Isaac Stover

STOVER

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/4/2010 at 09:10:15

Isaac Stover who now lives retired in Madrid after a long and successful business career which to only brought him prosperity but had its effect upon the development of his county, belongs to one of the oldest families of his locality. Moreover, there is great credit due him for the gallant service which he rendered his country in the Civil war. He as born near Alamo Montgomery county, Indiana, September 19, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Lydia (Rinker) Stover, natives of Tennessee. The father was born in 1806 and died in Madrid, Iowa August 14, 1884, while the mother’s death occurred in Dallas county, Iowa in February 1880. The family removed to Dallas county, locating on a farm, where they remained until 1856, when they came to Madrid. Joseph Stover was one of the pioneer sawmill men of Boone county establishing an enterprise of that kind in 1856. He ad his wife had eleven children, of whom six are living. The family comprised in all: William deceased , Mrs Melinda Wheeler, who also has passed away, Samuel deceased, Mrs Lucinda Rutherford, deceased, Mrs Mary Wood a resident of Nebraska, Elizabeth who died in infancy, Isaac, George W residing in Idaho, Henderson, who makes his home in Washington, Joseph M residing in Dallas county, Iowa and Mrs Sarah Hoop a resident of Douglas township. All were born in Indiana.
Isaac Stover enlisted for service it eh Union army fro Swede’s Point when about nineteen years of age, on August 1, 1861, joining Company D, Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His first term of enlistment ended January 1, 1864, but he reenlisted and served until August 15, 1865, when he returned to his private affairs in Madrid engaging in the sawmill business. Mr Stover has to his credit a most honorable military record which entitles him to distinction. He participated in numerous engagement s including that at Island No 10, New Madrid, Pittsburg Landing and the two sieges of Corinth. He was with Grant in the Western Army ad at Jackson, Champion’s Hill and the siege of Vicksburg. He was one of the heroes of Sherman’s celebrated march tot eh sea, being a participant thereof during the entire trip. At the close of the war he was among that proud throng which constituted the Grand Review.
Besides his milling interests, Mr Stover was active in agricultural operations in Cass township, where he still owns 120 acres on section 27, which is highly improved and bear rich harvests. He has always followed the most modern methods and deserves credit as a leader in the farm development of Iowa. Because of his incessant labors, his business ability and his thrift, he has become one of he substantial men of his locality. He now lives retired in Madrid, passing the evening of life amid comfortable surroundings.
On October 8, 1867, the marriage of Isaac Stover and Mary M Messmore was celebrated. She was born in Washington county, Iowa August 17, 1847, and in 1848, was brought by her parents, Adam and Sarah J (Williams) Messmore, to Boone county, of which the family has ever since been residents. The father and mother were among the pioneers here ad the fomer operated one of the first flour ills along the Boone river. He was born in Pennsylvania, August 17, 1820, and died in Moingona, Iowa January 24, 1881. For three months he served in the Union army. His wife was born in Indiana march 9, 1820, and died in Boone, June 11, 1901. In their family were the following children: Mrs Stover, Mrs Kate Capron, of Des Moins, Henry deceased, Hiram, a resident of Geneva, Nebraska, Mrs Elizabeth Grosvenor, deceased, Frank of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mrs Ada Steward of South Dakota, Edward, Mrs May Boswell, of South Dakota, Mrs Susie Kairns, Ellsworth, and John. There children were born in Hamilton, Webster and Boone counties and all reared in this county.
Mr and Mrs Stover became the parents of the following: Clarence J born October 24, 1866 who died September 20, 1868, Edward A born March 9, 1869, now a resident of Tingley, Iowa, Albert R whose birth occurred August 13, 1872, and who resides in Monzanola, Colorado, Lillian who was born February 15, 1874, and died February 3, 1881, Reverend John A Stover was the first graduate of the Madrid high school and at present is a minister of the Christian church at Frankfort, Indiana.
Isaac Stover is a democrat and has always taken a vital interest in local affairs. He served as township clerk and assessor in Cass township and also held various school offices, recognizing fully the value of improved methods of education. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church of Madrid. He is a member of Star Lodge No 115, A F & A M of Madrid, and has held all the offices of the local organization. He is deeply interested in Masonic work and practices the principles of the brotherhood in his everyday life. He is acknowledged to be one of the best posted Masons in the community. He is also a member of J Filmer Post NO 347, G A R where he meets his comrades of old and keeps awake in him the spirit which prompted him once to stand up in defense of the flag against the aggression of the South. Mr Stover would make an ideal citizen of any community, for he always places the public welfare above private gain. He is admired and respected for what he has achieved and for what he is. His patriotism and his noble and manly qualities of character have been the key to that position which he now holds in the affection of all who know him.

1914 Boone County History Book