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 35

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 35
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 35

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AMES TOWERS, engaged in farming and stoek-raising on seetion 14, Iligh- land Township, is a son of Walter and Jane (Watson) Towers, natives of Scotland. James was born in that country May 3, 1839, remaining there till thirteen years of age. He sailed with his parents from Greenoek in May, 1852, and landing at New York the following June. ILis parents settled in Colum- bia County, Wisconsin, where he lived with them till reaching the age of twenty-one years. He then began working by the monthi on a farm, which he followed until 1870, when he came to Greene County. He was married in the spring of 1862, in Wisconsin, to Margaret Wilson, who was born in Seot- land, July 20, 1840, coming to America with

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

her parents, John and Marion Wilson, in April, 1850. Eight children have been born to this union, their names in order of their birth being as follows-Marion Blanch, John, James R., Walter, David W., Franeis Harvey (died March 18, 1874), Lewis Watson and Margaret Jane. Mr. Towers came to Greene County in limited eiremmstanees. He has experienced many of the hardships and priva- tions ineident to life in a new country, but is now comfortably situated in life, having by his own industry and persevering energy acquired his land, his farm being well watered by Hardin Creek. He improved his land from a state of nature, making it one of the finest in Highland Township. He has a com- modious two-story residence, a good barn and other farm buildings, and a maple grove of about three aeres. In politics Mr. Towers is a staunch Republican. Mrs. Towers is a member of the Baptist church. They are elassed among the well-to-do citizens of Highland Township, where they are held in high esteem by all who know them.

M WILLIAMS, farmer, seetion 26, Greenbrier Township, was born in Washington County, New York, Marel 12, 1838, son of Benjamin and Ann (Hopkins) Williams, who were the parents of eleven children. He was reared in his native county, and edneated in the common sehools. His early life was spent in assisting in the labors of the farm. January 29, 1861, he was married to Miss Elizabeth MeMurray, a native of Washington County, New York, and daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Mc- Fadden) MeMurray. In the spring of 1867 Mr. Williams eame to Iowa and settled in Boone County, where he lived four years, then came to Greene County and located in

Greenbrier Township. He first bought 160 aeres of wild land, and afterward added 160 aeres, and now has 320 aeres of excellent land, well improved, and in a good state of eultivation. He has a good house, surrounded with shade trees, good buildings for stoek and grain, wind power for pumping water for his stoek, an orehard, a native grove, and everything to denote the energy and enter- prise of the owner. He usually keeps about 150 head of eattle. Mr. and Mrs Williams have two sons-Chester M., born in Wash- ington County, New York, in 1864, and R. B., born in Boone County in 1870. Mr. Williams is a Republican, and has served in nearly all the township offices with eredit.

ILLIAM YATES, a resident of Ken- drick Township, is one of the pio- neers of Greene County, and was born in Stokes County, North Carolina, De- eember 24, 1818, son of William and Martha (Durham) Yates, who reared a family of eight children-Jane, Annie, James, Lettie, Panlina, William, Martha and George. When William was thirteen years of age the family removed to Rush County, Indiana, and were among the early settlers of that county. When he was eighteen years old they removed to Boone County, where William lived about seventeen years. He was united in marriage June 6, 1844, with Miss Lonisa Broek, a native of Tennessee, and a danghter of Allen and Sarah (Johnson) Brock, natives of Vir- ginia, who were the parents of ten children- Jahue, Naney, Lydia, Allen, Sarah, Rhoda, Hiram, Prier, Louisa and Campbell. All were reared to maturity and married before a physician was ever ealled to the family. Mr. Yates resided in Boone County until the fall of 1854, when he removed to Iowa, trav-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

eling with two horse teams. Mr. Yates drove one team, and Mrs. Yates the other one. Ile first entered eighty aeres of Government land, and built a log eabiu 17x17 feet, which served tor kitchen, dining-room, sleeping- room and parlor. Mr. Yates owns 160 acres of farm land, and thirty aeres of timber land. The log cabin has been removed, and in its place stands a good one-and-a-half-story resi- dence, built in modern style and well fur- nished. He has a fine orchard, a native grove, and his farm buildings are comfortable and commodious. Mr. and Mrs. Yates have had nine children, four of whom are living- Sarah L., Nancy E., Lydia A. and Clara A. The deceased are-Mary E., Laura E., Martha Jane, Clarinda, and a babe unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Yates are zealous and worthy mem- bers of the Free Methodist church.

HILIP MEYER, farmer, section 33, Junction Township, in Grand Junction corporation, was born in Alsace, France, (now Germany). November 26, 1837. IIis father, Andrew Meyer, of Henry County, Illinois, is a native of the same place. He brought his family to America in the spring of 1839, settling in Lake County, Illinois, where our subject was reared and educated. He came to Boone Connty, Iowa, in 1875, where he improved a farm and engaged in the grocery trade one and a half years at Ogden, that county. Ile came to Grand Junetion in March, 1882, and clerked one year in Zell- hoefer's hardware store, then began farming. He owns twenty acres of land and twenty town lots in Grand Junction, and 160 acres three miles southeast of the village, which is leased to tenants. lle was a soldier in the late war, being a member of Company A, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Infantry.

He was married June 20, 1860, to Saralı Luther, daughter of Peter Luther of Ilenry County, Illinois. She was born near Chicago, in Lake County, Illinois. They have had three children-Clara J., deceased, Edward P. and Lnther G., both at home; the former is twenty-four years old and the later four years old. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer and their son Edward are members of the Evangelical Association.

- ATIIANIEL G. NOYES, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 12, Hardin Township, is a native of Hamp- shire, England, born May 3, 1849. His parents were also natives of England, sailing from London in IS51, and landing at New York. They first settled in Janesville, Rock County, Wisconsin, where the father followed his avocation, that of a miller, until 1876. HIe then immigrated with his family to Greene County, loeating on a farm in Hardin Township where he remained until ISS2, since which time he has made his home in Jeffer- son. Nathaniel G. Noyes, the subject of this sketch, was but two years old when he was brought by his parents to the United States. He lived with his parents in Wis- consin until eighteen years of age, when he went to Rockton, Illinois, and for three years worked in Hollister & Carlton's grain mill. He then returned to Wisconsin, and three years later came to Greene County, Iowa, when he settled on the farm where he now resides, his farm containing 120 aeres of fine land under good cultivation. Mr. Noyes was united in marriage July 26, 1571, to Anna Harker, a native of LaFayette County, Wisconsin, born October 22, 1851, her parents, Simon and Jane Harker, being natives of England. They are the parents of

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

one child living, Mark, born June 2, 1876. Since becoming a resident of Hardin Town- ship Mr. Noyes has held several school offices, and is at present treasurer of the school board. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically he is a Democrat. Postoffice, Jefferson, Iowa.

DWARD P. FORBES, deceased, was formerly a resident on section 31, Paton Township. He was born in Lime, New Hampshire, July 5, 1836, son of Cyrus P. Forbes, a native of the same county. He was reared a farmer, and received a common school education. He came with his parents to Lee County, Illinois, in 1855, and to La Salle County in 1860. He taught school for a short time. He was married December 2, 1868, to Eleanor J. French, daughter of Ebe- nezer P. French, now deceased. They have three children-Calvin J., Eugene L. and Bruce R., all at home. Mr. Forbes came to this county in March, 1878, and settled in the home where his family now reside. He owned 160 acres of land here, and 160 acres in Calhoun County. He died February 17, 1879. He was a member of the Baptist church, as is also his wife.

LANSON C. HARRIS, farmer, section 30, Paton Township, was born in Gene- see County, New York, October 12, 1840. His parents, Thomas and Fannie (Woodruff) Harris, were born in Tioga County, New York. They are deceased. Our subject was reared a farmer, and received a common-school education. In 1851 he re- moved with his parents to La Salle County, Illinois. November 9, 1861, he enlisted in 27

Company A, Fifty-third Illinois Infantry, and was discharged for disability April 27, 1862. Ile re-enlisted October 8, 1864, in Company C, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, and was transferred to Company 1, Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and was discharged October 8, 1865. Ile was in the battles of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. He came to Greene County in March, 1878, locating in his present home, which was then in a wild state, and now well improved. Mr. Ilarris was also a member of Company C. Tenth Illinois Battalion, and before removing was Second Lientenant of the same. He owns 193 acres of land. He was married August 5, 1868, to Olive G. Forbes, a daughter of Cyrus P. Forbes, deceased. Three of their four children are living -- Carlos F., Jessie E. and Nina G. George W. died at the age of two years. Mr. Harris has held the office of township trustee, school dircetor, and is treas- urer of the township of Paton. IIe belongs to Gem Lodge, No. 429, A. F. & A. M.

MIIARLES H. BASSETT, deceased, late of Grand Junction, was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, December 24, 1824. He was brought up and educated in his native place. At the age of fifteen years he went to sea, and followed it several years. On his last trip he only lacked the distance from here to his native place of going around the world. He stopped in California several years, was also through Oregon, Washington Territory, Sandwich Islands, etc. It was lie who took the first cargo of goods to San Francisco County, early in 1849. He made a long voyage of three years on the whaling ship Milo. He related many interesting in- cidents of this voyage. December 7. 1839, his crew secured five whales, and on the fif-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

teenth of the same month they secured three more. They endured many hardships and had many narrow escapes. He reached Grand Junction in September, 1869. Mr. Bassett died November 14, 1885, after an illness of seven weeks, leaving a wife and eight ehil- dren to mourn his loss.

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ERRY L. LYON, proprietor of the Rip- pey bakery and restaurant, and fancy grocery, was born near Tonlon, Stark County, Illinois, September 8, 1856. His father, Laten S., was a native of Northville, New York, who emigrated to Illinois in 1854, and is now deceased. He lived on a farm until nine years old, and the remainder of his youth was spent in Toulon, receiving his education at Knox College, Galesburg, Illi- nois. Ile taught school cleven years in country and in graded schools. He came to this county in 1880, and taught three years in this township, in one place. He came to Rippey in November, 1885, and engaged in his present business. He was elected justice of the peace November 2, 1886, and has also served as township clerk two years. He was married November 24, 1880, to Flora C. Gilmer, daughter of Calvin A. Gilmer, of Canton, Illinois. They have three children -- Laten G., Onslow and Lena.

OHN WILSON, farmer, section 9, Frank- lin Township, was born in Henry County, lowa, July 29, 1848, son of John and Mary (Thomas) Wilson, natives of Kentucky, who were the parents of ten children, John being the ninth. His youth was spent at farm work and in attending the common schools of Iowa. He was married November

29, 1873, to Miss Evaline Hockett, a native of Henry County, and daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Cook) Hoekett. In February, 1873, Mr. Wilson came to Greene County, settling upon his present farm, where he has since resided. It was then in its wild state, but is now one of the best improved farms in the township. It contains 160 acres of rich soil, and he has a comfortable house, and buildings for stock and grain. an orchard, and a native grove of trees. Hle is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. aud Mrs. Wilson have four children-John Ralph, Nathan Herbert, Mary Eva and Walter Al- fred. Politically Mr. Wilson is a strong Greenbacker, and a zealous supporter of that platform. He is a member of Greene Lodge, No. 315, 1. O. O. F.

AMUEL FREE, farmer, section 26, Washington Township, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, June 9, 1815. His father, Adam Free, deceased, was a native of Virginia. Hle was a blacksmith by trade, and also worked at gunsmithing in Harper's Ferry. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought the Indians at San- dusky, northwest Ohio. Mr. Frce's mother, formerly Sarah Moorhead, was a native of Kentucky. He began to work on a farm at the age of thirteen years, and has always been a fariner since. He came to Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1835, and to Illinois in January, 1846, settling in Carroll County. He came to Boone County, this State, in the spring of 1869, crossing Des Moines River, near Boone, on iec, March 22, and the follow- ing fall, came to Greene County. He was married July 21, 1836, to Catherine Saxton, daughter of George Saxton, deceased. Of their ten children, only three are living-

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Franeis 1., Samnel Q .. and John T. When they emigrated to Illinois they had to drive a whole day to get from one honse to another, and one night they found the lady of the house had gone visiting, thirteen miles away. to her nearest neighbors. Mr. Free has served as justice of the peace two years, and has held other local offices. He owns eighty acres of land near Surry. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal ehurch since 1833. His wife is also a member.

OHN C. HAUN, cabinet-maker, and farmer, Grand Junction, was born in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada, March 14, 1839. Ilis father, John Hann, deceased, was born in Bertie, Niagara District, Canada. John C. was reared a farmer, and served an apprenticeship of three years in Fingal, in his native connty, at the cabinet-maker's trade, and followed that trade until 1872. He came to this county in 1872, settling in Junction Township, and engaged in farming until February, 1885, when he came to Grand Junction. He owns 160 acres of land besides town property. He was married May 9, 1864, to Emma G. Mack, daughter of Sebra Mack, deceased. Two of their three children are living-Clarence A. and Lura E. Mr. Hann and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

EORGE W. REESE, fariner, section 3, Junction Township, was born in Oswego County, New York, March 1, 1840, son of Conrad and Persis Reese. He removed to Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, in 1844, thence to Fulton County, Ohio, in 1852, thence

overland to California in 1858, working in the gold mines until 1863, thence through Washington and Oregon Territories on horse- back to Idaho, where he worked in the mines until 1869. He then returned to Fayette County, Illinois, where he lived until 1876, then came to this eounty, settling upon his present farm. It was then in its wild state. but it is now in a good state of cultivation. He has 160 acres of land, well fenced, a fine residence, and his farm buildings are com- modious and comfortable. Ile is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, giving considerable attention to thoroughbred and graded cattle and hogs. December 14, 1870, Mr. Reese was married to Caroline S. Bonni- uell, daughter of Charles Bonnivell, of Wis- consin. She was born in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Reese are members of the Presbyterian church.

W. WIGGINS, of the firm of Wiggins Brothers, dealers in general merchan- dise, at Cooper, is a native of Stephen- son County, Illinois, born March 10, 1844, son of Levi and Betsey (Morton) Wiggins. who were the parents of seven children, our subject being the third. When he was ten years of age his parents removed to Green County, Wisconsin. He was reared a farmer and obtained his education in the common schools. In December, 1863. he enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry. IIe was engaged in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain, Peach-Tree Creek, and at AAtlanta. where he was wounded by a minie-ball in his left hand. He was honorably discharged May 30, 1865, and returned to his home in Wisconsin. In 1869 he was married to Miss Frances Cleveland, and to this nnion were born two daughters-Edith and Ellen Frances.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

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In 1881 he was married to Miss Mary O. Smith, and they have three children-Elsie, Walter and Ethel. In 1571 Mr. Wiggins removed to Hardin County, this State, where he lived two years. thence to Wright County, living there until 1875, when he came to this county and settled in Franklin Township, on section 20, where he bought sixty acres of wild land. In 1882 he came to Cooper and engaged in the mercantile trade, which he has since continued with good success. He has an extensive trade, and is always ready to serve his customers. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party. He was post- master at Cooper from 1882 until February. 1886; has also served as justice of the peace for several years. He is a member of Jeffer- son Lodge, No. 315, I. O. O. F.

OSEPH JOHNSON, farmer, section 20, Franklin Township, is one of the pio- neers of that township, and was born in Lancashire, England, July 21. 1827, son of James Johnson, who for thirty years was superintendent and tax collector of Preston, England. His mother was Helen (Latus) Johnson, and they were the parents of seven children-Mary Ann, who is deceased; the second child also named Mary Ann; James, who lost his life on the City of Boston when that vessel was blown up; Joseph, Thomas, Francis and William. Joseph early learned the trade of engineer, which he fully under- stands in all its details. In 1854 he came to America and settled in Buffalo, New York. In 1856 he removed to Jo Daviess County, Illinois, where he resided until 1864, then re- moved to Clayton County, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of wild land. In 1874 he came to this county and settled upon his present farm, which was then in its wild

state. He owns 160 acres of land, which is well-improved, and he now has one of the best farms in the county, with a good house and comfortable buildings for stock and grain; also an orchard and a grove of native trees. He was married at the age of seventeen years, to Miss Ann Hodson, and to this union have been born four children-James, Richard, Francis and IIelen. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are zealous members of the Catholic church.

ILLIAM C. BARTHI, general mer- chant at Dana, was born in Lewis County, New York, May 14, 1853, son of Andrew Barth, of Humboldt County, Iowa, a native of Germany; he came to the United States when quite young. Our sub- ject received a good education in Carthage, Jefferson County, New York, and came to Humboldt County in 1870, where he worked on a farm for five years. IIe then came to Grand Junction and worked one year for Charles Metzger, of that place. IIe also at- tended school one year, then worked on the Des Moines & Ft. Dodge Railroad. Later, he was in the employ of Ed. Carlton, the stock-buyer, until 1880. then worked three years in Parmenter's hardware store. In April, 1883, he came to his present home and bought the stock and store-room of E. E. IIutchins. He carries a capital stock of $5.000, consisting of groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, notions, hardware, glass. queen'sware, in fact, everything usually kept in a first-class store. He does an annual business of $17,000 to $18,000, and it is con- stantly increasing. He also buys grain and deals in coal. Ile takes all kinds of produce and sells very cheap. This brings him a large patronage from other localities, and en- ables him to compete with Jefferson and

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Grand Junction. He is a wide-awake busi- ness man, and a benefit to the community. He was married May 30, 1880, to Phebe A. Ashmore, daughter of Madison Ashmore, of Iowa County, Wisconsin. She is a telegraph operator by ocenpation, and worked five years for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- road Company, Prairie du Chien division. Mr. Barth began life with nothing, but by hard work, economy and good management, he has secured a competency. He has filled the office of postmaster for three and a half years. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity.

- ATTHEW RICHARDSON, one of Greene County's prosperous agricult- urists, is a native of England, born in Westmoreland County, June 24, 1842. In 1846 he sailed from Liverpool with his parents. Joseph and Elizabeth (Waters) Rich- ardson, landing at New York City, they locating in La Fayette County, Wisconsin. In 1865 our subject went to Helena, Montana, and began working in the mines, remaining in Montana until 1868. In March, 1870, he was married to Mary Ann Craig, who was born in Stanhope Wardale, Durhamshire, England, February 17, 1849, a daughter of Francis and Jane Craig, natives ot England. In the fall of 1870 he and his wife immi- grated to Greene County, Iowa, and have sinee made their home on section 13, Hardin Township, and here they experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. In their pioneer home their seven children were born, their names being as follows Joseph F., Elizabeth J., Margaret A., George W., Charles L. (deceased), Marietta and Matthew T. Mr. Richardson has by hard work and the good management of himself and

wife accumulated a good property, being the owner of 160 acres on section 13 and eighty acres on section 14 of Ilardin Township, all of which is under a fair state of cultivation. 1Ie has a fine orchard on his land, and also a native grove, also good residence and farm buildings. In his political views Mr. Rich- ardson is liberal, voting for men, not party. Joseph Richardson, the father of our subject, was born in Breugh, Westmoreland County, England, where he was reared and married, and was a brother of George Richardson, of Dubuque, Iowa, a wholesale boot and shoe dealer. After coming to America he settled in Wisconsin, where he lived till his death. He worked by the day in the lead mines of Wisconsin until he had sufficient money to purchase a farm and team, and in 1849 he moved on the farm he had purchased, located in Benton Township, La Fayette County, Wisconsin, where he followed farming and stock-raising until his death, which occurred November 6, 1874, at the age of fifty-seven years. His death caused universal regret among the early settlers throughout the lead regions, who knew and respected the deceased for his manly worth and energy of character. Being a man of mueh energy and enterprise, he soon acemnulated a competency which in time grew to a fortune. Abont six or seven years prior to his death he became associated with William Gillette, with whom he operated a cheese factory some two years. He subse- quently purchased Mr. Gillette's interest and carried on the cheese factory alone till his death. Beside this he owned about 1,000 acres of land, and a large amount of personal property. He was also the owner of a grist- mill on Fern River, known as the Alderson & Passmore mill. Ile was a good neighbor, and was always ready and willing to give of his means to aid any worthy enterprise. He gave the right of way to the Narrow Gange

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Railroad, which runs a long distance through his land. He left a widow and thirteen chil- dren to mourn the death of a kind and affectionate husband and father. Mrs. Rich- ardson's father, Francis Craig, was born in Durhamshire, England, November 17, 1821, and in 1850 came to the United States and located at New Diggings, Wisconsin, where he at once engaged in mining, which he has since followed. In 1870 he with others or- ganized the Craig Mining Company. His mining interests have been more exciting than any others in the locality where he lives. He owns 200 acres of valuable land, and the grounds abont his house are nieely laid out. He has held the greater part of the town offices, and has been chairman of the town board. He was married in 1849 to Jane Coulthard, who was born in Durhamshire, England, in 1819, and died in 1857, leaving three children-Mary Ann, Joseph and Francis.

EORGE ATCHIINSON, farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, Franklin Town- ship, was born in Fulton County, Illi- nois, November 8, 1838, son of Jacob and Mary (Randall) Atchinson, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Deer Island. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom George was the tenth. He commenced to learn the carpenter's trade when qnite young, and has worked at it the greater part of his life. He was married in 1871 to Elizabeth A. Butler, of Fulton County. In 1876 Mr. Atchinson removed to this county and settled upon his present farm, which he had purchased the year previous. His farm contains 160 acres of excellent land, and it is well cultivated. He has a good residence, comfortable out-buildings for stock and grain,

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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