USA > Iowa > Jones County > The history of Jones County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., biographical sketches of citizens history of the Northwest, history of Iowa > Part 81
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G. W. CONDON, insurance agent, Monticello ; is a native of Frederick Co., Md., and was born Nov. 12. 1824; he grew up to manhood and received his education in that State ; in 1848, he came to Knox Co., Ohio; he came to Iowa in 1855, and engaged in teaching in Jones Co. for a short time, then returned to Ohio, where he lived until 1869, when he came to Jones Co., located in Monticello and engaged in the boot and shoe trade on the corner of First and Cedar streets : he continued in the boot and shoe business until 1877, and since then bas been engaged in the insurance business; he owns the property on the corner of First and Cedar streets and other town property ; he held various town offices in Ohio. and has served in the City Council here. He was united in marriage to Miss P. MeDaniel, a native of Knox Co., Ohio, Oct. 18. 1849.
F. A. COYLE. photograph artist, Monticello ; is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in the city of Philadelphia in November, 1855; when very young. his parents came to Dubuque, Iowa, and afterward came to Jones Co .; he grew up and learned the photograph business ; he opened a gallery in Buchanan Co. in April, 1876; he engaged in the business here in Monticello, and is building up a nice business. In October, 1875, he married Miss Julia C. Rundle, a native of Bowen's Prairie, Joues Co .; they have two children-Nellie and Arthur.
CHARLES F. CRANE, farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. O. Monticello; was born in Putoam Co., N. Y., in 1332; he came to Monticello Township in the spring of 1855. and settled on his present farm, where he has since resided. He was married to Lucy Battles, daughter of Otis Battles, who settled in Delaware Co., from Massachusetts, in 1857. They have seven children-Eva D., William E., Ida, Flora, Frank, Charles and Orrin. His farm contains 140 acres. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
GEORGE W. CURTIS. farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Monticello; was born in Paulding Co., Ohio, in 1829. He was married to Catharine Clemmer, of Ohio. He came to Jones Co. Nov. 1, 1855, and purchased 80 acres of his present farm; he now has 220 acres. Has nine children-Charles C., Margaret E., Alice A., Florence F., Martha M., Horatio N .. Laura L .. George W. and Edith E.
CAPT. JAMES DAVIDSON, Postmaster, Monticello; is a native of Sandusky, Ohio, and was born April 27, 1836; he grew up and received his education at Sandusky and Oberlin College until 1-51, when his parents removed to Elgin, Il., and lived there and in Chicago until the breaking-out of the rebellion, in 1561. He w.is an officer in the Elgin Continental Military Company ; he volunteered April 14,
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1861, and the company became Company A, 7th Ill. V. I., the first regiment raised for the war in Illinois for the three months' service ; he re-enlisted for three years in the 52d Ill. V. I., and was commissioned Lieutenant of Co. G; he was wounded in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6; after the battle, was promoted, and for two years served as Aid on the Staff of Gen. T. W. Sweeney ; as Aid and Acting Adjutant Gen- eral, Second Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, and participated in the battles of that division ; he was in the service about four years. On the 21st of September, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Adaliza E. Dean, from Conneaut. Ohio; they came to Iowa and located at Monticello in 1866. He was editor of the Monticello Express for a year and a half. and was elected County Superintendent of Schools, and was appointed Postmaster at Monticello June 7, 1866. and was re-appointed to the same position and has served since then ; he has also held town and school offices. He owns a good farm, well improved, adjoining the city limits. Capt. and Mrs. Davidson have five children -James Y., Charles. Lucy L., Henry S. and Orlando.
D. S. DEWEY, retired, Monticello; is a native of New York State, and was born Aug. 19, 1809. He grew up to manhood, and, when 21 years of age, was united in marriage to Miss Adeline S. Lincoln, of Utica, N. Y., Oct. 20, 1830. In the spring of 1834, came west to Chicago, when that city was in its infancy, there being only three hundred and fifty persons there and only five stores, and all the streets were as green as the prairie ; Mr. Dewey had the first turning-lathe that was brought there, and made the first chairs and bedstead that was ever made in Chicago; he saw the first vessel that entered the harbor; it was the schooner Illinois, sailed by Capt. Pickering ; there are few persons now living that have so clear a recollection of Chicago in its early infancy as Mr. Dewey ; at that time, there was not a house in Elgin, only two houses in Aurora and only three wigwams in Belvidere, and not a house in Rock- ford; in the fall of 1840. Mr. Dewey removed up the lake shore to Waukegan, and lived there until 1853. when he came to Iowa and located in Jones Co .; he built the first saw-mill in this section of the country, and built the first dam and afterward erected flouring-mills ; he was actively engaged in business here for many years, but disposed of his mills ahout ten years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Dewey have five children-one son, Charles, engaged in the drug business, firm of Wright & Dewey, Monticello, and four daughters.
ELISHA DODGE. retired farmer, Monticello ; is a native of New York State, and was born in Westchester, now New York City. Dec. 12, 1817 ; his parents removed to Vermont when he was 3 years of age, and he grew up to manhood in Lamoille Co., Vt. While living there, on the Ist of January. 1840, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet N. Clark, a native of Lamoille Co., Vt. In 1851, they emi- grated to Iowa and located in Jones Co .. in Cass Township; they had enough to dis- courage them in starting in their new home; MIrs. Dodge was very sick, and for four- teen days Mr. Dodge dressed her arm every fifteen minutes, both night and day ; Col. W. T. Shaw boarded with them, aud in him they found a generous friend who helped them in starting. and whose kindness has never been forgotten by them. Mr. Dodge engaged in farming; he has seen the time when he could not sell wheat for 25 cents a hushel for cash, and got his pay in groceries; could only get shelf goods ; when they arrived here in this county. they had nothing, and was $100 in debt in getting here ; but they went to work, and, by industry and good management, they have by their own efforts earned a competency. They have one daughter-Almira E., now Mrs. George D. Clouse, living on the old home farm.
J. W. DONSEE, attorney at law, Monticello; is a native of Summit Co., Ohio, and was born Jan. 17, 1357 ; when 6 years of age, his parents came to Iowa, and he grew up and received his education in this State, completing his collegiate course at the State Agricultural College, at Ames. in 1877 : he entered the law office of M. W. Ilerriek and commenced reading law, and was admitted to the bar in March, 1879, and is preparing to enter the practice of his profession.
COL. JOHN O. DUER, of the firm of John O. Duer & Co., dealers in dry goods, carpets, hats and caps, furs and groceries, corner of First and Cedar streets,
T
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Monticello ; is a native of Maryland, and was born Feb. 12, 1838; he grew up to man- hood there, and, in 1860, eame to Galena, Ill. Unpon the breaking-out of the rebel- lion, he entered the army, enlisting Sept. 3, 1861, in the 45th Ill. V. I., and was com- missioned Second Lieutenant of Co. D; he participated in thirteen general engage- ments, besides many fights and skirmishes ; he was promoted to First Lieutenant, then to Captain, and commanded the company ; he was afterward promoted to Major, then to Lieutenant Colonel, and was commissioned Colonel of the 45th Ill. V. I., and com- manded the regiment; he was brevetted Brigadier General; he was in the service about four years, until the elose of the war, when he returned to Galena. In 1867. he came to Jones Co., and located at Monticello; since then, he has been engaged in mercantile business here ; he is doing an extensive business, and has built up the largest trade of any merchant in Jones Co .; in 1878. he built the large, commodious store he now occu- pies. He held the position of cashier of the Monticello National Bank for two years. He has held offices of City Treasurer. City Councilman, and school offices. In January, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Wonderly. from Galena, Ill .; they have four children -- Bessie E , John O., Lee W. and Eugene V.
F. S. DU'GAR, dealer in lumber, shingles, sash, doors and blinds, Monticello; is a native of Vermont, and was born April 23, 1854; his parents emigrated to Wis- consin the following year, and he was brought up and received education in that State; in 1877, he went to Kansas and was engaged in the mercantile business for two years, the firm being Dugar & Carnes; in 1879, Mr. Dugar cames to Jones Co., and located in Monticello and established his present business, and is building up a good trade.
FRED. S. DUNIKAM, of the firm of Dunham & Luchhardt, wholesale and retail dealers in hardware, iron and tinners' stock, Monticello; is a native of Hartford, Conn .. and was born Dec. 19, 1832 ; his parents removed to Pennsylvania in 1833, and, in 1844, they came west to Iowa, and located in Jackson Co., at Maquoketa; Fred grew up to manhood and received his education there; he was engaged in mercantile busi- ness at Magnoketa with Hon. P. Mitchell, and, afterward, with Mr. McCloy, the firm being McCloy & Dunham ; upon the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 2d I. V. C., and was mustered into the service July 24, 1861, and he was commissioned Lieutenant Co. L; among the battles which he participated in, was Corinth, Iuka, battle of Franklin, and many others; he had two horses shot under him ; he was pro- moted to Captain and commanded Co. L; remained in the service three and a half years. After his return, he eame to Monticello and established his present business. and has built up a large and extensive trade. In 1857. he was united in marriage to Miss Phrehe McCloy, daughter of Joseph McCloy. Esq., of Maquoketa, one of the earliest settlers of Iowa ; they have three children-Carrie, now Mrs. Mark W. Dun- ham. of Du Page Co .. Ill .: Nellie and Imogene, at home.
GERHARD EILERS, farmer, See. 33; P. O. Monticello; was born in Oldenburg. Germany, in 1837; he is the son of Anton and Talke Eilers, who came to this country in 1850, and settled in Lee Co., Ill., but removed to Jones Co. in 1856. Mr. Eilers was married to Margaret Jacobs, also born in Germany; they have four children-Anton, Henry, William and Paul. Mr. Eilers has 730 acres of land, ineluding a farm in Scotch Grove Township; he is engaged extensively in dairying and stock-raising ; he makes a specialty of Clydesdale horses and Shetland ponics ; has a large number of the former and several fine >peeimens of the latter.
RENK EILERS, farmer, See. 32; P. O. Monticello ; was born in Olden- burg. Germany, in 1844; he is the son of Anton and Talke Eilers, who came to this country in 1850; they lived in Lee Co., Ill., six years, and came to Jones Co. in 1856; his father settled near Monticello, where he still resides. Mr. Eilers was married to Maria Ifarms, daughter of A. B. Harms, of Cass Township; they have five children- B. A., Maria M .. Renk E., Gehard and Alvin. Settled on his present farm which contains 175 acres, in March. 1866.
ABRAHAM ERDNESER, of the firm of Erdneser Bros., manufactur- ers and dealers of furniture, Monticello; is a native of Switzerland; he grew up to manhood there, and emigrated to this country and eame to Jones Co. and located in
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Monticello, and is associated with his brother in the furniture business. He married Agnes Erdneser, a native of Switzerland, and he has three children. Mr. Erdneser owns the building where they carry on their business.
JACOB ERDNESER. of the firm of Erdneser Bros., manufacturers and dealers in furniture, Monticello; is a native of Switzerland, and was born April 7. 1842; he grew up to manhood and learned his trade there; he emigrated to America in April, 1868, and came to Jones Co. and located in Monticello, and began working at his trade ; he associated with his brother, and has been in furniture business since 1871 ; they make some kinds of furniture but buy most of their stock.
MAJ. S. S. FARWELL, Collector of Internal Revenue, for the 2d Dis- trict of Iowa, Monticello ; is a native of Coshocton Co., Ohio, and was born April 26, 1834; he grew up to manhood in that State ; he came West to Iowa, and located in Jones Co. in May, 1852, and engaged in farming, opening a farm about three miles north of Monticello; in 1855, he went to Marion Co., Iowa, and engaged in milling and mercantile business; in 1857, he went to Missouri and remained two years, then returned to Iowa, and, on the 28th of December, 1858. he was united in marriage to Miss Melinda Z. Nesbitt, from Wooster, Ohio, and again engaged in farming. After the breaking-ont of the rebellion, in the summer of 1862, he recruited Co. H. 31st I. V. I., and upon its organization he was elected Captain ; he participated in the battles of his regiment. Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Look- out Mountain, Mission Ridge, and others; May 31, 1865, he was promoted and com- missioned Major ; he was slightly wounded hy a shell during the siege of Vicksburg ; he remained in the service three years-until the close of the war, and after his return he was elected to the State Senate and served during the sessions of 1866 and 1863; in May, 1869, he received the appointment of Assessor of Internal Revenue for the 2d District of Iowa, and held that position until the office was abolished in 1873; in February. 1875, he was appointed to his present position as Collector of Internal Rev- enne for the 2d District of Iowa. Maj. Farwell has been actively identified with the interests of Jones Co. and the growth of Monticello; he was active in securing the Davenport & St. Paul R. R., now the Milwaukee & St. Paul R. R ... through Monti cello; in 1874. he was elected President of the Jones Co. Agricutural and Mechanical Association, and advanced the money individually to erect the large com- modious hall and buildings; he is one of the Directors of the Monticello banks ; owns a good farm near town. Maj. and Mrs. Farwell_have five children-Mary E., Luna, Marcus, Zelma and Sewell S.
HENRY B. FAWCETT. M. D. (deceased , physician and surgeon ; was a native of Ohio, and was born in Carrollton, Carroll Co., June 10, 1824 ; he grew up to manhood and received his education in that State ; he studied medieine, his pre- ceptor being Dr. Hunter, of Ohio ; Dr. Fawcett graduated at the Cleveland Medical College. In January. 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Jones, from Mount Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio; they came to Iowa in April, 1854. and located in Scott Co., where he engaged in the practice of medicine; he successfully practiced his profession there twenty-two years ; he came to Jones Co. and located in Monticello in 1876; his death occurred the following year, Feb. 25, 1877; he was a kind hushand and father, and was devotedly attached to his profession ; he left a wife and three daughters now living-Hattie MI., in Monticello; Martha J. and Mary J.
JOHN E. FINIKE, attorney at law, of the firm of Wing & Finke; is a native of Carroll Co., Ill., and was born at Savanna Aug. 24, 1853; he grew up and attended school there and at Aurora. Ill., and completed his education at the University of Michigan, graduating in the Law Department, in the spring of 1878; in November of the same year, he came to Monticello and associated with Col. J. Q. Wing in the practice of law.
PROF. LUTHER FOSTER. Superintendent of Schools, Monticello; is a native of Monroe Co., Ind., and was born Oct. 5, 1849. Ilis parents came to Iowa in 1850, and located in Wapello Co., near Ottumwa. He grew up to manhood and received his education in this State and engaged in teaching ; he came to Jones Co. in August, 1873,
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located at Monticello and became Principal of the schools, and since then has occupied that position. He was united in marriage to Miss M. Lizzie Curtis, from Independ- ence, Iowa, July 20, 1876; they have two children, daughters-Florence and an infant not named.
SAMUEL L. GARDINER, merchant tailor, Monticello ; is a native of Ire- land. His parents were neither of them Irish ; they were of Scotch and English descent. Samuel was born Jan. 11, 1826; he learned his trade in Manchester, Eng., and emigrated to America in boyhood, and lived in Claremont, N. H .; he came to Iowa in December, 1866, and located in Monticello, and since then has carried on his business here. While living in Claremont, he was united in marriage to Miss Diantha M. Buckman, from Claremont, N. H., April 19, 1852; they had one daughter-Lizzie L., not living. Mr. Gardiner has held the office of Town Clerk ; he has been prominently connected with the Masonie Order for many years; he was Secretary of the Blue Lodge eleven years, was Secretary of the Chapter four years, and also of the Commandery four years, and Generalissimo of Trinity Commandery, No. 16; he was the only Knight Templar in Jones Co. for many years ; he was Knighted in Mount Horeb Commandery, at Concord, N. H., in 1860, and is authority on matters pertaining to the Order. Samuel L. Gard- iner was the first Superintendent of Floral Hall, in Jones County Agricultural Society, and the hall, when first occupied, was fitted up under his personal supervision.
GEORGE W. GARLOCHA (deceased) ; was a native of New York ; he was born in the city of Rochester, and grew up to manhood in that State. He was united in marriage to Miss Frances Whiting, from Newark, N. Y., Aug. 1, 1868 ; they came to Iowa in 1868, and located in Monticello ; he engaged in manufacturing gloves and mittens; he was the first to establish this business here in Jones Co .; he carried on the business until the present year ; his death occurred Jan. 27, 1879. He was elected Mayor of Monticello, and held that office at the time of his death ; had served in the City Council. He left a wife and three children now living in Monticello-George H., Cora E. and Minola M. Mr. Garlock was connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen; he was a charter member of the Lodge in Monticello, and his death was the first that occurred in that Lodge.
GEORGE GEORGE. farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Monticello; was born in Hereford, England, Sept. 11, 1807. He was married to Mary Jones, also born in Hereford, by whom he had one child ; wife and child died in England. Mr. George learned the trade of a carpenter, in the employ of John Arkwright, of Hampton Court, Herefordshire, Eng., whose house he assisted in building; he came to America in 1842, and settled near Galena, where he lived eight years ; he went to California in 1850, where he worked at his trade and was also engaged in mining; he returned in 1853, and came to Jones Co., where his family had removed during his absence. His present wife was Ann Faragher, born on the Isle of Man ; has three children -- Sarah A., James and S. H. Mrs. George had two children by a former marriage-Mary aad Margaret Bolt! Has been a large landholder, owning at one time about 1,000 acres, the greater part of which he had divided among his children.
H. W. GILL, deater in agricultural implements and farm machinery, Monti- cello ; is a native of Springfield, Windsor Co., Vt., and was born Dec. 21, 1818; he grew up to manhood there, and, in the spring of 1850, went around Cape Horn to Cali- fornia, and remained there four years and returned, and, in 1854, he came to Iowa and located in Jones Co .; he entered a section of land, one-half of which was for his brother. He engaged in farming, and continued for ten years; then removed to Monticello and bought seventy-seven acres of land inside the city limits; he has sold off a part of it, but still owns twenty-four acres. Mr. Gill established his present business in 1869, and, by fair dealing, has built up a large trade. Ile held the office of Justice of the Peace in Castle Grove ; but, since coming to Monticello, he has refused all offices. He married Miss Damiette Toles, a native of Wethersfield, Vt., Dec. 25, 1853; they have two chil- dren -- Maria (now Mrs. W. F. Bingham, of this city), and one son, Frank, in school.
FRED GRASSMEYER, dealer in hardware and house-furnishing goods, Monticello; is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, and was born March 21, 1826; he
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grew up to manhood there, and came to America in 1850 ; he came to Davenport, Iowa ; in 1854, he came to Canton, Jones Co .; in 1859, he located in Monticello and started a tin-shop, there was only one house completed in the new part of the town at that time ; the building he now occupies in earrying on his business was the first building that was finished on First street. Mr. Grassmeyer has been engaged in business as long as any merchant in Monticello, and, from the small beginnings he made when he first began, he has by industry and fair dealing built up a large and successful trade. He holds the office of City Councilman, and has held the office of School Director. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and is connected with Burns Lodge. He married Miss Paulina Lorentzen, a native of Germany, April 6, 1851 ; they have two daughters-Matilda and Ida; they have lost two sons.
JOHN GRUMM, proprietor saloon. Monticello ; is a native of Germany, and was born in Kingdom of Hanover Jan. 9. 1851 ; his parents emigrated to America in 1858 ; they came to Dixon, Ill., and lived eleven years ; then came to fowa and located in Jones Co. He has been engaged in business here since 1877. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. He married Miss Annie Markle. a native of Bohemia, March 9. 1871 ; they have one daughter-Rosa. born Sept. 22. 1874.
CHARLES W. GURNEY, proprietor of the Hesperian Nurseries, Mon- tieello ; is a native of Hampshire Co., Mass., and was born May 13, 1840. His father's farm joined the farm of William Cullen Bryant, and the families were intimately acquainted ; when Charles was 17 years of age, he eame West to Iowa and located in Fayette Co. Upon the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted as private May 13, 1861, the day he was 21 years old, in the 3d I. V. I., Co. D; he was promoted through non-commissioned offices, and was commissioned Captain Co. C ; the 2d Iowa and the 3d I. V. I., were consolidated, and he commanded Company I. of the 2d I. V. I .; he was afterward promoted and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. He was in many battles, and was with Gen. Sherman in his march to the sea. and through the Carolinas. He was in the service four years and four months. After the war, he returned to Iowa, and. on the 17th of September. 1865. was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Butler, of Decorah, Winneshiek Co., lowa. In November of the same year, they came to Jones Co. and located in Monticello. In 1871. he was appointed Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue. He established his nurseries in 1872. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace six years, and has been City Reeorder, and has served in the City Council many years. He has recently bought a farm in Dixon Co .. Neb., and contemplates engaging in the stock business there. Colonel and Mrs. Gurney have three sons and four daughters-Henry. DeLoss and Phil Sheridan. Eva, Grace, Lettie and Anna.
GEORGE HAINES, grain and ice business. Monticello : is a native of Lancaster, Mass., and was born Feb. 3, 1833. His parents lived in Boston until he was 12 years of age ; they then removed to Cheshire Co., N. H., where he grew up and attended school. After reaching manhood, on the 30th of August, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah L. Gilman, a native of Cheshire Co., N. H. They came West to lowa, the same year, and located in Jones Co. He engaged in railroading and running a saw-mill, and was on publie works several years. and afterward engaged in the grain and ice business. He has lived in this county over a quarter of a century, and is yet a young man.
S. G. HARRES. proprietor Burnet House, Monticello ; is a native of Massa- chusetts, and was born in the city of Boston June 23, 1831. He grew up to manhood there, and, on the 9th of October. 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Frances T. Green, from Chelsea, Vt. They came West to Illinois in 1858, and located at Port Byron, and lived there until 1868, then removed to Davenport. Mr. Harris has been connected with the boot and shoe trade for thirty years, and most of the time i for twenty years, was on the road selling goods. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk, Town-hip A-sessor and other town and school offices. He came to Monticello and opened the Burnet House in May, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have four children-Charles G. (living in Davenport), Nathaniel (at home), George (living in Davenport ), Malcolm (attending lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago).
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