USA > Ohio > Greene County > Biographical and historical record of Greene and Carroll counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state and a concise history of the two counties and their cities and villages > Part 21
USA > Ohio > Carroll County > Biographical and historical record of Greene and Carroll counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state and a concise history of the two counties and their cities and villages > Part 21
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being a member of Golden Gate Lodge, No. 402, at Scranton. Mr. and Mrs. Cain are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Cain has served as Steward and Sunday-sehool superintendent. Ile has always taken an active part in educational and religious matters, and is a liberal sup- porter of both.
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D. HOWARD, one of the older members of the bar of Greene County, is at pres- ent the senior member of the firm of Howard & Rose. Ile has been a resident of Jefferson sinee about 1860, and began the practice of his profession in 1569. During the early part of his residence here he was engaged in teaching. Afterward he was elected to the office of clerk of the district conrt, in which capacity he served for a period of eight years. During the first four years of his official life, the office included the duties of the present county anditor, as clerk of the board of supervisors. He commeneed the practice of law about a year previous to the close of his term of office. Ilis first partner was Mr. JJas. A. Henderson, with whom he continued abont four years. Ile was then associated with I. J. MeDuflie for ten years. The present partnership was formed in 1886. Mr. Howard was born in Franklin County, Massachusetts, July 10, 1834. His mother died while he was still quite young. When seventeen years of age, he removed with his father to Ohio, where he lived until he attained his majority. Hle came to lowa in 1853, and has been a resident of Greene County sinee 1860. He was reared to the occupation of farming. Ile followed the occupation of teaching for ten years, the last four years being in lowa. Politically he is a Republican, and has ever been a strong
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adherent to the principles of that great politi- cal organization. He cast his first presi- dential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. Hle is a self-made man, and has always been a hard worker. He studied law and prepared himself for admission to the bar while clerk of the courts. Ilis success, and his ability as a lawyer is universally recognized. He was married in Boone County, this State, to Eliza J. Kenney, a native of Pennsylvania.
- &BRAM CAIN, farmer, section 35, Greenbrier Township, is among the leading citizens of Greene County, and was born on the Isle of Man, May 30, 1840. Ilis parents were Jehu and Jane (Eads) Cain, and they were the parents of ten chil- dren - Sarah A., John, Abram, Edward, Robert, Jane, Elizabeth, Matilda (deceased), William and Morris E. Abram resided in his native conntry until he was twenty-five years of age, having been reared in the village of Balla Salla, where he received his education. He worked at blacksmithing for three and a half years, then came to America and settled in Warren County, Illinois, where he lived over four years, and then went to England. He was united in marriage October 10, 1869, to Miss Ellen J. K. Kermode, who was born on the Isle of Man, and a daughter of Jehu and Ellen (Cubbon) Kermode. After his marriage Mr. Cain returned to America, and resided in Warren County, Illinois, until 1876, when he came to Greene County and settled on section 35, Greenbrier Township. Ile came to his present farm in 1879, which was then in a wild state. He has cultivated and improved it until it is now one of the best farms in Greene Connty. It is situated one mile north of Bagley. He has a good one and a half story residence, built in modern
style and well furnished, and a commodious barn and sheds for cattle. He is extensively engaged in stock-raising, stock-feeding, and dealing in stock to some extent. A wind- mill furnishes a power for a water supply. The farm is all seeded to grass, and everything about the premises indicates the industry and thrift of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Cain have four children-Ella Jane, William Ed., Emma, and Ilarry K. Charles E., Ben F. and Arthur G. are deceased. Politically Mr. Cain is a Republican. Ile is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a local preacher of that church. He is numbered among the best citizens of the county.
EORGE W. GILROY, one of Greene County's pioneers, and an active and enterprising eitizen of Franklin Town- ship, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, the date of his birth being November 2, 1842. Ilis parents, JJames and Anna (Crawford) Gilroy, were natives of Ireland and Ohio respectively. In 1855 they immigrated with their family to Greene County, where they made their home for many years, witnessing the country change from a wild state into well-cultivated farms and thriving towns and villages. The father died in Greene County February 25, 1885. The mother is now living in Saline County, Nebraska. The father being a farmer, George W. was reared to the same oceupation, and his youth was spent in assisting his father clear and culti- vate the home farm. February 10, 1862, he enlisted in the late war at Des Moines in Company 11, Tenth lowa Infantry, serving in Hamilton's division, Sullivan's brigade. Ile took part in the siege of Corinth and battle of luka, and was wounded at the second battle of Corinth October 4, 1862, the
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ball passing through his right elbow. Ile then lay in the hospital at Corinth three weeks, when he was removed to Keokuk, Iowa, remaining there until he was honorably dis- charged February 28, 1863. HIe then returned to his home in Greene County, and spent four months attending school. After leaving school he began clerking in Isaac Tueker's store, where he served to the best interest of his employer for one year. Ile then clerked in the store of J. Orr, of Boonesborough, Boone County, lowa, for one year, when he returned to Jefferson, Iowa, and became associated with Thomas Reese, this partner- ship lasting two years. Ile then, in 1867, formed a partnership with Anderson & Too- good in the stock business, which they fol- lowed together about one year, when the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Gilroy then went on a prospeeting tour to Kansas, but becoming dissatisfied with the country he came to Appanoose County, lowa, where he engaged in farming for two years. lle then returned to Greene County, and has since followed farming on the old home place in Franklin Township. He was married in Greene County November 10, 1867, to Miss Naney A. Tucker, a native of Boone County, Indiana, born September 15. 1832, daughter of Inskip and Dicey Tucker, the father being a native of Kentucky, and the mother of Indiana. To this union have been born three children-Victor W., Ada A. and Floy W. Mr. Gilroy's residenee is located on section 12, Franklin Township, where he has sixty- seven acres of well-cultivated land. Beside his home farm he owns forty-seven acres on section 35 of Grant Township. Ile has served his township efficiently as clerk, and for ten years was secretary of the School Board. He is a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Jefferson, lowa. In poli- ties he casts his suffrage with the Republican
party. Mrs. Gilroy is a member of the United Brethren church. Their postoffice is Cooper, lowa.
M ARTIN PETERSON, residing on section 20, is one of Scranton Town- ship's most enterprising farmers. When he came to his present farm, in the spring of 1877, his fine homestead was raw prairie, but by persevering industry he made it one of the best farms in his neighborhood, and it now consists of 200 acres of well-im- proved land, 120 aeres being under eultiva- tion, and his buikling improvements are noticeably good. Mr. Peterson is a native of Denmark, born January 28. 1840, the second in a family of six children of Peter and Karie Peterson. Both of his parents died in their native country. His brothers and sisters are now living in Wisconsin. Ile was the first of his father's family to come to America, landing at Quebec June 6, 1862, going thence directly to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. lle began life in America as a farm laborer, which he followed near Milwaukee nearly two years. lle was then engaged in the pineries in Oconto County. Wisconsin, and in the Green Bay district, until 1866. In the fall of 1864 he was married to Miss Hannah Peterson, who was also a native of Denmark, born March 2, 1840, a daughter of Jacob Peterson. Of the eight children born to this union only two are living- Charles, born in February, 1869, and Albert, born in August, 1878. They lost three children in the spring of 1875; their two eldest, Peter and Mary, died aged ten and eight years respectively, and Eleanora aged two years. Nora died in 1877. aged one year and two months; Edwin at the age of four years and five months, and San- ford aged two years and seven months, in
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1885. In 1866 Mr. and Mrs. Peterson set- tled in Columbia County, Wisconsin, and there followed agricultural pursuits until coming to Greene County, lowa, in 1872. They then located on their own land, on sec- tion 27 of Seranton Township, a farm of eighty acres improved by themselves, and there lived till they settled in their present home on section 20. Mr. Peterson came to America a poor man, but possessed of strong hands and a stout heart, and by his perse- vering energy and industry, combined with striet economy, he has succeeded well in his farming operations, and acquired a good property, and gained the confidence and re- spect of the entire community. In polities he has always affiliated with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church.
DGAR W. JONES, residing on seetion 16, IInnetion Township, Greene County, was born in Cass County, Michigan, May 10, 1848, a son of Oscar and Caroline O. (Wheeler) Jones, the father born in Rens- selaer County, New York, June 14, 1817. They were married July 3, 1841, and to them were born five children, of whom only two are living -- Edgar W., the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Phoebe Melissa Smith, who was born August 15, 1843, and is now residing in Cass County, Michigan. Edgar W. Jones was reared to the avocation of a farmer, and edneated in the common schools of his native connty, and at a select school at Niles, Michi- gan, which he attended two terms. eame to Greene County, Iowa, in the fall of 1867, locating at Jefferson, where he ran a meat market from 1868 until 1869, since which time he has followed agricultural pur- snits. He was married May 19, 1869, to
Florenda A. Witherell, who was born Decem- ber 19, 1848, a daughter of Theodore and Adeline (Flanders) Witherell, both of whom are deceased. They are the parents of four children-Lena D., Fred M., Myrtie L. and Clyde L. Mr Jones settled on his farm in Junction Township in the fall of 1870, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of graded stock. Ilis farm contains eighty acres of land, well im- proved and under cultivation. Since becom- ing a resident of Junction Township Mr. Jones has served as constable, school director, and was secretary of the School Board some four or five years.
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OSEPII H. RIDLE, seetion 10, Wash- ington Township, was born in Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1814, a son of Peter Ridle, also a native of the Keystone State. His early lite was spent on the home farm, and when eighteen years of age he began to learn the trade of a car- penter and joiner, being at that age thrown on his own resources. In 1840 he came West and lived in Fulton County, Illinois, a few years, subsequently moving to Stark County, where he lived until 1870, and while there was engaged in contraeting and building. In 1870 he came to Iowa, and settled in Greene County, on the farm where he now lives. lle has been sneeessful and now owns 160 acres of good land, well improved, and a comfortable residence and farm buildings. Mr. Ridle was married April 8, 1841, in Ful- ton County, Illinois, to Angeline Buck, daughter of Daniel Buck. To them were born eight children, five of whom are living -Harriet, Charles M., Henrietta, Miles D. and Joseph A. Their eldest son, Aaron, was killed at the battle of Knoxville, Tennessee,
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while fighting for his country in the war of the Rebellion. Mrs. Ridle died March 30, 1857, and October 2, 1858. Mr. Ridle married Mary, daughter of Jeremiah Bennett. Two of their three children are living - Olive and Mary. Mr. Ridle has hell the offices of township trustee and school director. Ile was once elected justice of the peace, but re- fused to serve. Hle and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
OIN F. JOHNSON, a member of the general mercantile firm of Erickson & Johnson, was born in Winnebago County. Illinois, the date of his birth being Septem- ber 5, 1852. llis father, Peter Johnson, was born in Norway, coming to America about 1843 or 1844. le settled in Illinois in an early day, and is still making his home in Winnebago County. John F., the subject of this sketch, was reared to the avocation of a farmer, and received his education in the common and graded schools of Durand in his native county. He followed agricultural pur- suits until about the year 1884. In 1875 he came to Greene County, lowa, and purchased a traet of wild land, on which he settled in 1876, which he improved and put under cul- tivation, and partially improved another farm. lle sold his farm in August, 1583, and began dealing in farm implements, in company with his present partner, in March, 1884, to which he added his present business in March, 1885. In March, 1886, they traded their implement business for land. and have since devoted their attention to the mercantile business. The firm of Erickson & Johnson carries a capital stock of $4,400, and both being active and enterprising business men. have succeeded in building up a good trade. Mr. Johnson was married November 29, 1877, to Miss Katie
Wise, a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Wise, her mother living in Paton, and her father deceased. One child, named Samuel F., has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. Mr. Johnson is one of the active and public- spirited citizens of Paton.
HIARLES II. JACKSON, attorney at Jaw, United States Commissioner and notary public. has been in practice at Jefferson since 1870. He at first formed a partnership with Judge Harvey Potter, under the firm name of Jackson & Potter. This partnership continued several years. Mr. Jackson then became associated with Captain Albert Head, which was also continued several years. Since that time he has been alone. HIe was born in Chittenden County, Vermont, December 14, 1832. In 1548 his father, Abram Jackson, removed with his family to Henderson, Knox County, Illinois. In Au- gust. 1862, Mr. Jackson enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Second Ilinois Infantry, and served until JJuly 11, 1864, when he was discharged at the officer's hospital at Nash- ville for disability. His first service was at Louisville, Kentucky, thence to Frankfort, thence to Bowling Green, thence to Nashville, Tennessee; thence to Chattanooga, where his regiment became attached to the Twentieth Army Corps. He participated in the severe battle of Resaca and Burnt Hickory, but was soon after compelled to enter the hospital, and resigned July 9, 1864. Upon the organization of his company he was elected its Captain. He commanded the company until October, 1863, and on the 20th of that month he was appointed Major by Governor Yates, of Illinois. November 10 following, he was mustered into the service as Major of his regiment, and remained in that capacity
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during his army service. He has never recovered his former vigor since his army experience. lle began the study of law in 1859, and was admitted to the bar at Madison,
time. May 18, 1882, a stock company was organized, called the Jefferson Brick and Tile Company. This company was composed of F. E. Robbins. D. B. MeCully, Albert Head, Wisconsin. in October, 1859. September . Mahlon Head and William Enright. The offi- 18, 1865, he was married to Miss Annie E. Icers chosen were: D. B. MeCully, President; Chaffee, a native of Ohio. To this union have been born four children-E. I., Nellie, Frances and Maud May. Mr. JJackson was a Democrat for many years, but recently has been a Greenbacker. Hle belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic at Jefferson, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Bine Lodge, Chapter and Commandery.
E. ROBBINS, superintendent of the Jefferson Brick and Tile Works, was born in Oswego County, New York. in 1842. When he was twelve years of age he went to Peoria, Ilinois, and two years later engaged to work in a brick-yard at that place. Ile has been engaged in that branch of the business ever since. His father, Phillip Robbins, is still a resident of Oswego County. New York. F. E. Robbins was married to Miss Anna R. Butler, a native of Maryland, and they have four children- Minnie, Florence, Frank and Anna. Olive D. died in infancy. The Jefferson Briek and Tile Works, one of the most important industries of Greene County. is located in the south part of the corporation of Jefferson. Originally brick alone was manufactured, the business being started by Ira Hammer in the spring of 1565. although a man named New- man had made a few brick previous to that time. In the fall of that year Mr. F. E. Robbins bought out Mr. Hammer, and has been connected with the business as owner, part owner and superintendent since that
Mahlon Head, Secretary and Treasurer, and F. E. Robbins, Superintendent. The only change that has been made in stockholders and officers is the substitution of President Charles Bofinch for President MeCully, the former having purchased the stock of the latter. The works are operated by an engine of forty-horse power. The engine and machinery room is 26 x 80 feet, the brick shed 30 x 70 feet, and the tile shed 26 x 100 feet. The business is extensive and constantly improving, the latest improved machinery being in use. The clay of which the brick and tile are made is of the best quality. Mr. Robbins is one of the progressive business men of Greene County. His long experience in his business qualities him most thoroughly for the position he now occupies. Politically he is a Republican.
M BASON LINN, farmer, section 3, Ken- drick Township, was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 26, 1826, son of Joseph and Naney (Watson) Linn, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and were the parents of ten children, Mason being the sixth child. When he was a babe his parents removed to La Fayette County, Indiana, where they resided about ten years; thence to Por- ter County for four years; thence to Ilender- son County, Illinois, for a short time; thence to Kankakee County, where they lived four years. Ile was reared a farmer and educated in the common schools. In November, 1848, he was married to Miss Rebecca Kyle, a na-
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tive of Knox County, Ohio, and a daughter of fleury and Nancy ( Haskins) Kyle. They resided in Kankakee County until 1854, when, with ox teams and wagons, they came to Greene County, this State, and settled upon the farm he now occupies. At that time there were but six or eight familes in the township. His milling was done at Panora, and his postoffice was at Des Moines. llis first residence was a log cabin, about 16 × 18, which served for kitehen and parlor, and where hospitality was extended to the traveler or to a neighbor of the settlement. Ile now owns 179 acres of excellent land, which is well improved and well cultivated. Hle has a good honse, a commodions barn. 36 x 44 feet, for stock and grain, and a fine orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Linn have had three children-Mansfield, William Wesley, who died at the age of nine months, and Nancy Ellen. Mrs. Linn died May 7, 1886, lament- ed by all who were so fortunate as to make her acquaintance. She was an affectionate wife, a kind mother and a good neighbor. Politically Mr. Linn is a Republican. He is a member of Zerrubabbel Lodge of Lake City, No. 240, A. F. & A. M.
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D. JAQUES, farmer, seetion 2, Willow Township, is one of the leading citi- zens of Greene County, and the first settler of Willow Township. He turned the first furrow, set the first post, and built the first cabin on the will prairie of that town- ship. lle was born in Canada, near Ham- ilton, July 17, 1842, son of Thomas and Margaret Jaynes. When about eight years of age his parents removed to Middlesex County, where he lived ten years. He was reared a farmer. receiving his education in the common schools of Canada. At the age
of eighteen years he came to the United States, and for seven years was engaged in various kinds of work and in different States, until 1865, when he returned to his father's house for a visit. lle then bade farewell to all the family and started for the Golden State of California, starting from New York via the Isthinus of Panama. He remained in California and vicinity four years. In 1869 he returned to New York, thenec to the home of his parents, and in the spring of 1870 came to Greene County and located in Willow Township all alone. His first loca- tion was at the place where his father and brother Benjamin now reside. For several years he bonght farms, partially improved them and then soll to persons wishing to buy snch farms. lle came to his present farm a few years ago. It consists of 360 aeres of choice land, and it is one of the best stock farms in Greene County. lle has a fine two- story residence, built in modern style and well furnished. He has a large, eommodions barn for stock and hay, 74 x 112 feet, feed- lots and stock-scales. Ile is a member of Golden Gate Lodge, No. 402, A. F. & A. M., at Scranton. lle started in life without means, but by hard work and good man- agement he has acquired a fine property. He takes an active interest in educational and religious matters, and is a liberal con- tributor to both.
- LBERT F. RAVER, postothiee Jeffer- son, is a native of Germany, born Feb- -12 ruary 15, 1838, remaining in his native country until fifteen years of age. lle then immigrated with his parents to America, sailing from Hamburg Fume 9, 1853. Hle landed at New York, where he remained | about eighteen months, when he went to
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Canada. After residing in Canada for ten years he returned to the United States and settled in Illinois, in which State he made his home about fifteen years, following the tailor's trade the first six years of his resi- i dence there. He settled in Greene County, lowa, in 1883, and since coming here he has met with excellent success in his agricultural pursuits. He is now engaged in general farming on seetion 33, Ilardin Township, where he has a well-cultivated farm contain- ing 160 acres of valuable land. Mr. Raver has been twice married. His first wife was Lydia Ayres, daughter of Charles Ayres. She was born in England February 25, 1839, her parents being natives of the same country. She died in 1875, leaving four children, as follows - Charlie, May. Lydia and Bartie. For his second wife Mr. Raver married Miss Bessie Wilson, who was also a native of England, born in August, 1847, and to this union have been born two children, named Violet and Claude. Both Mir. and Mrs. Raver are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views he affiliates with the Republican party.
he was three years of age his father removed with his family to Illinois, settling near Somonank, DeKalb County. Our subject remained at home until twenty years of age, then went to Wheaton, twenty-five miles west of Chicago, where he spent six years in the preparatory and college course, graduating July 4, 1860. lle attended the law depart- ment of Chicago University and graduated in 1862, with the degree of LL. B. In 1864 he received the degree of A. M. from his Alma Mater. At the time of his graduation from the law department, the civil war was at its height, and he felt that he owed his first duty to his country. Before entering upon his profession, he enlisted, in August, 1862, as a private in Company 11, One IFundred and Fifth Ilinois Infantry. Hle was promoted from time to time, until 1863, when he was made First Lienten- ant of his company. He commanded Com- pany F, of his regiment, during part of his Atlanta campaign. that being the company that captured the colors of the Twelfth Louisi- ana in the battle of Peach Tree Creek. HIe was struck by a fragment of a shell, at Resaca, but was not much injured. lle participated in several other important events of the Atlanta campaign, and resigned in August, 1864, on account of the illness of his wife. Ile returned from the army and the following winter taught school. In May, 1865, he settled in Jefferson, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession. He served as United States Assistant Assessor of Greene, Calhoun and Sae counties, in 1566-67, and was the last county judge of Greene County. serving in that capacity in 1868-'69. Politi- cally he has always affiliated with the Repub- liean party, and his first vote was east for John C. Fremont in 1856. He is a man of enlture, having received a thorough literary
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