ELLMAKER, Reuben - 1890 Bio (1813-1898)

ELLMAKER, RAMER, MOSIER, RIGNY, PUMPHREY, STANSBURY, GILMAN

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/5/2007 at 11:42:55

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 547-548

Reuben ELLMAKER, farmer and stock-raiser of Des Moines Township, residing on section 3, located in Jefferson County on the 5th of June, 1838. He was born in Perry County, Pa., June 3, 1819, and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (RAMER) ELLMAKER, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State and were of Holland descent. The father was born in Lancaster County, but when about twenty years of age removed to Perry County, where he continued to make his home during the remainder of his life. He died on the 1st of September, 1836, and his wife died June 23, 1816, when our subject was but twenty days old. They were parents of three children. Enos accompanied our subject to this county in 1838, but in 1853 removed to Oregon, where he spent his last days, dying on the 6th of May, 1890. The only daughter, Eliza A., also went to Oregon, where she married and died.

Reuben ELLMAKER is the only one of the family now living. He spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and in Perry County was reared to manhood. In 1837, he attained to mature years and the following June made a trip to what is now Jefferson County, Iowa, where he purchased a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, mostly prairie land. In May, 1848, a log cabin was erected thereon, which is still standing, one of the few landmarks of pioneer days left to give evidence of the rapid growth and advancement made by the county. His farm now comprises two hundred and twenty acres, one hundred and eighty of which is under fence and has all the improvements necessary to a model farm. There may be found a good dwelling together with substantial outbuildings, a fair grade of stock and the latest farm machinery, all of which indicates that the owner is a man of progressive ideas who keeps abreast with the times.

The 21st of February, 1843, Mr. ELLMAKER was united in marriage with Miss Clarinda C. MOSIER, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (RIGNY) MOSIER, who are numbered among the pioneer settlers of this county of 1842. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, her mother in Virginia, and the birth of Mrs. ELLMAKER occurred in Orange County, Ind., in January, 1823. Mr. MOSIER was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for in 1844 his death occurred. His wife survived him until 1860, when she too passed away. Mr. and Mrs. ELLMAKER are parents of six children, but two died in infancy: Cyrus is living in Eugene City, Ore.; Solon married Miss Harriet PUMPHREY, and is living on the old homestead; Maria L. is the deceased wife of Charles STANSBURY; and Clarinda is the wife of John L. GILMAN, of Des Moines.

Mr. ELLMAKER is an active Democrat in politics and served for a number of years as Justice of the Peace and in other township offices, proving a capable and trusted official. Both he and his wife are members of the Old Settlers Society and since its organization, he has never failed to be present at its meetings. His wife is the oldest lady in years of residence, with one exception, now living in the township. He was present at the gathering of the Indians when the treaty was made in 1842 and also witnessed their removal. They have seen the development of the county almost from its infancy, have watched with interest the progress here made and have borne their share in its upbuilding and advancement. A more extended account of their pioneer experience would certainly prove of interest for they bore the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life, lived in a log cabin in true pioneer style, with Indians for neighbors and with miles of uncultivated prairie or unbroken timer between them and the nearest settler.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.