USA > Iowa > Iowa County > The history of Iowa County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 79
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
to Miss Martha Young. a native of Kentucky; she is a daughter of the late Augustus Young, an old settler of this county. He died April 7, 1880. Mrs. Sivard is a lady of refined taste.
STANARD, C. C .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 9, P. O. Millersburg. The subject of this sketch was born March 19, 1832, in Erie county, Ohio, and on reaching his twelfth year he moved with his parents to Indiana, where he resided until 1852, then went to California and engaged in min- ing and farming until 1856, when he returned to Iowa county and settled upon his present location. He was married in 1862 to Miss Emily Engram, a native of Indiana. Their family consists of five children living: James A., Glen A., Charles E., Amber A. and George G. Mr. Stanard has held many places of public trust with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. He now owns a fine farm of one hundred and seventy acres of well cultivated land.
SWEET, ELI-Postmaster, Millersburg. Was born on the seventeenth day of February, 1839, in Madison county, New York. He there spent his time in acquiring an education until 1855, when he moved with his parents to this county, settling in Millersburg. He followed farming until 1861. When our country was involved in war he was among the first to offer his services to the cause of the Union. He enlisted in company G, Seventh Iowa, and was in many of the warmest engagements of the war. The lim- its of this work will not permit us to mention them here. He was at the battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, where he was slightly wounded, but not serious enough to unfit him for duty. He was also at battles of Shiloh, Corinth and others. He was honorably discharged at Chattanooga Tennessee, July 23, 1864, and soon returned to Millersburg where he was engaged in school teaching until the spring of 1869, when he moved to Valley Junction, Polk county, this State. There he was appointed first postmaster, which office he retained until the spring of 1871. He then returned to his present location, where he followed school teaching until the summer of 1879, when he was appointed postmaster, August 25, and has since held that position. He was married in this town in 1868, to Miss Cynthia A. Friend, a daughter of the late Rev. G. W. Friend of the Iowa Conference. They have two children living: George R. and Fred- erick E. Lost one, Minnie E. (aged about 19 months).
TURNER, J. B .- Farmer, Sec. 23, P. O. North English. Was born
T in Fleming county, Kentucky, February 27, 1826, and when about two years of age his parents brought him to Clinton county, Ohio; there he was raised on a farm until his twentieth year, when he went to Bloom- ington, Indiana, and learned the trade of a boot and shoemaker, remaining there about two years and eight months as an apprentice, then returned to his home in Clinton county, Ohio, where he remained one year and again went to Indiana, located in Delaware county, where he was married, June 17, 1852, to Miss Hattie Richardson, a native of Ripley county, Indiana. In the autumn of 1855 he came to Iowa county, remained in North Eng- lish about three months, then returned to Delaware county where he made his home until the autumn of 1863, when he again came to this county and settled in his present location. He immediately engaged in farming and has been quite successful, now owning a nice farm of one hundred and two acres of cultivated land. His family consists of six children: Samantha, Samuel R., Harvey B., George J., Eliza E. and Ellen. Lost two.
TURNER, JAMES-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 13, P. O. North
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ENGLISH TOWNSHIP.
English. Was born in Nova Scotia April 23, 1813, and was there educa- ted and raised. He moved to Illinois in 1835 where he lived until 1840, and then took up his residence in Rock county, Wisconsin, where he re- sided until 1849. Then moved to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where he lived until 1866, when he, becoming impressed with the idea that Iowa county offered superior inducements to men of energy, came to his present location. He was married in 1862 to Miss Laura Clark, a native of New Hampshire. Their family consists of two children: Lucy Jane and Fred Granderson. Mr. Turner owns a fine farm of 306 acres of well cultivated land.
THOMAS, D. M .- Merchant, North English. Born in Hampshire county, Virginia, in December 1818, and when about ten years of age his parents brought him to Coshocton county, Ohio, where he remained until 1850. Then he came to Iowa county and remained here one year, when he went to Indiana and, after a residence there of a few years, came to Bre- mer county, Iowa. Remained there four years, then went to Sullivan county, Missouri, where he remained until 1872, when he moved to his present location. He was married at about the age of twenty-four, to Miss Margaret Wallace, a native of Coshocton county, Ohio. They have four children: George, Joseph, John and Elizabeth. Mr. Thomas is now in the general merchandise business and is the oldest merchant of the town.
TINKLE, JACOB-Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 7, P. O. Millersburg. The subject of this sketch is the oldest pioneer who is now living in the township. He was born August 12, 1817, in Indiana and when about eight months old moved with his parents to Ohio, where he lived until he attained his eighteenth year. He then moved to Morgan county, Indiana, where he lived for eight years and then came to this State in 1843 and set- tled in Iowa county, Dayton township. There he lived four years, when he removed to his present location. He was married in 1850 to Miss Nancy Parker and by this union they have five children living: Benjamin F., John W., Daniel C., Mary and Becky. Lost one, an infant. He was mar- ried again in 1865 to Mrs. Susy Glaiden and by this union they have two children: Hettie and Millie. Mr. Tinkle had many obtacles in life to con- tend with, but through his perseverance he now owns a farm of 100 acres and is comfortably fixed.
ADE, J. H .- Carriage and wagon-maker, Millersburg. Was born
W in Richland county, Ohio, August 8, 1849, and in 1854 his par- ents brought him to Keokuk county, Iowa, where he was educated and raised to manhood. His early days were spent on a farm until he attained his eighteenth year, when he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which occupation he followed until 1873 and always with marked degree of success. In 1873 he began his present line of business. In 1878 he came to Millersburg and is now associated with A. Foss. The firm is now doing a large and profitable business in their line, wagon and carriage manufactur- ing, as well as general blacksmithing and repairing. They have a well fitted up shop and are meeting with a liberal patronage, which they deserve. Mr. Wade was married August 8, 1875, to Miss Nettie R. Harlan, a native of Iowa. They have one child living, Doyl H. Lost one, an infant.
WILLIAMS, HON. J. L .- Sec. 24, P. O. North English. Prominent among the pioneers of Iowa county who have been identified with its growth and prosperity, is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Washington county, east Tennessee, August 6, 1825. He was raised on a
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
farm until he attained the age of twenty-five years. He spent his youth in farming summers and teaching school in the fall and winter. Was mar- ried October 19, 1846, to Miss Nancy B. McCracken, a native of that county. In the autumn of 1850 he came to Iowa county and settled on his present location, where he laid the foundation for his future home. He was among the first settlers in his neighborhood. He is a man virtually self-made and self-educated, and commenced business for himself without appreciable means. Being a man of sound judgment and honesty of pur- pose, he soon overcame all obstacles in the way of success. The whole course of his life has been turned in one channel, always laboring for the cause of religion and morality. He has always taken a firm stand for the cause of temperance, and has been a zealous worker for that end. He has held many offices and places of public trust; was appointed deputy sur- veyor in 1865 and held the office until he was elected county surveyor in 1867, which office he filled until January, 1872. Then resigned owing to ill health. In 1864 he was elected county supervisor and served two years; was elected representative to the Sixteenth General Assembly. He intro- duced many bills of importance and to the interest of the State. He was appointed on a committee of inspection of the State penitentiaries and also commissioner of agriculture; was census enumerator in the census of 1860 and 1880. Has filled every position on the school board for many terms, and many other township offices of importance, yet during all those years of office career, not one charge of dishonesty or selfish spirit has ever been uttered against him. He is now in possession of a valuable farm of 185 acres of well cultivated land and twenty-six acres of timber. He is engaged in stock-raising to a considerable extent, and is surrounded by everything which makes his home happy and attractive. His family con- sists of ten children living: Amanda Jane (wife of John H. Gilchrist, of Spofford county, Kansas), Mary Victoria, Melvin B., Lamora E. (now Mrs. C. D. Mahana, of Keokuk county), Emma Belle (wife of J. P. O'Brien, of this county), Martha E., Salina I., John F., George R. and Ida E. They lost one, Columbus F. (died June 6, 1875, aged about twenty-six years). He is one among the pioneers of Iowa county who has attained that prominence among his fellows which is jusly due him, as no man has done more for the interest and welfare of the county and social well- being of its people.
WILSON, JOHN W .- Merchant. Was born in Washington county, Ohio, on the 13th of April, 1843, and lived on a farm until his tenth year; his parents then brought him to Dayton township, Iowa county, where he remained until 1876. Then moved to Millersburg and engaged in mer- cantile business. He carries a stock of groceries, confectioneries, etc. A good lunch room is attached to his business. He was in the quartermas- ter service with the Ninth Iowa cavalry during the war. He returned in the autumn of 1864. He was married in this county in 1871 to Miss Helen M. Stewart, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. Their family consists of five children living: Irving W., Gertrude Fay, Walter Kennedy, Edwin Percy and Roscoe Lacy. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fra- ternity and is numbered among the substantial business men of the town.
WILCOX, J. P .- Farmer, Sec. 9, P. O. Millersburg. The subject of this sketch was born March 30, 1812, in Pennsylvania, where he remained until he attained his sixth year. Then went to Licking county, Ohio, and here engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed for six
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ENGLISH TOWNSHIP.
years. Also spent one year in collecting and studying law, and then went to farming, following that avocation until 1854, when he came to this State and settled in Iowa county, English township, on section fifteen. There he resided for ten years. Then moved to his present location. He was married in 1843 to Miss Mary Starks, and by this union they had three children: Vinton S., Mary E. and Loria F. In 1854 Mrs. Wilcox died. Mr. W. was again married in 1857 to Mrs. Eliza F. Wrager, a native of Pennsylvania. She has three children by her former marriage: Mary E., Albert and George W. Mr. Wilcox's life has been one of perseverance and honest determination, and now as a reward he owns a farm of one hun- dred and fifty acres of fine land.
WILKINS, HENRY-Farmer, Sec. 8, P. O. Millersburg. Was born March 4, 1823, in Essex county, New York, and was there educated and raised. He was married in his native county to Miss Sarah Ann Water- man, and by this union they have nine children: Lysander, Albert, Alanson, Horatio, Andrew, Harriet, George, Michael and Emeline. Lost five: William (who died shortly after return from the war), Emma, Ma- linda J., Elizabeth J., one an infant. Mr. W. came to this State October 1, 1855, and settled in Keokuk county, where he lived for three years. Then moved to his present location. When our country was involved in war, Mr. Wilkins offered his services, and ยท enlisted, October, 1861, in com -. pany I, Thirteenth Iowa infantry, and served three years. He was mus- tered out in November, 1864, and returned to his home, where he.now owns a farm of forty-five acres, with fine comfortable buildings.
WILKINSON, HENRY S .- Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 36, P. O. North English. Was born in September, 1841, in New York, where he remained until he attained the age of two years. Then removed to Michi- gan, where he resided until 1856, and then came to Iowa and settled in Muscatine county. In 1858 he moved to his present location. He was married in 1861 to Miss E. J. Yager, a native of Iowa, and by this union they have five children: William H., Mary E., Isabelle, Viola and Virgil. He now owns a farm of seventy-two acres. During the war Mr. W. offered his services, and enlisted, July 10, 1861, in company D, Eighteenth Iowa infantry; was in the battles of Springfield and Prairie d' Anne; was. taken prisoner April 17, 1864, and held until February 20, 1865, when he was released. He then came home on a furlough of thirty days and again returned to his regiment and served to the close of the war.
Y OUNG, A. W .- Merchant, Millersburg. The subject of this sketch" was born in Wythe county, Virginia, on the 9th of August, 1816, where he spent his early youth. When about twelve years of age his par- ents brought him to Knox county, Ohio, where he was raised to manhood. He learned the trade of tanner and currier, and followed that avocation about twenty-five years. In 1841 moved to Greenup county, Kentucky, where he resided about two years; he then went to Meigs county, Ohio, and remained until the spring of 1844, when he returned to Greenup county, Kentucky, and was married in May, 1844, to Miss Martha Osborn, a native of that county. In the fall of 1849 came to Iowa and settled in Washington county, where he resided two years. He then came to this county and settled on a farm near Millersburg, and conducted that until- the spring of 1858, when he moved to Millersburg to engage in the hotel business, following that but a few months; he afterward engaged in the
40
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
harness business, which he continued about seven years; then embarked in the drug trade, following that about one year and six months, and then commenced the grocery trade, and subsequently branched into a general mer- chandise establishment, which he still conducts with a considerable degree of success.
CHAPTER VI.
SUMNER TOWNSHIP.
The Name-Boundaries-Population-Physical Features-Early Settlers-Original Entries Organization-Genoa Bluffs-Genoa Bluffs in 1857-Churches-Ohio Methodist Protestant -First Congregational-Schools-Cemetries-The Underground Railroad-The Barn- burners-Biographical.
THE NAME.
IN honor of America's greatest statesman and scholar, Charles Sumner, this township received its name. As this great diplomatist, with honest purpose and true American patriotism, ever defended right and denounced fraud and wrong, so may his namesake, one of Iowa county's fairest daughters, fulfill her mission with that honor which belongs to a commu- nity the same as to an individual.
BOUNDARIES.
Sumner township is bounded on the north by Honey Creek and Marengo, on the east by Marengo and Hilton, on the south by Pilot and on the west by Hartford. Technically described it may be said to contain all of town 80, range 11, except sections 1, 2, 3, 10, 11 and 12. It, therefore, contains 30 square miles or 19,200 acres. The population according to the census of 1880 was 810.
POPULATION.
The number of polls is 180 and the number of votes cast at the election for president November 2, 1880, was: James A. Garfield, 110; W. S .. Hancock, 29; J. B. Weaver, 16. The following will show the comparative number of cattle, horses, etc., for the years 1860, 1870 and 1880: For the year 1860, horses, 64, mules 2, cattle 270, swine 207. For the year 1870, horses 360, mules 33, cattle 642, swine 1,131. For the year 1880, cattle 1,709, horses 493, mules 32, sheep 95, swine 2,512. The assessed valua- tion of the realty for the year 1880 was $192,000, and the personalty for the same year was $82,000.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Sumner is well watered, there being five creeks within its limits; viz., Bear Creek, Little Bear Creek, Deep Creek, Eli Creek and Old Man's Creek. Bear Creek rises in Poweshiek county and after flowing through Hartford township it enters Sumner in section 7 and flows through sec- tions 8, 5 and 4 and after passing through Marengo township discharges into Iowa River. Little Bear rises in Hartford township, flowing in a northeasterly course, forms a junction with Bear Creek in section 4. Old Man's Creek rises in Pilot, flows northeast, enters Sumner and passes through the south part of sections 33 and 34, then pursues a southeasterly
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SUMNER TOWNSHIP.
course through Iowa and Johnson counties. Although there are many creeks and runs, yet we find very little timber, nearly all of which is along Bear Creek. There is a water-shed extending from northeast to southwest through the township; this is called the divide and furnishes the very best farming land. The surface is gently rolling, but no waste land.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Among the earliest settlers in the township were N. Rosenberger, M. B. Rosenberger, Henry A. Moore, Peter D. Smith, Daniel Broachey, J. H. Whittling, Jacob Watson, Wm. Downard, W. D). Nusbaum, M. Shaul, J. M. Ceis, Charles D. Hostetter, A. K. Hostetter, Josiah Clinker, Henry Keck and John Mouser. Many of the early settlers came from the State of Ohio and many are still living in the township. The earliest settlers in this as in other townships suffered many privations. The trading point was Iowa City, about forty miles distant, where they did all their buying, selling and milling, it taking from two to four days to make the trip.
The first physician located in Sumner township was Dr. J. Bricker, at Genoa Bluffs. The first school-house was in the southwest part of section 30, called the Ohio school-house, in which Miss Mary Whittling taught the first term. The first public religious services were held in the above school-house, as was also the first sabbath-school. The first church built in Sumner township was "Ohio Chapel," in the year 1866 by the Metho- dist Protestant denomination; another has been since built at Genoa Bluffs by the Congregational Church.
Wild game, such as deer, wild turkeys, etc., were in abundance and the winter months were enjoyed in hunting game for food.
ORIGINAL ENTRIES.
The first 40 acres purchased of the United States government was by Stephen Chase, June 1, 1846; the land is the ne qr se fr qr section 18, township 80, range 11.
The second 40 was entered by Joseph M. Kitchens, November 8, 1848; nw qr ne qr section 8, township 80, range 11.
The third piece of land was bought of the Government by William Stone, May 23, 1849; the s fr hf sw qr section 19, township 80, range 11.
The fourth piece of land was bought by Nicholas Mouser, October 22, 1849; ne qr section 18, township 80, range 11. He owns it still.
The fifth was entered by Absalom P. Kitchens, November 6, 1849; ne qr sw qr section 4, township 80, range 11.
The sixth purchase of land of the United States was by John E. Stoner, May 10, 1850; ne qr nw qr section 29, township 80, range 11.
ORGANIZATION.
Sumner township was organized October 12, A. D. 1858, the order for this having been given September 22, 1858. The first township officers were: Trustees, Nicholas Rosenberger, Peter D. Smith and A. F. Randolph; assessor, William D. Nusbaum; clerk, Michael Shaul.
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HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
The first official meeting of the board of trustees was held at Genoa Bluffs, November 3, 1858. The present officers are:
Trustees-Michael Shaul, C. B. Harther, R. L. Lillie.
Justices-A. K. Hostetter, Orson Eddy.
Constables-George Hanson, Charles Slaymaker.
Assessor-R. W. Rosenberger.
Clerk-George B. Critchett.
GENOA BLUFFS.
This little village was laid out by Jacob S. Watson, July 10, 1855, on se qr section 32, township 80, range 11. An addition by Peter Ike was made January 5, 1858. The place now contains a church and four dwellings. A post-office called "Genoa Bluffs " is kept at the house of the postmaster, Mr. J. Fuller. Genoa Bluffs at one time contained two stores, a grocery store, grist mill, blacksmith shop, hotel, post-office, school-house, saloon and twenty dwelling-houses. In 1857 there was considerable discussion and also some hope for the county seat being removed to Genoa Bluffs. "Fre- quent inundations " and uncentral position were considered objections to Marengo.
GENOA BLUFFS IN 1857.
Says a gentleman of experience who passed through this little village in November, 1857, on a tour of observation:
" We passed through this town not long since for the first time, and found it a pleasant little village, situated on a high, rolling prairie. It contains about one hundred inhabitants, has one store, two hotels, one kept. by our friend Hostetter, and a steam grist mill, owned by Messrs. Whit- ling & Artor. Near the town are several fine farms; those of J. A. Rosen- berger, N. Rosenberger, J. Swaney, G. Bablett, J. E. Stoner, H. Morse and others, appeared to be under a good state of cultivation, and will rank among the best farms in the county. The only disadvantages we saw about the Bluffs was the want of timber and a running stream of water. The former may easily be remedied in a few years by preventing the prai- ries from being burned, and planting locust or other fast growing trees."
CHURCHES.
The Ohio Methodist Protestant-Situated on the southwest corner of section 30, was organized as a station in 1866, but the Ohio class was es- tablished in the year 1854. Among the names of the original members were John A. and Catherine Rosenberger, Nicholas and Hannah Rosen- berger, Michael B. and Lavina Rosenberger, John Bair, Nancy C. Bair, Levi Shedenhelm, Margaret E. Shedenhelm, John N. Shedenhelm, Mary C. Shedenhelm, S. Ann R. Watson, Daniel Broachey, Mary J. Broachey, Anthony Rosenberger, Elizabeth Rosenberger.
The present frame church edifice was built in the year 1866, at a cost of $1,800. The church was dedicated December 13, 1868, by the Rev. Geo. M. Scott, of Tipton Circuit of North Iowa Conference, assisted by the pas- tor, Rev. J. Selby. The names of the pastors who have served the church are: Revs. Josiah Selby, E. Holland, J. A. Bolton, J. A. Smay, John L.
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Scott, Willis Huddleston. John C. Hazlett, and the present pastor, J. Selby. There is at present a membership of 106. In the year 1867, one year after the formation of the station by the division of the Iowa Circuit, the station numbered ninety-five members. There were then but two classes. In 1875 another class was organized at Sumner Center, so that the station now comprises the three classes, Ohio, Hartford and Sumner. The church is in good condition and well supported.
The First Congregational of Genoa Bluffs-Was organized October 5, 1856, with the following original members: Lovelle Morse, Clarissa M. Morse, his wife, Henry A. Morse, Jane M. C. Morse, his wife, Jason Car- penter, J. H. Whitling.
The present neat frame church was built in the year 1870, at a cost of $1,800. It was dedicated December 8. 1870, by Rev. J. W. Pickett, home missionary superintendent. The following have served the church as pas- tors: Revs. Wm. P. Gale, James J. Hill, Wm. Patten, B. T. Jones, Hollis S. Clark, and M. D. Archer, the present pastor. The present membership numbers thirty-six. This was the second Congregational Church organized in Iowa county.
Of the six ministers who have filled the pastoral office, only two are living: Rev. Wm. Patten, and the present pastor, M. D. Archer, who has ministered to the church and vicinity since April, 1874.
SCHOOLS.
The first school, as has been stated, was taught in a school-house called the " Ohio School," located on the southwest corner of section 30. Now, there are seven good schools, and these have an average of seven months school during the year. Five male and nine female teachers, with an average salary of $22.85 per month, have conducted these schools during the last year. In the township there are 150 males and 112 females of school age. The total enrollment was 214, and the average daily attend- ance 128. The average cost of tuition per month for each pupil was $1.28. The value of school-houses is $2,300. We give the names of the follow- ing present teachers: Tina Olsen, Mae Baird, I. W. Merchant, R. F. Lewis, Madge Henry, Sarah Stocker, Sarah Brown. With good schools, good churches, and good farms, Sumner township will stand high.
CEMETERIES.
There is a cemetery at Genoa Bluffs, in section 32, of about three acres in area, and containing about sixty interments. This ground was laid out by Henry Morse.
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