Hartman, John D.

HARTMAN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/5/2021 at 14:44:12

History of Warren County, Iowa; Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns & Etc., by Union Historical Company, 1879, p.446

HARTMAN, JOHN D. was born in Canton, Ohio, February 14, 1811; was married to Margaret Parker November 6, 1832, in Portage county, Ohio. Lived in Ohio until 1841, when he moved to Boonville, Missouri, where he resided for about two years, when he returned to Ohio. In 1844 moved to Illinois, thence to Iowa in 1846. Came to Des Moines in 1845, but did not move here with his family until August, 1846, when he settled near where Hartford is now situated, the Indians being more numerous at that time than the "pale faces." He first engaged in farming and mercantile business, having an extensive business with the Indians, in trading goods for furs. He entered the land where Hartford is situated, and was the proprietor of that town. He continued in mercantile business for several years when he sold his store to Charles McKay, now of Indianola, and soon after built a steam mill at Hartford, and subsequently two others. The first and one of the other two burned, and were again rebuilt by him. Disposing of his mill interests, he again engaged in the mercantile business until 1858, when he again sold, and accompanied by his youngest son, David, went to California, by way of New York. Returned in the fall of 1858, by the Southern overland mail route, traveling that distance by stage. In March, 1874, he again went to California, this time by rail, remained a few months and returned. Went again, in 1875, accompanied by his wife. Remained about eighteen months, when they again returned to Iowa. Went again in the fall of 1877, and returned again in the spring of 1878, on business, expecting to go back to California the following fall. Was taken sick and died at the residence of his son, E. W. Hartman, in Indianola, on the 5th day of October, 1878, after a severe illness of only a few days duration. He was burried in the Odd Fellows' cemetery, with the honors of that Order, of which fraternity he had been a member since its early establishment in Des Moines, having his membership at Carlisle at the time of his death. He was a man of unusual energy and drive in business matters, and did much for the early development of the county. Was always ready and willing to give, with an unsparing hand, of the means he accumulated by energy and close attention to business, in aid of those who were in more destitute circumstances. Was a member of the Baptist church, from his early manhood. He raised a family of three sons: E. W. Hartman, of Indianola; Wm. H. Hartman, of Carlisle; David Hartman, of Iron Mountain, Missouri; and two daughters: Mrs. T. J. Drakin, and Mrs. J. E. Drakin, of Vandalia, Iowa, all of whom, with his widow, now survive him.