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 44

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 44
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 44

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light, which he bought six months later. He has done well since, though suffering a total loss by fire in August, 1879. 1Ie has a com- fortable home. Ilis political service was re- cognized November 23. 1885, by his ap- opintment as postmaster. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and was for ten years secretary of the school board. Mr. Maynard was married June 25, 1876, to Miss Carrie E. Miller, daughter of Philo W. Miller, of Grand Junction. They have two children-Clandius W. and Elsie L.

ENRY R. MYERS is the only surviving son of Berlin Myers, one of the pioneers of Greene County. The father was born in Pennsylvania, and when a child removed with his parents to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and was married in Tus- carawas Connty to Miss Mary Ross. In June, 1855, he emigrated to Iowa with his family, and settled on a farm in what is now Washington Township, where he entered a quarter section of land. This farm he im- proved, and lived upon it until February, 1865, when he leased his farm and removed to Jefferson, where, with his sons, Joseph R., John W. and Henry R., he ereeted a saw-mill where the flouring-mill of Jefferson now stands. Two or three years later he put up the grist-mill, which has since been known as the Jefferson Mills. In February, 1872, Berlin Myers died, but previous to his death he had purchased the interest of his son, Jolin W. Sometime after the death of the father, the two sons, Joseph and Henry, exchanged the mill property for a farm of 240 acres in Grant Township, and they lived upon it several years. Joseph died in 1880, and John died in Jannary, 1883, leaving a wife and one daughter. Joseph left a wife and six

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children. Ilenry R. was born January 21, 1839,in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. In August. 1861, he enlisted in Company II, Tenth Iowa Infantry, and served until February, 1865. He was in the battles of Champion Hills, Inka, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, and Sherman's march to the sea. He was a gallant soldier and served his country faithfully. Politi- cally he is a Republican. Mrs. Myers was formerly Mary C. Hall.

B. HATFIELD, a prosperons agri- culturist of Hardin Township, resid- ing on section 16, was born in Ohio May 9, 1837, his parents, S. H. and Sarah (Benson) Hatfield, being natives of the same State. Mr. Hatfield was reared in his native State, and in his youth learned the shoe- maker's trade, serving an apprenticeship at Dayton, Ohio, which he followed for ten years. He then, in 1856, accompanied his parents to Benton County. Iowa, where he engaged in farming, and has since followed that avocation with the exception of two years spent in the defense of his country. He was a member of Company A, Twenty-eighth Iowa Infantry, and was in several important engagements, including the battles of Vicks- burg and Champion Hills. He was mustered out of the service at Jefferson Barracks and received his final discharge when he returned to his home. Mr. Hatfield's educational ad- vantages were somewhat limited, he attending the common school, which was held in a log school-house, three miles from his home. He was united in marriage in March, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth Sherve, who was born in La Fayette. Indiana, January 1, 1843, a daughter of J. M. and Eliza (Mereckal) Sherve, who were also natives of Indiana.

Five children have been born to this union, of whom four are yet living -Scott, born Au- gust 3, 1862: Milton B., born November 22, 1868; Demster D., born November 6, 1872. and Rhoda, born January 20, 1879. Jersey M. was born December 15, 1864, and died December 17, 1877. Mr. Hatfield has met 1 with good success in his farming and stock- raising, and since coming to Greene County he has accumulated his present fine property, which consists of 320 aeres of choice land, eiglit acres of which is forest, the remainder being in a good state of cultivation. In his political views Mr. Hatfield is a Democrat. Ile has been a member of the Masonic fra- ternity since 1860, an organization in which , he takes much interest. Postoffice, Jeffer- son, Iowa.

ILLIAM CLIPPERTON, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 6, Ilighland Township, is a native of England, born September 15, 1819. His par- ents, Austin and Annie Clipperton, were also natives of England. They were the par- ents of three sons and six daughters, our subject being the eldest child. They immi- grated to America in an early day, settling in Canada. The father being a farmer, William was reared to the same occupation, which he has made his life work. He was reared in his native country till his seventeenth year when he sailed with his parents from Yar- mouth harbor, landing at Quebec in An- gust, 1836. He remained with his parents until reaching the age of twenty-four years, they having located near New London, Can- ada. He then bought 100 acres of timber land which he cleared and farmed for a time. He came to Greene County, Iowa, in March, 1870, and bought 200 acres of prairie land.

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for which he paid $3,400 in gold. For his wife he married Miss Jane Taylor, who was born in Ireland in September, 1830, her par- ents, John and Mary Taylor, also being na- tives of Ireland. The following ehildren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clipperton- Eliza A., Margaret J. (deceased), John, Neoma, Hannah, William. Margeret J., Mary, Thomas, Frank and Henry. Mr. Clip- perton is a thorough, practical farmer, and since coming to Greene County has added to his original purchase till his farm now con- tains 640 acres of as good land as the county affords. He has a fine orchard containing 400 trees, and his improvements are among the best in the township where he resides. In politics Mr. Clipperton casts his suffrage with the Republican party.

ERRY C. STREAM, residing on sec- tion 8, Bristol Township, came to Greene County in 1876. In that year he purchased 120 acres of land, which now constitutes his home farm. It was partially improved and a small house had been built. He has since added eighty acres more, erected a good, substantial resi- denee and other farm buildings, and put the whole property under first-class improvement. Mr. Stream was born in Licking County, Ohio. March 27, 1837. In 1854 his parents, Elias and Mary Ann Stream, settled in Put- nam Township, Linn County, this State. He is a brother of William C., Fenton, Calvin, Wilson and Charles Stream, of this county. Perry C. Stream and Miss Annie Langdon, daughter of Luther Langdon, were united in marriage at Cedar Rapids, Linn County, De. cember 18. 1865. They lived in Putnam Township, where Mr. Stream owned a farm, until 1875. After that they lived one year

in Johnson County, just previous to coming to Greene County. . They have five children -Thomas, Charles, Perry, Harry and Mattie. All are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Stream are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Stream votes the Republican tieket.

ILLIAM H. PIERCE, liveryman, at Grand Junction, was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, December 21, 1847. His father, Nelson Pierce, is a native of Yates County, New York, and was a pio- neer of Dane County, where he still resides. William Il. was reared on a farm, and edu- cated in the common schools of his native county. He came to Iowa in 1870, and to Grand Junction in 1877, where he has since resided. He has been in his present business most of the time since he settled here. He keeps a large livery, feed and exchange stable, his building being 100 x 36 feet. He was married September 22, 1877, to Amelia .J. Burk, daughter of Allen Burk, of Angus, this State. They have one child-Fred A. Mr. Pierce proved his patriotism during the late war by enlisting three times. He was each time refused on account of being too young.

A. TURRILL, of Jefferson, is one of the former superintendents of the public schools of Greene County. He was born in the town of Livonia, Livingston County, New York, in 1839. In 1855 he removed with his father, J. G. Turrill, to Nunda, in the same county. He was edu- cated at the Literary Institute of that village, and began teaching at the age of seventeen

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years. Ile continued attending and teaching school until 1861. In April of that year he was made freight and ticket agent for the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, in Warren County, Pennsylvania. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry, and his regiment became a part of the Third Division of the Ninth Army Corps. He served until the close of the war, and was discharged in June, 1865. He participated in the capture of Fort Stedman, battle in front of Peters- burg, taking part in the last charge made on the enemy's works at that place. After the war he returned to Nunda, New York, and studied law with George Osgood, Esq., for about two years, but resumed teaching. He came to Jefferson in October, 1867, and has been connected with school work nearly all the time since. In the fall of 1877 he was eleeted superintendent of schools of Greene County, and served eight years. Under his supervision the schools made rapid progress, and approached a high standard. April 14, 1868, Mr. Turrill was married, at Nnnda, New York, to Miss Mary E. Stilson, of that town, who was born in Burmah, Farther India, in 1843. Her father, Rev. Lyman Stilson, was then a missionary in that far distant land and was accompanied by his family. In 1853 when Mrs. Turrill was in her tenth year. the family returned to America. She received excellent educational advantages, and began teaching at the age of seventeen years; she has devoted much of her life to that profes- sion. In the autumn of 1885 Mrs. Turrill suceceded her husband as superintendent of schools of Greene County. Her long experi- ence in the profession renders her eminently qualified for this position. Previous to her marriage, she was for four years engaged as bookkeeper for a business house in Phila- delphia. Mr. and Mrs. Turrill have three

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children --- Gardner L., born in 1870; Mary L., born in 1872; and Willie, born in 1877. Their third child, Boyd D., died in infancy, in 1874. Nathan P. Stilson, a brother of Mrs. Turrill, was born in Burmah in 1845. He was edneated at Nunda, New York, and came West in 1849, where he engaged in teaching for a number of years. IIe was county surveyor of Greene County from 1873 until 1877. ITe is now in Union, Oregon, in the employ of the Government as civil engineer and surveyor.

FOHN O'CONNOR, section 27, Wash- ington Township, is a native of County Clare, Ireland, born about the year 1816. He grew to manhood in his native country, and was there married to Miss Margaret Eyras, a daughter of Lawrence Eyras. Ten children were born to them, six of whom are still living-Mary, Annie, Michael, John, Margaret and Eliza. In the spring of 1864 Mr. O'Connor immigrated with his family to America, settling in Limestone, New York, where he worked in a tammery thirteen months, and for several years worked at varions occupations. In 1867 he came to Iowa, loeating first at Le Claire, where lie spent three months. The same year he went to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked as a farm laborer for one year. He was then em- ployed on the Des Moines & Fort Dodge Railroad for two years, and during this time lived at Fort Dodge one year, and one year at Des Moines. In 1870 he came to Greene County, Iowa, when he located on the farm where he has since made his home. He was one of the first settlers in his part of the township, there being but one house between his and Grand Jnnetion. His land was almost entirely unimproved, and his nearest

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trading point was Perry. ten and a half miles distant. He began life in limited eireun- stances, but by hard work, striet economy and good management he has met with sneeess in his farming and stock-raising, and is now the owner of 200 aeres of choice land, the entire surroundings of his place proving him to be a thorough, practical farmer.

OHN INBODY, of the firm of Inbody & Covell, Jefferson, is one of the old residents of that city, having located there in August, 1868. He is the oldest man in the foundry business in that place. When he first came there he was associated with William Price in blacksmithing. The following spring he bought his partner's in- terest, but was associated with various parties at different times. February 27, 1882, he engaged in the foundry business with his present partner, M. J. Covell. This firm are the owners and proprietors of the foundry and machine shops of Jefferson. Mr. Inbody was born in Elkhart County, Indiana, in 1844. His parents were Jacob and Susan Inbody. In the spring of 1853 the family removed to Iowa and settled on a farm in Linn Connty, near Cedar Rapids; the father still resides on that farm. John was reared on a farm, and in February, 1860, he began an apprenticeship in the blacksmithing busi- ness at Cedar Rapids, where he worked about three years, and then went to Goshen, Elk- hart County, Indiana, where he worked for some time, and also at other points. Hle came to Jefferson from Linn County, where he had worked the two preceding years. Mr. Inbody was bound out when a boy and began life with nothing. On the 16th day of July, 1877, he sustained a severe loss by fire. Al- though he had no insurance on his property,

he resumed business the following Novem- ber. Mrs. Inbody was formerly Miss Mattie L. Shorey, daughter of Washington Shorey. She was born in Oswego County, New York. Their two children are-Josie E. and Nellie May. Charles E .. their second child, died at the age of ten years; the oldest son, James W. died in infaney; two others also died quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Inbody are members of the Baptist church. Politically Mr. Inbody is a Democrat. He is a member of the Blue Lodge of Masons, and is also a Knight Templar. He has an excellent li- brary of standard works, and is well informed on the general topies of the day.

R. JOHN M. SHERMAN, of Paton, Iowa, was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, May 8, 1851, a son of Haven Sherman, of Davis County, Iowa. Haven Sherman is a native of Jefferson County, In- diana, born on land on which his father set- tled over seventy years ago. Our subject was brought by his parents to Davis County, Iowa, in 1856, they being among the early settlers, and there he was reared on his father's farm, living there till reaching the age of twenty-one years. He received good educational advantages in his youth, attend- ing the common sehool, and later the Normal school at Troy, Indiana. IIe completed his medical studies at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa, graduating from that institution March 2, 1880. He was engaged in teaching school for two years, when he came to Paton, loeating at this place in June, 1875, where he has sinee followed the practice of medicine, building up a large and lucrative practice. He built the first business honse at Paton, and in connection with his medical practice has established a

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first-class drug store, where he keeps a full line of drugs, medicines, wall paper, paints, oils, watches, clocks and jewelry, books, glass- ware and notions, and by his strict attention to the wants of his customers, and reasonable prices, he has made his business a success. Dr. Sherman was married September 19, 1875, to Miss Mary E. Burdette, a daughter of Joseph Burdette, deceased. They are the parents of three children-Bertie A., Lemont A. and Joseph Guy. The doctor is a mem- ber of the Central District Medical Associa- tion, of Iowa, and of the Iowa State Medical Society. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Paton.

HARLES LONG was born in Randolph County, Illinois, September 8, 1846, son of James and Sarah Long. When he was two years of age his father died, and when he was twelve years of age his mother also died. At the age of sixteen years he began to learn the cooper's trade, which lie followed twelve years, having become a resi- dent of Noble County, Indiana. He was married there November 16, 1868, to Miss Ellen Ballah, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Ballah. Mrs. Long was born in Franklin County, Ohio, August 18, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Long became residents of Greene County in 1874. They have one son-Orton O., born January 2, 1873. The present residence of Mr. and Mrs. Long is on section 17, Bristol Township. They first settled in Kendrick Township, where they lived six years. They then took charge of the Greene County poor farm, in Bristol Township, which they man- aged successfully five years. Upon leaving that institution they came to their present home, which was in March, 1886. Mr. Long has placed his fine farm of eighty acres in a

good state of cultivation. IIis residence was built in 1882, which for a time was occupied by a tenant. Mr. Long is a Republican, and is a member of the Odd Fellows order, Jeffer- son Lodge.

OBERT HANSON, one of Scranton Township's enterprising farmers, resides on the east half of section 7, where he owns a good farm of 320 acres. In 1880 his land was wild and naked prairie, bnt now it is one of the best farms in the township, the result of hard and persistent work on the part of Mr. Ilanson. He is a native of Den- mark, born October 8, 1851, a son of Hans and Botilde Hanson. His father is deceased, and his mother still lives in her native coun- try. Robert Hanson came to the United States a poor boy, being obliged to borrow the money with which to pay his passage; but he was possessed of good health and an ambition to succeed in the accminnlation of this world's goods, which have been worth more to him than a legacy. IIe reached Plano, Illinois, four days before his nineteenth birthday, remaining there during the winter, and in March, 1871. he went to Montana and engaged in mining. In the fall of 1872 he went to Utah, and from there in the spring of 1873, to California, where he remained until the autumn of 1877. He then came cast to lowa, having acquired considerable capital in California. He lived in Carroll County three years, and in 1880 established his present home. He remained single during his wanderings, but March 12, 1884, suc- cumbed to the little god, Cupid, and was married to Miss Kirstone Maria Johnson, daughter of Hans Johnson. She is also a native of Denmark, born in 1861, and in 1872 accompanied her parents to Ameriea.

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Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have two children- - Robert R. and Botilde J. Mr. Hanson is quite independent in polities, but in national elections votes with the Republican party. He is a good representative of the self-made man, so many of whom have been developed in the great West.

ENRY BEEBE has been a resident of Greene County since 1865. At that time he settled npon 160 aeres of land on section 35, Kendrick Township, which was then in its primitive condition. He sold that farm and removed to his present home in Bristol Township in 18-, which is one of the most desirable farms in that part of the county. It comprises 270 acres of land in an excellent state of cultivation. It is fenced into five fields. His residence and other farm buildings are noticeably good. Mr. Beebe was born in Steuben County, New York, November 20, 1840, son of Alonzo and Elizabeth Beebe. He was the eldest of a family of six sons and three daughters. When he was quite young his parents re- moved to Kendall County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. August 21, 1861, he volunteered in defense of his country. becom- ing a member of Company A, Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, at Pea Ridge, Arkansas. He received his baptism of fire at Iuka and Corinth, where his regiment lost heavily. He was again in the line of battle and in the campaign leading to the eapture of Vieks- burg, and afterward, with his regiment, was transferred to the Gulf department, and in the disastrous Red River campaign. After three years' service he was honorably dis- charged and went home. He again entered the service as an employe in the quartermas- ter's department. at Vieksburg, and at the

elose of the war he returned to Illinois, and thence to this county, January 1, 1866. He married Miss Mary Wright, daughter of Willis Wright, of Jefferson. She was born in Putnam County, Indiana. August 15, 1850. To this union five children have been born-Orville, Willie (deceased), Myria, Or- son and Hazen. The parents of Mr. Beebe moved to Chicago in 1864, where they now live a retired life. Their son John also lives in Chicago. Mrs. Sarah Kinsley and Or- semus live in Bristol Township, near neigli- bors to Henry. Orville lives in Kendall County, Illinois. LeGrand lives in Chicago. Mrs. Jennie Large, Mrs. Helen Sherman and Jerome live in California. Orsemus served in the late war as a member of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and Orville served in the United States Navy. In politics Mr. Beebe is an ardent Republiean.

M. REEDER, farmer, section 6, Frank- lin Township, is a native of Missouri, born May 5, 1839, son of William and Naney (Morris) Reeder, who were the par- ents of five children, our subjeet being the fourth. When he was a babe his parents re. moved to Clermont County, Ohio, where he spent his youth in farm work and attending the common schools. At thirteen years of age he came to Cedar County, Iowa. June 7, 1858, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Neeley, a native of Philadelphia, and a wo- man of superior intelligence. She was a daughter of William and Margery (Moffitt) Neeley. Mr. Reeder came to this county in 1875, where he purchased 200 aeres of land, and then sold it, coming to his present farm in 1881. He owns 320 aeres of excellent land, has a comfortable, well-furnished resi- denee, a good barn and other valuable im-

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provements. Mr. and Mrs. Reeder are the parents of seven children - Edward, Ella, Emma, Ellis, Hattie, George and William. Mr. Reeder is politically a Republican, and has served as township trustee. He is a member of Jefferson Lodge, No. 315, I. O. G. T. He started in life a poor man, but has gained a competence by his own ex- ertions.

S. LINN, section 28, Kendrick Township, is a member of the firm ot Linn Brothers, and was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1843, son of John and Jane (McKinzie) Linn, na- tives of Pennsylvania, who reared a family of nine children-Sarah B., Nancy K., Mar- tla, Margaret E., Caroline, W. S., John J., Daniel M. and Elizabeth D. Five of these children are living. Our subjeets was reared a farmer and educated in the common schools. During the late war he enlisted Angust 6, 1862, as a member of Company I, One Hun- dred and Thirty-third Pennsylvania Infantry for nine months. He participated in the bat- tles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, being slightly wounded in the arm in the first named battle. He served eleven months and was honorably discharged. He re-en- listed in Angust, 1864, in Company C, Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, General Kilpatrick commanding. and was 'n all the engagements of that famous cavalry leader. He was hon- orably discharged in May, 1865, and returned home to Perry County, Pennsylvania. In February, 1866, he removed to Ogle County, Illinois, where he lived three years, and in 1869 eame to Greene County, this State, and settled on his present farm in Kendrick Township, where he has since resided. He is a member of Powers Post, No. 111, G. A. R.,

at Scranton, and politically is a strong Re- publican.

P. PHELPS, one of the representative business men of Scranton, is a native of Ohio, born in Lorain County in the year 1849. He passed his boyhood days in his native county, receiving a common school education. Before attaining his majority he went to Westfield, Massachusetts, where he. engaged in the grain business. For his wife he married Miss L. E. Rininger, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and to this union have been born four children-Mabel, Edna, Ray- mond and Homer, the eldest born in West- field, and the remainder natives of Scranton, Iowa. Mr. Phelps eame to Scranton from Massachusetts with his family in the spring of 1875, at which time he engaged in the grain and lumber business. In 1878 he sold out his business to his father, Henry Phelps. when he purchased the flouring mill at Scran- ton, which he owned and operated for five years. In 1884 he again took an interest in the grain business with his father, and in Angust of the same year he purchased his father's interest in the grain business, which he has since conducted, his father still being engaged in the lumber and hardware business, and both are meeting with good success. In his political views Mr. Phelps affiliates with the Republican party.

ORACE L. HENDERSON, farmer, residing on section 22, Jackson Town- ship, came to Greene County in 1873 from Rock County, Wisconsin, and the follow- ing year settled upon his present farm. He owns 160 acres in his home farm, besides

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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