Captain Oliver Horton, Richland Township, section 20, is one of the pioneers of the township. He was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1829, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth B. (Hamilton) Horton. He was the oldest of six children, and was reared on a farm, receiving his education in his native county. Upon reaching his majority he was united in marriage, December 30, 1850, with Miss Louisa Grove, also of Bedford County. During the great Rebellion Mr. Horton was among those who went forth in defense of the old flag. He enlisted August 2, 1862, in the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, a member of Company D. He served nearly three years. December 1, 1862, he was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, and January 21, 1863, to Second Lieutenant, and to First Lieutenant October 21, 1864. For gallant conduct on the field he was promoted to Captain February 14, 1865. He participated in the Wilderness campaign, was with General Sheridan’s command during his Shenandoah campaign, and was in the engagement before Petersburg. He was honorably discharged July 21, 1865, and returned to his home in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. In October, 1865, he came to Iowa, locating in Jackson County, where he lived until 1869, then came to Carroll County and settled in Union Township for a short time. He then came to Richland Township, locating on section 31, where he lived about six years. In 1874 he bought his present farm, where he has since resided. It was then wild land, but he has improved it until it is one of the best farms in the township. He has 160 acres of land, a good residence and comfortable farm buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Horton have nine children—Joseph G., Andrew J., William H., James A., Robert A., Mary J., Iola W., Annie L. and George E. Two children, Elizabeth and Lucinda, are deceased. Politically the Captain is a Democrat. He has served as member of the board of supervisors several years, and as member of the school board. He is at present serving as justice of the peace.

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