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 48

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 48
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 48

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HOMAS W. MARTIN, engineer on the Des Moines & Fort Dodge Railroad, Grand Junction, was born in Birming- ham, England, September 27, 1850, son of Frederick Martin, a native of England, and now deceased, He was reared and educated in Bristol, England, and came to the United States in 1868, settling in Fulton County, Illinois, until the spring of 1869. He then came to Toronto, Clinton County, this State; thence to Grand Junction the same year, remaining till 1870. He then returned to Clinton County, remaining two years, then came back to Grand Junction, where he has since resided. Hle began firing on the Des Moines & Fort Dodge Railroad in 1879, and was promoted to engineer three or four years later. He has had an engine ever since. He was married December 18, 1877, to Carrie Petrie, daughter of Jacob Petrie, of Sac Connty, Iowa. They have three children- Thomas F., Fannie M. and Myrtle. Mr

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Martin is a member of the society of Odd : and after living one year in Dutchess County, Fellows and of the Brotherhood of Locomo- ' New York, he went to Orleans County, New tive Engineers. He has run every engine on York, where he lived six years. In 1858 he the road, and has been on every "run " on the road, and has never met with an accident. located in Will County, Illinois, where he 1 resided till coming to Greene County, Iowa, in 1876, when he settled on his present farm in Junction Township. April 9, 1561, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Bar- rett, a daughter of John Barrett, a resident of Will County, Illinois. Eleven children have been born to this union Garrett, Julia, Margaret, Catherine, John, Richard, Mary, Ellen, William, Edward, and one who is de- ceased. Mr. Nugent is one of the self-made men of Greene County. He began life in America entirely without means, and for eleven years worked by the month as a farm laborer, part of the time receiving only his board for his services, His highest wages during this time was $15 per month, re- ceiving this amount for two months during harvest time, By years of persevering in- dustry, strict economy and good management he has become one of the prosperous agri- culturists of Junetion Township, where he owns a fine farm of 320 acres. He devotes his entire attention to farming and raising stock, making a specialty of graded stock. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church.

M RS. ELIZABETHI H. MERRILL, of Grand Jnnetion, is a native of Somer- setshire, England, and came to the United States in 1855, settling in Oswego, Illinois, and removing to Gardner, Grundy County, same State, in 1857. In the spring of 1871 she settled in Grand Junction, and this place has since been her home. She was married in England in 1843, to James Symes, and to this union were born six chil- dren, five of whom are living-Georgina, Al- fred W., IFarris J., Henrietta and Albert B. One son, Grant, died at the age of fourteen years. Mr. Symes died in 1876, and in 1881 Mrs. Symes was married to Robert Merrill, her present husband, who is now superin- tendent of the bridge carpenters on the Des Moines & Fort Dodge Railroad. Mrs. Mer- rill is an Episcopalian in religious belief. She owns 160 acres of land, four stores, several offices, milliner shop, and two dwell- ing houses besides the one she occupies. She also owns the postoffice building, a furniture store, and other buildings. She is very chari- table, and contributes liberally to all worthy enterprises.

OHN NUGENT, section 11, Junction Township, Greene County, is a native of Ireland, born in County Kilkenny, April 24, 1832, a son of Garrett Nugent, deceased, who was a native of the same country. John Nugent came to the United States in 1852, 33

OHN H. ALBERT, section 22, Jackson Township, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1848, a son of Emanuel and Mary (Will) Albert, also natives of the Keystone State. He was the second in a family of ten children. In 1866 the family came West as far as Indiana, and settled in Whitley County, where John H. completed the years of his minority. In 1869 he commenced life for himself in La

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Salle County, Illinois, working that year on a farm. In 1870 he came to Iowa and found employment in Cedar County, where he re- mained two years, and was there married. After his marriage he returned to Whitley County, Indiana, where he remained three years, and then came again to Iowa and lived in Cedar County until February, 1877, when he located in Greene County, buying and occupying his present homestead in that year. ITis farm contains eighty aeres of choice land, well improved and under a high state of cul- tivation. Mr. Albert was married February 15, 1872, to Miss Ursula Reynolds, a native of Pennsylvania, born December 2, 1854. She was left an orphan in her early child- hood, and was reared by her grandfather, Daniel Whitman, who is now eared for by Mr. and Mrs. Albert. They have seven ehil- dren- John Franklin, Charles C., Maud M., Martha M., Isaae N., David O. and an infant daughter. One daughter died in infaney. In polities Mr. Albert is a Democrat, and is one of the leading members of his party in Jackson Township. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order. As a citizen he ranks among the foremost in promoting any and all enterprises tending toward the publie welfare.

EORGE M. ODELL, proprietor of the meat market, Paton, Iowa, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, September 9, 1848, a son of James S. Odell. When our subject was quite small his parents moved to New York City, and there he was reared and educated. In December, 1864, they moved to Kankakee County, Illinois, and located on a farm, where he lived engaged in agrienlt- ural pursuits until the spring of 1882, when he came to Greene County, Iowa, and for

three years engaged in farming in Dawson Township. In 1885 he moved to Paton and opened a market, where he keeps a good snp- ply of fresh and eured meats, lard, tallow and other things in his line. He has by his fair dealing and business integrity made many friends and built up a good trade. He was married in 1868 to Mrs. Adaline Walden, and to them have been born two children-Clara and Nellie. Mrs. Odell has one son by her former marriage - Hannibal Walden. Mr. Odell is a member of the Masonie fraternity.

TEPHEN W. HERRON, farmer and stoek-raiser, seetion 4, Grand Junction, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 15, 1830, son of Samnel D. Herron, a native of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and now deceased, who crossed the mount- ains in 1820, and, with his father, James IIerron, landed by wagon the boiler and en- gine from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, then a small village over three hundred miles, the first in Pittsburg. They built and owned the first steam saw and grist-mill in Pittsburg, buying their logs from the Corn-Planter tribe of Indians, up the Al- leghany River. This tribe is still in ex- istence and engaged in farming and rafting. The grandfather was a Colonel in the war of 1812. Our subject was reared and educated in Pittsburg, and entered the land he now oeenpies in 1855. He owns 320 aeres besides several town lots and a dwell- ing-house in Grand Jnnetion. He was married in May, 1866, to Rebecca Kelly, daughter of James D. Kelly, now deceased. They have had four children, three of whom are living-Sallie B., Effie D. and William T. One son, James D., died at the age of

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

five years. Mr. Herron removed to his pres- ent home in April, 1869, where he has since resided. He is giving much attention to graded stock. Himself and wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church.

EV. GEORGE N. LUCCOCK, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Grand Junetion, was born in Guernsey Coun- ty, Ohio, March 31, 1857, son of Samuel W. Luccock, a native of Coshocton County. Ohio, and now a resident of Guernsey County. He was reared in the village of Kimbolton, and educated in the University of Wooster, and at the Western Theological Seminary of Al- legheny, Pennsylvania, gradnating at the former institution in June, 1878, and at the latter in April, 1881, coming to Emmet County, Iowa, the same year. He labored as home missionary in that county and in Kos- suth and Dickinson counties for three years. In May, 1884, he accepted a call to supply the church at Grand Junction, and in May, 1885, was installed as regular pastor of the church. He was married September 3, 1882, to Miss Emma Bingham, daughter of Lemuel R. Bingham, of Swan Lake, Eminet County. They have two children- Tracy D. and Jane T. Mr. Luccock is a member of the society of Good Templars.

OHN COPELAND, coal merchant and gardener, Grand Junction, was born in Upper Canada on the Rider River, thirty miles north of Ogdensburg, July 6, 1832, son of James Copeland, a native of Ireland, who came to Canada when a young man and is now deceased. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools

of his native place. In 1851 he came to Oswego County, New York, where he lived until 1864, chopping wood, logging and working as boatman on the Erie Canal nine years. In 1564 he came to Tama County, this State, where he worked in a saw-mill sev- enteen years then came to Greene County, settling in Washington Township. Here he was engaged in farming until 1$80, then re- moved to Grand Innetion, where he has since resided. He purchased six acres of land and built a honse. April 8, 1858, he was married to Myrtilla Bridgeford, daughter of Joshua Bridgeford, now deceased. They have had four children, three living-John E., Emory C. and Anna M. Guy, the youngest, died at the age of six years. Mr. Copeland is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and though not a church member, he is a regular attendant at church,

AVID E. JOHNSON, Rippey, Iowa, is a native of St. Lawrence County, New York, born March 7, 1839, a son of Thomas Jolinson, a native of New Hamp- shire, and grandson of Eden Jolinson, a native of Scotland. When he was six years old, in 1845, his parents moved to McHenry County, Illinois, and from there in 1855 to Champaign County, where they were living at the breaking out of the Rebellion. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Twenty- fifth Illinois Infantry, and served three years. He participated in many severe battles, among the more important being Pea Ridge (fought on his birthday, March 7, 1862), Pittsburg Landing, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga and the Atlanta campaign. It the battle of Chickamanga, September 20, 1863, he was wounded. At the close of the war his regiment was sent to Springfield and

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

mustered out. Ile returned to Champaign County, remaining there until 1869, when he came to Iowa, and settled on a farm in Wash- ington Township. In 1875 he went to Cali- fornia, remaining there about four years, and in 1879 returned to Iowa, and in 1880 moved to Rippey. where he has since lived. Mr. Johnson was married October 31. 1863, to Sarah Ann Mereer, a native of Spring Green, Wisconsin. They have had three children, two of whom are living-John B. and Robert K. A daughter, Cora Belle, died when three years of age. Mr. Johnson has served as constable of Washington Township four years.

HOMAS W. VANCE, one of the lead- ing farmers of Bristol Township, re- sides on seetion 31. He has been identified with Greene County since the spring of 1876. He was born in Adams County, Ohio, February 14, 1837, son of Wilson and Sarah Ann (Kineade) Vance, both of whom were born and reared in that county, and they also spent their lives there, the father dying October 7, 1845, and the mother in December, 1864. Thomas W. was the third of seven children, all of whom are boys, and all reached maturity. He was reared to a farm life, but after commeneing for himself he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until he enlisted in defense of the Union, February 26, 1864, in Company I, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry. The regiment was assigned to duty in the Valley of Vir- ginia, under General Sheridan, in the brigade commanded by General George A. Crook, and later it was commanded by Rutherford B. Hayes. Mr. Vance participated in twelve regular battles, among which were the his- torieal battles of Winchester, Cedar Creek, and the two days' battle at Lynchburg and

Cloyd Mountain. He passed through them all unhurt, and was honorably discharged June 24, 1865, at Cumberland City, Mary- land. Returning to Adams County, Ohio, he resumed the work of carpentering and un- dertaking, which he followed steadily until 1875. Soon after coming to Greene County he commenced farming upon his own land, on the same section where he now lives. Hle purchased 120 acres of land in the southwest portion of the section, where he lived until March, 1883, when he traded for the property he now owns in the northeast portion of the same seetion. The farm is one of the oldest in the county. It had been the home of the pio- neer, Elisha Gibson, at one time, but re- eently it had been neglected, and many repairs and improvements were needed. Mr. Vanee has materially changed the appear- ance of the farm in every respect. He has enlarged the residence, erected a new barn and farm buildings, and built new fences. It is now one of the finest farins in that part of the county. It contains 190 acres, with plenty of timber, and watered by the North C'oon River. It is devoted principally to stoek-raising. Mr. Vance also owns an im- proved piece of land on section 36, Kendrick Township. He was married February 26, 1860, to Miss Arabel Jarvis, who was born in Adams County, Ohio, January 13, 1841. Her parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Vance have had six children-Martha W., who married H. E. Jones, and died in Bristol Township in March, 1880; Mary Emma, James E., Charles W., John R. and Thomas K. All are at home with their parents. Mr. Vanee is a member of Winehester Lodge, No. 236, A. F. & A. M., in Adams County, Ohio, and of N. II. Powers Post, No. 111, G. A. R., at Scranton. Mrs. Vance is a member of the Relief Corps. Politically Mr. Vance is an ardent Republican. John

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Jarvis was of English birth, and also his wife, Margaretta IIeath. Both eame to the United States in youth, and lived in Delaware; later they lived in Virginia. Mr. Jarvis enlisted in the war of 1812, from Kentucky, and served during that eventful war under Colo- nel Richard M. Johnson, the slayer of the Indian Chief, Tecumseh. Both himself and wife died in Adams County, Ohio, and both lived to an advanced age. The father died in 1882, aged nearly 100 years, and the mother died two years previous, over ninety years old. They reared fourteen children, Mrs. Vance being the twelfth child. Two of her brothers, John H. and Albert G., were soldiers in the late war. John H. was an officer in an Iowa regiment, and was killed at Pittsburg Landing. Albert G., a member of the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, died in the service. Mr. Vanee had four brothers in the army- James M. served in the Sixteenth Ohio In- fantry, and later in the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery; he now lives in Nebraska; Robert N. was in Battery F, Ohio Light Artillery; he died at Paducah, Kentucky, while in the service: Baxter V. served in the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, and now lives in Clinton County, Ohio. Theodore served in the See- ond Ohio Heavy Artillery. IIe died in Ne- braska in 1882.

LI B. BERRIEN, the present efficient mayor of Angus, and also a contractor and builder, is a native of New York City, born May 12, 1857. His father, Cor- nelius Berrien, brought his family to Daven- port, Iowa, in 1858; thence to Clinton, Iowa, in 1859, and there our subject was reared and edneated, attending the high school. In October, 1877, he went to Rapids City, Illi- nois, and in December, 1882, came to Angus,

Greene County, Iowa, where he has since resided, becoming one of its most prominent and popular citizens, and has erected during his residence at Angus many of the best and largest buildings of the place. November 7, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna II. Halpine, a daughter of Matthew Ilalpine, of La Salle, Illinois. They have had four children born to them, of whom one is deceased. The names of those yet living are-Nellie II., Orval B. and Leonard B. Mr. Berrien was elected mayor of Angus in March, 1886. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and belongs to the North Legion of Select Knights.

SAAC E. ROBINSON, farmer, section 11, Franklin Township, was born in Cayuga County, New York, October 11, 1836, son of Ezekiel and Catherine (Bushman) Robinson, who were the parents of thirteen ehildren, our subject being the seventh. When he was twelve years of age his parents removed to Carroll County, Illinois, where his father entered Government land, and where he died in 1884. The mother is still living at the age of eighty-three years. Of the thirteen children, seven are living-five in Iowa, one in Missouri, and one lives on the old farm in Illinois. Isaac was reared a farmer. and obtained his education in the common schools and by study at home. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, and participated in the battles of New Madrid, siege of Corinth and Guntown, after which he was employed as a spy, and wore gray uniform, ate and slept with the rebels, and was taken prisoner, but escaped in a few hours. After serving three years he re-enlisted, and entered the

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Government service as a spy. By his bravery and coolness he was able to gain much val- uable information for our troops. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and returned to his home in Carroll County, Illinois, where he resided until the spring of 1885, then came to Greene County and settled upon his present farm, where he owns 120 acres of excellent land, which is well eulti- vated and well improved. Mrs. Robinson was formerly Miss Flora Davis, a native of Van Wert County. Ohio, and a danghter of Isaac and Catherine Davis. They have seven children -- Ira, Ella, Pearl, Leonard, Alphonso, Lillie and Almira. Mr. Robinson is a mem- ber of Post 34, G. A. R., and also a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

II. DAWSON, one of the old and honored pioneers of Greene County, Iowa, and the first settler of Dawson Township, which was named in honor of him, is a native of West Virginia, born near Wheeling. In his boyhood his parents moved to Pennsylvania, where he subse- quently became a teamster, hauling tobacco over the Alleghany Mountains. He removed with his parents to Zanesville, Ohio, where he followed the life of a farmer a few years. He was married there January 23, 1849, to Martha Burdette, and in 1850 they moved to Farmington, Van Buren County, Iowa, where he was employed by the Des Moines River Land Company to snag the river and make it navigable for steamboats, and later engaged in flat-boating. After completing his con- traet as a flat-boatman he went to the village of Red Rock. in Marion County, on the Des Moines River, and in the spring of 1855 we find him crossing the Des Moines River with

his wife and three children, and with but 25 cents in money. He soon, however, found employment as head sawyer in a saw-mill, receiving good wages. The settlers were jubilant over the prospect of the county seat being located here, and lots were laid out and a boom started. Speculation was rife, and in the two or three years following our subject accumulated a competence, but the spirit of adventure again took possession of him, and with a partner he went to Zanes- ville, Ohio, and purchased a steamboat, paying for the same $4,000 down, and mort- gaging his land. This proved an unprofit- able venture and in the end absorbed all he possessed, and in 1859 he went to Pike's Peak, Colorado, where he made but a short stay. He then returned and worked in a saw-mill for a year. He then engaged in farming, when he must again abandon all to enlist in August, 1862, in the war of the Re- bellion. He was severely wounded at the battle of Saline River, when he returned to his home. After recovering from his wound he returned to his regiment, remaining in the service until he was honorably discharged at the close of the war, when he again com- meneed his farming operations. In March, 1869, he came with his family to Greene County, residing on the John Harker farm that year, when he located in what is now Dawson Township, then a barren waste ot prairie land, and here they experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, the Dawson family being the only occupants of the township for some time. The township was without roads, churches and school-houses, or any sign of civilization. The settlers who first located in the township were men of enterprise, and after muel per- severance, in September, 1872, they sne- ceeded in getting a new eivil township set off. At this time there were not enough

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

citizens to hold the township offices, but by giving two offices to one man they managed all right, and the township was organized with the following officers: township clerk. A. C. Wells; assessor, George F. Dawson; justice of the peace, J. H. Dawson; trustees, A. C. Wells, A. B. Crow and A. Petitt. After seeing his township become changed from a wilderness into well-cultivated fields and thriving villages, and well dotted over with churches and school-houses, Mr. Dawson, in the year 1878, moved with part of his family to Bon Homme County, Dakota, where he still lives, enjoying that rest which is the sure reward of a well-spent life. Mrs. Daw- son is deceased, her death taking place in January, 1882.

ENRY A. YOUNGMAN, farmer, Grand Junction, was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, October 28, 1820, son of Elias P. Youngman, deceased. a native of the same place, and of German ancestry. He was reared in Youngmanstown (now MitHins- burg) in his native county, until twelve years of age, then went to Lycoming County. At the age of twenty he learned the tanner's trade, which he followed seven years, also carried on lumbering at the same time. In 1853 he came to Ogle County, Illinois, and was engaged in farming until 1877, except eight years while living at Mount Morris. He came to this county in 1877, and opened up and improved five quarter sections of land. He now owns 800 acres. He carries on general farming, and pays attention to Osage Coal Company for seven months. graded stock. IIe was married October 12, From Mc Allister he went to Bevier, Missouri, and February 28, 1883, he came with his family to Angus, Iowa, where he has since made his home. Since becoming a resident of Angus he has held the office of mayor for 1843, to Sarah Oakes, born in Lyeoming County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Joseph Oakes, now deceased. They have had eight children, four of whom are living

Elias P., Joseph O., Mary A. and Elmira. Mr. Youngman has never sought official honors. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

ON. DAVID J. MORRIS, shoemaker, and a prominent citizen of Angus, was born in Niles, Trumbull County, Ohio, October S. 1851, a son of David D. Morris, who is now deceased. ITis father was a native of Wales, coming to the United States in 1851. He made the voyage in a sailing vessel, being thirteen weeks on the ocean. David J., the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native county, living in Niles and Mineral Ridge. In June, 1873, he went to Denver, Colorado, where he worked at the shoemaker's trade for one year, having learned his trade in his boyhood. In 1874 he went to Central City, Colorado, in the Rocky Mountains, where he was employed as book- keeper in a wholesale boot and shoe store for almost a year. In 1875 he located in La Salle, Illinois, and the same year returned to Trumbull County, Ohio, where he was married December 30, 1875, to Miss Marthia A. Evans, a daughter of Evan T. Evans, and a sister of Professor G. G. Evans of Chariton. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morris, of whom only two are living-Hayden and Thaddeus. In January, 1876, Mr. Morris removed to Rapids City, Rock Island County, Illinois, where he lived till October, 1880. He then went to McAllister, Indian Territory, where he was engaged as coal weigher for the

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

two years, and in the fall of 1883 he was the nominee of the Democratic Fusion ticket for State Senator. He is a member of the Bap- tist church, and has preached at various times, and has also become well known throughout the country as a lecturer. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Iowa Knights of Honor and the Knights of Labor.

AMES F. M. BRADLEY, proprietor of the Rippey meat market, was born in Howard County, Missouri, April 18, 1834, a son of Thomas Bradley, a native of Madison County, Kentucky. His father was a farmer and saddler, working at his trade when his farm did not require his attention. Our subject was reared a farmer, and as the schools of that day in Missouri were few and poor, the most of his youth was spent in assisting at home. During the war of the Rebellion he was in the service of the United States a short time as a member of the Mis- souri State Militia. From 1861 until 1868. with the exception of the time he was in the army, he was engaged in butchering and dealing in stock. In the fall of 1875 he came to Iowa and lived in Dallas County two years, and in the spring of 1877 moved to Greene County, where he lived until the fall of 1879, when he went to Ames, but in June, 1884, returned to Carroll County and opened his market in Rippey, where he now has a good and increasing trade. Mr. Brad- ley is a good business man, and is one of the representative citizens of the town. He takes an interest in everything that pertains to the public welfare of the town or county, but never seeks or desires official honors. Ile was married December 1, 1853, to Juda A. Burnett, daughter of Isom Burnett. Of the

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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