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 34

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 34
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 34

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B URCH G. WOODS, a merchant, at Surry, was born in Adams County, Ohio, July 27, 1859, son of Isaac Woods, of Perry, Iowa, a native of the same place. He was reared on a farm, and edu- cated in the common schools of his native county, and Boone County, his parents re- moving to that county in the spring of 1872. He taught school ten years in one school- house; and as an appreciation of his services, his patrons gave him from $10 to $15 a month more than the distriet paid him in public money. He clerked in the first store that was established at Angus, which was in 1882, and he opened the first bill of goods; was also postmaster there for awhile, and carried the mail in his pocket. He came to Surry in the spring of 1885, where he car- ries a general stock of goods, and has a good patronage. Ilis success is due to his selling for small profits, and the gentlemanly eour- tesy he extends to his customers. He was married February 8, 1883, to Eliza Mansell,

daughter of John Mansell, an engineer of the Standard coal mine at Angus. They have two children-Clara and Lucy. Mr. Woods is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity at Angus, No. 461.

UNCAN M. LILLEY, an engineer at Surry, was born in Lanarkshire, Scot- land, in Motherwell, July 4, 1844, son of Robert Lilley, deceased, a native of the same country. He learned the business of " engineer " and ran an engine eight years in his native country. He came to the United States in 1871, and settled at Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, thence to Blossburgh, in the Allegheny Mountains, in 1872, thenee to Ohio, one year later, thence to Boone County, Iowa, the same fall, aud to this county in the fall of 1876, where he has since resided, and has run an engine most of the time since his settlement here. He ran the engine at the Armstrong Bank for awhile, but condemned the engine and refused to work there longer. Only a short time afterward it exploded, car- rying death and destruction in its wake. IIe was married June 11, 1875, to Nancy J. Sweney, daughter of James Sweney, of Wis- consin, and they have five children-Martha R., Ellen, James M., William D. and George L. Mr. Lilley is a member of the society of Odd Fellows, also of the Knights of Pythias.

OLAND ROBERTS, proprietor of the Washington street livery stable, at Jef- ferson, has been a resident of Greene County since 1870, at which time he set- tled on a farm in Grant Township. He im- proved this farm, and sold it to D. P. Root, who formerly owned the livery stable. The

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firm was at one time Root & Roberts, being established as sneh in 1879. This firm was sueceeded by Roberts & Williams, Mr. Roberts becoming sole proprietor in 1883. Ile is a native of Wales, born in 1840, and came to this country with his parents when six years of age. His father, J. Il. Roberts, settled near Mazomanie, Dane County, Wis- consin, and died when Roland was eleven years old. Our subjeet was reared in Dane County, and married Miss C. M. Ballard. They have three children-Hugh B., Bessie C. and Gertie. The two oldest were born in Wisconsin. The parents of Mr. Roberts had ten children, five of whom are living- three sons and two daughters. Mr. Roberts is a successful business man, and receives the liberal patronage of the traveling public.

OBERT GOODWIN, of the firm of Dale & Goodwin, proprietors of the Grand Junction pipe and tile works, was born near Lith, Scotland, February 23, 1847, son of Robert Goodwin, now deceased. He was educated in the publie schools of his native place. Ile came to America in May, 1865, and lived five years in Mercer County. Penn- sylvania, spending a portion of that time in the oil regions, and also mining coal and prospecting generally. He came to Trum- bull County, Ohio, in 1870, and worked in the mines most of the time until 1877, then came to Grand Junction and engaged in farm- ing until 1882, when he helped to build the present manufactories. He still manages a farm of 200 acres. The factory is large, run by a forty-five horse-power steam engine, with a capacity from one to two cars of tile or brick every day. They use the Tracer erusher, also own and operate a coal shaft in connee- tion with the factory, all run by the same en-

gine. They mine their own coal and sell to local trade, using the clay from under the coal vein to make tile and brick. They do an extensive business, and it is constantly in- ereasing. Mr. Goodwin was married Deeem- ber 25, 1868, to Margaret Maxwell, daughter of Thomas Maxwell, deceased. She is a na- tive of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin are the parents of seven children-Thomas, Rob- ert, William J., Daniel, Mary, Maggie and Katie; all are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Good- win are members of the Presbyterian church.

ENRY M. BLAKE, who is numbered among the enterprising and public- spirited agricultorists of Highland Township, is a native of Ireland, his parents, Henry and Margaret (Magner) Blake, also being natives of the Emerald Isle. Hle was the fourth in a family of five children, and was born in County Clare, Ireland, the date of his birth being May 20, 1839. He immi- grated to America in the year 1851, settling near Ottawa. At the age of fifteen years lie commenced working on a farm for his board and clothes, which he followed till the break- ing out of the war of the Rebellion in 1861. IIe then enlisted in the defense of the Union, and was assigned to Company A, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry, and re-enlisted as a vet- eran in Texas. Ile participated in the battles of Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Fort Blakely, Magnolia Hill, Big Black River, Jackson, Mississippi, and others of minor importance. Hle was discharged at Mobile, Alabama, in 1865, having been in the service four years. October 24, 1866. he was married to Miss Margaret Murphy, a native of Canada, boru May 10, 1844. The names of the children born to this union in order of their birth are as follows-Mary E., Annie T., Margaret,

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James H., Sarah B., Elizabeth, Lucy, John S., Alice and George S., ten in all. After the war Mr. Blake resumed farming in Wis- consin, remaining in that State until 1869. In November of that year he came to Greene County, Iowa, when he settled on his present farm in Highland Township, which is located on section 35. He has met with success since coming to Greene County, owing to his industrious habits and good management, and is now the owner of a well-cultivated farm of 160 acres, and during his residence in Highland Township has gained the confi- dence and esteem of all who know him. In his political views he is independent, voting for men, not party. Mr. Blake and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church.

MANUEL MARKER, an active and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Greene County, residing on section EI, Ilardin Township, is a son of Martin and Mar- garet Marker, natives of Maryland. They sub- sequently settled in Darke County, and later, in 1862, came to the State of Iowa, locating first in Cedar County where they spent two years. Emanuel Marker, the subject of this sketeli, was born in Darke County, Ohio, the date of his birth being September 12, 1845. He grew to manhood in his native county, being reared to the avocation of a farmer. After attaining the age of twenty-one years he went to Versailles, Darke County, and be- gan working at the harness maker's trade, which he followed for seven years. With the money he saved while working at his trade he purchased a farm, and in 1875 engaged in farming, he having immigrated to Greene County in 1873 and located north of Paton. In November, 1872, he was united in mar-

riage to Miss Eliza A. Meller, who was born in Darke County, Ohio, October 8, 1851, her parents, John J. and Nancy Meller, being natives of the same State. Four children have been born to this union as follows- Harvey M., born August 26, 1875; Crawford E., born February 14, 1877; Dennis L., born June 25, 1880, died November 25, 1885, and Florence A., born June 20, 1884, died Janu- ary 31, 1886. In November, 1877, Mr. Marker removed to his present farm on see- tion 11, Hardin Township, where he has 160 acres under good cultivation, with good resi- dence and farm buildings. Besides his home farm he owns eighty acres on section 2, and forty acres on section 12, Hardin Township, and seventy-five and a half acres on section 19, Paton Township, and all of which he has acquired by hard work and good manage- ment. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his township, and since making his home here has served as school treasurer and pathmaster. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Postoffice, Dana, Iowa. His father, Martin Marker, was born in Fred- crick County, Maryland, June 15, 1815, and was a son of George Marker who was also born in Frederick County, June 19, 1782. When about seven years old, in 1823. Martin Marker was taken by his parents to Mont- gomery County, Ohio, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits, and educated in the subscription schools. Ilis father resided in Montgomery County till his death, Novem- ber 29, 1850. His mother, Margaret Mar- ker, died in Preble County, Ohio, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Martin Marker was married in Montgomery County, May 30, 1837, to Miss Margaret Weaver, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born January 18, 1818. Of eleven children born to this union nine yet survive-Lovina S., Martin V., Mary, Emanuel (whose name

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heads this sketch), Martha J., Lucinda and Melinda (twins), Josiah and Amanda. The father lived on rented land for about two years after his marriage, then leased a tract of land in Darke County, Ohio, being one of the early settlers of that county. Six months Jater he removed to a tract of ninety-four acres in York Township, Darke County, which his father-in-law had given him for $100. Here he erected his pioneer cabin, and began the laborions task of opening up a

farm. He cleared and pnt under cultivation abont forty acres, when he traded his farm for a saw and flouring mill, which he operated about ten years, when he was forced into a lawsuit by which he lost almost his entire property. He then bought seventy acres for $600, paying $10 down, which at that time was all that he had, but at the expiration of three years he had his land paid for. In 1850 he bought eighty acres which he sold to his brother Raymond for $1,700. He then purchased 164 acres of land where he now resides in Darke County, near Versailles, which he sold in 1863 and purchased 240 acres in Cedar County, Iowa. He then re- moved to his Cedar County property, to which he shortly afterward added 280 acres, making in all a tract of 520 acres, 120 of which was timber land. In 1866 he sold this land at a gain of nearly $6,000, when he returned to his old farm in Darke County, Ohio, the party to whom he had sold it having failed to pay for it. Here he has since made his home, devoting his attention to farming and stock-raising. His farm contains 164 acres of choice land valued at $16,000. IIis fine two-story residence is both comfortable and commodious, and his farm buildings are no- ticeably good, his large barn, 40 x 70 feet, costing $2,500. By hard labor and persever- ing energy, assisted by his noble wife, Mr. Marker has from a small beginning accumu-

lated a valuable property, and is now classed among the prosperous citizens of Darke County. Together this old couple shared the vicissitudes of pioneer life, passing through many trials and struggles but have lived to attain prosperity, and to see their children become respected and useful members of society. Mr. Marker has given to his chil- dren in lands and money about $11,000. IIis farm is one of the best in his neighborhood, and has on it a very fine orchard, consisting of abont 300 bearing trees. He has served efficiently in many of the township offices during his residence in Darke County, and in 1851 was elected district assessor. IIe platted and appraised the land in five town- ships in 102 days, receiving for his work $204, and in this gave entire satisfaction. He is known as the best and most successful auc- tioneer in his county. Both he and his wife have been members of the Lutheran church for almost forty-five years.

SAAC W. FORD, farmer, section 33, Junction Township, was born in St. Law- rence County, New York, October 27, 1838. His father, Rollin Ford, deceased, was a native of Rutland County, Vermont, and settled in New York in early life. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common sehools of his native county, and of Ohio, where his parents settled in 1847. They soon after removed to Fulton County, same State. The mother was Almira (Hogans) Ford, and lived with her son after the death of her husband. They were the parents of seven children-Sarah J., Rollin E., Esther A., Isaac H., Mary S., Henry M., Danna J. Our subject came to Jones Coun- ty, this State, in 1860. During the late war, in August, 1861, he enlisted in Company I,

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Second Iowa Cavalry, and served nntil Sep- tember, 1865. He participated in both battles of Corinth, Iuka, Holly Springs, Memphis, Colliersville, Coffinsville, Water Valley, Tupelo, Franklin, Nashville, Eastport, and several others. He enlisted as a private and was discharged as a Sergeant. He came to Greene County in March, 1869, settling in Junetion Township, which has since been his home. He has held the office of school director, road commissioner, and is at present serving as township trustee. He was married September 22, 1861, to Mary Reese, danghter of Conrad Reese, deceased, born in the Mohawk Valley, New York. They have two children-Charles O. and Carrie E. Mr. Ford is a member of the G. A. R., and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

RANK M. FERGUSON, farmer, seetion 29, Paton Township, was born in Ken- dall County, Illinois, September 8, 1839, son of Elijah and Lueinda (Sutton) Ferguson, both of whom are deceased. When he was fifteen years old his parents removed to Cedar County, Iowa. He came to this county in the fall of 1870, lived one year in Grand Junction, and worked at farming on Herron's place. The next eight years he was engaged in farming three miles north of Grand June- tion, and came to his present home in August, 1880, where he has since resided, and where he owns 110 acres of land. He was married September 1, 1861, to Mary F. Weeks, dangh- ter of Gilbert Weeks, of Paton Township. Of their eight children, only six are living- Charles D., Edwin J., Frank L., Minnie M., James A. and Myrtle A. Mr. Ferguson held the office of road supervisor several years, and was also school director in Junetion

Township. Hle and his wife and Charles and Minnie are members of the Presbyterian church at Dana.

B. WILLIAMSON, farmer, seetion 32, Kendrick Township, postoffice Scran- ton, was born in Jones County, Iowa, July 17, 1846, son of John and Sarah (Boyd) Williamson, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of nine children, J. B. being the sixth child. Ile was reared a farmer, and received his education in the common schools. January 2, 1877, he was married to Miss Josie Clark, who was a native of Pennsyl- vania, and a daughter of William Clark. She died June 22, 1881, leaving two children- Miranda E. and Herbert HI. Mr. Williamson came to Greene County in 1871, and pur- chased 120 acres of wild land, which he has sinee improved and cultivated. Ile has a good residence, good farm buildings and a fine orchard. September 12, 1883, he was married to Mary S. Anderson.

EVI STOCKWELL, general farmer and stoek-breeder, residing on seetion 5, Hardin Township, was born in Hadley, Massachusetts, January 20, 1826, a son of Daniel and Mary (Gale) Stockwell, who were natives of the same State. He was rearcd to the avocation of a farmer which he followed in the summer, and during the winter seasons worked in his father's broom factory. On attaining the age of twenty-one years he commeneed farming for himself, raising broom corn the first season, which he made into brooms in the winter, and for his season's work he realized $400 elear profit. He

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4 ..

made on an average fifty brooms a day. April 15, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Judd, who was born in South Hadley, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, a daugh- ter of Simeon and Lydia (Day) Judd, the father a son of Thomas Judd of South IIad- ley, and the mother a daughter of Eli Day of Northampton. The mother of Mrs. Stockwell died July 1, 1852, and her father May 3, 1869. They had a family of three children- Alethea Day, born September 30, 1823, wife of Elam Hitchcock, died February 13, 1855; Andrew Thomas was born February 9, 1826. married Sarah H. Day, June 26, 1857, and has three children; Lydia, born July 24, 1828, is the wife of Levi Stockwell, and to this union have been born three children- Mary A., born in Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa, July S, 1862, is assistant principal of the Jefferson high school, where she has taught successfully for three years; Ilarriet B., also born in Tipton, January 16, 1864, is living at home, and William Judd, born in Tipton, October 2, 1867. Mr. Stockwell left Massa- chusetts in 1851 after disposing of his farmi, when he located at East Windsor, Connecti- cnt. He was engaged in the mercantile business in Hadley, Massachusetts. when on account of ill health his physician advised him to come West. Ile came to Iowa in 1857 and located in Cedar County, where he resided till 1870, when he located on his present farm in Hardin Township, where he las 320 acres of well cultivated land, and is now numbered among Greene County's best farmers. His farm is one of the finest in the county, a good and substantial residence, and commodious farm buildings for his stock. Ile devotes considerable attention to stock- raising, and takes much pride in his fine herd. In his political views he is a firm Republican. He is at present serving as county supervisor, which office he fills with honor to himself and

to the best interests of his county. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Jefferson.

OHN MCKAY, superintendent of the Standard and Keystone mines at Angus and Surry, was born in the north of Scotland, Jannary 13, 1843, a son of Walter McKay, who was born in the same country. When our subject was a small boy he was taken by his parents to Lanarkshire, Scot- land, and when but eight years old began working in the mines, and has spent his life since then in or around inines. Ilis first work in the mines was called trapping, that is opening and shutting the doors at the entries to keep the air in its proper channels. He was united in marriage January 2, 1864, to Miss Mary Gold, and to them have been born eight children, of whom only four are living-Katie, Mary, John and Andrew. Mr. Mckay came to the United States in 1864, and was engaged in mining coal in Trumbull and Mahoning counties, Ohio, until 1872. Ile then came to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he mined coal for J. F. Duncombe about one and a half years. Ile then began prospect- ing for coal for Duncombe and others in the neighborhood of the present site of Angus and Surry, being thus engaged two years, and was pit boss in the Duncombe, now known as Climax No. 1, on section 31 of Union Township, Boone County. This shaft was sunk in 1878, and was the first sunk where the town of Angus now stands. Mr. MeKay was also pit boss at No. 2 Climax shaft during its sinking. In 1881 he went to Webster County. Iowa, and took charge of the Little Standard mine for the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway Company, which position he filled from January, 1881, until February,

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1882. He then took charge of the Standard mines of Angns, and in June, 1855, took charge of the Keystone mines at Surrey, and is now superintendent of both. Mr. McKay is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders.

OBERT CONNELL, of Surry, was born in County Northumberland, England, September 24, 1834, son of John Con- nell, deceased, a native of the same place. He came to the United States in 1865, settling on the Monongahela River, where he worked in the mines two years. Ile then eame to Hubbard, Ohio, and mined there until 1879, thenee to Boonesboro, this State, and mined until 1880, then came to Greene County and has since lived in Sorry. He worked in the Armstrong mine until the late sad explosion, and is now in the Buckeye mine. He was married August 3, 1861, to Miss Mary Black, daughter of James Black, deceased. They have two children-Elizabeth and Sarah; the former married Charles Dorr, of Surry, and they have five children- Charles, Maggie, Robert, William and Mary. Mr. Connell owns his home in Surry. He is a member of the society of Odd Fellows, of Perry, and of the Knights of Pythias, of Angus.

HARLES KELLEY, farmer, Grand Junction, was born in Canada East, near Huntington, May 25, 1833, son of James Kelley, a native of Ireland, now de- ceased. Ile was reared on a farm and edu- eated in the subscription schools of his native place. In 1855 he removed to Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, thence to Lake Superior

in 1857, where the people were so rough and uneultivated that he left in three weeks, and went to Kane County, Illinois, and remained two years. During the late war he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-second Illinois Infantry, and served over three years. He participated in the battle of Shiloh and all the battles in which the First Brigade, Sixteenth Army Corps was engaged. In 1864 he came to Tipton, Iowa, and worked there and at Clar- enee at the mason's trade three years. He then came to Greene County, which has since been his home. He has been engaged in farming most of the time, and owns 160 acres of land in Hardin Township, section 35. ITe was married March 19, 1867, to Maria Weeks, daughter of Gilbert Weeks, of Paton Township. They have six children --- Charles J., James R., Lettie E., Elma D., Bes- sie L. and Mary F. Mr. Kelley is a member of the Knights of Labor, and fully endorses the United Labor party.

DWARD H. RILEY, farmer, section 25, Washington Township, was born in New York City January 1, 1846. llis father, Patrick Riley, was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to the United States about the year 1830. He formerly worked on public works, but in later life was a farm- er; he is now deceased. Onr subject was reared a farmer and educated in the common schools of Henry and Whiteside counties, in Illinois, his parents having removed to llenry County in December, 1856. Ile was a sol- dier in the late war, being a member of Company K, One Hundred and Twelfth Illi- nois Infantry. He participated in the battles of Franklin and Clinton, Tennessee, Fort Anderson, Town Creek, Wilmington and Kingston, North Carolina. He was trans-

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ferred and served a short time in the Sixty- fifth Illinois. He came to Greene County in March, 1869, settling in his present home. The country was then quite new, there being but three or four improved farms within sight of his place. He owns 280 acres of land and devotes his time to farming and stock-raising, giving some time to graded stoek. He was married October 4, 1864, to Catherine Beers, daughter of Ephraim Beers, deceased. Of their nine children seven are living-Hazel E., Burdette, Jessamine, Ed- ward P., Myrtle I., Harry Claude and Max. Politieally Mr. Riley is a Republican, but he never seeks politieal distinetion.

RANK BRADSHAW, farmer, section 21, Paton Township, was born in Wells- burg, Brooke County, West Virginia, (the center of the Pan Handle) May 3, 1841. Ilis father, John Bradshaw, was a native of Lancashire, England, and came to Philadel- phia in 1818, where he operated a woolen factory for several years. He then removed to Wellsburg, and was running a woolen factory there at the time of the birth of his son Frank. In 1842 he removed his family to Dayton, La Salle County, Illinois, and run a factory there three years, then removed to Freedom Township, where he died August 28, 1856, from the effects of injuries sus- tained by a railroad train striking his wagon while crossing the traek at Ottawa. Mr. Bradshaw's mother was formerly Rebecca J. Dodd. The parents had eight boys and two girls, all living except two boys. Our sub- ject came to this county in the spring of 1876, settling in Dawson Township. Hle located upon his present farm in 1881, where he owns 160 acres of good land, and is en- gaged in general farming, also pays consider-

able attention to graded stock. February 21, 1867, he was married to Aner E. Smith, daughter of Alfred and Almira Smith, the former being deceased and the latter living in Dawson Township. Eight of their nine children are living-Fannie M., Frank W., Ida A., Emma M., Mary M., Charles W. and Cassie C., twins, and John A. Mr. Brad- shaw enlisted in the late war as a member of Company D, Second Illinois Light Artillery, and served over three years. Ile was engaged in the battle of Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, and several others. He served as Corporal most of the time. He has held several township offices, justice of the peace, township trustee, and is serving his third year as assessor, having been re- elected without a dissenting vote. He was eensus taker in 1884. lle is a member of Gem Lodge, No. 429, A. F. & A. M., at Paton. Mrs. Bradshaw and her daughter Fannie are members of the Evangelical As- sociation.

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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