1859. They have six children: Fordus, John C. F., Laura C., Francis M., Clarissa C. and Florence V.
HOLLOWELL, J. W .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22, P. O. Ma- rengo. Among the successful and wealthy .men of this township is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Orange county, Indiana, October 22, 1817. Was there raised and educated, and engaged in farming continu- ing it until September, 1846, when he came to this county. He was one of the pioneers and has seen, as it were, the entire growth of the county. Is the owner 650 acres of land, well improved and fenced with wire and rails. Has a good residence and outbuildings, well located two and half miles northwest of Marengo. His farm is one of the best in the neighborhood. Mr. Hollowell has been an honored member of the M. E. Church since 1870. He was elected sheriff of Iowa county in August, 1849 and served until August, 1851. His marriage was in Indiana, in February, 1842, to Miss Martha Cloud. They had six children, five of whom are living: Mary, Eveline J., Laura, Elizabeth and Martha. One, Joel T., is deceased. Mrs. Hollowell died on the 14th of September, 1880. She was an estim- able lady, one loved and respected by her many friends, a kind mother and loving wife, always ready to bear the hardships and trials of life with patience. Her death was mourned by a host of friends.
HUNTER, JAMES A .- Farmer, stock-raiser and ice-dealer, Sec. 30, P. O. Marengo. A native of Tennessee. Was born on the 18th of Novem- ber, 1827, and there was raised and educated. In the fall of 1845 he came to this county and has since made it his home, and now owns a fine stock- farm of 144 acres of improved land. In 1867 in connection with farming and stock-raising he commenced dealing in ice, supplying the city of Ma- rengo with the best that can be obtained. Mr. Hunter was married in this county, July 1, 1852, to Miss Martha A. Cardwell; born June 12, 1835, and a native of Indiana, where she was reared and educated. . They have had five children, four of whom are living: Amanda J. (born March 1, 1855), Rosella A. (born March 10, 1860), James A. (born January 5, 1863) and Addie B. (born July 27, 1865). One is deceased, Ida J. (born August 29, 1857; died March 29, 1859).
34
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
TONES, JOHN-Fariner and stock-raiser, Sec. 12, P. O. Marengo. Is a native of New York, and when only about nine months old was taken by his parents to Ohio, where he was raised and educated. In 1861 he enlisted in company A, Fifty-seventh Ohio infantry and served until the close of the war when he was honorably discharged. Then returned to Ohio where he followed farming until the fall of 1866, when he came to Iowa county, Iowa. Has since made his home here and now owns a farm of 240 acres, well improved and under cultivation, with a comfortable resi- dence. Mr. Jones was married in this county, on the 18th of November, 1867, to Miss Martha A. Simpson. Their family consists of four children: Lillie B., Alwilda, Logan and Clyton.
K ORTZ, JOHN M .- Farmer, Sec. 30, P. O. Marengo. Is a native of Tennessee, and was born May 5, 1844. * Was there party educated and in April, 1852, came to this county, where he completed his education. Then commenced farming and still follows the same, owning a fine farm of 100 acres, of well improved land. Has a good residence, nicely located. In July, 1861, Mr. Kortz enlisted in company G, Seventh Iowa infantry, and served until September, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. Partic- ipated in the battles of Belmont, Southerland, Jackson, Missouri, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson; Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Iuka, Bone Yard, Ten- nessee and several others hard fought. Mr. Kortz was married in this county, on the 12th of April, 1865, to Miss Mary F. Hann, a native of Ohio. They have had a family of six children, five of whom are living: Allison H., Caroline, Isabelle, Henry W. G. and Addie. One, an infant, is deceased.
EADER, THOMAS-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 29, P. O.
L Marengo. Was born October 20, 1824, in England where he was raised and educated. There he followed farming, and in the fall of 1850 he emigrated to America, landing in New York. From there he went to Kane county, Illinois, and in the spring of 1851 moved to Ohio, following farming until November, 1855, when he came to this county. Has since resided here and now owns a fine farm of 1,010 acres of well improved land, nicely fenced with boards, wire and rails. His residence and outbuildings are among the finest in the county. Mr. Leader was married in England, Oc- tober 10, 1847, to Miss Ann Atkins. Their family consists of eight chil- dren: Eliza A., Polly M., James H., Sarah A., Isabelle, A. F., L. C. and Rosetta.
LIDDLE, W. R .- Blacksmith, Sec. 36, P. O. Marengo. The subject of this sketch was born in Canada, May 14, 1836, and was there raised and educated. In the fall of 1854 he came to this county where learned the trade he now follows, that of a blacksmith. He also owns a fine farm of 160 acres of land, well improved and has a beautiful location for his resi- dence. On the 4th day of August, 1860, Miss Rebecca Dougherty became his wife. The ceremony was solemnized in Iowa county. By this union they had eight children of whom: six are living: Bertha A., John A., Nettie, Olive, Alma and Eben. Lost two: Rufus and an infant.
cCAULEY, WILLIAM-Farmer, Sec. 30, P. O. Marengo. Was
M L born in Ireland, in May, 1815, and was there raised and attended school. After finishing his education he commenced farming and contin- ued it until the spring of 1852, when he emigrated to America, landing at New York. From there he went to Paterson, New Jersey, remaining for one year, and in 1853 removed to Ohio, continued farming and in the spring
549
MARENGO TOWNSHIP.
of 1857 came to this county where he has since resided. He owns 50 acres of land, improved, with a good residence situated a short distance from Marengo. Mr. McCauley was married in Ireland, July 25, 1849, to Miss Mary J. Claments. In 1875 they adopted a little girl by the name of An- nie Randleman.
MARBLE, L. O .- Dealer in horses, Sec. 30, P. O. Marengo. Was born on the 6th of August, 1831, and is a native of Lake county, Ohio. Was there raised and received his education, after which he learned the trade of blacksmith, which he continued for about four years. In June, 1856, he came to Iowa county, Iowa, and has since made it his home. He owns 28 acres of improved land on the suburbs of Marengo. Is one of the best horse dealers and trainers in the country hereabouts, having followed the training of thorough-bred horses since he was ten years old. Mr. Mar- ble was married in Geauga county, Ohio, May 12, 1846, to Miss A. R. Harper. By this union they have three sons: Melzar F., Lewis W. and Charles H.
MURPHY, S. J .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 28, P. O. Marengo. Was born in Bedford county, Virginia, February 1, 1810, and when only an infant removed with his parents to Kentucky. There he remained until eight years of age and then went to Brownstown, Indiana, where he was raised and educated. Then he learned the hatter's trade which he followed for three years and was obliged to give it up on account of his health. He engaged in farming, continuing the same until the fall of 1850, when he came to this county and has since resided here. He has one of the finest residences in the township if not in the county. In 1862 he enlisted in company D, Thirty-seventh Iowa Infantry, and served fifteen months, then being discharged on account of disability. He was appointed post- master at Marengo in 1872, and held that office for three years. Mr. Mur- phy has been twice married: first in Brownstown, Indiana, February 13, 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Warner. By that union they had four children: Nancy C., Wilbur F., James R. and Elizabeth R. His second marriage was on the sixth of August, 1842, in Indiana, and by this union there were eight children, five of whom are living: Emory W., Samuel S., Emory W. William B. and John D. Three are deceased: Isaac H., George F. and Kate E.
O
WEN, T. W .- Farmer and stock raiser, Secs. 2 and 35, P. O. Ma-
rengo. Was born in Richland county, Ohio, August 23, 1841, and at eleven years of age removed with his parents to this county, where he was raised and attended school. In September, 1861, he enlisted in company G, Eighth Iowa infantry, and served until September, 1863, when he was honorably discharged. Participated in the battles of Shiloh, second battle of Corinth, Jackson, Vicksburg and several others equally as severe. Af- ter his discharge he returned to Marengo, where he followed farming until 1871. Then he became engaged in the grain and stock business and con- tinued therein until 1875, when he once more resumed farming, there being in the estate 280 acres of improved land, situated two miles from Marengo. Mr. Owen was married in Iowa county, Iowa, December 15, 1875, to Miss Rosanna Sinks. They have two children: Ursula H. (born November 5, 1877) and Lemuel G. (born December 26, 1879).
POWERS, A. F .- Farmer, Sec. 32, P. O. Marengo. Was born in Maine, April 24, 1816, where he was raised and educated and in 1836 he went to Ohio. Remained there until 1838 when he removed to Ran-
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
dolph county, Illinois, and there followed the carpentering business, and continued it until August, 1866. Then he came to this county and has since resided here, owning a farm of 40 acres, well improved. Mr. Powers was married in Illinois, September 5, 1838, to L. E. Osborn. By this union they had two children: Ellen A. and Francis M., both of whom are de- ceased. In 1856 they adopted a girl by the name of Ida E. Broaud. She was a teacher in the Marengo city school and died October 5, 1880. Her death was mourned by many scholars and teachers as well as by a host of friends.
R EED, JOHN, JR .- Farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 32, P. O. Ma- rengo. This gentleman owes his nativity to England where he was born on the 17th of June, 1833. When about ten years of age he came with his parents to this continent, landing in Montreal. From there he went to Ohio, where he was educated, after which he learned the trade of carpenter, following the same until 1856. Then he came to this county where he now owns a fine farm of 60 acres, well improved, with a good residence situated two miles southeast of Marengo. In 1863 Mr. Reed was sworn into the government employ as carpenter, remaining in that position about four months. He was married in Painsville, Ohio, December 20, 1868, to Miss Sarah A. Ney, a native of New Hampshire.
S HRIVER, M .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 11, P. O. Marengo. Was born in Ohio, January 17, 1827, and was there raised and at. tended school. After completing his education he engaged in farming, which he continued until the spring of 1867, and then came to this county. He has since resided here and owns 871 acres of well improved land. Has a fine brick residence, located four and a half miles southwest of Marengo. When Mr. Schriver came here the land which he now owns was nothing but prairie; but by steady and hard labor he has made it one of the finest and most productive farms in the county. It is well watered by good wells. He has a herd of 70 cattle. In 1872 he was elected treasurer and director of the school board and served in that capacity until July 3, 1880, when he resigned. Mr. Schriver was married in Ohio to Miss Mary A. Hughes. They have six children: William, John S., Michael E., Mary E., Amos and Lucy L.
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