Anthony N. Detwiler

DETWILER, GIBSON, SHAFFER, MILLER

Posted By: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs (email)
Date: 3/24/2009 at 17:21:15

ANTHONY N. DETWILER, of Lincoln Township, is assured of his success in life in being a descendant of German ancestors, on both his father's and mother's side. He was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, near the village of Allensville, January 26, 1840. He is the second son of Christian and Caroline(Ham) Detwiler, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a gunsmith by trade, which he followed for many years.In 1854 he removed his family to Johnson County, Iowa, and settled on a farm near Iowa City, where he lived the remainder of his days. He died in his sixty eighth year, and his wife is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. J. M. Gibson, of Lincoln Township, Audubon County. Anthony N. Detwiler passed his youth in Johnson County, Iowa, receiving his education in the common schools. He taught one term, and in August, 1861, he entered the army for the defense of his nation's flag, enlisting in Company H, Second Iowa Volunteer Cavalry. He was sent to Davenport, Iowa, thence to St. Louis, thence to Bird's Point, opposite Cairo, Illinois, and thence south to Island No. 10. Afterward he went to New Madrid, and thence across the country into Tennessee, where he joined the forces returning from Columbus. He was wounded in a battle with buckshot, and was disabled for a few days. He also took part in the battle of Iuka, and was taken prisoner in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, and was held for three months at Jackson, Mississippi, where he was handled pretty roughly by his captors. After his release he returned to his regiment, and soon after the news of General Lee's surrender he was ordered to Selma, Alabama, where he was mustered out and sent to Davenport, Iowa; there he received his final discharge and pay, having served his country faithfully for four years and two months. At the time of his discharge he ranked as Quartermaster Sergeant. Returning to Johnson County, Iowa, he became an honest tiller of the soil, renting lands until he was able to buy a farm of his own. As a farmer he was quite successful, and carried on the business extensively until 1886, when he sold his farm in Johnson County, and removed to Audubon County. After looking over the county he bought 160 acres on section 35, which is beautifully situated and of a very superior soil. It is drained by the Nishnabotna River, is well fenced and most of the land is seeded down to grass. In 1886 Mr. Detwiler built a substantial residence, which is surrounded by a fine grove and very attractive in appearance. In 1870 he was married to Miss Nancy J. Shaffer, daughter of David and Agnes (Miller) Shaffer. She was born and reared in Indiana, and was living with her sister in Johnson County at the time of her marriage. The result of this union has been six children Adda, Edna, Carrie, Dora, Mollie and Christian A. Mr. Detwiler is one of the active members of Allison Post, G. A. R. In politics he is a staunch Republican, taking an active interest in the party and its successes.He is a man of genial disposition, of public spirit, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.

1889 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF
SHELBY AND AUDUBON COUNTIES, IOWA
W. S. DUNBAR & CO., PUBLISHERS
113 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO

pages 809-810