Tilton, Capt. J. H.

TILTON

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 2/8/2013 at 08:23:39

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

TILTON, Capt. J.H.—Jackson Twp—pg 666-7. Postmaster and dealer in dry goods and notions, Montezuma. This gentleman is a native of Morgan county, Ohio, and was born January 10, 1837. He lived the life of a farmer boy until he was fifteen years of age, when he was apprenticed for three years to learn the machinist trade. At the age of nineteen he left the paternal roof to make his own way in the world. He came to Montezuma (1855) and here commenced to work at the carpenter’s trade, which occupation he continued until 1859. He then bought a half interest in a drug store. About two years later he sold out his interest and in August, 1862, enlisted in company C, Twenty-eighth Iowa volunteers and was commissioned second lieutenant. He resigned his commission in July, 1863, and returned home, and was elected County Judge, which office he held until he went out the second time. May, 1864, he organized company B, of the Forty-sixth Iowa, and was elected their captain and served until the close of the war. His company was mostly made up of the Iowa College students. After his return from the army he followed the stock business for about one year. He then started a store of general merchandise and five years later did away with the grocery line and now gives his entire attention to dry good and notions. He has been postmaster since, 1866, with the exception of three years. Mr. Tilton is purely a self-made man. He came to Montezuma without funds or favor with which to pave his pathway to success, and by close attention to business has gained for himself an enviable reputation as a business man.