JOHN L. GRUBB

GRUBB, SMITH, HAYES, THOMPSON, LEUTIE

Posted By: volunteer
Date: 11/24/2009 at 00:17:09

Capt. JOHN L. GRUBB, a retired farmer and merchant, and an honored early settler of Louisa County, of which he became a resident in April, 1850, was born in Brooke County, Va., June 25, 1819, and is a son of John L. and Ellen (Smith) Grubb. His father was born and reared in Wilmington, Del., and was of Scotch and German origin, while his mother was a native of Pennsylvania. John left his native State with his parents, going to Harrison County, Ohio, when seven years of age, and was there reared upon a farm. In April, 1850, he emigrated to Iowa, locating on the site of Morning Sun, Louisa County, then known as Virginia Grove, but in 1852 he returned to Ohio, where he wedded Miss Adeline Hayes, a daughter of Elias Hayes. Immediately after their marriage Mr. Grubb brought his young bride to Louisa County, locating in Columbus City, where five children were born to them, three sons and two daughters: Charles A., who is married, and resides in Wilson County, Kan.; John Oscar, who is living in Streator, Ill., is single; Ida became the wife of Charles Thompson, and her death and the death of her husband and child all occurred within three months, she being thirty years of age; Adelaide wedded Joseph Leutie, of Des Moines County; Thomas Henry, single, is living at Stanton, Neb. The mother of these children was called to her final home on the 25th of December, 1867. Mr. Grubb was again married, Aug. 26, 1868, Miss Amanonia Parsons becoming his wife. She was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., and is a daughter of Marcus Parsons. Three children grace the second union, all daughters - Clara E., Mira and Lillie.

In 1853 Mr. Grubb removed to Columbus City, where he engaged in mercantile business, and kept a general store until 1857. In the month of June,1861, he r4esponded to the country's first call for troops, and was mustered into service on the 15th of July following, as Captain of Company C, 5th Iowa Infantry, it being the first company mustered into the service from Louisa County. He served in the Army of Mississippi, was in the raid through Missouri after Price, when participated in the battle of New Madrid, Mo., was at Ft. Pillow bombardment, next was ordered to Shiloh, and after the battle which there occurred, went to Corinth. On the 28th of June, 1862, he was prostrated by a sunstroke, and on the 13th of July, 1862, he returned to Columbus City.

After his return from the war Mr. Grubb resided in Columbus City until 1865, then engaged in farming in Elm Grove Township for one year, then removed to Washington Township, Des Moines County. While there his wife died, and in the spring of 1868 he again returned to Columbus City. In the fall of 1868 he was elected to the office of Sheriff of Louisa County, and in January, 1869, moved to Wapello, the county seat, entered upon his duties as Sheriff and served until 1875, after which he removed to Columbus Junction, his present home, when he served two years as Justice of the Peace, and has been engaged in real-estate business. He is now living a retired life.

In his early years Capt. Grubb was a Whig, and cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison. He is now a member of the Republican party, and one of its strong supporters. Socially, he is a Mason, belonging to Columbus City Lodge No. 107, and is also a member of Todd Post No. 115, G. A. R., both of Columbus Junction. Capt. Grubb is a highly respected citizen of Louisa County, and in all the relations of life, both public and private, has proved himself upright and true.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Louisa County; Acme Pub., 1889.