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 40

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 40
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 40

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He soon after settled in Nunda, New York, for the benefit of schools for his children. In December, 1853, he married Miss M. A. Paine, of Nunda, who died March 30, 1857. Ilis eldest son, Miner T., died October 21, 1856, in his sixteenth year, a remarkably promising youth, just ready to enter college, and equally ready to enter the higher courts of the King of Kings. On July 15, 1858, he was married by his old friend, Rev. Will- iam Dean, D. D., to Miss H. E. T. Wright, of Rochester, New York, who still survives him. She was a missionary, teaching in the Karen Normal School in Manlmain, in charge of Dr. Binney, and returned an almost help- less invalid. The issue of that union was two sons, born in Nunda, New York-Charlie Lyman, who died in Des Moines June 2, 1883, having attained an enviable reputation as an artist, aged twenty-three years, and Edwin Parker, equally gifted as a mathe- mnatician and artisan, who died in Jefferson August 28, 1879, aged eighteen years. The latter was converted and baptized in Nunda in his tenth year, the former in Jefferson in his sixteenth year. The peenliarly afflietive cireumstances of the death of these two promising sons, on whom he had hoped to lean as he passed down the declivity of life, were always mourned, butresignedly. The blessing promised to those who ean see the Father's loving hand in chastisement was his. Ile was a resident of Jefferson the last fifteen years of his life, but was able to engage but little in the activities of life, and yet his heart was ever open to whatever pro- moted the glory of God or the good of humanity. In truth and integrity he was unswerving. He was a dutiful son, an affec- tionate brother, a kind husband, an indulgent father, Unt. best of all, a faithful, earnest Christian. His devotion to the great work to which he consecrated his ripened man-

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hood was evident to the last. His mind was clear, and his patience in all his sufferings was remarkable, as he was never known to utter a murmuring word. When his loving companion bent over him, expressing a wish that she might bear part of his pain for him, he said. " It is all right, it is all right, God knows best." He more than once expressed anxiety for the comfort of those who were earing for him. In answer to questions from Rev. Eells and others, he expressed assurance of the Lord's presence. Among other mes- sages for the absent he said, with strong emphasis: "Gather the church together and tell them to trust only in Christ for salva- tion." His daily prayers for them are now ended. He rests from his labors, but his works follow him.

M. FERGUSON, was born in Har- rison County, Ohio, July 29, 1857, the youngest son of Benjamin M. and Cynthia (Haskins) Ferguson. IIe went to school until fifteen years old, when, with- out having ever been under instruction, he took up the "art preservative" in company with a younger companion, and published a small paper. In two years he left home and engaged in the office of the Cadiz Sentinel, serving a three years' apprenticeship, being however, promoted to the foremanship after the first six months. He next went to New- comerstown. Tnscarawas County, Ohio, there establishing a paper called the Eye, and successfully managing it for over a year, when he disposed of his interest and retired for a short time. Next, he and his brother purchased an office in Coshocton, Ohio, and January 1, 1880, started the Coshocton Commonwealth, which met with gratitying sueeess. In April, 1881, he came to Jeffer-

son, this county, and was employed on the Bee until the spring of 1885, being for one year a partner in the proprietorship of that paper. April 4, 1885, as above stated, he established the Souvenir, to which he has since devoted his time and energies. He was married May 14, 1884, to Miss Anna King, of Panora, this State. In politics, Mr. Fer- guson is a Democrat.

M. HEAD is a son of William M. and Margaret (Fernau) Head, natives of Kentucky and Ohio, respectively. They were married in Ohio, and came to Iowa, in 1855. They now live at Jefferson, advanced in years. Their son, A. M., was born in Highland County, Ohio, May 24. 1855, and in October following was brought by his parents to Iowa. He lived in Powe- shiek County until 1872, and then came to Greene County. For six years he was employed in the Greene County Bank, and then he entered npon the practice of law, being successively a member of the firms of A. & A. M. Head, Head. Henderson & Head, and Head & Church. In 1880 he was elected recorder of Greene County, and that position he held during 1881 and 1882. He then became cashier of the Greene County Bank, and remained in that institution until Janu- ary 1, 1886. Since then he has devoted him- self to real estate loans, and to the Souvenir, in which he bought a half interest in Septem- ber, 1885. He was married October 5, 1875. to Eva F. Child, of Jefferson. They have been given four children -- Albert E., Bessie (deceased), Pearl and Hazel. Mr. Head is politically a Republican. He has been actively identified with the Greene County Agricultural Society, of which he was treasurer for two years and is now secretary.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Ile is a member of the following secret societies: Emmaus Commandery, No. 35, K. T .; Corner Stone Chapter, No. 64, R. A. M .; Morning Star Lodge, No. 103, A. F. & A. M .; Jefferson Encampment, No. 103, I. O. O. F .; Greene Lodge, No. 315, I. O. O. F .; and Garfield Lodge, No. 62, K. P.

OIIN WILKINSON, hardware mer- chant, at Jefferson, is located on the southwest corner of the square. Ile and William Brown established the business in 1881, and eontinned the business until the following February, when Mr. Wilkinson and George Grisier bought the interest of Mr. Brown, and conducted the business together for three years. Mr. Wilkinson then pur- chased the interest of his partner, and has sinee been sole proprietor. He has been a resident of Greene County since 1884, at which time lie engaged in farming on section 2, Greenbrier Township. II. L. Henderson made the first improvements on this farm, putting up a small house and breaking about thirty acres of the land. Mr. Wilkinson made a fine farm of this land, and sold it to William Weaver, now deceased. Mr. Wil- kinson was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1839. IIe came to Iowa in 1860, locating near Tipton, in Cedar County, and was en- gaged in farming until the breaking out of the civil war. In September, 1861, he en- listed in Company K, Eleventh Iowa Infan- try, and at the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted, and was finally dis- charged July 26, 1865, having served nearly four years. He participated in the terrible battle of Shiloh, where his regiment fought on the right, and was engaged both days. On the first day he was wounded four times; only the last wound, however, was sufficient

to disable hiim. This was a severe wound in the left breast, three of his ribs being broken. Even then he would not consent to go to the hospital, though he was off duty for several months. His regiment lost heavily in that battle. It was his first engagement. When he was able to do duty, he entered into ac- tive service, participating in the capture of Corinth, and took part in other events at- tending this siege. He was at Bolivar, Ten- nessee, and again at Corinth, took part in the battle of Iuka, thence to Holly Springs, and was in Grant's siege of Vieksburg, thence to Meridian, Mississippi, and to Monroe, Loui- siana. At Canton, Mississippi, his regiment destroyed twenty-one locomotives of the ene- my. They then went to Vicksburg where they veteranized, and went home on furlough. On his return, he went to Cairo, up the Ten- nessee River, and on to Nashville, where his regiment joined Sherman's army. He was in the battle of Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca, and other battles before reach- ing Atlanta; was in all the Atlanta cam- paigns. At Peach Tree Creek, his regiment lost 165 men; it was in the severe battle of the 28th of July, on the extreme right of Sherman's army, and participated in the grand march to the sea. He was wounded at Fay- ette, Georgia, where he met with a narrow eseape, a musket ball grazing the right side of his head. He participated in the grand elosing event of the war, the grand review at Washington. Ile was mustered ont at Davenport, July 26, 1865. Only fifteen who were mnstered into the service with him, were mustered ont at the elose of the war, and only five had escaped withont wounds. Mr. Wilkinson returned to Cedar County, and three years later, went to Benton County and engaged in farming. IIe was married in Cedar County, to Margaret Neeley, who died in this county in Septem-

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ber, 1880. His present wife was Mrs. Viola Sehnebly, nee Marquand. By his first mar- riage he had seven children, five of whom are living. He is one of the past command- ers of the G. A. R. Post at Jefferson.

HRISTIAN WILL, farmer, section 15, Paton Township, was born in Berne, Germany, January 7, 1822. His father, Nicholas Will, was a native of the same country, and brought his family to St. Louis, Missouri, in the fall of 1839, thenee to Mus- catine, Iowa, in April, 1830. Here our sub- ject lived until 1881, when he came to his present farm. In 1864 he went the overland ronte to California, with mule team, return- ing in 1866. He has followed farming nearly all his life. He was married June 7, 1854, to Elizabeth Terfler, daughter of Adam Ter- fler. now deceased. They have seven chil- dren-Nicholas, George, John, John B., Kate, Christian and Emma. lle owns 120 acres of land, and devotes his attention to farming and stock-raising. Mr. Will and wife, and their children John and Kate, are members of the Evangelical Association. Mr. Will has held the offices of road supervi- sor and school director.

REMONT II. PARMENTER, of the firm of H. A. Parmenter & Son, of Grand Junction, was born in Weston, Vermont, February 22, 1856, son of Horace A. and Lucinda (Carlton) Parmenter, the former a native of Massachusetts, born in 1821. Fre- mont is the only child. Ile was educated at the Chester Academy in his native State and came to Grand Junction with his parents in 1872, and this has since been their home.

Our subjeet clerked in a store two years at Jefferson, and two years at Grand Junction, then became his father's partner in the hard- ware business. They carry a full line of hardware, stoves, tinware, kitchen furniture, shelf hardware, farm machinery, wagons, buggies, ete. They have a capital stock of $12,000 to $15,000. and do an annual busi- ness of $60,000. Mr. Parmenter was mar- ried February 19, 1882, to Miss Hattie IIadley, daughter of George Hadley, now de- ceased. She was born in Rockingham. Wind- ham County, Vermont. Mr. Parmenter served as mayor of Grand Junction two years and councilman six years; he is now treas- urer. He served two years as chief of the fire department; is a member of the Masonie fraternity. Mrs. Parmenter is a member of the Episcopal church.

R. ENGLISH, an active and enterpris- ing business man of Churdan, is a na- tive of Pennsylvania, born August 23, 1826, his parents, Robert and Hester English, being natives of the same State. He grew to manhood on a farm in his native State, re- maining with his parents until attaining the age of twenty-two years, when he began farming for himself. He was united in inar- riage November 15, 1849, to Miss Jennie Ross, a daughter of Stewart and Jane Ross, of Jackson County, Pennsylvania. They have six children living, all of whom are married -Mrs. Esther Smith, living near Calamus, Iowa; R. W., of Forbes Station, Iowa; Mrs. Alice Van Dusen, living in Colorado; Mrs. C. A. French, a resident of Neligh, Nebraska; Mrs. Anna Carr, of Clinton County, Iowa, and Mrs. Ida Sonder, living at Churdan, lowa. Newton, the youngest child, died at the age of two years. Mr. English followed

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farming for about twelve years after his mar- riage, when he learned the carpenter's trade. which he followed to some extent, and sub- sequently engaged in the furniture business, which he still follows. On coming to lowa he first settled near Davenport, and there fol- lowed farming for seven years. Ile then re- moved to Dixon, Iowa, and engaged in the mercantile business, remaining there abont three years, when he located in Wheatland. He remained in Wheatland about five years, when he removed to London, working at his trade at that place about three years. In 1877 he settled in Jefferson, Greene County, and five years later removed to Churdan, where he has since made his home, and sinee coming to this place has built up a good trade in the furniture business. Mr. Eng- lish's family are all musicians, and for one year they traveled through the country giving concerts. Both Mr. and Mrs. English are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but now affiliates with the Republican party. His parents are both deceased, his mother dying in Tama County, Iowa, in 1872, his father's death occurring about six years later.

ARON SMITII, farmer, section 4, Paton Township, was born in Cook County, Illinois, September 5, 1851. His father, Leonard Smith, was born in Wessen, Germany, April 12, 1815, and came to America when a young man. His mother was Mary Shockey, daughter of George Shockey. The parents had seven children, five of whom are living-Aaron, George, Hattie, Julia and Alfred. The father removed to this eonnty in March, 1873, settling in Paton Township, where he died April 29,

1886. He was a Christian man and an earnest worker in the Evangelical Associa- tion. Every one that knew him respected and loved him. He was an affectionate hns- band and father, and a kind and obliging neighbor. Our subject was reared a farmer and educated in the common schools. He came to this county in the fall of 1872, the family following soon after. He was married April 29, 1885, to Miss Kate Will, daughter of Christian Will, of Paton Township. They have one child, Della E. Mr. Smith owns 171 acres of land, and gives considerable attention to Poland-China hogs, short-horns, and Clydesdale horses, besides general farm- ing. IIe and his wife, and also his mother, are members of the Evangelical Association. He has held the office of township trustee and school director.

W ILLIAM C. STREAM. one of the pioneers of Bristol Township, resides on section 10. He visited this county in June, 1868, and purchased 160 aeres of land on seetion 9, in company with J. L. Boggs. Ile then returned to his home in Linn County, this State. On the evening of December 24, 1868, he was married to Miss Mary Mathews, and after purchasing his land, he brought his wife to Greene County. He divided his purchase with Mr. Boggs, and bought 160 acres on seetion 10, upon which he made his home, and where he has since resided. His last purchase of land constitutes his farm. and it is unques- tionably one of the best farms in Greene County. Mr. Stream was born in Licking County, Ohio, April 14, 1834, son of Eli and Mary (Waters) Stream, both of whom were born, reared and married in Virginia. Two

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

weeks after their marriage they left their native State for Ohio, and later, removed to Linn County, this State, both dying in Put- nam Township, that eounty, the father in February, 1863, and the mother in June, 1870. They were of German descent. Of their fourteen children, William C. was the seeond child and eldest son. Ile remained with his parents until he was thirty-five years of age, with the exception of a term of service in the war for the Union. March 9, 1854, he came to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and in the fall of that year, his parents came with the remainder of the family, and all settled in Putnam Township. After renting land a short time the father purchased an improved farm, where he and his wife passed the remain- der of their days. August 9, 1862, Mr. Stream enlisted in Company G, Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry, Captain W. W. Smith commanding. The regiment was in General Ilovey's division in the campaign which eulminated in the capture of Vicksburg. Our subjeet was first under fire at Fort Gibson, was in the battle at Champion Hills, siege of Vieksburg, under General Sherman at the second battle of Jack- son, and later, the regiment was transferred to the gulf department and became a part of the Nineteenth Corps. His regiment was in the disastrous Red River campaign, Com- pany G losing quite heavily. After a period of inactivity, in August, 1864, the Nineteenth Corps was transferred to the East and became a part of General Sheridan's army, and was in all the campaigns of that army. Mr. Stream was under Sheridan in the battles at Winchester, Woodstock. and the famous battle of Cedar Creek, where he had the pleasure of seeing Sheridan as he came upon the battle field, and he exchanged greetings with that general. The corps joined General Sherman's command at Savannah, where they were left by that general, and later, sent to

Moorehead City, South Carolina, where, during the closing scenes of the war, they were guarding lines of communication with Sherman's army, and other duties. Mr. Stream was discharged as Third Sergeant, at Savannah, some time after the eessation of hostilities, and reached his home in Linn County three years to a day from the date of his enlistment. Mr. Stream is as loyal a citizen as he was a soldier, and his record is one of unimpeachable honor. His wife died October 5, 1880, aged thirty-six years and six months. The youngest child, Willie, died three days after her death, aged eight days. The other children are-Maggie, Laura, Harvey, Orrin and Cora. All are living except Laura, who, after many years of uncomplaining suffering, was called to the better life October 5, 1886, the anniversary of her mother's death, aged fifteen years, nine months and twenty-five days. October 3, 1881, Mr. Stream married Mrs. Rebecca (DeLong) Cairns, widow of Alexander Cairns, who died at his home in Bristol Township, February 1, 1872, under very distressing cir- cumstanees. In some unknown manner his dwelling took fire. Mr. Cairns, his family, his brother Henry Cairns and his family, and Henry DeLong, were inmates. In the attempt to reseue their families Alexander and Henry Cairns lost their lives, and two young children of Henry Cairns also perished. By his second marriage Mr. Stream has one child-Mand Luella. Mrs. Stream had four children by her first marriage, only one of whom is living-Ernest Cairns, now just twenty years of age. The deceased are- Nellie, Mattie and Zonia. Mr. Stream's brothers living in Bristol Township are- Perry, Calvin, Wilson and Charles G. One brother, Fenton M., lives in Jefferson. A sister, Mrs. Diantha Lawrence, also lives in Jefferson. Mrs. Mary Ann Langdon and

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Mrs. Eliza Jane Moorehead live in Linn County, this State. Mrs. Virginia Preston lives in Licking County, Ohio. One brother and three sisters died young of scarlet fever, in Licking County, before the family left that State. Mr. Stream is a member of the Pres- byterian church, and in politics is an ardent Republican.

- ILSON STREAM, son of Elias and Mary Ann Stream, was born April 10, 1848, in Licking County, Ohio. In the fall of 1855 he came with his parents to Linn County, this State, where he was reared and where he lived until coming to Greene County. Ile settled on section 10, Bristol Township, where he owns a fine farm of 160 acres, which he has improved and cul- tivated from a state of nature. He came to this county in 1874, and at first made his home with his brothers, William C. and Cal- vin, until his marriage with Miss Ophelia West, daughter of Mrs. Rose West, of Bristol Township. This marriage took place January 1, 1878. Mr. Stream purchased his land in 1875, and had made many improvements previous to his marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Stream have three children-Elsie Bell, Ida E. and Chauncey E. Politically Mr. Stream is a Republican.

E. BERRY, farmer, section 27, Green- brier Township, was born in Davis County, Iowa, April 23, 1846, son of James and Nancy (McConnell) Berry, who reared a family of eight children-Thomas, J. E., John, Samuel, Ephraim, Margaret, William and Mary E. Mr. Berry was reared on a farm and educated in the common

schools. He learned the cooper's trade, and has followed it many years. He was married March 9, 1873, to Lucinda Breeding, daugh- ter of Alexander Breeding, a prominent pio- neer of Davis County. In 1879 he came to this county, locating upon his present farm, which was then in its wild state. He has since made good improvements, has a com- fortable house, and good barn and orchard. His farm consists of 120 acres of as good land as can be found in Greene County. Mr. and Mrs. Berry have two sons-William Guy, born May 1, 1876, and Thomas G., born June 20, 1881. Politically Mr. Berry is a Repub- lican, and has served four years creditably as township clerk. He takes an active in- terest in educational matters, and in the im- provement of Greene County.

OHN E. PETTIT, real estate dealer and loan agent at Grand Junction, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, town of Salem, August 10, 1848, a son of Andrew Pettit, also a native of Columbiana County, born July 2, 1813, and now a resident of Grand Junction. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of Me- chanicsville, Iowa, where his parents settled in 1854. Ilis mother was formerly Mary Elliott, born July 6, 1817, in Columbiana County. The parents had nine children, seven of whom are living. John was the fifth child. He clerked in a dry goods store in Mechanicsville for seven years, coming to Grand Junction in 1871. He was engaged in farming for one year, then embarked in the mercantile trade for a time. In the meantime he was engaged in the mercantile business temporarily in Osceola in 1882, nearly a year in each place, but Grand June- tion has been his home since 1871. His

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mother is a direct descendant of John D. Elliott, an English Quaker who came to the United States in the Mayflower. He was married September 22, 1882, to Miss Mary Peddicord, daughter of John Peddicord, now deceased. She was born in Winnebago County, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have two children - Estella and Charles. Mr. Elliott owns eighty acres of land northeast of Grand Junction, and has 279 acres in Nebraska. He served as mayor over a year, but resigned after the second election. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and Masonic fra- ternities, and also to the Knights of Labor.

ON. J. J. RUSSELL, one of the leading members of the Greene County bar, has been a resident of Jefferson since 1867, and has been constantly engaged in the practice of his profession since that time-a period of twenty years. Upon entering into practice here, he formed a partnership with Captain Albert Head, which continued, how- ever, but a brief period. He was then alone in practice for a short interval, then formed a partnership with G. S. Toliver, with whom he has since been associated. Mr. Russell is a native of the " Old Bay State," having been born in Franklin County, Massachusetts, in 1839. He resided in his native county until sixteen years of age, when, becoming pos- sessed with the spirit of Western adventure, he resolved to "go West," and one bright morning in October, took the stage and started westward. He came as far as White- side County, Illinois, where he remained for some time. He studied law with Fred Sack- ett, Esq., and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Illinois, at Ottawa, April 14, 1866. He was a law student at the time the war broke out, and he offered his services to

the Government in the first call for volun- teers to aid in the suppression of the Re- bellion. He enlisted for three months; but at the time of his enlistment the quota was full, and he went into camp at Dixon, await- ing another call for troops. Ile then en- listed in Company B, Thirteenth Illinois In- fantry, for three years. His regiment was commanded by Colonel Wyman. He served as a private for a time, and was promoted to Sergeant, and after the siege of Vicksburg he was made Lieutenant of his company. His service in the army extended over a pe- riod of three and a half years. He partici- pated in many of the important events of the war, and his record as a soldier is emi- nently honorable. The first part of his ser- vice was in Missouri. He was with General Sherman in the first attack on Vicksburg, where Colonel Wyman was killed, and the regiment lost 117 men in killed and wounded within the space of a few minutes. He participated with his regiment in the capture of Arkansas Post, in the grand siege of Vicksburg, and in the memorable battle of Lookout Mountain. He was mustered out of the service in the summer of 1864, his term of enlistment having expired. He then resumed the study of law, and was admitted, as before stated, in 1866. It will be ob- served that the professional life of Mr. Rus- sell has been spent in Greene County. His time, however, has not been entirely spent in the practice of his profession. In 1872 he was elected to the State Senate of Iowa, and the ability and faithfulness with which he discharged his duties as Senator, is indicated by the fact that he served in that capacity for twelve years. He is the present attorney of Greene County, and has served in that capacity for many years. In 1870 he was sent to Washington to settle with the Gov- ernment for swamp lands of the State. His

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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