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 41

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 41
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 41

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

inission was so successful that a settlement that was highly satisfactory was secured. In 1860 he was one of the five commissioners appointed by the President of the United States to make a treaty with the Ute Indians for the purpose of seeuring the reservation of the latter. New lands were selected, and the Indians were located in Utah. Mr. Rus- sell was a candidate from his district for Con- gress, in the convention of 1886, and came within two votes of the nomination. In Jan- uary, 1876, the City Bank of Jefferson was organized by Charles Bofink, J. J. Russell and M. B. MeDuffie. Mr. Bofink was made president, and Mr. MeDuffie eashier. The former is still president of the bank, and in 1886 E. B. Hughes was appointed eashier. The three parties just mentioned held all the stoek in the bank until 1886, when Mr. Hughes took a fourth interest. Mr. Russell was married in October, 1868, to Miss Mary MeDuffie, a native of western New York, and they have one daughter, Helen, born in 1870. Mr. Russell is a Republican in polities, and has been connected with that organization ever since he attained his majority. As a lawyer, he snstains an excellent reputation, and an equally honorable reputation as a citi- zen.

AMES E. MOSS, farmer, seetion 27, Kendrick Township, was born in the town of Champlain, State of New York, October 21, 1843. His father, James Moss, was born December 20, 1790, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His mother was Sarah (Moore) Moss. They were the parents of seven children-James E., Charles, Sophia, Dexter, Sarah, Henrietta and Henry. When James E. was seven years of age his parents removed to Cattaraugus County, where they

resided about four years, then removed to Kendall County, Illinois. He was educated principally at Little Rock, Illinois. August 10, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Thirty- sixth Illinois Infantry, with N. Grensel as Colonel, Ed. S. Joslyn as Lieutenant-Colonel, and A. Barry, Major. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Murfreesboro, Chiek- amauga and Missionary Ridge, where he was wounded by a minie-ball in the left leg, which was amputated November 25, 1863. He was confined in the hospital at Chatta- nooga, Tennessee, for two months, and after- ward at Marine hospital, Chicago, and was honorably discharged September 29, 1864. He returned to his home, and the same year removed to Paw Paw, De Kalb County, Illi- nois, where he resided until 1879, then came to Greene County, Iowa, and settled upon his present farm. He bought the farm of Mrs. Frances MeDermott. Mr. Moss owns 670 aeres of as good land as can be found in Greene County. He has a fine two-story residence, well furnished, a large, commodi- ous barn, and numerous other out-buildings for stoek and grain, a grove of 6,000 trees, an orchard, and everything about the prem- ises shows the thrift and energy of the pro- prietor. He is president of the Seranton Norman Horse Company, who own some of the best imported horses in the State. He keeps abont 170 head of cattle, besides a large number of other stoek of the best breeds. Mr. Moss was married October 25, 1867, to Miss Susan A. Powers, daughter of N. II. and Catherine (Hart) Powers. Her father was a member of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and was wounded at Shiloh. The G. A. R. post at Scranton was named in his lionor. He came to this county from Paw Paw, Illinois, and died December 10, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Moss are the parents of three children-Franees L., Lanra A. and JJennie P.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

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Politically Mr. Moss is a Republican, and a strong adherent of the principles he fought to preserve, but he has never sought politieal notoriety. IIe is commander of N. II. Pow- ers Post, G. A. R., at Scranton.

EWIS B. THOMAS, general merchant and proprietor of Thomas' Opera House at Angus, was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, November 26, 1833. His father, Benjamin D. Thomas, deceased, was a native of Wales, and came to America in 1833, settling in Pennsylvania. He was a miner by occupation, and our subject was reared in the mining distriets of Luzerne, Carbon and Schuylkill counties, receiving a common school education. In the fall of 1853 he went to California and mined gold until 1861, and in the fall of that year came to Coal Valley, Rock Island County, and followed the mercantile trade for twenty years. He then came to Angus and built his present store, 40 x 80 feet. In 1884 he built an addition of eighty feet, making it 40 x 120 feet. An opera hall extends over the whole building. He carries a capital stock of $15,000 to $18,000, consisting of dry goods, clothing, groceries, hats and caps, boots and shoes, queen's-ware, glassware, woodenware, miner's supplies, provisions, notions, wall paper, trunks and valises, and everything usually kept in a first-class general store. He does an annual business of $40,- 000 to $50,000. Three of his sons assist in the store besides two other clerks. He was married December 25, 1862, to Mary M. Jones, daughter of Thomas T. Jones, of Montana. Six of their nine children are living-Harvey L., Ira B., Albert E., Orville, Edna M. and Lewis J. March 11, 1885, Mrs. Thomas passed away to the life beyond

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loved and lamented by all. She was a mem- ber of the Methodist church and a good Christian. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Masonic order, chapter and commandery, the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows en- campment, and Ancient Order of United Workmen. His sons, Harvey and Ira, are members of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Thomas served as city treasurer one term, and is now treasurer of the Masonic lodge. Harvey is chancellor commander in Knights of Pythias. Harvey, Ira and Orville are members of the Angus band.

ILLIAM A. ELMORE, an active and enterprising citizen of Greene County, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 14, Dawson Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Union County November 11, 1840, he being the eldest of four children of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Beard) Elmore, the father being a native of Tennessee, and the mother of North Carolina, both now deceased. William 1. was reared to the avocation of a farmer, assisting his father on the home farm till eighteen years of age. He then began working by the month, and was so engaged abont four years, with the exception of one year when he farmed for himself. April 11, 1863, he was married to Miss Kesiah Grifford, who was born in Preble, Ohio, January 14, 1846, a daughter of Andrew and Saralı (Edgerton) Grifford, who were natives of North Carolina and New Jersey respectively. They were the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom Mrs. Elmore was the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. Elmore have six children-Minnie J., born October 1, 1864, is now the wife of Isaac Benford, of Dakota; Edgar G., born Jannary 19, 1866, married Mary Edgerton:

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Elvin C., born June 6, 1868; Charlie B., born June 1, 1870; Sarah E., born July 11. 1874, and Anna P., born April 17, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Elmore and their family are members of the Society of Friends. When Mr. Elmore bought his farm in Dawson Township, but little improvement had been made. He has since erected a commodious and substantial residence and other farm buildings, and has brought his land under good cultivation. He has a very fine orchard on his land, also a maple grove, and is now elassed among the well-to-do farmers of Wil- low Township. In polities he casts his suffrage with the Republican party. Postoffice, Paton, Iowa.

ARREN E. AMES, farmer and stock- raiser, section 10. JJunction Township. is a native of New York, born in Cicero, Onondaga County, September 24, 1828, a son of John Ames, a native of Ver-

mont. His father was a carpenter and join- er, and in his youth he worked at the same trade. He also learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked a number of years. In 1847 he went to Ogle County, Illinois, where he worked at the carpenter's trade five years, and then began farming, which he has since followed. He came to Iowa in 1874, and in November of that year settled on a farm in Grand Junction, and in March, 1875, settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns 120 acres of valuable land, and his building improvements are comfortable and conven- ient. Ile was married October 1, 1848, to Guitan Vine, and to them were born seven children - George, Henry, Alva, Mary, Ella, Harriet and Minnie. The last two are de- ceased. Mrs. Ames died, and September 21, 1570, Mr. Ames married Margaret Kannady,

daughter of John Kannady. They have two children - Charles W. and John M. Mr. Ames has an adopted son-Thomas Early, now twenty-three years old, who has lived with him since his fifth year. Mr. and Mrs. Ames are members of the Baptist church.

OHN W. RAY, proprietor of the Angus restaurant and boarding-house, was born in County Durham, England, March 25, 1853, son of Thomas Ray, of Angus, a native of Northumberland County, England, who came to America in 1854, locating in Coal Valley, Illinois. His family followed him in 1857, and in 1860 returned to England. In 1869 they came back to America, settling in Coal Valley, where our subject lived until 1882, when he came to Angns, and this place has since been his home. He worked in the mines until April, 1883, when he embarked in his present business. He keeps a first- class house and is doing a good business. He was married May 22, 1880, to Mary E. Irwin, daughter of Robert Irwin, of Cable, Illinois. They have one child - William Elmer. Mr. Ray is township trustee of Union Township, and a member of the Odd Fellows society.

INDEN S. THOMPSON, one of the early settlers of Seranton Township, re- sides on section 1, where he owns 106 acres of the northeast quarter. Mr. Thomp- son was born in North Carolina, July 20, 1839, a son of Berry and Mary Thompson. When he was six years old his parents moved to Morgan County, Indiana, where the father died. In 1856 the family came to Iowa and settled in Polk County, and there the mother

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died. In July, 1862, Mr. Thompson enlisted in the defense of his country, and was as- signed to Company C, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry, but owing to protracted illness, the result of typhoid fever, he was discharged the following October. Ile continued to re- side in Polk County until April 15, 1867, when he moved to Greene County and located on his present farm. Mr. Thompson was married at Des Moines, Iowa, February 17, 1859, to Miss A. Gibson, a native of Dela- ware County. Indiana, born August 9, 1842, a daughter of Elisha and Betsey Gibson, early settlers of Greene County. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have had a family of eleven chil- dren, six of whom are living-John Wesley, Nathan E., Betsey A., William E., Edith A. and Levi W. Calista J. and Julia Ann died of diphtheria. the former aged fourteen and the latter seven years. Joseph P., Sarah E. and Mary L. died in early childhood. In politics Mr. Thompson has always affiliated with the Republican party.

DWIN B. STILLMAN was born at New Haven, Connecticut, October 4, 1838, and in 1850 moved to Ohio. Four years later, at Akron, Ohio, he was ap- prenticed to the printing trade. In 1856 he eame to Iowa, and for two years he was em- ployed by the Iowa City Republican. From 1858 to 1865 he was connected with the Register at Des Moines, and then for fifteen years his home was Chicago. In 1880 he returned to Iowa, where he has since made his home. He was married in 1862 at Royal- ton, Vermont, to Miss Lizzie Bowman. Three children have been born to them-Frank, in 1864; Paul E., in 1869; Lulu, in 1874 (died September 20. 1885). Mr. Stillman came to Jefferson in October, 1884, and has since

been the proprietor of the Bee. Ile is a member of the Presbyterian church of Jeffer- son. In politics he is a Republican.

J. GRAY, farmer, section 20, Ken- drick Township, has been a resident of this county since 1856. Ile was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, April 4, 1828, son of William and Clarissa (Porter) Gray, the former a native of Virginia, and the lat- ter of New Hampshire. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom our subjeet was the seventh child. He remained in his native county until sixteen years of age, when in company with a brother he re- moved to Owen County, Indiana, where he lived eleven years, working at the carpenter's trade. He followed that trade the greater part of his life. He also worked at saw and grist milling. At the age of eighteen he was married to Elizabeth Delap, and to this union were born four children, only one living-George W. Mr. Gray resided in Owen County until May, 1856, then came to Greene County with horse team, and located on section 21, Kendrick Township, being the first settler on the prairie of this township. He settled upon his present farm in 1969, where he lias since resided. His farm eon- sists of ninety aeres of good land, and is in a good state of cultivation. He has a well- furnished house, and good buildings for stock and grain, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. August 19, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Emily J. Lewis, nec Coombs, daughter of Joseph and Delilah (Wright) Coombs, and to this union seven children have been born-Clarissa, Curtis E., Sarnssa (deceased), Joseph, Sanford, Albert and Em- ma. During the first years of his residence here Mr. Gray spent much time in trapping,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

and sometimes camped ont for weeks on the wild prairie, engaged in trapping, in which he was quite successful, although he endured inany hardships. Politically he is a Green- baeker.

EORGE W. WRIGHT, a resident of section 4, Bristol Township, has been identified with Greene County since the spring of 1882. He came with quite a capi- tal, and the experience of years as a practical farmer on the prairies of Illinois. He is improving and stocking a farm of over 300 acres. Mr. Wright was born in Whitestown, Oneida County, New York, September 27, 1827, son of Aaron and Catharine Wright. His youth was spent in hard farm work, and his educational advantages were very limited; but being possessed of good common sense, he became a practical, active man of business. In 1852 the gold fever took him to California, where he spent four years in mining, and in March, 1856, returned to his old home. In October of that same year, he located in Putnam County, Illinois, where he lived five years, thence to Mendota, LaSalle County, where he lived two years, thence to Peru Township, same county, where Mr. Wright improved a farm and erected very fine build- ings. He intended this for his permanent home; but sickness in his family made it seem necessary to leave Illinois, and he deci- ded npon Greene County for his future home. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have six children- Henry, now of Jackson Township; Sarah Catherine, wife of James Marble of Bristol Township; James M., Martin M., Lucy C. and Martha Ann, living with their parents. Delos B. and Charles N. died young. Mr. Wright's father died in 1839, at the old home in New York, and his mother died in Febru-

ary, 1881, in Illinois, at the age ninety-one years. She was eared for by her son after her husband's death. Mrs. Wright was a daughter of one of the pioneers of La Salle County, Illinois, of whom more than a pass- ing mention might be made. IIenry De Long was born in Ohio, and abont 1830 he removed to La Salle County. During the Black Hawk war he served as a mounted ranger and was one of the first who reached the scene of the Indian Creek massaere, the bloody opening of the war on the settlers. His services throughout the campaign were honorable and efficient. In 1836 he wedded Martha Matheny, daughter of J. D. Matheny, a pioneer of 1835. To this union were born six children -Mrs. Wright being the oldest. Sarah A. married James Tullis, of Lincoln, Illinois; Mary died young; James died at the age of nine years; Rebecca married William C. Stream, of Bristol Township, this county; Martha married William Ewing, and Henry resides in California. The father died in La Salle County in 1849; the mother is living in Nebraska, and is the wife of Jacob Lawson. Mrs. Wright was born February 3, 1837. Her first husband, whom she married in 1852, was Jackson Gass. He died in Cali- fornia in 1854, whither his wife had accom- panied him. She returned to La Salle County in 1857 and married Mr. Wright. She is a woman of large experience, is possessed of a well stored mind, and her excellent qualities of mind and heart have made for her many friends. When Mr. Wright went to Cali- fornia, he embarked on the sailing vessel, North America, at New York City, April 1, 1852, as second cabin passenger. For forty days he had a pleasant passage. When rounding Cape Horn and within six hours sail of the latitude where all is considered safe, the vessel encountered a fearful storm and was dismasted and left to the mercy of

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the elements, helpless, twenty days. They were left with only six able-bodied seaman out of thirty-six. Four hours more of storm would have locked them irretrievably among icebergs. The monthi was Jnne, and they were so far south that they had only four hours of sunlight out of twenty-four. They reached Valparaiso July 4, in time to fire a salute in honor of the day, before sunset. They reached San Francisco the first day of September.

LIAS S. WARD, farmer, section 21, Greenbrier Township, is one of the pioneers of that township, and was born in New Jersey, September 6, 1841. His parents, Benjamin and Harriet Ward, were the parents of eight children, our subject being the seventh. When he was two years of age his father died, and he went to live with an uncle, and later he was taken to Kane County, Illinois, where he was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of that eonnty. In September, 1861, lie enlisted in the Fifty-second Illinois In- fantry, Company D, and was engaged in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinthi, Allatoona, Inka and Atlanta. He was hon- orably discharged October 31, 1864. October 31, 1866, he was married to Miss Phebe Bed- ford, a native of Michigan, and daughter of Peter and Caroline (Cole) Bedford. In 1868 Mr. Ward removed to Greene County, this State, and settled upon his present farm in Greenbrier Township, which was then in a wild state. It was one of the first farms opened in that neighborhood. It contains 160 acres of excellent land, and he has a comfortable honse, and ont-buildings for stoek, an orchard and a natural grove. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have four living children- 30

Fianta J., Clayton E., Cora E. and Edna M. Minnie Etta and Nettie May are deceased. They have an adopted child- Walter A. B. Mr. Ward is a Republican in politics, and is a worthy and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

JOHN BOYDEN, grocer, Grand June- tion, is a native of Jefferson County, New York, born September 6, 1828. Ilis father, Samuel Boyden, was a native of Ver- mont and is now deceased. Onr subject was educated in the common schools of his native county, and when young, learned the carpen- ter's trade. He followed this trade for twenty years. In 1869 he came to Grand Junction, and engaged in his present business in 1875. Ile has an extensive trade, and his genial manners and accommodating disposition has won for him hosts of friends. He sells his goods cheap, and can compete with any other establishment of the kind in the place. Mr. Boyden has never married, but is very happy and contented in his life of single blessedness.

EDWIN O. CARLTON, stock-dealer at Grand Junction, was born in Windsor County, Vermont, July 24, 1838, son of Joseph and Lettie (Parker) Carlton, na- tives of Andover, Vermont, both of whom are deceased. IIe was reared on a farm and ed- ncated, principally, in the common schools. During the late war, he enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Vermont Infantry, and partici- pated in the terrible battle of Gettysburg. He came to this county in 1869, settling where Grand Junction now stands. In 1870 he removed his family here, where he lias since resided. Ile has been principally en-

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MAMAARAMAWY

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

gaged in buying cattle. and for the past seven years has dealt in hogs. He was married in October, 1863, to Lura J. MeIntyre, dangh- ter of Leonard MeIntyre, of Andover, Ver -. mont. They have two children-Eddie and Clarence. Mr. Carlton was marshal of Grand Junetion three years, and has served as con- stable for three years past. Ile is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, also of the Grand Army of the Republic.

ENSSELAER ALLEN, one of the prominent citizens of Greene County, and an active and enterprising agri- culturist of Franklin Township, was born in Caynga County, New York, June 7, 1849, his parents, Jonathan and Sarah (Robinson) Allen, being natives of the same State. They removed from New York State to Greene County, Iowa. in 1872, where they have since made their home. Our subject grew to man- hood in his native State, being reared to the avocation of a farmer, which he has always 1 followed with the exception of the time spent in the late war. He was married October 17, 1866, to Miss Ada A. Townsmen, who was born in Allegany County, New York, February 24, 1850, a daughter of A. and Ju- lia (Jones) Townsmen, who were also natives of New York State, Mrs. Allen being the youngest in a family of fifteen children. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen-George A., born August 4, 1867, is an enterprising young man and at present is engaged in working the home farm ; Florence was born June 16, 1869, and Mat- tie J. was born January 18, 1878. Mr. Allen was a soldier during the late war, enlisting at the early age of sixteen years in Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-fourth New

of the Potomac. He participated in the bat- tle of Bull Run, and several others of less note. He was wounded at Petersburg in June, 1864, by a minie-ball passing through the right side of his face, when he was taken to Davies Island, New York. He was hon- orably discharged from the service at Mitch- ell Station, Virginia. Mr. Allen remained in his native State until 1875, the he came with his family to Greene County, lowa, since which he has followed farming on his farm on section 2, Franklin Township, where he has eighty acres of as good land as can be found in the county. Ilis residence is com- fortable and commodious, and his farm buildings are among the best in the county. He has a fine grove of maple trees, with other shade and ornamental trees, a fine lawn, and the entire surroundings prove the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer. He is always ready and willing to aid in any en- terprise which tends toward the advancement of his township or county, and since coming here he has held the office of county super- visor, serving to the best interests of the county, and has also been connected with the school board a number of years. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Jefferson, and is a comrade of the Grand Army post. In politics he is a Republican. Postoffice, Cooper, Iowa.

HARLES ENFIELD settled in Jefferson in the spring of 1870, shortly after receiv- ing his medical degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical depart- ment of Columbia College, New York. His preceptor was Dr. Charles Phelps, the present distinguished surgeon of the port and harbor of the city. The doctor had some practical York Infantry, and was assigned to the Army | experience in his profession during the latter

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years of the war, while he was stationed in New Mexico. At the opening of the civil war lie enlisted in the First New York Volunteers, serving with the Army of the Potomac until the retreat to Westover landing, after which he found himself in Richmond with a number of the wounded of his brigade. Mrs. Enfield was formerly Miss Josephine Eldon. The doctor is a member of the State and National medical societies.

LI ROBERTS, of the firm of Seaman & Roberts, proprietors of the Eureka Mills, was one of the first children born of white parentage in Greene County. His parents, Thomas and Mary Roberts, were among the first settlers of the county. IIe was born in what is now Washington Town- ship, January 22, 1852. His father resides in Jackson Township, and his mother died in that township. His youth was passed in as- sisting on his father's farm, it being one of the largest farms in the county, and his edu- cation was obtained in the district schools. He was the second of a family of ten chil- dren. He remained at home until he was thirty years of age, when he married Miss Mary E. Henderson, July 25, 1884. She is a daughter of H. L. Henderson, one of the most substantial citizens of Jackson Town- ship, and a native of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have one son-Earl. March 1, 1885, Mr. Roberts purchased a half interest in the Eureka Mills, on the North Coon River, and is now giving his whole attention to the milling business, having his residence near by. He has witnessed the growth and development of Greene County from its early days, and is to-day one of its most active and energetic citizens. Being alive to all its best interests, he is always relied upon to do

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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