William B. Long (1846-1924)

LONG

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 3/24/2022 at 22:11:04

William Bentley Long
(February 13, 1846 – January 30, 1924)

Among the brave men who devoted the opening years of their manhood to the defence of our country from the internal foes who sought her dismemberment was William B. Long, now a prominent resident of Jackson Township, Calhoun County, Iowa, his home being on section 29. He is a native of Ohio, born in Noble County, February 13, 1846, and is a son of David A. Long, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1820. His paternal grandfather, John Long, was also a native of the Old Dominion, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. At an early day he removed to Ohio and became one of the first settlers of what is now Guernsey County, where in the midst of the virgin forest he cleared and improved a farm. It was during the boyhood of David A. Long that the family removed to Ohio, and there he was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys in a frontier settlement. He married Miss Catherine Brill, a daughter of Michael Brill, who was also a pioneer of the Buckeye state, and they subsequently removed to Noble County, Ohio, where he acquired considerable property, but in later years gave it all to his sons, with the exception of the old homestead consisting of one hundred and twenty-seven acres. There he still resides, being now an old man of eighty-two years, highly respected and esteemed by all who know him. His wife died about 1877. Unto them were
born four children, three sons and one daughter, of whom William B. is the eldest. The others were J. E., now a resident of Bondurant, Polk County, Iowa; W. A., who resides on the old home farm in Ohio ; and Rheuelma Taylor, of Lake City, Iowa.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on the old homestead in Ohio, early acquiring an excellent knowledge of all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist and obtaining a good common-school education. When the country became involved in civil war, he responded to the president's call for troops by enlisting September 1, 1862, in Company G, Seventy-eighth Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, under the command of General Sherman. His first engagement was the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, followed by the Atlanta campaign and the siege of Vicksburg. He was in the reserve on the march to the sea and participated in the last battle of that campaign. Later he marched
with his command to Washington, D. C, and took part in the grand review in that city. The war having ended he returned to Columbus, Ohio, and was honorably discharged from the service on the 17th of June, 1865. While at the front he was ill in the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, for six weeks, and was confined to the hospital at Cairo, Illinois, for three months with fever.
After leaving the army Mr. Long returned to the old home farm in Noble County, Ohio, and was there married on the 23d of August, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth M. Eagon, who was born, reared and educated in that county, her father, John Eagon, being one of its early settlers. After their marriage they located on a farm adjoining the old homestead, and there Mr. Long engaged in farming until coming to Calhoun County, Iowa, in the fall of 1884, at which time he purchased his present farm of one hundred and seventy-eight acres on section 29, Jackson township. To the improvement and cultivation of this place he has since devoted his energies, and now has one of the most desirable farms of its size in the county. He has built a good house, barn and outbuildings, has fenced the entire tract, and set out a fine orchard of choice fruits, covering three acres. He raises a good grade of stock, making a specialty of Hereford cattle, and now has about twelve head of high grade animals upon his place. Since coming to this state he has also engaged in auctioneering and has cried many sales throughout Calhoun and adjoining counties.
The Republican party has always found in Mr. Long a staunch supporter of its principles since he cast his first presidential ballot for General Grant in 1868. He was elected and served as justice of the peace for six consecutive years, and has also filled the office of supervisor of highways. A friend of
education and our public school system, he served for years as a member of the school board and was president of the district a part of the time. He is a member of the Calhoun County Mutual Insurance Company, and has been a delegate to county conventions.
Mr. and Mrs. Long are the parents of four sons, namely: Frank T., who is now married and engaged in farming in Sac County, Iowa ; Amor A., who is also married and follows farming in Jackson Township, Calhoun County, where he is also serving as assessor; David E., a farmer of this county; and Ernest M., who assists in carrying on the home farm.
Our subject and his wife are members of the Christian church of Lake City, and he is also connected with Auburn Lodge, No. 201, A. F. & A. M., having been made a Mason at Kennonsburg, Ohio, in 1867. Their home is the abode of hospitality, and they occupy an enviable position in the esteem of their fellow citizens, having many friends throughout their adopted county. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.251]