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 27

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 728

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 27
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 27

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HILARLES H. SUYDAM, retired mer- chant, of Rippey, Iowa, is a native of Butler County, Ohio, born January 13, 1837. Ilis father, Mathew Suydam, was a native of New Jersey, and in his youth went to Ohio, settling on a farm near good water- power, and being by trade a miller, built a mill, and carried it on in connection with farming. Thus in his early life our subjeet learned the practical part of both milling and farming. Ile received a fair English educa- tion, attending the common schools of his native county and of Knox County, Illinois, where his parents moved in 1849. In 1862 he enlisted in the defense of his country and was assigned to Company E, One Hundred

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and Third Illinois Infantry, and served abont three years. He participated in nineteen battles, among the more important being | County, Iowa, in an early day, and entered Black River Bridge, Mission Ridge. Kene- ; and bought 800 acres of land. The first saw Mountain, Dalton, Rome, Atlanta, Ma- con, Savannah, Buzzard Roost, Kingston and New Ilope Chinreh. Ile enlisted as a private but was promoted to Second and finally to First Lieutenant, and was in command of his company about two years. A short time after the war he came to Iowa, and has since lived in Rippey. Ile established the first store in the place and has been in the mercantile business at different times about fifteen years. He has a fine farm adjoining Rippey, of 240 acres, well improved, also a residence and store building in Rippey where he resides. For three years Mr. Snydam served as post- master at Rippey. Ile is a public-spirited, enterprising eitizen, but never seeks official honors, preferring to leave the cares of office to others and give his attention to the more quiet pursuits of life. Ile was married Janu- ary 20, 1864, to Charlotte L. Cochrane, a resi- dent of C'anton, Fulton County, Illinois, laughter of John Cochrane.

ILLIAM A. FRANKLIN, one of the old and honored pioneers of (freene County, was born in North Carolina, December 1, 1808, a son of John E. and Marian (Ashburn) Franklin, the father being a son of James and Ruth (Lewis) Franklin, of England, and the mother a daughter of Denison Ashburn. Mr. Frank- lin, the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Brown, a native of Tennessee, born in May, 1811, a daughter of William L. and Clara (Williams) Brown, her father being a native of Virginia, and her mother born in North Carolina, a daugh-

ter of William and Margaret (Peterson) Williams. Mr. Franklin came to Greene

building he erected here was a plank shanty, the boards of which were hanled from Adell. Dallas County, Iowa. This shanty was sub- sequently replaced by a log house. Ilere he and his family experienced all the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life. Their first milling was done on Coon River, south of Adell, they making the trip with an ox team, and Des Moines was their nearest mar- ket place. Wild game, such as turkey, elk and deer, was abundant, and fish were also plentiful. Mr. Franklin always took an active interest in the growth and development of his adopted county, and became one of its well-to-do farmers, as well as a most respected citizen.

ARCHIBALD II. GILLILAND, of the firm of Gilliland Brothers, contractors and builders, and a first-class architect, residing in Paton, Greene County, is a na- tive of Iowa, born in Boone County, October 5, 1854. His father, Archibald Gilliland. was a native of Beaver Connty, Pennsylva- nia, the date of his birth being May 28, 1800. lle spent two or three years in Ohio, where Indians and wild animals were the principal inhabitants, and in 1833 settled near Nau- voo, Illinois. In the winter of 1836-'37 he crossed the Mississippi River where Keokuk now stands. In 1852 he entered land in Boone County, Iowa, on which he settled in 1853, where he experienced many of the hardships and privations of pioneer lite, making his home in Boone County till his death. Onr subject was reared on the pioneer farm, and his younger days were spent in assisting his father with the duties of the

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farm, hunting. playing with Indian boys, and attending the log cabin schools of his neigh- borhood where he received the rudiments of an education. At the age of fourteen years he began learning wood-turning. After leav- ing school he taught for two terms as assist- ant teacher. In 1871 he began working at the carpenter's trade which he followed most of the time till 1877. In 1873 he went to Albany, Oregon, and worked at his trade in the Willamette Valley until February 7, 1877, when he went to California, returning in ten days to Boone County. where he ar- rived March 23. lle then engaged in con- tracting and building, which he has made his principal work to the present time. During this time he has farmed in Warren County, Iowa, for three years. and at the same time worked at his trade. April 11, 1877, he was married to Martha E. Brown, of Boone County, a daughter of Thomas S. Brown, de- ceased. Five children have been born to this union-Thomas W., Rosa May, Mary B., Oliver G. and Charles HI. In May, 1881, Mr. Gilliland eame with his family to Paton Greene County, where he has since followed contracting and building, and also pays con- siderable attention to architecture. The firm of which he is a member has erected abont ninety buildings since coming to Paton, and the two churches of Paton were also built by them. Mr. Gilliland has served efficiently as trustee of Paton for four years. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

AMES HI. WEATHERSON, farmer and stock-raiser, section 19, Junction Town- ship, Greene County, lowa, is a native of the Hawkeye State, born in Jackson County March 3, 1858, a son of Luke and Nancy (Higley) Weatherson, and grandson

of James Weatherson and Isaae Higley, his paternal grandfather living and dying in his native country. Seotland. Ilis parents now live in Iones County, Iowa, where they moved when he was a mere boy, and where he was reared and educated. His early life was passed on a farm, and he has made good use of the lessons he learned in his youth, and is now one of the prosperous farmers of Greene County. He eame to this county in 1881, and settled on the farm where he now lives. Ile owns 120 acres of valuable land well improved, with good residence and farm buildings. lle was married March 3, 1880, to Bettie J. Colby, a daughter of Charles Colby, who gave his life for his country dur- ing the war of the Rebellion. They have had four children, but three are living- Charles A., Delia B. and Luvia M.

OHIN N. GALLUP, farmer and stock- raiser, section 30, Hardin Township, was born in Kent County, Rhode Island, September 1, 1829, a son of Nelson and Betsy (Farmer) Gallup, who were also natives of Rhode Island. The father was a farmer. though engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods at different periods. Our subject was reared to the avocation of a farmer, which he has followed the greater part of his life. He was married in 1849 to Miss Happy K. Church, who was born in Griswell. Connecti- ent, April 23. 1829, her parents being natives of the same State. Seven children were born to this union-Francis Ebrel, born April 4, 1850, died November 14, 1850; Edgar E., born December 14, 1853; Hattie E., born October 18. 1854, died August 18, 1863; Josephus F., born April 7, 1861; George II., born June 10, 1864; Horace W. and John S. (twins). born February 12. 1868, the former

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dying July 3, 1868, and the latter September 2, 1884. At the age of twenty Mr. Gallup commeneed farming on his own account in Connecticut, which he followed in that State for four years. Ile then immigrated to Illi- nois, and made his home in La Salle County from 1854 until 1878. In the latter year he eame to Greene County, Iowa, loeating on his present farm in Hardin Township, where he has 160 acres of choice land under fine cultivation, and on his land he has a fine artesian well just north of his house. Ile also pays some attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of a good grade of eattle. Mr. Gallup served in the defense of his country from September, 1864, to July, 1865. lle was a member of Company E, Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, and participated in the bat- tle at Bentonville and several skirmishes of minor importance. He was mustered out at Washington, D. C., receiving his final dis- charge at Springfield, Illinois, when he re- turned to his home. He is now a member of the Grand Army Post at Jefferson, Iowa. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a stauneh Republican.

HARLES W. WAY resides at Eureka, Jackson Township. His farm, which is on section 11, contains 105 acres of very choice land, improved almost entirely by himself. He was the first settler in what is coneeded to be one of the best neighbor- hoods in Greene County. He was born in New London County, Connecticut, May 14, 1822, son of Daniel M. and Catherine (Wood- worth) Way, of English ancestry. The par- ents passed all their days in Connectient, and have been deceased many years. He left the parental roof when twenty years of age, and

became a resident of Lamoille County, Ver- mont, where he married, March 13, 1849, Miss Chastine Clemens, daughter of Lewis and Lucy Clemens, who was born in that county July 21, 1823. They remained in their native eounty for some years, where Mr. Way followed farming. They were pro- prietors of the Mohigan House at Lake George, New York, two seasons, it being a favorite summer resort for guests seeking quiet and rest. In 1868 they came to this county, living the first year in Jefferson. Mr. Way then purchased his present home. They have two danghters-Nellie, wife of F. M. McClure, and Nettie M., a school-teacher. Their first child died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Way are very highily esteemed for their many noble qualities of mind and heart, and for their many acts of neighborly kindness. Politically Mr. Way is an ardent Republican.

OHN W. VADER, son of Daniel Vader, was born in Henry County, Illinois, in 1859. where he lived till about nine years of age. His father then removed with his family to Greene County, locating in Kendrick Township in 1868. One year later the family removed to Scranton. where the father died November 13, 1872. The mother died December 14, 1886, at Seranton. John W .. the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Scranton, and was united in marriage in Jackson Township, Greene County, on Jan- uary 15, 1880, to Miss Cynthia A. Clopton, who was born in Greene County in 1855, a daughter of Isaac Clopton, of Jackson Town- ship. To Mr. and Mrs. Vader have been born two children-Leo C. and Clara B. Mr. Vader followed agricultural pursuits till 1876, when he entered the postoffice at Seranton as elerk under II. C. Smith, postmaster. In

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June, 1880, his wife was appointed post- | some time, and was then granted a furlough mistress, as he had not then attained his majority. Ile soon after, however, assumed the duties of postmaster, holding that posi- tion until February, 1886, when the present ineumbent was appointed. At the general election in November, 1886, he was elected evunty recorder to succeed Thomas Bigger, and received a majority of 341 votes over Ed. Caughlin the Democratic candidate. In polities Mr. Vader is a staunch Republican.

RANCIS ROSA, farmer, section 15, Kendrick Township, was born in Cayu- ga County, New York, near Auburn, August 22, 1822, son of Heury and Mary (Ilawkins) Rosa, who were natives of New York, and the parents of five children-James, Francis, Priseilla, Laura Ann and one de- ceased. When Francis was ten years of age his parents removed to Lorain County, Ohio, where he lived twelve years. His youth was spent on a farm and in attending the com- mon schools. At the age of twenty-two years he removed to La Porte County, Indi- ana, where he learned the trade of miller, which he followed many years. In 1857 he removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was engaged in milling. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Fitts, a native of Linn County, Iowa, and a daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Bruner) Fitts. During the late civil war he enlisted in Au- gust, 1862, in Company G, Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry. At the battle of Champion llills he was wounded by a minie ball in the right wrist, and his arm was amputated a month later. Some time afterward a second amputation was found necessary, and it was nine months before it healed. He was eon- fined in hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, for

and returned to his home in Ohio. He was honorably discharged in October, 1863. Mr. Rosa resided in Ohio until the spring of 1864, then returned to Cedar Rapids, and in 1869 came to Greene County, settling upon his present farm which was then wild land. IIe owns 180 acres of excellent land, a good house, surrounded with shade trees, a large and commodious barn with stone basement, and it is considered one of the best farms in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Rosa have two children-Loren C. and Oliver M. Politi- cally Mr. Rosa affiliates with the Republican party, and is a strong adherent of the prinei- ples he fought to preserve. He belongs to N. H. Powers Post, No. 111, G. A. R., at Seranton.

AMES W. FITZ, treasurer of Greene County, has been a resident here since 1868. He was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1841, and when he was twelve years old his parents immigrated to Iowa and settled in Linn Connty. Here his father improved a farm and lived upon it im- til he came to Jefferson with his son in 186S. He now resides in New Jersey. James was reared in Linn County to the ocenpation of farming. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, and was mustered out of the service July 21, 1865. Ile served in the Seventeenth Army Corps, and was in active service during the entire term of his enlistment, carrying a musket the greater part of the time. Ile en- listed as a private, and was promoted Orderly Sergeant, About the close of the war he was made Second Lieutenant of his company. lle took part in all the battles and expedi- tions of his regiment; was engaged in both days' fight at Shiloh, the second battle of

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Corinth, and siege of Vicksburg. January 1, 1864, he re-enlisted and came home on a furlongh. On his return to the service he took part in the Atlanta campaign, and marehed with Sherman to the sea. At the capture of Columbia, South Carolina, his regiment was the first to enter the town. They captured the State-house and placed the Union flag thereon. Upon his return from the army Mr. Fitz resumed farming, coming to this county in 1868, as before stated, and purchasing a farm in Bristol Township. Ile was elected reeorder of Greene County in 1872, serving four years. Ile was elected to his present office in the fall of 1883, to succeed A. S. Gilliland, who had served three terms of two years each, and re-elected in 1885. Politically he is a Re- publican. He was married in 1866 to Miss Ann E. LeGore, a native of Indiana. To this union have been born four children- Leone L., Ella J., Minnie B. and Irma.

PHRAIM JOHNSON, who resides on section 27, Washington Township, Greene County, is a native of Wash- ington County, Pennsylvania, born March 15, 1826, a son of Hon. Aaron Johnson, now deceased, who was also a native of Washing- ton County. The father followed the avoca- tion of a shepherd. He came with his family to Perry County, Ohio, in 1836, settling three miles east of Somerset, and there our subject grew to manhood and received a comnon-school education. He was reared a farmer, and has always followed agricultural pursnits. He was married May 15, 1851, to Miss Martha Curran, and to this union have been born five children-S. Wesley; Sarah E., wife of J. P. Law, of Rippey; William A., Edgar A. and Lillie L. Mr. Johnson

located in Whiteside County, Illinois, in 1861, where he made his home till March, 1883, when he removed to his present farm, which contains 160 acres of choice land, and has since devoted his attention to farming and stoek-raising. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Rippey.

AMES A. ROWLES, general merchant, Paton, is a native of Ohio, born in Meigs County March 20, 1850, a son of Ilezekiah Rowles. a native of the State of Pennsylvania, now living in Knox County, Illinois, where he has lived on a farm since the fall of 1856. James A. grew to manhood in Knox County, being reared on his father's farm, and receiving his education at Knox College, of Galesburg, Illinois. December 25, 1871, he entered the employ of the Chi- eago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, acting as agent and operator for them at New Windsor, Illinois; Ohio, Illinois, and at Prophetstown, Illinois, until 1880. He then came to Paton, Greene County, Iowa, and for a year and a half was engaged in dealing in grain and lumber, sinee which he has followed mercantile pursuits. Ile carries a full line of everything usually found in a well kept general store, and has the largest business of its kind in Paton. He carries a capital stock of $5,000, his annual sales amounting to abont $20,000. Ile was imited in marriage April 8, 1875, to Miss Nellie E. Elkins, and to this union have been born three children Edna I., deceased; Jessie E. and Mary L. Mr. Rowles is at present serving as treasurer of Paton and of the school district. Ile has held the office of mayor, serving as such with credit to himself, and to the best inter- ests of the town. Ile was also elected to the

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office of justice of the peace, but refused to qualify. He is a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars, and is deputy of his lodge. Ile is the chorister in the Meth- odist Episcopal church of Paton.

JIOMAS B. REECE, deceased, of Jef- ferson, was a member of one of the representative pioneers of Greene County. llis father, George W. Reece, set- tled on section 32, Grant Township, in April, 1854. 1Ie was a native of Maryland, and reared in Pennsylvania. When a young man he went to Miami County, Ohio, where he married Miss Mary Deeter, of Pennsylvania. When the family removed to lowa it con- sisted of the parents and eight children. They resided one year in Iowa County before coming to this county. There were but few families living in what is now Grant Town- ship when Mr. Recce and his family settled there; the number did not exceed half a dozen. The country was in its original state of wildness, and game was abundant, espe- cially deer and elk. Mr. Reece remembers of seeing a buffalo cross his father's farm soon after they came here-though this was probably a stray animal, as buffaloes had generally disappeared before this time. Mr. Reece's father was a great hunter and an ex- cellent shot with the rifle, and he found no trouble in supplying the family with an abund- ance of choice game. Thomas lost his mother by death in 1855, her death being the first in the township of Grant. In 1860 his father remarried, taking for his second wife Mrs. Mary Smith, widow of John Smith, and daughter of George May. a well-known pioneer of Greene County. George W. Reece removed to Oregon, where he died. March 13, 1876. lle was a man of high

moral character, a generous and worthy citi- zen, a man of strong temperance principles, and withal a worthy representative of that grand old pioneer element that is fast passing away. Politically he was an anti-slavery Whig, and in religion, a member of the Ger- man Baptist church. Of the eight children who came to Iowa with their parents, but fonr are living-Michael resides in Missouri; Elizabeth, wife of William Williams, in Kan- sas; Marion, a minister of the Christian church, lives also in Kansas; Miller, also in Kansas. The deceased are Susan V., Mary A., Barbara A., and Thomas B. Thomas B. was the only one who located in Greene Township. He was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1838, and was sixteen years of age when he came to lowa with his parents. Ile married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of William Ingling, of Grant Township. They had six children-George W., Emma, Lewis, Sankey, Florence and Moody. Mr. Reece was en- gaged in mercantile business the greater part of his life, and for many years was one of the principal business men of Jefferson. Ile died February 2, 1887.

SAAC CLOPTON, a highly esteemed pio- neer of Greene County, settled in Jackson Township in the spring of 1851. He has witnessed the growth and development of the county from its earliest infancy, being one of the twelve or fourteen families who first settled in the county. Few men have done more to advance the interests of the county than has Mr. Clopton, and few have made inore friends. He was born in Cass County, Illinois, May 15, 1829. Ilis parents were David and Lavinia Clopton, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Ten- nessee. They were married in Kentucky,

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and were among the first settlers of Cass County, Illinois. In 1841 the family removed to llarrison County, Missouri, where, November 29, 1850, Mr. Clopton was married to Miss Nancy Ann Salmon, daugh- ter of William and Mary Salmon, who was born in Hardin County, Ohio, March 22, 1829, and lived there until eighteen years of age, then, with her parents, went to Harrison County. Later, her parents removed to Davis County, Missouri, where they remained until their decease. Mr. Clopton's parents had ten children, two of whom died young John, who resides in Jaekson Township, where he settled in October, 1853; Robert, who settled in Madison County, this State, in an early day, entered the Union service dur- ing the late war and died at Cairo, Illinois, while in the army; Isaac, our subjeet; Will- iam, who came to this county when young and now lives in Greenbrier Township; David, who settled in Kansas; Mrs. Cynthia Duncan, who remained in Illinois; Mrs. Martha Har- din, of Davis County, Missouri, and Mrs. Lney Ellis, who died in Dallas County. The parents came to Greene County about the same time their son Isaac came, and made their home on seetion 10, Jackson Township, about four years, then returned to Missouri and settled in Gentry County, where the father died soon after the war. The mother survived several years, and died at the resi- dence of her son John, in Jackson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Clopton commenced their life in Greene County with no eapital except strong and willing hands and a determination to deserve suceess by honest industry and frugality. The first few years were a con- stant struggle for the most common necessi- ties of life. But the reward eatne, and they are now possessed of ample means to support them in their declining years; and in the affections of their children, and in the respect

and confidence of a wide circle of friends they are rich indeed. Mr. Clopton owns 400 acres of excellent land, with two good dwelling houses. His residence is on section 13. 1Iis land is well adapted to stock-raising and he devotes his attention to that industry. Ile las meadow, npland and timber, well watered by the North Coon River, making it one of the best farms in the county. Mr. and Mrs. C'lopton have had twelve children, who lived to be men and women, except one. Clara died at nine months, and all but two are now living. Their names are -- Robert and David A., now residents of Nebraska; William, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Mrs. Mary J. Millet, of Nebraska; Mrs. Cynthia A. Vader, of Scranton City; Mrs. Martha E. Lyon, of Jackson Township; Mrs. Sabra Tyrall and Mrs. Minnie Stevens, also of Jackson Township; Isaac, Marshall and Edmond D., are at home.

HIOMAS B. MARTIN, farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, Junction Town- ship, was born in St. Mary's County, Maryland, March 12, 1825, his father, Thomas Martin, who is now deceased, having been born in the same county. Our subject was reared to the avocation of a farmer, his father being a farmer. His education was received in the common schools of Muskingum Coun- ty, Ohio, to which county the parents had removed about the year 1829, the father dying there about 1838. Mr. Martin was married December 3, 1846, to Miss Susan Storer, a native of Pennsylvania, and daugh- ter of Riehard Storer. Of the seven children born to this union five are yet living-Robert G., Mary J., Samnel S., Ilannah and Sarah 1. Mr. Martin removed to Athens County, Ohio, in 1847, remaining there two years.

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Ile then removed to Perry County, Ohio, making that his home from 1549 until 1866. IIc served two years and four months as a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company C. Thirty-ninth Ohio Infantry. Ile participated in the battles of New Madrid and Juka, and at both engagements at Corinth, when he was taken sick and trans- ferred to the invalid corps. He was dis- charged at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, on account of disability in November, 1863. Mr. Martin came to Iowa in 1866, and lived in Linn County until the spring of 1570, since which he has resided on his farm on seetion 8, of Junction Township, where he has 160 acres of land. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mar- tin are members of the Presbyterian church at Dana, and among the respected citizens of Junction Township.

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Author: Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 728

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 728