Neff, Silas C.

NEFF BROSS

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 12/20/2012 at 08:15:45

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

NEFF, SILAS C. - Bear Creek Twp. - pg 843. Tinner, Brooklyn. Was born in Rogersville, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, November 23, 1839, where he was raised and educated. His father (Frederick) was a shoemaker. The Neffs were of Swiss lineage. The subject of this sketch came to Brooklyn in 1857, at that time a small village, and has since resided here with the exception of the time he spent in the army. He enlisted in August, 1862, in company D, Fifty-second Ohio volunteer infantry; participated in the engagement of Chicamaugua, and many other notable battles of the rebellion; was honorably discharged in June, 1865. He was married in June, 1866, to Miss Emma J. Bross, of Poweshiek county. By this union they have six children: Grace, Ralph, Noel, Leslie, Cora and Edith. Mr. Neff is one of Brooklyn?s early settlers, and has seen most of its growth. He manufactured the first tinware in the town, using a cooking stove as a heater. He is closely identified with the Baptist Church, and has been its clerk for the past three years; is a member of the Brooklyn Veteran Union, also, an Odd Fellow.