USA > Iowa > Iowa County > The history of Iowa County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 78
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GRIFFITH, A. P .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 18, P. O. Millersburg. Was born May 6, 1836, in Guernsey county, Ohio, where he was educated and raised. Remained there until his nineteenth year, and then moved with his parents to this State, settling upon his present location. His father, A. Griffith, was born July 11, 1795, and died January 25, 1869 .. His mother's maiden name was Lydia Berstler, and she was born March 24, 1800, and died February 24, 1868. When our country was involved in
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war Mr. Griffith offered his services, and enlisted October 7, 1861, in com- pany I, Thirteenth Iowa infantry. He served until March, 1862, when he was discharged on account of failing health, which is still in bad condition, and returned to his present home. He was married May 9, 1865, to Miss Emma C. Sweet, a native of New York. Their family consists of five children: Lucy M., Lydia M., Willis W., Rufus A. and Grace M. Mr. G. is a man of continued industry and is now the owner of 184 acres of land, with fine improvements. He is an active member of the Baptist Church and always among its liberal contributors and supporters.
GRIBBIN, FRANCIS-Farmer, Sec. 28, P. O. Aurora. Was born in Ireland in 1835, and in 1853 he came to America and settled in Miami county, Ohio. There he made his home for about two years, when he came to Iowa and settled in Scott county. In 1857 he went to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and after about one year there he returned to Scott county, and in the spring of 1859 came to Iowa county. In July of that year returned to Davenport, where he remained two years, then moved to Clinton county, and in the autumn of 1861 came to his present location, where he owns a farm of 160 acres. He was married in Iowa county in 1859 to Miss Mary Jane Maguire, a native of Pennsylvania. They have nine children: Loretta, Josephine, Joseph, Edward, Gilbert, Lydia, Emma, Franklin and Ella. They have lost two: Sarah and William.
GRUEY, J. H .- Farmer and blacksmith, Sec. 16, P. O. North English. This enterprising citizen was born May 29, 1829, in Beaver county, Penn- sylvania, and lived there until he attained the age of nine years. Then he moved with his parents to Wayne county, Ohio, where he was educated and raised. He learned the trade of a blacksmith, which occupation he still follows. He was married in 1854 to Miss Margaret Wilson, a native of Ohio, and by this union they have four children living: Isabelle I., Margaret E., Emma T. and Albert W. Lost two: William and Sylvia. His success in life may be inferred from the fact that he began business for himself with very limited means, but through his industry and good hab- its he now owns a farm of 130 acres of fine land. He is an active mem- ber of the M. E. Church and always among its liberal contributors and supporters.
H ATTER, JOHN V .- Druggist, Millersburg. This public-spirited citizen was born in Highland county, Ohio, February 14, 1834. He there spent his days on a farm until the autumn of 1844, when his par- ents brought him to Washington county, Iowa, where he remained until the spring of 1846. Then moved to Sigourney, Keokuk county, where he made his home until 1863, when he came to Iowa county and settled in North English, remaining until March, 1865, when he moved to his present location. His occupation until 1863 was that of a farmer. He then em- barked in the mercantile business. He is now engaged in the drug and grocery trade and the leading one in his line in Millersburg. He was mar- ried in Keokuk county in March, 1858, to Miss Catharine Thompson, a native of Indiana. Their family consists of six children living: Delphia L., Lincoln W., Edith E., Eliza J., Menzo E. and Alva O. Mr. Hatter has taken a great interest in the growth and development of the county. He has held many positions of trust and always with credit to himself and sat- isfaction to the public.
HATTER, H. W .- Insurance agent and notary public, Millersburg. Was born in Keokuk county, Iowa, October. 18, 1852. In the autumn of
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1862 he came to North English, Iowa county, and made his home there about one yearand six months, then moved to Millersburg where he has since resided. Was engaged in the drug and mercantile business until 1877, when he engaged in his present line of business. He is now represent- ing the Phoenix Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, and is a duly commissioned notary public. He conducted the post-office at Millers- burg, as deputy, from 1871 to 1874. Was married in this county, April 24, 1877, to Miss Florence W. Wilson, daughter of William M. Wilson. She was born in Dayton township, this county. The family consists of two children living: Maud A. and an infant. They lost one, Ralph.
HICKMAN, J. J .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 6, P. O. Millersburg. Among the many pioneers who first came to this county is the subject of our sketch, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in February, 1818. He was there raised until he attained his tenth year. when he moved to Guernsey county, Ohio, living there until the fall of 1850, when he came to this State and settled in Washington county. In 1852 he came to his present location. He was married November 25, 1841, to Miss Elizabeth McKenney. Their family consists of eight children living: Samuel, Albert, Nancy, Sarah, John, Emma, Elizabeth and Charles. Lost two, Thomas, (who died in the war) and James (an infant). Mr. Hickman owns a fine farm of 440 acres of well cultivated land. He is a member of the M. E. Church and a warm friend to the advancement of education.
HILL, W. F .- Sec. 36, P. O. North English. The subject of this sketch is a son of J. Hough Hill, who was one of the first settlers of the county and who departed this life in 1862. The mother of our subject, Mrs. Catherine Hill, died in 1876. W. F. Hill was born June 5, 1843, in Des Moines county, Iowa, where he lived until he attained his seventh year. Then he moved with his parents to Iowa county and settled upon his present loca- tion in 1850. He was married in 1854 to Miss Margaret Thompson, born November 29, 1848 a native of Ohio. By this union they have two chil- dren living: Martin G. and Capitola. Lost one, John Franklin Wood. Mr. Hill has been quite successful as he began business for himself with very limited means, but through his good habits and industry he owns a valuable farm of 280 acres of well cultivated land.
K ENNEDY, J. C .- Merchant. The subject of this sketch was born August 8, 1840, in Trenton county, New Jersey, and there remained until he attained his eleventh year. He then moved to Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania, where he remained but six months and then took up his residence in St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained until 1856. At that time he came to Iowa City this State where he remained until the spring of 1857, when he moved to this county, being employed as a stage-driver-dividing his residence between here and Iowa City for a short time. He was mar- ried May 14, 1861, to Miss Hannah R. Wilson, a native of Washington county, Ohio. They have seven children living: Charles W., Louella, Ev- erett, Alston, Carrie Lee, Solon and Garfield W. They lost two, both infants. In 1861 Mr. Kennedy engaged in the mercantile business which he has since followed. He now carries a full line of general merchandise and has built up a large and profitable business. He has always taken a warm interest in the welfare of the county and is closely identified with its growth and pros- perity and is now among its successful pioneers.
KNIPFER, FRANZ-Brick yard, Sec. 2, P. O. Millersburg. Was born in 1840 in Germany, and was there educated and raised. In 1868 he immi-
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grated to this country, settling in Iowa county, Iowa, and in 1870 he came to his present location and began in his present occupation. Is now doing a large and profitable business. He was married in Germany in 1864, to Miss Augustine Dornblud, a native cf Germany, and by this union they have eight children living: Oscar, Matilda, Agnes (all born in Germany), Julius, Ida, Emily, Gottfred and Robert. Mr. Knipfer takes great interest in the welfare of the county. He owns a farm of 73 acres.
L OILIER, CHARLES-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec.23, P. O. North En- glish. Was born September 15, 1825, in Bellfort, France, where he was educated and raised until he attained his nineteenth year. Then he came to this country and settled in New York State, where he resided until 1856, then coming to this State. He settled at North English, Iowa county, at which place he lived for two years and then came to his present location. He was married in 1854 to Miss Nancy Bourquener, a native of France, and by this union they have six children living: Charles, Francis, Henry, Nancy, Mary and Frank. Mr. Loilier takes a warm interest in the educa- tion of his children. He is a man of continued industry and now as a re- ward he owns over 147 acres of fine land.
M cCRACKEN, E. B .- Postmaster and merchant, North English. This pioneer of Iowa county was born in Washington county, Ten- nessee, March 17, 1827, and was there educated and raised. He spent his early youth on a farm and made farming his avocation until the spring of 1856. He was married in 1849, in his native county, to Miss Nancy Wil- liams, a native of that county (a sister to Hon. J. L. Williams of this county) ..: In the autumn of 1850 he came to this county locating in Fill- more township, arriving there on the 2d of February, 1851. He resided there until the spring of 1856, when he moved to North English and has since made it his home. First engaged in the milling business, purchasing the North English flouring mills, which he conducted about one year, then engaged in freighting goods, which he followed three years. He then com- menced in the mercantile business, and has been postmaster seventeen years. Has held many township offices. Mr. and Mrs. McCracken have five children living: Lilly, Dora, Edith, Clarence and Kate. Lost seven. Mr. McCracken is a man who is respected and esteemed by all who have made his acquaintance.
MULLIN, THOMAS-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 14, P. O. North English. This pioneer was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, May 20, 1824, and when thirteen years of age he moved to Hancock county of the same State, where he was educated and developed into manhood. In 1851 he came to this State and settled on section 27, English township, Iowa county, where he lived for four years. Then he moved to his present location. He was married in 1847 to Miss Malinda Fuff, a native of Ohio. . Their family consists of four children living: Nancy, George, Frank and La Fayette. Lost two: John and Lucinda. Mr. Mullin learned the trade of carpenter and joiner when young, which he followed for abont twelve years. He now owns a fine farm of 372 acres of well cultivated land, and his buildings are among the finest in the county.
O' 'BRIEN, J. W .- Farmer, Sec. 24, P. O. North English. Was born in Bledsoe county, Tennessee, October 1, 1827, and his parents took him to Monroe county, Indiana, when he was about three years of age. There he was educated and raised on a farm. Was married in Greene county, of that State, in January, 1851, to Miss Mary A. Sexson, a native of that
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county. Mr. O. made Greene county his home from March, 1851, until the spring of 1852 when he came to Johnson county, Iowa, and remained there until 1860. Then came to this county where he has since resided. He first settled in Iowa township, and in 1865 he moved to his present location, where he owns a farm of 140 acres. He has held many offices during his- residence in Iowa, was steward of Johnson county poor-farm four years, justice of the peace, in Johnson and this county, six years, and was school treasurer in this county four years. Their family consists of seven children: J. P., Eliza Ellen (wife of M. Roller), Richard S., Abigail (wife of Will- iam Mahana), Granville, Hugh and Mary. Lost one, an infant.
OWEN, ABRAHAM-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 12, P. O. North English. Among the pioneers who have identified themselves with the in- terests of the county is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Rutland county, Vermont, October 27, 1817. When he attained his fifteenth year he went to Massachusetts, where he engaged in the carpenter and mill- wright business. This he followed for two years, and then went to Missis- sippi, where he engaged in contracting cotton-gins and presses. He fol- lowed that occupation for four years and then came to this State, June 12, 1838, settling in Washington county, near the mouth of English River. There he built a saw mill in company with Mr. Haskenn, which business he followed for about two years, sold out his share to Mr. McClure and then went to Iowa City, where he engaged in carpentering. He helped to build the first frame house in Iowa City. He was one of the company that were appointed in 1841 to explore the Iowa, Cedar and the Des Moines rivers down to the Indian agency. He then engaged in trapping and hunt- ing. He went to California in 1849, leaving Iowa City March 31, 1849, and arrived in California October, 1849, on the Feather River upper mines, there he engaged in mining, which occupation he followed for two years, he then engaged in the lumber business, which he continued until 1855, when he returned to Iowa City and the following spring, 1856, came to Iowa county and settled in his present location. He was married October 27, 1856, to Miss C. Ford, a native of Virginia. Their family consists of seven children living: Hugh B. (now of Atlantic, Iowa), Frank (now of Montana), Tally Glem, Thomas B., Charles A. and Mary L. Lost two : Fred and Jessie. Mr. Owen has been associated with E. T. Nucomb for the past forty years. They have trapped and hunted together for several years. E. T. Nucomb was born August 11, 1810 in the State of New York. He was there educated and raised, and in 1841 came to this State, Iowa City, and in the spring of 1850 he went to California. There he re- mained for four years, then returned to Iowa City, at which place he re- mained for two years working at his trade of tailor. He then came with Mr. Owen, and has since lived here. Mr. Owen owns a fine farm of 184 acres, of which 125 are under good cultivation.
P ARKS, J. S .-. Blacksmith and plow manufacturer, Millersburg. Promi- nent among the business men of Millersburg, who have identified themselves with the prosperity of the town, is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Logan county, Indiana, on the 22d of October, 1834. He there spent his days until 1848, when he ca me to Iowa and settled in Keokuk county. Resided there until 1852,'when he went to California, remaining until 1865, then returned to Iowa and settled in Millersburg. He learned his present business in Iowa City, commencing in 1849, and in the year 1866 he embarked in business for himself. He has now built up
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a large and profitable trade in his line. Is engaged in general black- smithing, horse-shoeing and plow manufacturing. He has a well-fitted shop, and well deserves the liberal patronage with which he is meeting from the people. He was married in June 1876, to Miss M. C. Penn, a. native of Keokuk county, Iowa. They have one adopted child. Eunice Leroy Parks. Mr. Parks is closely identified with the growth and busi- ness interests of his town, and is numbered among its substantial business men.
PENN, LEVI-Farmer, Sec. 31, P. O. White Pigeon, Keokuk county. Among the pioneers of English township is the subject of this brief sketch, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1822. When quite young his parents brought him to Stark county, Ohio, and when about fif- teen years of age, his father took him to Tuscarawas county, where he re- mained one year. Then went to Wood county where he spent nearly one. year, and returned to Stark county, where he made his home nearly two years. Then went to Coshocton county where he was married in 1845, to Miss Sarah Baker, a native of that county. In the autumn of 1850 he came to Iowa county and settled on his present location. His wife died in 1862. He was again married in 1866, to Mrs. Sarah E. Smith, widow of the late. F. A. Smith; her maiden name was Wells. She was born in Coshocton county, Ohio. From his first union he has five children living: Elizabeth, Charles W., Joel, Angeline and Charity. Andrew J. deceased. From this last union he has two children: Bertha and Willis H. Mr. Penn is a. inan who is esteemed by all and is among the leading farmers of his neighborhood. He is now in possession of a very desirable farm of 176. acres well improved.
R EED, R. B .- Justice of the peace. The subject of this brief sketch was born in Randolph county, Indiana, September 17, 1842, and there made his home until the spring of 1856, when he came to this county with his parents. His father, H. K. Reed, was one of the old settlers in this- township. He died in the spring of 1866, leaving seven other children, and our subject to perpetuate his name. He was married in this county De- cember 6, 1864, to Miss Mary Dedmore. She was born in Dayton town- ship of this county. She is the daughter of Thomas Dedmore, an old pio- neer of that township. Mr. Reed is a man who is closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the county and has always taken a warm in- terest in its welfare. He has held many important township offices and discharged the duties of the same with credit to himself and the entire sat- isfaction of the public. He was elected justice of the peace in 1874, and held the office two years. Was appointed to the same office in 1877 and filled it until he was again elected in 1878, and was re-elected iu 1880 for two years. He has taken warm interest in the prosperity of the schools of his town, and is a friend to all religious institutions. His family consists of six children living: Nathalia R., Drusilla C., Allen B., Myrtle C., Edna F. and Margaret R. He followed the pursuits of agriculture until 1876, when he engaged in house and sign painting, which business he has since followed, in connection with his official duties. Thus we have traced the ups and downs of a man who has scarce reached the meridian of life, whose life has been full of usefulness to fellow beings, and our only hope. is that the future generations of this county will fully appreciate the ef- forts of the pioneers.
REIMENSCHNEITER, MRS. CATHARINE-Millersburg. Was born
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
in Switzerland, August 15, 1811. Her maiden name was Klean, and she came to this country when twenty-three years of age, landing in New York City, at which place she resided for twenty-five years. In 1858 she came to this State and settled in Iowa county, Dayton township, where she lived until 1862. She was married in 1858, to John William Reimensch- neiter, a native of Prussia. He was born in 1816, and came to this country in 1849, living in New York City until 1856 when he came to this State and settled in Iowa county, Dayton township. There lived until the breaking out of the war when he enlisted in company I, Twenty-eighth Iowa infantry; August 25, 1862, he enlisted as orderly sergeant, was pro- moted to captain and was killed in the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. Mrs. Catharine Reimenschneiter is now drawing a pension of $22 a month.
S COTT, JESSE-Farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Millersburg. The subject of this sketch was born November 23, 1816, in Indiana Ter- ritory, where he lived until he attained his twelve year, and in 1828 he moved to McLean county, Illinois, where he lived until 1834. Then moved to Macon county, same State, and there resided until 1852, when he came to this State and settled in Iowa county, English township, on section 21. There he lived for three and a half years when he moved to his present lo- cation. He was married April 12, 1838, to Miss Phebe Miller, a native of Kentucky. By this union they have eight children living: Mary J. (now Mrs. George Comber. of Webster county), Andrew J. (now married, and in Greene county). Eli (now in Washington Territory), Olive (now Mrs. A. D. Knapp, of Phillips county, Kansas), Margaret A. (now Mrs. A. Cheney), John F., Lunice and Lydia. Lost four, two infants, Lucinda (died July 25, 1873) and Christopher Columbus (born June 24, 1853, and died March 12, 1874). Mr. Scott owns a farm of 174 acres of well cultivated land with good improvements.
SHAW, GEORGE-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 18, P. O. Millersburg. Was born September 25, 1842, in Essex county, New York, where he lived until he attained the age of thirteen. He came to this State with his pa- rents and settled in Iowa county. English township, in 1855, where he re- sided until the war, when he enlisted in September, 1861, in company B, Eleventh lowa volunteers. He was in the battle of Shiloh. He was dis- charged on account of a wound which he received July 7, 1862. His brother, Charles F., enlisted in company I, Thirteenth Iowa volunteers, and died while in the service; also his, brother, Samuel E., died in the war. Mr. Shaw was married in 1860 to Miss Carrie Wilson, a native of Noble county, Ohio. By this union they have two children: Minnesota, Wil- liam K. Mr. Shaw is a man of industry and now owns a fine farm of 96 acres with good improvements. He has witnessed the growth of the county and kept pace with its progress.
SHANKS, M. G .- Carpenter and builder. Among the many pioneers of Iowa county who are identified with its growth and development, no ·one is deserving of more special mention than the subject of this sketch, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, on the 17th of October, 1840. There he spent his days until he attained his fifteenth year. He moved to Henry county, Iowa, where he made his home until 1860, when he came to this county and located near North English, on a farm, living there about one year. Then moved to North English, where he has since resided. He was married in Keokuk county in 1862 to Miss Jane Whitemore, a na-
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tive of Ohio. They have two children living: William and John. Lost one, an infant. When about twenty-two years of age he engaged in his present business and has made it his principal avocation since, although he has been engaged in the saw and grist milling business to some extent. He is among the early settlers of the town and has assisted in erecting many of its buildings. He has built up a reputation as a workman which is good in every respect, and is often called into the adjoining counties to do work. He is closely indentified with the growth and prosperity of the county, and during the twenty years of his residence here has always retained the con- fidence and esteem of the people.
SHOTTS, J. F .- Merchant, North English. Was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, August 18, 1846. Heremained in that State until he was thirteen years of age, when his parents brought him to Keokuk county, Iowa. There he made his home until March 30, 1864, when he enlisted in company G, Eighth Iowa infantry. Was mustered out with the company at Davenport, then returned to his home, and in the autumn of 1867 he went to Iowa City. Remained there until the following spring, when he went to Moline, Illinois; made his home there until the autumn of that year, and then went to Rock Island, engaging in the drug business. He continued there one year, then moved to Independence, Kansas, where he conducted a drug business two years. Then returned to Keokuk county, in the following February. He then went to San Francisco, California, and after about six months there returned to Keokuk county, locating at South English, where he resided until October, 1873. He moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and remained there until the spring of 1875, when he again came to Towa and settled in his present location, where he is doing a good profitable business in drugs and general merchandise.
SIVARD, J. P .- Stock-dealer and hotel-keeper. The subject of our notice was born February 11, 1820, in York county, Pennsylvania. His parents brought him to Belmont county, Ohio, when he was about eight years of age, and there he resided until 1832 when he moved to Morgan county, same State, there he spent his days until 1855 when he became impressed with the idea that Iowa offered superior inducements to men of energy. He came here in the autumn of that year and settled near Millers- burg on a farm, which he conducted until 1859 when he moved to the town. He first engaged in freighting goods from Iowa City, and followed that about five years. He then embarked in the mercantile trade which line he followed until 1873, when he engaged in stock-dealing, buying and ship- ping stock to eastern markets. He has built up a large and profitable trade. In the spring of 1880 he also embarked in hotel business, which he carries on with a marked degree of success in connection with his other business. His hotel, the Sivard House, is a neat frame building; its ap- pointments are first class in every respect. He has held many public offices during his residence here; he was elected county supervisor during the war and served two years. He was again elected in 1870 and held the office until that system was abolished by the Legislature. He was also elected justice of the peace in 1865, and served two years; was again elected in 1871 and served four years; was appointed notary public in 1876, which office he still holds. He has always taken a warm interest in the welfare of the county and has witnessed nearly its entire growth. He has been twice married: first, in Morgan county, Ohio, to Miss Margaret Elliott, a native of that State; she died in 1860. He was again married in 1861,
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