HISTORY

OF

Chickasaw and Howard Counties

IOWA.

BY W. E. ALEXANDER.

DECORAH, IOWA
WESTERN PUBLISHING COMPANY.
1883.

 

 

 

 

 

CHICKASAW COUNTY BIOGRAPHIES

 

 

NEW HAMPTON

 

Sam. J. Kenyon, attorney at law, was born in Oneida county, New York; in 1847. In '56 he went to Wisconsin with his parents, and settled in Walworth county; came to New Hampton in '69 and engaged in the practice of law, Is a graduate of Milton college, Rock county, Wisconsin, his legal studies being subse­quently pursued under the preceptorship of Governor Wyman and Robert Harkneso: He is a son of Thomas and Nancy Kenyon, who were natives of England. Married Lilly Bradley, a na­tive of Wisconsin. They have four sons. Mr. Kenyon was mayor of New Hampton two years, is a prominent lawyer and an influential citizen.

 

H. Klatt & Bros., meat market, New Hampton; business estab­lished in '81. The Messrs. Klatt Bros. are sons of August Klatt, of Prussia. H. Klatt, senior member of the firm was born in Ger­many in '55, and is married to Dorotha Mandel, a native of Cook county, Illinois. They have one son. Albert Klatt, junior mem­ber of the firm, was born in Germany in '57. came to America in '71 and located in Chicago, Illinois, where he remained until '81. The above firm does an extensive and constantly increasing busi­ness.

 

Hon. J. H. Powers, ex-state senator, and a prominent attorney of New Hampton, was born at Rochester, Windsor county, Vt., in 1830. His parents were Alonson and Sarepta Martin Powers, both natives of Vermont. In 1836, he moved with his parents to Free­dom, Portage county, Ohio, where he resided until 1857. He re­ceived an academic education, at Kingsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio, and studied law one year with Judge Taylor, of Milan, teach­ing in the Berlin academy at the same time. He next studied law with Walker & Gunekei, a well-known law firm of Dayton, Ohio, and subsequently spent one year in Texas. Mr. Powers had, in addition to his mental labors, served an apprenticeship of five years at the mason's trade, until he was twenty years of age, and worked six months at bricklaying upon Hiram college, Ohio, the college made famous by the now historical fact that the late Presi­dent Garfield was at one time its president. In Texas, Mr. Pow­ers built the court house and jail (and two brick business build­ings) in the town of Bastrop, and also one dwelling northeast of Austin, beyond the capitol. Returning to Ohio, he attended the law school at Cincinnati, and after graduating, came to Iowa, lo­cating at Waukon, Allamakee county, in 1855; where, being with-out money, he set the boiler and built the chimney for a steam saw mill. On the death of his father, he returned to Ohio, and after settling up the affairs of the estate, once more located in Iowa, selecting the embryo town of Forest City, in Richland township, Chickasaw county, as his future home. Here he also set the boiler, and did the necessary brick work, in the erection of a mill, and was for a time deputy clerk of the county court. Mr. Pow­ers settled at New Hampton in 1857, and has been in continued practice of the law at that place ever since, except during the time of his legislative service, and his service in the army. In 1858 he was elected a road supervisor, and in 1859, was called by the voice of the people to represent his senatorial district in the state legis­lature, in which latter capacity he served during the first session, and the extra—known as the war—session, resigning his office to enter the volunteer service as a private in company B, seventh Iowa infantry. He was subsequently promoted to the captaincy of company I, ninth Iowa infantry, and served until disabled, in 1863. In 1864 he was appointed draft commissioner, and drafted fifteen companies, filling the quota assigned. He was also examined in Washington, passed, and received a commission in the invalid corps, but never took the oath of office. Capt. Powers has been prominently identified with the republican party of this sec­tion for many years; has attended nineteen state conventions as a delegate—and once in the "lobby"—and was a delegate to the na­tional republican convention at Chicago, which nominated Garfield for the presidency in 1880. He was one of the principals in the organization of the Bank of New Hampton, which subsequent­ly consolidated with the Chickasaw county bank, thus forming the First National bank of New Hampton. August 31, 1859, he was married to Miss Eugenia F. Stebbins, daughter of Capt. Aaron Stebbins, of Long Meadow, Massachusetts, and they have three children living—Isabella Eugenia, Edwin Homier and Julius H.; two—Clarence Eugene and Alonson Aaron—being deceased. He has been an active member of the Congregational church of New Hampton ever since the organization of the society. Capt. Pow­ers takes especial pride in the fact that his material success has been achieved through a series of persistent efforts. and loves to refer to the days when with his own hands he built houses and followed the mason's trade, laying brick on the first brick house in Chickasaw county; diging, besides, the early wells, plastering houses and building chimneys here in New Hampton. As noted elsewhere, he was also. the contractor who erected the first court house in Chickasaw county. The captain's life has, indeed, been a busy one, and many are the stories of pioneer hardship he could relate — of tramping miles to obtain work, and in carrying on his senatorial canvass; of his first visit to New Hampton, on foot, and with only twenty-five cents in his pocket; while it is undoubtedly true that no man in the county possesses so complete a fund of valuable historical information, and early reminiscences of the county of Chickasaw. In the latter direction he has for years taken especial pains, in the gathering of facts and the collection of relics, and should he ever issue from the press a work of his own, it will be certain to contain much interesting matter that must else remain forever unwritten. At the most useful point of a long and successful career, Mr. P. can scarcely look back upon the varied incidents of the past, and no doubt realize the true strength of the coutentment which comes from the persistent overthrow of even the most formidable obstacles.

 

M. T. Stocks, marble cutter, was born in Stephenson county, Ill­inois, in 1854, removed with his parents to Iowa in '55, and settled in Washington township this county. Came to this place August. 1st, '82, and engaged in business as above.

 

S. R. Shear, photographer, was born in Chemung county, New York, in '32, and is a son of R. L. and Mary A. Shear, the former a native of Canada, the latter of New York. In '45 he came to Lake county, Indiana, where he lived eleven years. In '56 he moved to Winnesheik county, Iowa, remaing there until '69, when he came to New Hampton, and engaged in business as above. Married Jane E. Miller, a native of Wisconsin, and they have five children, Edgar M., Allen, Millie A., Ida M. and Ethel P.

 

Osmon Dana, liveryman, was born in Franklin county, N. Y., in 1831, came west in '50, and settled in Lake county, Illinois, and lived there until '58, when he moved Bremer county, Iowa, and engaged in farming. In '78 he came to New Hampton, having purshased the Central house, which he conducted until April, '82, when he bacame a member of the firm of Dana & Bayne, Mar­ried Mary Ann Sutherland, a native of New Nork, and they have one son and five daughters.

 

W. D. Stafford, hardware merchant, was born in Geauga county, Ohio, in 1833, whence he removed at the age of fifteen, with his parents, to West Union, Iowa. In '67 he came to Fredericksburg, this county, and engaged in the hardware business, moving to New Hampton in 70. His parents were David and Lucindia Stafford, natives of New York. Married Harriet E. Utter, a native of Illinois, and they have one son, Linn G. Mr. S. has been a member of the board of supervisors three years, and is a member of the M. E. church.

 

John Foley, of the firm of Foley & Heming, lumber dealers. Fortunately for the development of our country, it is not infrequently the case that the successful and representative citizen has obtained the recognition which it is the laudable ambition of all to only through a series of contests with repressive circumstances; that the early life of the average successful man has been a battle against adverse winds, a struggle against conflicting tides. It is at once the advantage and the pride of the majority of our public men, that they have had, at one time or another, to wrestle with the "bread and butter" problem, and have splendidly earned their position and their leisure. The subject of this sketch fur­nishes an apt instance of the ultimate advantages of self-help. Corning to Chickasaw county when but sixteen years of age, he has by intense application, sound judgment and entire trustwor­thyness, won his way to a handsome competency, an enviable position, and a popularity as deserved as it is exceptional. Mr. F. was born in the county of Galway, Ireland, August 14, 1841. His parents were Thomas and Catherine Foley, who immigrated to America in 1847, settling first in Nova Scotia, whence, after an eight months' residence, they went to Massachusetts, in which state they lived about two years, going thence to Baltimore, Md. His father died in Baltimore, in 1852, a sister also having previ­ously died in Lowell, Mass. Of four children, John is the only one living. In June, 1857, he came with his mother to Dubuque, this state. Having fears for his health, which was at that time anything but robust, after a month's residence in Dubuque, John came to Chickasaw county, where his mother soon joined him. He settled on a farm in section 20, town 97, range 12, in Jacksonville township. Here he immediately began to utilize the native in­dustry and sturdy common sense that have since characterized him as one of the county's most progressive citizens, working hard upon the farm, and employing his leisure moments in educating himself for the more ambitious work before him. He soon began to teach school during the winters, continuing his unremittent ef­forts at self improvement meanwhile. So commendable a course could but bring the most desirable results, and while his worldly substance increased, his personal popularity kept pace; so much so, that in 1871 he .was elected by a very flattering majority to the responsible position of county treasurer. Immediately on enter­ing upon the discharge of the official duties he moved his family to New Hampton, and has ever since been a prominent resident of this thriving county seat. To the office of county treasurer he was re-elected three successive terms, holding the office four terms or eight years in all, and so satisfactory was his performance of his duties as to elicit the merited approval of the citizens irrespec­tive of party lines. We might select many printed testimonials as to his fitness for public responsibility, but the following from the New Hampton Courier of October 4th, 1873, will suffice:

 

"Attentive to the duties of this office, cordial in his intercourse with the taxpayers and correct in his business, he has made scores of friends and not a single enemy. It is infinitely to his credit that without fear, without favor and without prejudice, he has sought to perform the duties of the place rather than to build up a clique who should conspire to keep him in office. A man of the people, he has faithfully performed the people's work, with an eye single to their interest. He found the finances of the county embarrassed, its credit depressed, and distrust of its financial con­dition and management universal. When he took possession of the treasurer's office county warrants had not been redeemed over the counter for years, but had been hawked about the streets and peddled from hand to hand, until they finally found their way into the hands of the money brokers, at a discount to the people of from ten to thirty per cent. His advent to the treasurer's of­fice changed all this in a single day. Public confidence rose as by magic. The ability of the county to meet its obligations prompt­ly, was no longer doubted. County warrants commanded their face in greenbacks on the street and in the treasurer's office. They have continued to do so up to this hour. The people of Chicka­saw county owe Mr. Foley a debt of gratitude. He has done their work ably, faithfully and for the compensation fixed by law. In his official capacity he has known no friends and no enemies. He has favored no organized rings, and sought to build up no special interests; but with rigid impartiality has dealt hon­orably with all. More than this, at the time of his election, he was perhaps the only man in the county upon whom all the ele­ments in opposition to treasury misrule could have been concen­trated, He accepted the office of treasurer at a positive sacrifice of his private business interests."

 

Prior to holding the office of treasurer, Mr. Foley had been a member of the board of supervisors one term, and was for nine years connected with the school board of his town. He is an ar­dent friend of education, and labors assiduously for its advance­ment. In 1881 he was for a time heavily engaged in railroad con­tracting on the Marion extention of the C. M. & St. P. railroad, and in the spring of 1882 entered the lumber business with Mr. H. H. Heming, forming the present firm of Foley & Hemming, than which there is no more enterprising and reliable firm in the county. In politics Mr. Foley is a life-long democrat, which fact, when we consider that Chickasaw is a strong republican county, gives added significence to his popularity. In the fall of 1881, without solicitation or even consultation on his part, he was nominated by his party for state senator, to represent the districts composed of the counties of Bremer, Howard and Chickasaw, but the urgent demands of his private business affairs compelled him to withdraw from the canvass. He was a delegate to the democratic national convention at Cincinnati, which nominated Hancock in 1880, re­ceiving the very flattering endorsement of the convention to se­lect delegates at Burlington, where there were many contestants for the honor. At this writing (October, 1882), Mr. Foley is the candidate of his party in the state, for the highly important office of state treasurer, having been nominated without effort on his part, at the late state convention at Marshalltown. Mr. Foley's mother died in the spring of 1877. He was married in 1866 to Miss, Mary Conley, of this county. His costly residence in New Hampton is a model of convenience and elegance, the surroundings betraying the refinement of taste which necessarily accompanies well directed physical energy and intellectual activity. Mr. F. was reared in the Catholic faith, and steadfastly adheres to the re­ligion of his ancestors.

 

C. E. Phelps, station agent was born in Darien. Genesee county, New York, in 1839, and in '45 moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where he remained until '49, when he removed to Omro, Wiscon­sin, at which place he was for more than three years in the employ of the railroad company. Mr. P. came to New Hampton in '71, and became the station agent of the C. M. & St. P  R. R. company at this place, which position he has ever since continued to acceptably fill. He is a son of Elijah and Hannah Knowles Phelps, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of Rhode Island. The subject of this sketch was married in '60 to Louisa Bigelow, of New York, and has three children, Ada L., Clyde and Arthur C. In '60 he enlisted in company A, third Wis­consin cavalry, and received his discharge in July, 1863. During the greater part of his term of service he was a clerk at department headquarters.

 

Dr. J. T. Ferguson, dentist, was born in Jefferson county, Penn­sylvania, in 1844. His parents were John C. and Anna Alcorn Ferguson, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ireland. The family moved to Washington county, Iowa, in '57 and to Dayton township, this county, in '70. The subject of this sketch farmed and taught school at intervals, pursuing the study and practice of dentistry meanwhile under Dr. J. P. Campbell, of this place, and he opened his dental rooms here in '77. Married Miss A. M. Moore, of Washington county, Iowa, in '69, and has six children, Estella M., Ira P., Amos It., Lorenzo G., Clarence E. and Josiah A.

 

Gideon Gardner, or Deacon Gardner, of New Hampton, as he is more familiarly known, was born in Plainfield, Hampshire county Massachusetts, February 23, 1807, his parents being Benjamin and Molly Tirrill Gardner. His father, the youngest of seven brothers, was a soldier in the revolutionary war. The head of the Gardner family came over in the Mayflower, and Governor Gardner, of Massachusetts, was one of his descendants. William. Gardner, an uncle of Gideon, was aid-de-camp to General Washington. Benja­min Gardner was a farmer, his son following the same avocation, remaining in Massachusetts until 1831, working awhile at the ma-son's trade, in Pittsfield. In the above mentioned year he came west as far as Ohio. halting in the town of Chester, Geauga county, where he worked at his trade and taught music. Three years later he went to Medina county, working at his trade in the summer, and teaching music in the winter, as well as carrying on a farm, buying wool and dealing in stock during a portion of the time. He was for three years engaged in merchandising in Chatham, Medina county, and in 1854 immigrated to Grinnell., Iowa. There he aided in laying out the town, founding the college, organizing the Congregational church, at which time he was chosen deacon. He remained at Grinnell two years, farming and in the business management of a store, and in 1856 he was sent, with Mr. Homer Hamlin, by a company, in search of land on which to locate a colony. They inspected land adjoining the county lines of How­ard and Chickasaw counties, but prices being unsuitable, they started to return to Grinnell. On their way back they were very favorable impressed with the beauty, soil and natural advantages of the country in and about where New Hampton now stands, and accordingly purchased eighty acres of land on the present town site of New Hampton, and obtained the refusal of thirty acres more. They then returned to Grinnell, and while there they induced Mr. H. Gurley to return with them, offering him as an in­ducement the right to purchase the thirty acres for which they had the refusal. This proposition Mr. Gurley accepted, purchased the thirty acres, and is still a resident of New Hampton. Mr. Ham­lin, who was suffering from ill-health, from the consequences of which he subsequently died, returned to Grinnell in 1858, and in 1867 Mr. Gardner purchased Mr. Hamlin's interest in the eighty acres above mentioned. Thus it will be seen that Mr. Gardner was the original proprietor of most of the land upon which stands this flourishing little city; he surveyed and platted the townsite, there being less than a half-dozen families here at the time. In July, 1861, Mr. Gardner entered the seventh Iowa infantry as cap­tain of company B, and was discharged in September, 1862, on ac-count of age and physical disability — serving as major when he left the regiment. While in Medina county, Ohio, he was county assessor two years, and during his early residence at New Hamp­ton, was justice of the peace for some time; was chairman of the county board of supervisors for a number of years, and was mayor of the city one term. Mr. Gardner was originally a whig, then a free soiler, and latterly has been a republican. He has been a member of the church for half a century, helped to organize the New Hampton Congregational church, and was its first deacon. His Christian character is unimpeachable; his life has been a model of the purest religious type, and has been a power in the advancement of the community's highest interests. In 1827 he was united in marriage to Naomi Parker, who died in Decem­ber, 1879. She was a very estimable lady, who exemplified the highest Christian graces in her every-day life, and whose death was the occasion for sincere sympathy and grief on the part of all who knew her. Of three children but one is living, Weston D. Deacon Gardner has entered upon his seventy-sixth year; he is six feet and two inches tall and with his erect form and patriarchal beard, is an exceptionally fine illustration of "how to grow old gracefully." He has married grandchildren, who venerate his name, as do the citizens of the entire community in which he resides.

 

H. H. Potter, attorney at law, wrs born in St. Clair county, Michigan, in 1842. His early life was spent in Michigan, where he received an academic education. Mr. P. came to Chickasaw county in 1865, and settled in Bradford township. Soon after-wards he was elected county surveyor, which position he held four years. He read law with A. G. Case, now of Charles City, and was admitted to the bar in 1870, and immediately began practicing in New Hampton. Mr. Potter was married to Florence Somerville, of Davenport, Iowa, in 1872, and they have one child, Arvin. Mr. P. is a member of the Congregational church, and is a republican in politics.

 

W. D. Gardner, son of Capt. Gideon Gardner and Naomi Parker Gardner, was born in Massachusetts in 1829. and moved with his parents to Ohio, in 1832, and accompanied his father to Grinnell, Iowa, in 1854. He settled on a farm near Grinnell, and was engaged in farming ten years. In 1864 he came to New Hampton, and became proprietor of the New Hampton house, which he conducted eleven years. In 1877 he engaged in the drug business in company with Mr. Olmstead, which business he still continues. Was married to Harriet M. Lyon, also a native of Massachusetts, and they have four children — Lyman B., Hattie S., Ida W. and Henry Ward.

 

John A. Green, county treasurer, was born March 17, 1842, and is a son of Hazard Green, who came to Lake county, Illinois, in 1845, where the family lived for about ten years, coining to Chick­asaw county in 1854, and settling in Jacksonville. The subject of this sketch enlisted in company C, thirty-eighth Iowa infantry, as second lieutenant, and served fifteen months. He was post-master of Lawler for a period of about ten years, and was elected to his present position in 1879, and re-elected in the fall of 1881.

 

Harrison Gurley, a pioneer whose action and useful career has enabled him to retire from business, was born in Tolland county, Connecticut, January 14, 1815. He is a son of Roger and Pamelia Bicknell Gurley, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. The family are descendants of Sir William De Gourley, of Scotland, who came to the new world when he was but fourteen years of age, in 1679, changing his name upon arrival to plain William Gurley, and taking up his residence with a Dr. Stoddard, in Connecticut. William Gurley was drowned when twenty.two years of age, leav­ing a son, Samuel, from whom, as above stated, the subject of this sketch is a descendant. At twelve years of age Harrison Gurley went to Windom county, Connecticut, remaining there until 1835, when he went to Hartford, his parents remaining in Windom county. Al Hartford he was first employed as a clerk, afterwards engaged in the grocery business, and subsequently in merchant tailoring. In 1855 he immigrated to Grinnell, Iowa, where he re­mained about one year, during which time he was a dealer in general merchandise. In the fall of 1856 he removed to New Hampton, moving his stock of goods hither from Grinnell, pur­chased thirty-three acres of land, oil part of which now stands the town of New Hampton, and was for ten years the only merchant in the place. In 1876 he was chosen president of the Bank of New Hampton, which position he held until December, 1881, when the bank was consolidated with the Chickasaw County bank, the two forming the present First National bank of New Hamp­ton, of which Mr. Gurley is still a director. His father, Captain Gurley, was an officer in the revolutionary war. The subject of our sketch was postmaster of New Hampton several years, and has for forty years been a member of the Congregational church. In politics Mr. Gurley is a republican. He married Isabell M. Ham­ilton, a daughter of James Hamilton, of New York, and they have one son, Royal H., who was born in 1861, and is now in his second year at the Iowa State University.

 

W. L. Darrow, banker, was born in Genesee county, N. Y., in 1835, and is a son of Luther and Hannah Kinne Darrow, his father was a native of Washington ceunty, New York, his mother of Vermont. The subject of this sketch lived in Genesee county until 1864, receiving his education at a graded school, anti was for a portion of the time engaged in school teaching. In 1864, his health failed him, he immigrated to Iowa, driving a flock of sheep from his native state through to this state, and walking the entire distance, save from Dunkirk to Toledo. He arrived at New Hampton about eighteen years ago, and camped near the town, sleeping the first night on the ground. Mr. Darrow next purchased a farm in Deerfield township, this county, where he engaged in farming till 1870, when he removed to New Hampton, and engaged in money loaning and selling sewing machines and organs. This business he continued until 1879, when he went into banking and brokerage. In this latter year, in company with Mr. B. G. Smith, he erected the handsome brick business block in which they now do an increasing business. Mr. Darrow has broken over 1,000 acres of land in Chickasaw county, and opened a number of farms, a portion of which he has sold, but still pos­sesses 1,200 acres of improved lands, the larger portion of which is in Washington township. He is one of the most active, capable and trustworthy citizens of Chickasaw county, and as such, com­mands the respect and confidence of the citizens generally. Mr. Darrow was married to Maria, Douglas, a native of Hillsdale coun­ty, Michigan, in 1864 and they have one daughter, Verna. Mr. D. is a member of the M. E. church, and is a republican in his poli­tics.

 

Dr. I. K. Gardner. physician and surgeon. was born in Canada West, in 1846, his parents being U.S. and Mary M. Gardner, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Berne, Switzerland. His parents moved to Sanilac county. Michigan, when he was four years of age, coming thence to New Hampton, in 1865, and settling upon the same farm upon which they have ever since re-sided. Mr. Gardner studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Mixer, of New Hampton, and subsequently graduated from the medical department of the University of Michigan. Return­ing to Chickasaw county he located at Lawler, in 1870, practicing medicine there. until 1877, when the formed a partnership with his former preceptor, Dr. Mixer, and removed to New Hampton. He is a member of the state medical society, and the American Medi­cal association. Dr. Gardner married Maggie Gardner, a native of Michigan. Drs. Mixer & Gardner are among the most prominent and successful physicians of northeastern Iowa.

 

J. A. Albertson, deputy sheriff, was born in Stevenson county, Illinois, in 1843, his parents being Albert and Mary Ann Albertson, both natives of Indiana. In 1852 he moved to West Union, Iowa, lived there about two years, and moved thence to Albany in the same county. At Albany he lived about eighteen months, coming thence to the old village of Chickasaw, in this county, in 1855. His home was at Chickasaw until 1874, when he came to New Hampton to reside permanently. During the intervening years, however, Mr. A. was absent for periods of various duration from his home in Chickasaw. December 1st, 1861, he entered the government service, taking charge of a corral at Tipton Missouri, and in March, 1862, he went to St. Louis and enlisted in company H, fourth Iowa cavalry, receiving his discharge February 23, 1864. He served with his regiment in various campaigns, and was with the company during the seige of Vicksburg. After the expiration of his term of service he returned to Chickasaw county and engag­ed in the milling business until 1868, in which year he was elected county sheriff, serving in this official capacity two years. He was subsequently occupied in prospecting and mining among the mountains for about three years. Mr. Albertson became deputy sheriff of Chickasaw county January 1, 1882. He is a representa­tive pioneer, and a citizen of sterling worth, who merits the univer­sal respect in which he is held by his fellow citizens. In 1864 he was married to Arminta M. Miller, of Tioga county, New York, and has one daughter, Dora.

 

D. B. Sneden, justice of the peace, attorney at law and insurance agent, was born in New York city, in 1815, some months after the death of his father, Capt. David Jesse Sneden, who lost his life in the heroic performance of his duty as a sea captain, while off the coast of Virginia. His mother, Mary Berrien Sneden, also died when the subject of this sketch was about eight months old. D. B. Sneden lived with Judge Thompson, associate judge of the court of Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, at Great Bend, in that county, until 1839, when he returned to New York city, hav­ing a brother and three sisters living there. Thence in 1844 he moved west to Madison, Wisconsin, where he subsequently built one of the largest brick blocks at that time in the city. From Madison he went to Omro, Winnebago county, where he resided twenty-one years, during which time he held various public of­fices of responsibility and trust. While in Winnebago county he was at one time a condidate on the democratic ticket, for member of the state legislature, against Hon. Geo. \V. Beckwith, and re­duced a republican majority of 900 to 343. He came to New Hampton in 1871, was elected justice of the peace during the same year, and has held the office ever since, with the exception of the year 1878. Mr. Sneden first studied law with the Hon. Franklin Lusk, of Susquehanna county, one of Pennsylvania’s leading law­yers, and was admitted to the bar in Wisconsin, and again in this state. He was first married in Pennsylvania to Lucy Buck, who died of consumption, in 1843, and in 1847 he married Miss Susan Phelps, of Dane county, Wisconsin. He has three daughters - Alice V., now Mrs. H. J. Guest; Florence V., now Mrs. E. P. Sherman, and Blanche C., now Mrs. S. G. Boyce. The Sneden family is an old, extensive and highly respected family, who are settled principally in and about New York and Philadelphia, and are of ancient Holland and French derivation. Mr. Sneden has lost by death two children by his first marriage, Lucy C. and William A.

 

Hiram Shaver, attorney at law and mayor of New Hampton, was born in Groton, Tompkins county, New York, December 8th, 1845, and is a son of Seymour and E. Carpenter Shaver, both of whom were natives of New York. When he was two years of age his parents moved to Kendall county, Illinois, where they remain­ed seven years, going thence to Green county, Wisconsin. They remained in Green county nine years, when they removed to Delaware county, where they resided three years, after which, in 1867 they went to Butler county. In the spring of 1868 the subject of our sketch began the study of law under G. C. Wright, teaching in the public school meanwhile, was admitted to practice in January 1871, and in April of that year, located at New Hampton, this county, where he has ever since been engaged in the practice of his profession He was elected mayor of New Hampton in 1881, and re-elected in 1882. He married Estella Van Dorn, a native of Saratoga Springs, New York, and they have two children — Es­tella and Rolla.

 

Dr. A. H. Wight, county recorder, was born in Schuyler county New York. in 1843, and is the eldest son of G. F. and Polly Wight, the former a native of Maine, the latter of New York. His parents removed to Dodge county, Wisconsin, when he was nine years of age, where he lived until 1861, when he enlisted in com­pany E, tenth Wisconsin volunteer infantry, serving three years, and receiving his discharge at Madison, Wisconsin. He was wounded three times, once at the battle of Chickamauga, and twice at the battle of Chaplain Hills. Mr. W. served one year as second lieutenant in the eleventh Michigan regiment. On his re-turn from the army he located at Bellevue, Michigan, and studied medicine under Dr. H. T. Fero. He graduated at the Ann Arbor Medical Institute, in the class of "70, came west and located at Ionia, this county, where he practiced medicine until 1880, in which year he was elected to his present official position. He married Ellen S. Hemenway, a native of New York, and they have one child — Clarence. In politics Dr. Wight is a staunch republican.

 

E. H. Yarger, proprietor of the Central house, was born in Cen­ter county, Pennsylvania, in 1854; came west to Stark county, Ohio, in 1856; removed to Paris, Edgar county, Illinois, in 1857, where he lived one year, going thence to Green county, Wisconsin, and thence to webster county, Iowa. Here he lived on a farm from 1869 to 1876. From Webster county he moved to Green, Butler county, where he lived three years, going thence to Hamp­ton, Franklin county, Iowa, at which place he was engaged in the printing business. He then went to sumner, Bremer county, where he ran the sumner Gazette, and from there to Clarksville, Butler county, where he became the proprietor of the Tremont House. In April, 1882, he came to New Hampton, and assumed the proprietorship of the Central Mouse. He was married, August 14, 1880, to Emma Cannan, a native of Hampton, and they have four children — Clara, Emma, Elmer and Ettie.

 

J. M. Lynch, county clerk, was born in Dayton, Montgomery county, Ohio, May, 12, 1855. . In '58 the family moved to Chicka­saw county, Iowa, settling in Utica township. They subsequently removed to Lawler, where his father engaged in the mercantile business, young J. M. being employed as clerk. Upon the death of his father J. M. closed out the business, and was for some time thereafter a clerk in various establishments. In '77–8 he was engaged in trade in company with J. A. Green, dealing in drugs and groceries. He then sold his interest in the business and accepted a position in the Bank of Lawler, in which position he was occu­pied at the time of his election to the county clerkship in '80. He married Maria T. Kerby, a native of this county. They have one child — John D.

 

A. E. Bigelow, president of the First National bank, was born in Genesee county, New York, in 1830, came west in '41, and settled in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1850. He then went to California. Three years later he returned to this county and settled in old Chickasaw, and engaged in farming un­til '64, when he came to New Hampton, having been elected county treasurer the preceeding fall. After the termination of his term of office he entered the banking business, establishing the Chickasaw County bank in company with J. H. Easton, of De­corah, which bank is now known as the First National bank of New Hampton. He has been for a number of years largely inte­rested in real estate transactions, and was for two years sheriff of Chickasaw county, having been the second person elected to that position. He married Adeline Smith, of New York. They have six children, Lillie, Carrie L. Grant M., Dayton F., Harrie and Clyde.

 

Edward T. Runion, one of Chickasaw county's well known pio­neers, is a son of Adam and Mary Moss Runion. and was born in New York in 1818. At an early age he left home and traveled through New York, and the west, stopping at Cleveland Ohio, when he was about eighteen years old. At Cleveland he lived twenty-five years, and subsequently seven years at Berea, Ohio, coming to New Hampton, this county, in '56. Here he engaged in farming, and started the first blacksmith shop in New Hampton in '57. Nearly all of his home farm is within the present town limits of New Hampton, his residence being a large and costly brick struc­ture. He owns in all 240 acres, among the most valuable lands in Chickasaw county. His town property is especially valuable, lots being in demand at high drices. Mr. R. married Elizabeth Falvey at Cleveland, Ohio. They have three children — John, Hannah and Allie.

 

A. C. Boylan, attorney at law, was born in Mercer county, Penn­sylvania, in 1853. His parents were A. A. Boylan and Eliza McFarland Boylan, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the lat­ter of Ohio. In the fail of '56 the family moved to Green county, Wisconsin, where they remained until '66, when they came to Utica township, this county. A. C. Boylon lived upon the farm here about four years. then attended the Bradford academy three years, after which the was for three years a student of the State University. In the fall of '76 he read law a short time at Charles City, going thence to West Union, where he prosecuted his legal studies under the preceptorship of L. L. Ainsworth until October, 1878, when he came to New Hampton and entered the practice of his profession, in which he has ever since been lucratively engaged. December 1, '81, he was married to Mary A. Fitch, daughter of E. S. Fitch of New Hampton.

 

O. B. Sherman, dealer in general merchandise, was born in Ben­nington county, Vermont, in 1825, and is a son of Sterling and Jane Sherman, natives of Vermont. He lived on a farm with his parents until '55 when he came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remaining until '67, during which year he moved to New Hampton, and en­tered into his present business. Mr. Sherman married Caroline-T. Porter, a native of New York, and they have two sons — Ed­ward and Charles. Mr. Sherman is a staunch republican in politics.

 

J. A. Lapham, county superintendent of public instruction, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1854, and is a son of C. T. and Olivia Lapham, both of whom are natives of New York. When he was one year of age they moved to Fayette county, Iowa. when they lived until '74, and then came to this county and lo­cated near Fredericksburg, soon after removing to Bradford, where they still reside. Mr. L.'s early life was spent on his father's farm, and subsequently he engaged in school teaching, in which profession he continued until his election to his present position in '81. Was married to Ella Ranch, a native of this county, and they have one child.

 

Horton Mandeville, sheriff of Chickasaw county, was born in Genesee county, New York, in 1829, and is a son of Michael and Elsa Maria Corey Mandeville, natives of New York. In '39 the family moved to Rockford, Ill., where they still reside, and where young Horton grew to manhood. In '5-4 he came to Iowa, and lo­cated in Bradford, in this county, engaging in the mercantile busi­ness, which he continued five years. Then going to Cedar Falls, and engaging in the livery business, returning to Nashua, this county, in '64. Mr. M. was engaged in various business enterprises from that time until '81, in which year he was elected to his present office.

 

Joshua Sutter, dealer in groceries and provisions, was born in Switzerland in 1839, and was educated at the State University at Chur, receiving his diploma in 1865. Mr. S. came to America in '66, locating at Prairie du Chien, where he was employed as a teacher in the German and English schools until '75, when the in­stitution was consolidated with the public schools, he continuing as principal of the German and English department until '78, re-signing his position on account of ill-health. Mr. S. then came to New Hampton and engaged in business as above. Was married to Emily Bothin, a native of Prussia, and they have three children — Emil, Ida and Alvin.

 

W. J. Springer, attorney at law, born in Macon county, Illinois, in 1852. In '55 his parents moved to Iowa county, Iowa. His parents were W. G. and Lydia Springer, natives of Kentucky. The subject of our sketch read law in the office of Rumple & Lake, of Marengo, and was admitted to practice in August, 1879, at which time he located in New Hampton. Married Mary E. Wilson, a native of Ohio. They have two children — a son and daugh­ter.

 

C. A. Harris, junior member of the firm of Kipp & Harris, deal­ers in general merchandise, was born in Worcester county, Massa­chusetts, in 1837, and is a son of Almon and Charlotte Sage Harris, natives of Massachusetts. In '54 he came with his parents to Chickasaw county and settled in Deerfield township; in '67 he moved to Chickasaw, where he remained four years in the general merchandise business; in '70 he was elected county recorder. and held the office ten years. Six months after going out of office he purchased an interest in the present business. Married Julia A. Harris, who was also born in Massachusetts, and they have two children —  Edward A. and Addie V.

 

S. W. Hartwell, dealer in harness, saddlery, etc., was born in Hubbardston, Massachusetts, in 1834, and is a son of B. and Roxa Sargent Hartwell, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. He came west in 1857, and settled in Franklin county, Iowa. Five years later he enlisted in company H, thirty-second Iowa volun­teer infantry, and served fifteen months, being discharged at Ft. Pillow, Tennessee. He returned to Franklin county, and after several changes of residence, came to New Hampton in 1880. Mr. Hartwell has been twice married, first to Mary Bigelow of New Hampton, who died in 1875, leaving two children, Ella and Eugene His second marriage was to Libbie Stone in 1881, and they have one child, an infant.

 

O. Kelson was born in Norway in 1852, came to America in '70, and settled in Ridgeway, Winnesheik county, Iowa, where he was engaged two years in blacksmithing. From Ridgeway he went to Calmar, and entered into the saloon business, and in '77 came to New Hampton and entered his present business. Married Belle Hanson, a native of Norway; and they have three children, Ida A. Olef and Christian.

 

E. P. Sheffield, county auditor, was born in Chenango county, New York, in 1843, and is a son of Erastus and Olivia Sheffield, both of whom were natives of New York. Mr. S. came west in '55 and settled in DeKalb county, Illinois, where he lived until '64, when he came to Iowa and located in this township. Mr. S. engaged in various business until the fall of '79, when he was elect­ed to his present office.

 

G. F. Phillips, druggist, was born in Waupaca county, Wiscon­sin, in 1858. He came to Iowa with his parents in '59, locating at Lansing, where he lived ten years. From Lansing he removed to Lawler in '69. Mr. P. received his education at Fayette college, Married Ada L. Phelps, a native of Wisconsin.

 

Dr. A. E. Clark, dentist, was born in Waukon, Iowa, in 1854, and is a son of John T. Clark, who now resides at Cresco. He was a student in the office of Dr, Charles Brown of Decorah, after which he located at Waukon, in the practice of dental surgery un­til '79, when he removed to New Hampton.

 

John Norton, farmer, section 23, P. O. Lawler; owns 240 acres of land; born in Ohio in 1820. In 1846 he moved to Michigan, and engaged in farming near Coldwater, in Branch county, re­maining six years, thence to Kane county, Ill., settling near Au­rora, he remained there three years, and then came to Iowa, set­tling here; he obtained 160 acres from the government in Jackson township, which he afterwards sold, and purchased his present farm. He took a trip to Oregon, in view of locating, but returned to Iowa. He has thoroughly improved his land, and it is well fitted for stock raising. He has a fine herd of Holstein cattle. He married Miss Mary Wolf, in 1846, in Ohio; their children are, Ira, Asa, Albert and Alvira, two children deceased. Mrs. Wolf died in 1862.

 

George Hackett (deceased) was one of the early settlers of this township; he came to Iowa from Wisconsin, in October, 1863, and settled on the stage road, between New Hampton and Chickasaw and in the following January moved to section 32 in this township, where he purchased 240 acres of land besides eighty acres of timber in Dresden township. He was a much respected citizen, and highly esteemed by all. He died on the fourth of February, 1879, since which time the property was divided, the widow re­taining the home property. Mr. H. was married to Mary Brown­wigg, a native of England; their children are William H. J. and Mary Ann.

 

F. J. Wesp, farmer, owns 240 acres of land in this county, was born in Germany, in 1825, and came with his parents to the C. S. in 1831, They settled first in Jefferson county, N. Y. In 1847 they went to Kingston, Canada West, remaining two years, then returned to New York, for two years, and again to Canada, re­maining eight years, during which time he farmed and worked on the lakes, In '59 he went to Wisconsin, and farmed in Richland county ten years, then came to Iowa, locating where he now re-sides. He was married in 1846, in New York, to Mary Davis, their children are, Sylvester R., John, Samuel, George, Nelson, Hannah, Amyety, Mary, Philip, Ethan and Joseph.

 

Wm. Krieger, farmer, section 33, owns 160 acres of land; was born in Davenport, Scott county, Iowa, in 1855. In '75 he came to Chickasaw county with his parents, who bought 320 acres of land. He has resided on his present farm since 1880, previous to which time he resided with his parents. Married Mary Popen­heim, at New Hampton, in April, 1880. They have two children, Mary and Gerhard.

 

John Kleinfeihn, farmer, owns 160 acres of land; was born in Waterford, Racine county, Wis., in April, 1852. Worked at lum­bering at Manistee, Mich., for a number of years, but made his home in Wisconsin until January, 1876, when he came to this state, and purchased the land he now owns, and where he has since resided Married in January, 1880, at North Washington, in this county, to Mary Hauser; their children are Johnnie and Allie.

 

Hon. J. F. McCallum, farmer, sections 9 and 10; born in Montrose, Pa., June 20, 1813, He learned the trade of saddler, and moved to Schenectady, N. Y., in the fall of '34, he also learned the Daguereotype business, which he followed at Saratoga, N. Y. In '51 he moved to Dodge county, W is., and for several years conducted an hotel at Buckhorn corners, four miles from Beaver Dam He also owned a farm in Trenton township, same county. In the fall of '62 he was elected representative to the state legislature from his district; which comprised Trenton, Beaver Dam township and city, and the townships of Lowell and Shields. In the fall of '63 he was returned to the same position. He is, and always has been a staunch democrat. In April, '73 he came to Iowa, settling where he now resides. He fills prominent positions in most of the political meetings of his party, and is a strong party leader. Mr. McCallum was married in 1840 to Barbara A. Stuart, and they have one son, M. S. He is a member of I. O. O. F. No. 117 of Beaver Dam, Wis.

 

Major W. D. Collins, farmer, and ex-county superintendent owns eighty acres of land; born in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1826, his parents moved to Bennington, Vt., in his childhood; he was from early manhood engaged in the educational and school work at that place, as principal of the city schools of Bennington, until the breaking out of the late rebellion, when he assisted in the organ­ization of the only cavalry regiment sent from that state, and was commissioned major. He remained at the front until May 24, '62, when he received injuries while in command of the rear guard in a cavalry charge, during Bank's retreat on the Shenandoah. In the following June he was compelled to resign, and received an honorable discharge June, '63, on account of wounds and debility, for which he receives pension. He returned to Vermont, thence to Sandwich, Ill., where he held the position of principal of the city schools, for three years, thence west to Missouri, and had charge of the city schools of Brookfield and Paris, at different times, for between three and four years; he then came to Iowa, settling in New Hampton, where he had previously bought pro­perty while on a visit, and which he still owns, he purchased his farm property in the fall of '82. Mr. Collins has spent most of his life in the educational field, in Vermont. Ohio, Illinois, Mis­souri and Iowa. He was principal of the city schools of New Hampton for a considerable length of time, and was the origina­tor of the graded school system still in use. In the fall of 1875 he was elected to the office of county superintendent by an over­whelming majority, as an independent candidate. He was re-elected in 1877 on the republican ticket by a large majority. Af­ter the expiration of his term of office he took charge of the city schools, at Osage, Mitchell county, Iowa, but was obliged to give it up before his year was completed on account of ill health, his physician forbidding work of any kind. The major is also an at­torney at law, having been admitted in Grundy county, Ill., and afterwards in this state, although he has never made law a busi­ness. He was married at Joliet, Ill., in January, 1869, to Emily C., daughter of Colonel Erastus Crocker, of Madison, Ohio; they have one daughter living, Mary E. C., and one son, Erastus, (deceased). Mr. Collins is a royal arch mason, and a member of the blue lodge, A. F. and A. M., at New Hampton, also a member of the A. O. U. W., charter member of the lodge of New Hampton. He is a member of the congregational church, with which denomi­nation he has been identified since before the war.

 

J. S. Marr, farmer, owns a farm of 240 acres; born in Scotland in 1828, and in the spring of 1848 he came to the United States, and lived in New York between eight and nine years, engaging in business as carpenter and joiner, he then came west, and after stop-ping three weeks in Illinois, settled in this county, and pre-empt­ed land in North Washington township, which he afterwards sold, and then bought where he now resides. He was one of the pio­neers of this part of the county, and is a citizen of considerable prominence, and has filled many offices in township and school affairs. His farm is thoroughly improved and well stocked. He was married in New York city, in 1852 to Marian Smith, by whom he had five children, Agnes, Johnnie, Maggie, James and Charley. Mrs. M. died at this place April 14, 1879, and he again married in December, 1880, Kate Cassiday.

 

J. K. Kroninger, farmer, owns ninety-five acres; born in the state of Delaware, in 1817; his parents moved to Berks county, Pa., in 1821, where he grew up to manhood; he then moved to Delaware county, Ohio, and worked at his trade as coach maker. In '54, owing to the severe ravages of cholera in that state, he was compelled to leave, and he came to Iowa. He left his family at North Elkader, (McGregor was not founded at that time) and he pushed west, and finally located on section 36, town 95, range 12, in this county. He entered 120 acres by pre-emption. There were at that time no settlers here, except a few trapping along the river. About seventeen settlers came into the neighborhood in same year, but only seven remained to battle with the hardships of pioneer life, the rest returning east. The seven were John Norton, E. Collins, Alvin Brown, D. R. Cole, King, Tim McCarthy and the subject of this sketch. They met on one occasion and banded themselves as pioneers, with the intent of standing the brunt of the frontier. Mr. K. built a log house and com­menced breaking and improving, and after having been here one and a half years, he went to North Elkader and brought his fam­ily out. The first wheat crop he raised was very large in propor­tion to the amount sown, but the second season not so good, on account of excessive rains and high water, which continued into July. The settlers were unable to get provisions, and were hard pressed, and if it had not been for the great amount of buckwheat raised, many would have starved, but they ground it in their coffee mills, and subsisted on that until able to get to the trading points. The land Mr. K. now owns is part of the original home-stead, is well fitted and devoted to stock purposes. Mr. K. par­ticipated in the organization of the first school district in the county, it included part of Dresden, New Hampton, Stapleton and Fredericksburg townships, and was called district number one. The school building was of log, and was situated at the cor­ners of the four townships. The first directors were Thomas Wokes, D. R. Cole and Mr. Kroninger. Mr. K. has also been a member of the county board of supervisors for three years, during the war. He was treasurer four years of the school district above mentioned, and in February, '73, when they organized an inde­pendent district he was elected treasurer, which position he has held ever since. He is the pioneer of this township, and is a highly esteemed citizen, as the above facts clearly show. He was married in '42, in Pennsylvania, to Miss Sloanacker, by whom he has two children living, Joseph Henry and Albert Jacob, and three deceased. Joseph and Albert served during the late rebellion, and enlisted from this county.

 

John Annett (retired farmer) born in county Down, Ireland, in 1824. In '31 he came with his parents to America, and settled first in Cornwall, lower Canada, where they were engaged in farm­ing. When he was about sixteen years of age they sold their place and came to the United States, and settled at Fort Coving­ton, Franklin county, N. Y., where he remained with his parents until their death. He enlisted at Malone, Franklin county, N. Y., in the sixtieth New York volunteer infantry, company E, and he remained in the service three years and four months, and received a severe billet wound at the battle of Antitam, on the 17th of September, '62, and still carries the bullet in his body, as a gen­tle reminder of that little unpleasantness. He was discharged on account of his wound, and returned to New York, but he became weary and wanted to get back to the front, so he re-enlisted in the ninety-fifth regiment, and served to the close of the war. He re­ceived his final discharge in June, '65, after being released from the southern prisons, where he had spent six months in Libby, Salsburg and Belle Isle. He was captured within one-half mile of Petersburg, October 1, '64. He returned to New York after the war, and sold his property in the same year, and moved to this county. He purchased a farm two and a half miles north of New Hampton, where he lived until the spring of '83, when he moved to New Hampton, where he owns fine property, and left the farm to be worked by his sons. Was married October 12, '46, in Franklin county, N. Y., to Miss S. Blodgett, and they have four children living, Margaret, Celia, Joseph and Jerome. They have lost nine children.

 

Josephus Straw, farmer, sections 21 and 22, owns 122 acres; was born in Wyandotte county, Ohio, in '26. In '55 he went to Green county, Wis., remaining four years, then in '59 came to Iowa, and settled where he now resides; he had purchased the land in '56. There were very few actual settlers at that time, there being only four buildings in New Hampton, and McGregor was the trading point. The farm is thoroughly improved and stocked. Mr. S. was married in '48, in Ohio, to Elizabeth Stansberry. They have nine children, Sarah Ann, Priscilla, Elizabeth, Liddia, George W. Orelia, James H:, Amanda and Josephus.

 

G. P. Drewelow, farmer, sections 28 and 29, owns 160 acres of land; was born in Prussia, in 1838, and came to America, with his parents, in '57. They came directly west, stopping three months in Dubuque, thence to this county. They first located in Stapleton township, where his father, Frederick William Drewelow, pur­chased 400 acres. In '63 he removed to this township, and pur­chased the land he now tills. He has improved his land thor­oughly and fitted it up for stock purposes. In May '77 he lost his barn and its contents by fire; in September, '81, he also lost his house by fire. Mr. D. was married in '59 in Stapleton township to his cousin, Miss Augusta Drewelow, and their children are Herman, Gustav, Fred, Albert and Mary.

 

John P. Zimmerman (retired) was born in Germany in 1810, and is by occupation a farmer. In '36 he came to the United States, and settled first in the state of New York. and was engaged on railroad work about five years; he then moved to Wisconsin, and entered the hotel and butchering business. After remaining there three years he removed to Fox river, Kane county, Ill., where he remained twelve years, engaged principally in butcher­ing. He then came to Fayette county, Iowa, where he bought land, and farmed for about thirteen years, and then moved to the town of New Hampton in '69, where he has since resided, and purchased property. Was married in '52, in Illinois, to Janie Hien­wold, and they have seven children, Janie, Amelia, Ellie, Henry, Lizzie, George and William.

 

Michael Maloney, farmer, section twenty, owns 220 acres; was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1847. His parents moved to Ocono­mowoc, Wis., in '55, where he resided until '70, when he came to this county, and purchased land and opened up the farm he now owns. It is situated one and a half miles south and one mile east of town, and is thoroughly improved and fitted for stock. He has a herd of over one hundred head of cattle. He parried Mary Ennesy on the 30th of January; 1870, at Oconomowoc, and they have three children, William, Agnes and Francis. Mrs. M. died on the 27th of December, '81.

 

J. U. Mixer , farmer; owns 200 acres, Sec. 18; New Hampton tp.; was born in Ohio, in 1821, and was engaged in the lumber trade, saw mills and farming, until Sep. '49, he went to Wis; when he engaged in farming, and remained until Oct. 1867, then coming to Iowa settling at this place, and purchased the farm, where he has remained ever since. The land is thoroughly improved and is thoroughly fitted as a stock and dairy farm, and is situated within a mile of the center of town. Mr. M. has filled various offices in the various localities of his residence, having been dep; treas. of the co. in Wis. where he re-sided, also dep. sheriff in the same place. He was married in 1847 at Madison Ohio, to Miss Eliza M. Cracker, and their children are, Minnie M., Henry E., Walter C., Eva E. and J, U. Jr.

 

Marcus M. Utley, farmer; owns 135 acres in sec. 8; New Hampton tp. P. O. New Hampton. Mr. Utley was born in Jefferson Co. N. Y. in 1835. In 1855 he moved to Wisconsin, and engaged in farming for four years, then came to this state, and settled in this county, at the place where he now resides. He purchased the land for $6. per acre, and it is now worth $50. per. acre, is within one mile of town, and it is thoroughly improved and well stocked with cattle of fine breeds, and Mambrino Morgan, Grade Norman and Cleveland bay horses; of which he is justly proud. He was married in Feb. 1860, at Kenosha. Wis. to Miss Elizabeth L. Pierce, and their children are, Lyman M. and Ida Belle.

 

James B. Hartson, farmer; owns 120 acres in sec. 33; was born in Susquehanna Co. Penn. 1848,and is the son of L.D. & Elizabeth Hartson. His parents moved to Dodge Co Wis. remaining there four years, then came to Iowa, settling in this Co. located first in Fredericksburg tp. where they remained three years, after which they moved to this tp. His parents removed to Kansas in '79. Mr. H. has filled many offices in the school and district boards, and has been road supervisor several years; is a member of Fredericksburg Lodge No. 333.AF.. A. M. Mr. Hartson was married in Jan. 1875, in this township to Mary Snyder, and has three children Ralph, Mattie and Florence.

 

Capt. J. R. Kenyon, farmer; P. O. New Hampton farm com­prises 300 acres on sections four, New Hampton tp., and 33 Jack­sonville tp. Mr. K. was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England in 1840. He came to the U. S. with his parents in 1842, settling first at New Hartford, Oneida Co., N. Y. When he was seventeen years old he moved west and settled in Walworth Co., Wis. In 1862 he enlisted in the service of the general government and was ap­pointed captain of Co. E, 28th Regt. Wis. Infantry, where he served until the close of the war. He participated in all the battles marches and seiges, in which his regt. had the honor to engage, and was mustered out September 23rd, 1865, at Brownsville Texas. Mr. Kenyon came to Iowa in 1866 and purchased the land on which he now lives. In the spring of 1878, he established a creamery upon his farm, and was the first manufacturer of butter under that system in this Co. he keeps from seventy five to one hundred head of cattle upon his farm, and has a large barn and fine residence. He was married in the fall of 1865 at La Grange, Walworth Co., Wis., to Miss L. E. Houghton, and they have five children, viz; Earle, Maud, Hattie, Houghton & Bessie. Mr. Kenyon is an in­fluential and prominent member of the V. A. S.

 

L. M. Churchill, farmer; owns 80 acres in New Hampton tp. P.O. Lawler; was born in Mich. in 1827. In 1850 he went to Kane Co. Ill., remaining one year then removed to the city of Green Bay, Wis.., engaging in various businesses. In 1871, he came to Iowa, settling on the land he now resides on. He is an influential citizen, and prominent in the affairs of township management, and schools. Mr. Churchill was married in Wis., to Miss R. C. Mapes.

 

 

 

JACKSONVILLE TOWNSHIP

 

Mr. H. Johnson, farmer; owns 120 acres, sec. 11 Jacksonville P.O. Born in Norway in 1837, emigrated to the U. S. in 1860 and lived one year in Wisconsin thence to Iowa and settled where he now resides, and purchased the farm which he has improved and stocked. He was married in 1860 in Norway; to Miss Martha Thompson, They have five children; Herman, Louis, Alva, Annie, and Isabel.

 

C. G. Miller. farmer; owns 200 acres, sec. 34 Jacksonville P.O. is a native of Germany, and came to the U.S. in 1854, and lived in N.Y. about 7 years he is a brick-maker by trade. He then came to Iowa, and settled near Ft. Atkinson in Winnesheik Co. farmed there four years. In 1867 he came to this county and purchased forty acres, where he now resides; having since purchased the rest. The farm is arranged as stock and dairy farm. A fine residence re­cently built, and fine barns adorn this valuable property. He was married in November 1858, at Glascow Ulster county N.Y. to Julia Weiss, they have six children CharlesG. Annie J. William A. George H. Alva Lee and Pearly Viola.

 

C. J. Reilly, farmer, sec. 24 Saude P. O. was born in Canton Mass. in 1846; his parents moved in his childhood to Washington county Wisconsin. In the fall of 1854 they moved to Iowa and settled in Utica township, where Sylvester Reilly his father still resides. In 1878 C. J. moved to his present place of residence, he had previous­ly bought the land; he owns 200 acres mostly improved, and well stocked. He was married in Utica township to Miss Mary F. Gor­man in September 1877.

 

Thos. McCarten (a deceased pioneer of Jacksonville township) was born in county Down, Ireland, in 1813. He came to the United States in '43, and worked on public works near Pittsburgh, Pa., then came to Iowa, settling in Dubuque county, where he resided eight years, being engaged for four years in the lead mines, and then moved onto his farm in that county, remaining four years. In 1856 he sold out, and came to this county, and pur­chased 420 acres on Crane creek,to which he added later 360 acres. He became busily engaged in farming, and thoroughly improved his property, and was one of the most extensive farmers in that township. He was a man of prominence, but avoided public life, but served one term as member of the county board of supervis­ors, and was also justice of the peace several years. He was mar­ried in Ireland, to Margaret Welch, by whom he had six daugh­ters and five sons, namely, Annie, Patrick (deceased), Arthur, Elizabeth, John (deceased), Thomas, Margaret, Mary, Alice, Cath­arine and Joseph. Mr. McCarten died September 6th, '79, at his home in Jacksonville township, at the age of sixty-six years. Mrs. McCarten died at the same place in '69. The farm is conducted by Thos. McCarten Jr., the family still residing at the old homestead.

 

Jeremiah Fitzpatrick, farmer, Jacksonville P. O., owns 300 acres in section eleven, Jacksonville township; was born in county Cork Ireland, in 1813. His father was a farmer and blacksmith with whom Mr. Fitzpatrick served an apprenticeship. In '35 he came to the United States and stopped a short time in Maine, thence to Boston, where he worked at his trade two years; from there he moved to Ohio, and located at Fort Defiance. In 1838 he removed to Illinois, where he worked on the canal. In the fall of '39 he moved to Galena, the following year he made a trip to St. Louis and New Orleans. Shortly afterwards he returned to Boston, where he was married; removing from there to Ohio where he worked on the Great Western railroad two years. In '55 he came to Iowa, and located at the above named place, where he bought 320 acres at government price. The farm is the original homestead, and is under fence and full cultivation. It is well fit­ted for stock and dairy purposes, having a fine herd of high grade Durhams. Mr. F. served as township trustee several years during the early history of the county. He married Catherine Collins, and they have had ten children born to them, seven of whom are living: Jeremiah, Daniel, Patrick, James, Michael, Ellen and Mary.

 

John Davidson, farmer, section 10, P. O. Jacksonville, owns about 400 acres of land; was born in Union county, Penn., in the year 1825, his parents moving to Ohio in '35, and engaged in farm­ing in Portage Co. In '45 the subject of this sketch went to Indi­ana, and settled in LaPorte county, and worked at his trade as carpenter and joiner. In January, '56, he started for Iowa, by team, by way of Fulton City and Lyons, on the Mississippi, and he was on the road eighteen days. He first settled on Crane creek, on section 3, in this township, where he bought forty acres of land, and remained two years. He then purchased land where he now resides. His farm is one of the finest in the county, and the improvements first-class; his large residence being one of the finest and best arranged in the connty; his fine barns, etc., are thoroughly fitted for stock purposes. He has some fine blooded short-horn cattle on his farm. Mr. D. was married in '49 at LaPorte, Indiana, to Miss Lucas, and they have five children living, whose names are, James H., Wm. E., John, Charles A. and Amanda Mabel; they have lost four, George F., Ulysses S., Alfred Jerome and Mary M.

 

Peleg Sherman, farmer, P. O. New Hampton, owns 240 acres of land in sections 19 and 20, sixteen acres of timber in section 36, and two acres of timber in Washington township. The subject of this sketch was born in Lake county, Illinois, in 1840. In '56 his parents came to Iowa, and settled in Chickasaw county, locating in Washington township. Shortly after his arrival here he enter­ed a claim of 120 acres from the government, and was among the earliest settlers of that township. In '56 the subject of this sketch moved to his present place of residence, which he had previously purchased. The farm is thoroughly improved and fitted for stock purposes, with every convenience for the same. Mr. S. was married in April '65, at Waucoma, Fayette county, Iowa, to Julia A. Finch, and their children are, Ellsworth P. and Zora E.

 

Thomas McAloon, farmer, P. O. New Hampton, owns 840 acres in Jacksonville township, and ten acres in New Hampton town-ship. He was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1826, and came to America in '44, stopping in New York until the spring of '45, when he removed to Lowell, Mass., and worked in the facto­ries in that city, and also at Lawrence, Mass., for several years. In April, '56, he came to Iowa, and settled in this township. He now owns all the above described land, and operates it all himself with the aid of his sons, he is about the most extensive farmer in the township, and pays considerable attention to the raising of pure stock; he has a herd of about 100 cattle, among which are Holsteins and Durhams; about eighteen head of horses are kept on the farm. He has erected on his place one of the largest barns in the county, it is 34x100 feet, and thoroughly fitted with every convenience. A fine residence adorns his valuable homestead. He was married in '57 at Lawrence, Mass., to Mary Egan, and their children are, Peter, John, Terence, James, Isabella and Mary E.; they have lost one daughter, Ellen.

 

Seth Martin, postmaster, Jacksonville, also real estate, insur­ance agent and notary public. Mr. Martin was born in Gainsborough, Lancashire, Eng., in 1819; he was engaged for eleven years in the Chatham dock yards, in the royal naval service. In '51 he emigrated to the United States, and settled in Sturgis coun­ty, Mich,, and was in the employ of the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana railroad company, for about six years; in '56 he migrated to Iowa, and located in Chickasaw county, and stuck stakes in Jacksonville township, on section 4, and purchased 160 acres of the government. In '61 he enlisted in company H, fourth Iowa cavalry, and was among the first to volunteer; he was first appointed bugler of the company, and in '62 he was promoted to the position of quarter-master sergeant, which position he held un­til after the fall of Vicksburg, in '63, when he was discharged, by virtue of a re-enlistment as a veteran, he was again appointed to the position of quarter-master sergeant; he was recommended for promotion in December, '64, and received a commission as first lieutenant and commissary of subsistance, while at Grayville, Ala. He was mustered out of service and honorably discharged at Atlanta, Aa., and finally paid off at Davenport, Iowa, in August '65. Mr. M. received injuries during service for which he received a pension. He returned to Chickasaw county, and soon after sold his farm, and purchased land in Utica township, where he still owns 180 acres of land, which is all improved, and is conducted by his son, John A. Martin. In April, '82, he received a commis­sion as postmaster, at this place, and removed to they village, where he has since resided; he also holds a commission as notary pub­lic, and has established a good real estate business. Mr. M. is a prominent citizen, and well known throughout the entire county. He is a staunch republican, and an energetic and strong worker in the conventions. Mr. M. is a member of J. V. Carpenter post, G. A. R., No. 104, Fredericksburg, Iowa. He was married in Eng­land in 46, to Miss Annie Everatt. The subject of this sketch has filled the position of head turnkey and schoolmaster of the jail at Kerton Lindsey, Lincolnshire , Eng., for six years. Mrs. M. was matron of the same institution for several years, and as they could-not marry and retain their position, they resigned their lucrative situations, to enable them to marry; their children are Louisa R., Mary J., John A. and Charles S.

 

Adolphus Anderson, farmer, P. O. Jacksonville; was born in 1852 in McHenry county, Ills., his father, Charles Anderson, being one of the earliest settlers of that county, and who lost his life dur­ing the late war, while serving in the ninety-fifth Illinois infantry, at Nashville, Tenn. Adolphus came to Iowa in April, 1880, and set­tled at this place, where he operates a farm of440 acres. He was married in January, 1871, in Illinois, to Miss Maria Reid, and their children are Edward A., Annie E., Delbert C., Cora M., George W. and Robert W.

 

T. Donavin, farmer, P. O. Jacksonville, owns 180 acres of farm land in Jacksonville township, ten acres of timber land in the same township. Mr. D. was born in county Cork, Ireland, in 1822 When eighteen years old he came to the United States and was engaged at railroading, in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, seve­ral years. In '58 he came to Iowa, and settled in this township, and purchased twenty acres, since which time he has added the rest, as he became able. He was one of the earliest settlers, and has grown up with the county, and has accumulated a nice property, in the shape of a valuable farm fitted thoroughly for a general farming and stock business. Was married in '53, in Massa­chusetts, to Abbie Harrington, and they have five children — Tim­othy, Daniel, Catherine, Mary and Nora.

 

H. H. Shaffer (deceased), late of Jacksonville township, was born in Butler county, Penn, 1824, and came to Iowa in '53, up to which time he had been engaged in farming and school teach­ing. In March of this year he went to Scott county, and in the September following moved to Winnesheik county, where he re­mained one year, and then removed to this county, and settled on a claim that he had already located, in Jacksonville township. He was the first settler to make any improvements, and open a farm in that vicinity. Mr. S. originally owned 640 acres, but part has been sold, and the farm now consists of about 320 acres. He has filled the office of county surveyor several years, and was also justice of the peace, for several years; besides having filled many other offices. He was a man universally respected, and one of the pioneers of the county. He died on November 23, 1882, aged fifty-eight years, leaving his widow Mrs. Sarah Shaffer (nee Albert) to whom he was married just before leaving Pennsylvania, in '53; their children are, N. Ellen, Mary C., Sarah J., William G. and Alvah H.; one son, John Cassius, died in '56. The farm is conducted by Mrs. Shaffer, and her son W. G., and is one of the best in the township, being thoroughly adapted for all purposes.

 

Edson Sewell, farmer, owns 210 acres of land in section 15. P. O. Jacksonville, was born in Boone county, Ills., in 1852, his father, Isaac Sewell, being a pioneer of that county. Edson resided with his parents until February,1874, when he came to Iowa, settling in this township, he purchased eighty acres at that time, and has since added the rest, which is all improved, and constitutes one of the finest stock farms in the township, being peculiarly well fitted for that purpose. He was married in the fall of 1874, to Miss Nancy Ellen Shaffer, they have living one child, Alice Edna, and have lost one son, Frank Everett, who died April 12, 1883,aged one year and twelve days, Mr. Sewell has filled the office of township trustee four years.

 

M. Casey, Sr., farmer, section 18, P. O. New Hampton, is a na­tive of county Tipperary, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1850. He came to Iowa in '64, having lived the intervening years in New York, Vermont, Canada and about six years in Wisconsin. Mr. C. had preempted eighty acres of land here pre­vious to settling, and has since purchased 162 acres more; the land is all well improved, and fitted as a stock farm, and an average of about forty head of cattle being kept on the farm, and six head of horses. M. Casey, Jr. owns 160 acres of the above land, and manages the whole farm. Mr. Casey, Sr., has filled many offices of trust, since his residence here, and is an old settler, greatly re­spected by all. Was married to Miss Dee, by whom he has five children, John, James, Michael, Margaret and Mary.

 

W. E. Hurd, farmer, P. O. New Hampton, owns 173 acres in section 33, this township; was born in Ontario county, N. Y., in June, 1843, he was raised on a farm, and received his education in the public schools, and at the seminary, at Fulton, N. Y., which place he was attending, when at the call for troops he en-listed, in August, '62, in 111th New York volunteer infantry, com­pany B. He was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, in September '62, paroled, and finally exchanged during the following winter; he was placed on detailed service at the Marine Hospital, at Chi­cago, and finally discharged on account of ill health and physical disability the following spring. He returned to New York, and in '65, after re-cuperating, he came to Iowa, settling in New Hamp­ton township, where he purchased land, and improved the same. In the summer of '74 he sold out and moved to this township, and purchased the farm he now owns. The land is rolling and well watered, and thoroughly adapted for stock and dairy farm, for which he has fitted it. Mr. H. has filled the office of township trustee in New Hampton township, several terms, and justice of the peace three years in this township. Was married in the winter of '64 in New York, to Rachel Lamb, and their children are, Eugene C., Clara L., Charles A., Minnie M., Hattie, Willie and Clarence.

 

J. B. Stebbins, farmer, section 18, P. O. New Hampton, was born at Long Meadow, Hampton county, Mass., May 11 '40. In '61 he removed to Will county, Ills., where he purchased land, and lived ten years. In June, 1871, he came to Stapleton township, in this county, and entered eighty acres of government land, which had been overlooked. He owned this land until October, 1874, when he sold out, and purchased the property he now owns, which is fine prairie land, well improved, and well adapted for stock purposes.

 

James Ure. farmer, section 30, P. O. New Hampton, was born in Falkirk, Scotland in 1826. His parents came to the United States in '31, and settled in New Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y. and he was for several years engaged in a cotton manufactory. In the fall of '60 he removed to Dane county, Wis., where he farmed for about eight years, when he came to Iowa, settling in this county and pur­chasing the 255 acres he now owns. The land was partly improved and is now thoroughly so, well stocked with cattle of high grade, and good teams. Mr. Ure was married in '55, to Annie Kenyon, at New Hartford, N. Y. and the children of this union are Charles, Susie, Elmer and Samuel.

 

Frederick Markle, farmer, section 10, P. O. Jacksonville, owns 520 acres of land; was born on August 25, 1841, in Wurtemburg, Germany, at the age of eleven years, he was left an orphan, by the death of his mother, his father having died five years before. When fourteen years old he came with a sister to the United States, a brother who had come some years previous, providing the passage money. He first worked in Herkimer county, N. Y., where he remained five years. At the breaking out of the rebel-lion, being twenty years of age, he enlisted in the second New York, heavy artillery; in '63 he re-enlisted in the same regiment, and served with it until January, '65, when he received appoint­ment from the president, to the first lieutenancy of the twelfth United States colored heavy artillery. During service he partici­pated at the battles of Cold Harbor, second B Ill Run, Petersburg, etc. He was mustered out and discharged April, '66, at Louis­ville, Ky., after service of four and a half years, having received a severe wound during the service, he now receives a pension from the government. After his discharge he came to Iowa, on a visit, and liking the country, he bought land in this township, and has resided here since. He is located on Crane creek, and is exten­sively engaged in farming and stock raising; his farm is beauti­fully located and well equipped, using three work teams, and em­ploying two hands; extensive barns and other necessary buildings adorn the model farm. Mr. M. is president of the Chickasaw county agricultural society, and has filled various offices in the township. Was married in '66,at New Hampton, to Alcena M. Abbott, daughter of E. C. Abbott, one of the pioneers of Utica town-ship; they have four children living, Izetta A., Albert F., Effie A, and Grant E., and Iowa A., died in infancy.

 

R. B. Schoonover, farmer, section 20, P. O. New Hampton, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1822. He came to Iowa in 1849, settling first in Dubuque county, where he farmed for six years. He then removed to this county and purchased 160 acres of land in this township, of which the land he now owns is a part. Mr. S. is a graduate of Westerville college, Westerville, Ohio, and was engaged in the field of education for several years, in that state. He has filled the office of trustee of this township several years. He was married in '49, in Ohio, to Rebecca Urie, their children are Jennie, Perry, Samuel, Emma, Minnie, Charley and Effie and Eva, twins.

 

William Johnston, farmer, section 28, P. O. New Hampton; was born in Indiana county, Pa., in 1829. In '48 he removed to Kit­taning, Armstrong county, Pa., where he learned the trade of car­penter. In '51 he married Hannah Willard, of that place. In '56 he immigrated to Dunleith, Ill,, and in the same year he came to this county. In '58 he located at New Hampton and worked at his trade of carpenter. In '58-9 he built the New Hampton house. In '62 he enlisted under Capt. H. A. Tinkham, in company C, thirty-eight Iowa volunteer infantry, which in '64 was consolidat­ed with the thirty-fourth regiment. He was mustered out of the service at Houston, Tex., and discharged at Davenport, Iowa; he returned to New Hampton in '66, and built the Central house for David Pepper. In the same year he purchased the property of D. Shook, and opened a grocery and restaurant. In '71 he purchas­ed the southwest quarter of section 28, in Jacksonville township, of Daniel Young, where he now resides, doing a farm and stock business. The children of Mr. and Mrs. J. are Sarah A., Robert S., Alonzo W., James A., William L., Purlie L., Mary E. and Sam­uel Edgar.

 

R. H. Mills, farmer, section 21, P. O, New Hampton, was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland, in '34. In 1855 he came to the United States, and settling in Chickasaw county, in company with his brother, entered 160 acres of government land. In '61 he en-listed in company B, seventh Iowa volunteer infantry, at New Hampton, and served two years and two months, being discharged in '64, at Nashville, Tenn. After the war he returned to Chickasaw county, and has continued farming ever since, and has interested himself in raising fine horses, having on his farm nine head, among which are half-blood English draft and Morgans, Mr. Mills was married in '67, in this connty, to Emma E. Davis, their children are, J. Erwin, Lewis E., Maude, John D., May, Hattie and Willie.

 

Joseph Sewell, farmer, section 15, P. O. Jacksonville, owns 174 acres, was born in Boone county, Ill., in 1840, and was raised on a farm. On August 13, 1862, he enlisted in that county, in com­pany K, ninety-fifth Illinois volunteer infantry, and serving three years, was mustered out and discharged at Springfield, Ill., in '65. He returned to Boone county, where he remained until the spring of '67, when he removed to this state, settling in this township. In the spring of '74 he purchased the land he now owns and which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He was married in '66, in Illinois, to Levancha Smith, and they have three children living, William I., Fred B. and Myrtie, one child, Elizabeth, died March 13, '76, aged eleven months.

 

T. E. Mills, farmer, section 22, P. O. New Hampton; was born in '41, in county Fermanagh, Ireland, learned the trade of brick mason and that also of ship builder. He came to the United States, in '57, and settled first in Carroll county, Ill., where he resided two years, then moved to Jackson county, Iowa, where he lived two years, engaging in farming. From there he came to Chickasaw county. In the fall of '62 he enlisted in company C, thirty-eighth Iowa infantry, and served three years; was discharg­ed August, '65, at Houston, Texas. After returning he purchased the eighty acres of land that he now owns. The raising of fine horses he makes a specialty and has some excellent specimens of the Morgan and Lexington breeds. Mr. M. has filled the office of justice of the peace for three years. He was married in '78 at Jacksonville, to Ellen L. McGoon, and they have six children, Viola J., Emma J., Edna, Guy, Bertie and Clyde.

 

Francis Dane, farmer, section 35, P. O. Jacksonville, owns 760 acres; was born in Derby, Orleans, county, Vermont, in 1828; he received a common school education, and resided there until twen­ty-seven years of age, and in the meanwhile had learned the car­penter trade. In the winter of '53 he was married to Jane Crane, of the same place, and in the following winter he came to Iowa, to select a home, he selected a claim where he now resides, and en­tered it at the land office in Dubuque, then went to work cutting logs, and prepared for building, he returned to Vermont, and in the spring of '55 he returned with his young wife, leaving all the com­forts of the east to battle with life on the frontier; there were only two other settlers on the east side of Crane creek, where he locat­ed. They moved into their log house before windows or doors were put in, and they experienced many hardships, but also relate many amusing incidents of their experience. Their first team were oxen; after two years they had a team of horses, which they kept for many years, and were known all along the road to McGregor as Tom and Jerry. Good neighbors soon settled near, and for many years they enjoyed the society of eastern people, but the heavy Norwegian immigration set in and has taken their :place, and now Mr. Dane is about the only American in the neighborhood. The subject of this sketch has served on the board of su­pervisors for several years, and has always taken a lively interest in county affairs. He conducts the home farm of 400 acres, him-self; and has it well stocked, with a herd of over 100 head of cat­tle, fourteen head of horses, and uses four teams. The other land is rented. The fine residence is beautifully located on section 35, in a pleasant grove which affords a splendid protectton from the winds; fine orchards and gardens, add to the pleasure of the home. Mr. and Mrs. Dane have two children, Harry Hinman and Lydia Elizabeth.

 

Dennis Collins, farmer, section 6, Jacksonville township, P. O. New Hampton, was born in Franklin county, N. Y., in 1838; in his childhood his parents moved to Dubuque county, Iowa, where they resided several years. The subject of this sketch moved to Clayton county, living there a short time, and then moving to Winnesheik county, and finally came to this county and purchas­ed the 134 acres of land on which he now resides, which is thor­oughly improved and well fitted for all farming purposes. Was married in December, '66, at Howard county, Iowa, to Margaret Fitzgerald, and has seven children, John, Nellie, Loretta, Dionetius William, Mary and George.

 

Christian Kirschinamu, farmer, section 34, P. O. Jacksonville, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, he came to the United States in 1854, and settled in Utica township, in this county, he purchas­ed eighty acres of land, on the Little Turkey, in Utica township, at government price, and remained there about twelve years, then sold out and purchased the 100 acres he now owns. Was mar­ried in Germany, in '52, to Charlotte Weaver, and their children are Sophia, Barbara, Bettie, Charlotte, Mary, Lizzie, Chris. Jr., John and William.

 

Andrew A. Gordon, farmer, P. O. New Hampton, owns 160 acres, was born in Norway in 1827, and was a laborer by occupation. He came to America in 1859, and settled in Dane county, Wis., and purchased land there and remained until about '67, when he came to Iowa, and settled in this county purchasing the land now owned by him, which is now thoroughly improved. He was married in '55, to Carrie Jensen, and their children are Carrie A. and John A.

 

William Barrett, farmer, section 34, P. O. Jacksonville, was born in 1825, in county Cork, Ireland. In '50 he came to uhe United States, and lived in Maine four years, and learned the printer's trade. In '54 he came to Iowa, and took up a claim of 120 acres where he now resides, being one of the pioneers. He was married in '54, at Old Mission, Winnesheik county, Iowa, to Jane Scanlan and their children are, Edward, Kate, Mary, John and Charles.

 

 

STAPLETON TOWNSHIP

 

E. W. Davis, farmer, owns over 800 acres of land in this coun­ty; was born in Suffolk county, N. Y., in 1828. His parents moved in his early childhood to Ohio, where he remained eighteen years, then went to Wisconsin and remained five years, engaging in teaching school and farming. In '55 he came to this county and entered a large tract of land (about 2,000 acres) from the gov­ernment, and did good business in improving, selecting claims and locating for others; was also county surveyor several years. Was a member of the county board of supervisors from Stapleton township in '61, which was the first board elected in the county. He has been a successful farmer and business man, having started with very limited capital. The magnificent residence on the home is the finest farm house in the county, and his barns and other improvements correspond. The homestead is fitted up as a stock and dairy farm; using the milk of twenty-five cows for the latter. The cattle are of a high grade. and his horses about half-blood Normans. From two to four men are employed on the farm dur­ing the year. Was married in December, '56, at Lake county, Ohio, to Caroline Randall, and their children are John J., Carrie M., Jennie G. and Nellie E.; all born on this farm. J. J. is a citizen of North Washington township; Carrie M. is a graduate of the Osage Seminary, graduating in '79. The younger girls also attend the same school. Mr. D. is a staunch Republican in poli­tics.

 

P. H. Kennedy, blacksmith and dealer in agricultural imple­ments, Lawler, Iowa, was born Roscommon county, Ireland, in '47, and came to the United States, when but one year old, with an aunt, his father and mother having sailed for this country some little time previous. The family settled in the state of New Jersey, and remained there for about ten years, when they emigrated to the great west, locating in Chickasaw county, where they have since remained. In 1864, the subject of this notice, commenced to learn the trade of a blacksmith, at Decorah, with Greer and Thomas, with whom he remained two years and a half, leaving them, to work for Mr. Marsh, where he stayed until '72, when he set up a forge for himself at Forest City, but only remained there about a year, when he moved with his family to Lawler, where he has made a residence ever since. He was married in '72, to Mrs. Mary T. Smith, a native of Pennylvania, who had a daughter by a former marri­age, but who has since been adopted by Mr. Kennedy, her name is Anna May. Mr. K, has considerable political importance. hav­ing been a member of the council of the town of Lawler.

 

William Lawrence, harness maker, Lawler, was born in the state of Maryland, in the year 1845, and is the second son of Alexander and Mary Lawrence. When he was but one year old his parents emigrated to the west, stopping on their way, for one year, in the state of Ohio, and then moving on with all their belongings, to the state of Iowa. Locating, temporally, in Clayton county, they after a short stay of one year, removed from thence to Old Mission, Winnesheik county, but after a residence of three years in that place, removed to Fayette county. After three years spent in that local­ity, they moved to Jackson township, Winnesheik county, where they still reside. When Mr. Lawrence was twenty years of age, he commenced to learn his trade of harness making, at Decorah, and after thoroughly mastering it, opened a place of business for himself, at Waucoma. In 1869, seeing a fine opening in the new town of Lawler, he availed himself of it, and has since prospered as he deserved. He was, in '68, united in marriage to Pauline Woodruff, a native of Michigan, and they have three children, M. L., Ellen and Cory. Mr. L. has been largely identified with the interests of Lawler, having been elected Mayor twice, and has been a mem­ber of the town council several times, and treasurer of the school board.

 

R. F. Hedrick, station agent C. M. and St. P. R.R., Lawler, was born in Ogle county, Ill., May 12, 1845, and was the second son of Alexander and Anna Hedrick. In 1863, he enlisted, as a private in the fourth Illinois Cavalry regiment. The greater portion of his time while identified with the army of the Mississippi, he was on detached service, at Natchez, Miss., but accompanied Genl. Grierson on his raid from Memphis to Vicksburg, receiving a wound in the right leg, while making a charge at the battle of Egypt, Miss., and was mustered out of the service, at Memphis, Tenn, February, 1865. Returning to Illinois, he made that state his home until 1866, when he removed to Mason City, this state, where he was engaged in the express and transfer business. In 1875, commenced working for the railroad company, as baggage-master and clerk at Mason City. Took the agency of the railroad and U. S. Express, at Lawler, December 4, 1876, where he has since resided. He was married in 1868, to Jennie D. Lawson, of Ogle county, Ill., and they have four children, Frank R., Amy J. Hugh D. and has been a member of the town council and president of the school board.

 

Anthony A. Bollinger, P. O. and residence Lawler, was born in 1844, in the state of Indiana, and is the eldest son of Henry and Elizabeth Bollinger, When he was about five years of age he left Indiana, with his parents, going to Cincinnatti, Ohio, where they remained two years. From thence they all removed West, settling at Twin Springs, Winnesheik county, in this state. Here he re­mained until he was about nineteen years old, when he spent two years traveling through the eastern states, coming back, however, to this western world, locating at Ossian, Iowa, where he remained some three years, removing from thence to Lawler, where he has continued to reside since. In 1866, he was united in marriage with Mary J. Hanlon, a native of Penna. They have six children, Mary E., Henry J., William D., John A. and Anna M. Mr. Boll­inger is interested in real estate, and has, at different times, been extensively engaged in the patent right business.

 

E. H. Blackett, merchant, Lawler, one of the rising young men of northeastern Iowa; was born in the city of New York, Decem­ber 28, 1854, being the eldest son of H. S. and Mary J. Blackett. His parents moved west in '59, and located at Baraboo, Sauk coun­ty, Wis., residing there some six years. The subject of our sketch received excellent advantages in early schooling, at the then well known and popular Baraboo collegiate institute. Early in '66 Mr. H. S. Blackett moved his family to Iowa, locating at Clermont, in Fayette county. Young E. H. being placed at once in a private academy, under Prof. T. S. Wood. There he lived until '70, when his father removed to Lawler. It was in this place E. H. Blackett commenced that practical training so marked at the present time, his father taking him in as clerk in his gene­ral merchandise store. For twelve years he remained with his — being a mere lad of fifteen at the commencement — with but a crude knowledge of business. But terminating the connection with his father during the winter of 1881-2, at the age of twenty-seven, with an experience and capacity that might be fitting to a much older head, as buyer, salesman and general business mana­ger. Mr. Blackett's intentions were to go west; to enter into trade in one of the thousand new homes; but after some sensible thought in that direction, wisely concluded that Lawler was as good, if not a better place, for him to continue business, so early in February, '82, he founded the Lawler cash house. His trade has grown with wonderful rapidity, and although still in its infancy, his store is regarded as headquarters for his four grand specialties: clothing, foot-gear, head-wear and staple and fancy groceries. Mr. B. was married in his twenty-sixth year, to Lena Drebelow, and has two children, Willie H. and Mary Estelle.

 

Michael Martin, dealer in groceries and provisions; Lawler, Iowa, was born in Ireland, in 1829, and is the eldest son of Edward and Catherine Martin. When he was twenty-two years of age, in '51 he emigrated to America, locating for three or four years at Cincin­nati, Ohio, removing from thence he came to this state, settling in Clayton county, in 1855. Here he remained until 1873, when he removed to Lawler, engaging in the grocery and provision trade and has remained there ever since. Notwithstanding his loss by the fires, that have devastated the town, he is considered, by all, to be financially sound. He was married in 1858, to Bridget Boughana, a native also of the "Emerald isle" and they have six children, Katie, Edward, Lizzie, Mary A., Joseph and John. Mr. Martin has been identified with the educational system of his adopted home, having been a member of the school board, and is one of Lawler's most influential citizens.

 

James Curran, merchant, Lawler, was born in Jackson county, Iowa, in the year 1856, and is the only son of Patrick and Cather­ine Curran. When about nineteen years of age, he removed to In-dependence and remaining there but eighteen months, came to Lawler, in 1877, and engaged in the mercantile trade. Mr. C. has been one of the sufferers by the conflagration that desolated that charming town, in '81, but has since recovered his losses, and is one of the most respected citizens of Lawler.

 

John McNevin, residence and P. O. Lawler, was born in Penn­sylvania, in 1844, and is the third son of James and Ann McNevin, who came to America from Ireland, in '34; when John was four years of age his parents came west and settled in Burlington, this state, and remained there five years, and from that place moved to Houston county, Minn., where they resided until '64, when his father died. Mr. McNevin then moved to Louisiana, then to Ar­kansas, and spent the winter of '65, at Red Forks. The following spring he started for the mines of of Montana, where he stayed two years. He crossed the Rocky mountains into Utah, and re­mained seven months, and removed from thence to Chicago, Ill., and thence went to Decorah, and engaged in buying grain. Also spent one year in Fayette, Fayette county, where he kept a gene­ral stock of merchandise. In '78 he came to Lawler and has been a resident of this place since. Was married in '70 to Mary A. Lannon, a native of Dubuque. He was elected mayor of Lawler in March, '83.

 

A. S. Frink was born in Washington county, Vt., in 1858 and is the eldest son of S. G. and H. A. Frink. Coming to Iowa in '64, and settled at McGregor, and in '67 removed to a farm in Allama­kee county, where he remained until '70, when he removed to Kos­suth county. At the end of one year he returned to McGregor, attended school there and graduated from the high school at that place in the class of '76. He at once entered the employ of W. and J. Flemming, lumber dealers. After filling with credit several subordinate positions he was, in '78, placed in charge of their branch yard at Lawler. Was married in '81 to Miss M. A. Taylor a resident of Stapleton township, and has one son, Arthur H., born April 7, '82. Mr. F. was elected recorder in March, '82, and re-elected in March, '83.

 

A. P. Johnson, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes, was born in Sweden in 1849, and came to America at the age of twenty one, and stopped temporarily in Will county, Ill., from there he removed to Lansing, this state. After a brief stay he moved to Fort Dodge, where he remained two years; from there he went to Dubuque and remained four years. Then removed to Lawler, and has since resided there. Was married in '75, to Wilhelmina E. Bechtel, a native of Iowa; and they have two children, Henry Oscar Adolph and Leander August.

 

W. E. Wisner, proprietor of the American hotel, Lawler, was born in the state of Illinois, in the year 1841, and is the third son of Stephen D. and Anna S. Wisner. He lived with his parents in Lake county, Ill., until '61, although not born in that county, having been taken there when but one year old. He enlisted in '61, in the fifty-second Illinois infantry regiment of volunteers, commanded by Lieut. Col. Wilcox, and spent the winter of '61–2 in Missouri. Col. T. W. Sweeny then and there taking command of the regiment, holding the same for some eight months. Mr. W. participated with his regiment in that "baptism of fire," at Ft. Donelson, and after the engagement was detailed to guard prison­ers, until he rejoined his regiment for the expedition up the Tennessee river, and took part in the battle of Shiloh; and the advance to the seige of Corinth, spending some time in Tennessee. In the spring of '64 he was at the seige of Atlanta, and after the fall of that place, was among those heroes ordered to Rowe, Ga., and after Hood had concentrated his forces, helped repell the invader, at Allatona pass. Was with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea and was honorably discharged at Chicago in '65, with the rank of sergent. After his mustering out of the United States service, he went to Ohio, and remained there seven years, going from thence to Crawford county, ill, where he made another stay of ten years. Removing from thence to St. Louis he remained in that city but about one year, when he visited the old homestead, and other parts of Illinois. In '82, he came to Iowa, and on the

20th day of August, of that year, took possession of the American hotel, where he remains, the ever genial host, ready to attend to the wants of his numerous patrons. Mr. W. has two children Anna May and Roy E., the latter one of the brightest boys in the vicinity.

 

H. J. Ditmars, proprietor of the Lawler livery and feed stable, was born in the state of New York in 1848, and is the only son of J. V. and C. R. Ditmars. When he was nine years of age, he with his parents removed to Ft. Atkinson, Winnesheik county, and lived there till '78, when he removed to Lawler, and has been a resident of that place ever since. Mr. D. commenced farming when he was eighteen years of age and farmed for six years, but in '72 went into the livery business at Ft. Atkinson, and has con­tinued in that business ever since. Was married in '70 to Mary J. Lawrence, a native of New York state, and had two children, Ada M. and H. J. Jr., both of which have died. Mr. D. lost his wife in '74, but was married the second time in '77, to M. A. Neas, a native of Michigan, they have one child, a daughter, Mary. Mr. D. has held the offices of constable and school director several terms.

 

Christopher Springer, boot and shoe maker, Lawler. The sub­ject of this sketch was born in Germany in 1835, and is the sec­ond son of George and Anna Springer. When he was eighteen years old he immigrated to America and located in the city of New York, where he remained about two years and a half, removing from thence to Bellville, Ill. Here he remained but a short time, about nine months, moving to this state. He spent about seven years here working at his trade. About half of this time was spent at Adaville and Sheridan. Still feeling dissatis­fied he returned to the state of Illinois, where he stayed for five years. He then removed to Prairie du Chien where he remained until '71, when he immigrated to Lawler, where he has since resided, being identified with the town in a mercantile and official capacity, having been a member of the town council some four years, and of the school board three years. He was married in '59 to Rosan Konance, a native of Germany, and they have eight children, Amanda, Kate, Anthony, Mary, George, William, Christo­pher and Joseph.

 

John Fitzsimmons, Lawler, was born in Ireland, in the year 1834, and is the eldest son of James and Bridget Fitzsimmons. In company with his parents he immigrated to the United States in '47, and settled in Jo Daviess county, Ill., where he stayed but two years, removing from thence to Clermont, Fayette county. Here he remained until '71, being engaged in farming, a business in which he merited and met with great success. In the latter year he removed to Lawler and engaged, along with his partner, Mr. M. Martin, in the grocery and provision business. Here he has re­mained ever since, and is at present carrying a full line of drugs, medicine, etc. Was married to Eliza Boughen, a native of Ireland in the year '60, and has, as the fruits of the union, six children, Melda A., Estella, Edward A., Ida, Georgena T. and John W. While residing in Fayette county Mr. F. held the office of justice of the peace for several years.

 

P. T. Kennedy, farmer, owns 155 acres of land in Stapleton township, which is valued at $40 per acre. He was born in Ireland in 1840, and is the eldest son of Stephen and Margaret Ken­nedy, who immigrated to America when the subject of this sketch was but two years old. They first settled in the state of New Jersey, where they remained some eight years. In '56 he remov­ed with his parents to Chickasaw county, where he has since con­tinued to reside. In '67 he was united in the holy bonds of mat­rimony to Lettie Streeter, a native of the state of New York, and they have a family of four children, Matilda, Mary E., Patrick and Martha A. Mr. K. is at presant a member of the school board.

 

D. S. Lovejoy, druggist, Lawler, Chickasaw county, Iowa, was born in 1842.

 

J. Z. Gardiner, farmer, P. O. Lawler, owns eighty acres of land which is valued at $25 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born in the dominion of Canada, in the year 1849, and is the third

son of John and Jane Gardiner. Leaving his native place when but sixteen years of age he located in Delaware county, this state, where he remained until '75, when he removed to Chickasaw county, where he has resided ever since In '70 he was united in marriage to Mary J. Ede, also a native of Canada, and they have been blessed with two children. Albertie M. and Pearl S. Mrs. G. has been since childhood, a prominent member of the Methodist, Episcopal church, and is a consistent follower of that faith. Mr. G. has quite a local reputation as a teacher of the art or science of singing, and has been very successful in the culture of the voices of his many pupils.

 

John L. Shepherd, M. D., P. O. and residence Lawler, Chicka­saw county, Iowa.

 

 

 

CHICKASAW TOWNSHIP

 

Earl G. Miller, farmer, section 18, owns eighty acres of land, about forty acres of which are under cultivation. Mr. Miller was born Delaware county, N. Y., in 1816, and in '55 he came west and located on his present place, in Chickasaw county, where he has since been engaged in farming. He has served as school director ten years or more, and is a promoter of education in every way, and has given his family the best of educational advantages, and the result is that five members of the household are now engaged in "teaching the young idea how to shoot;" something which perhaps could not be said of another citizen in the county. In politics Mr. Miller figures with the democratic party. He was united in matrimony to Jane Hawley, a native of New York state, and the result of that union is a family of eleven children, Nary E., E. G. Jr., Isaac L., Martha, Theda A., Emma, Putnam G., Pol­ly, Edith, Seth H., Elsie (deceased) and Burton. E. G. Jr., serv­ed in the army in the thirty-eighth Iowa infantry, and was hon­orably discharged at the expiration of his term.

 

Andrew J. Bray, farmer, section 20, owns forty acres; was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1844, and in '56 he came west with his parents to the "land of the free," and located in Deerfield township, in Chickasaw county, where he remained some time when he moved to the above place in Chickasaw township. He served his country during the great rebellion for four long years, two years as a veteran, and the remainder of the time in company H, 4th Iowa cavalry, and was honorably discharged at Atlanta, Ga., and mustered out at Davenport, Iowa. He was united in mar­riage to Hannah Miller, a native of this county, and they have five children, Mary, Clarence, Guy, Charley and Dee.

 

J. L. Frazee, farmer, section 5, owns 250 acres valued at $25 per acre; was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., September 13, 1803. He removed to Perry county, Ohio, where he resided for a term of years, thence moved to Clinton county, Ind. In '51 he removed to the "Hawkeye state" and ou the 27th of October, '52 he located in Chickasaw county on his present place of residence, which is a finely cultivated and improved farm, situated about three-quarters of a mile north of the village of Bassett. He is one of the pio­neers of this section, and at the time of his settlement in this coun­ty, is nearest grain market was McGregor, where a trip with his oxen would occupy from six to fourteen days time. In politics he takes no active part, and, although having been honored several times by the election to different offices, he always failed to quali­fy for the positions. On the 26th of March, '82 he was united in marriage to Susanna Harris, a native of Ohio, and they have four children, two sons and two daughters — Benjamin, John, Nancy J. and Elizabeth.

 

J. H. Van Tassel, farmer, owns 140 acres of improved land in sections 21 and 16, in Chickasaw township. He was born in the state of New York in 1833, where he received his early education. In '55 he came to the boundless prairies of the west to build him a home, and settled in North Washington township, where he re­mained until '68, when he removed to Chickasaw township, and engaged in the lumber traffic, for four years, when he entered the mercantile business for a period of five years, after which he engaged in farming. His farm is under a fine state of cultivation and Mr. V. is one of the exemplary farmers of this section. He has served as county supervisor two terms, and also as justice of the peace and town clerk, and is now (1883) present incumbent of the latter office. He married Mary Clark, a native of New York, and they have two children living, Sidney C. and Leon Ray. They also have an adopted daughter named Ettie Dickinson, and have buried one son — Rollin.

 

Forbes Brothers, managers Chickasaw flouring mill. The mill is one of the best in the northwest, having five run of buhrs and three sets of rollers, with a capacity of one hundred barrels every twenty-four hours. William Forbes was born in Canada, in 1855. He came to Chickasaw county, with his parents, in '56, and has lived here continuously since that time. He learned the milling trade with his father, who is owner of the mill and is a practical miller. In 1881, he, in company with his brother, J. C., took entire charge and they have run it since that time under the above name and style. Mr. Forbes has held the office of town clerk and executed the duties of the same creditably to himself and friends. He married Ruany C. Butler, of the Empire state, and they have three children, namely: Helen M., Meda and Archie.

 

J. F. Cunningham, postmaster and notary public, Ionia. Also carries a full and complete line of groceries, canned goods, flour, drugs, etc., and also a well established collection agency. Mr. Cun­ningham was born near Galena, Ill., in 1845. In '53, he moved to the Hawkeye state with his parents, and located in Chickasaw county, where he followed farming until embarked in the mercan­tile trade. In '73 he was appointed deputy postmaster, and dur­ing Hayes' administration he was appointed postmaster and is the present incumbent. He has served his town in the capacity of school director and justice of the peace, and is a member of the masonic fraternity. He was united in marriage with Lottie L. Walker, a native of New York state. They have two children, Maud and Madge.

 

J. M. Kruger, manufacturer of carriages, wagons, buggies, etc., established business in 1870. Was born in Prussia in 1845, and came to America in '64, and located in Princeton, Wis., he then removed to Minnesota where he resided one and one-half years, and then removed to Chickasaw county, and engaged in the above business. Mr. K. is a thorough mechanic, having served his time at the business in the old country. In politics he is independent in his views, always desirous of voting for the best men, regardless of party lines. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Was married to Wilhelmina Manthey, a native of Germany. They have four children, Walter, Raenhard, Anna and Dora.

 

James Cunningham, farmer, Ionia owns eighty acres in section 15, valued at $22 per acre. Mr. Cunningham was born Delaware county, Ohio, in 1820. In '40 he removed to Illinois and located near Galena, where he remained many years, when he removed to Chickasaw county, where he engaged in farming, and has followed that line of business ever since. He is one of the pioneers of the county, and it is owing to the unceasing endeavors of such men as Mr. Cunningham that Chickasaw township stands in its present prosperous condition. In politics he holds with the Republican party, and has filled the office of township trustee for the past ten years, and performed the functions of the same in a highly credit-able manner. Was united in marriage to Jane Locker, a native of Ohio, and they have three children, J. F., Olive F. and Maurice F.

 

Loren C. Hance, proprietor, restaurant and billiard hall, Ionia, established business September, 1882. He was born in Illinois in 1848. Came west with his parents, in '57, and located in Chickasaw county. He has been elected to the office of constable, for the last ten years. He was married to Cynthia C. Lowe, of Illinois, and they have five children, Emma J., Josie, Lillian M., Willie E. and Stella F.

 

M. F. Lighthall, farmer, section 9, P. O. Bassett, owns 248 acres. The subject of this sketch is a native of Wisconsin, wnere he was born, in 1847. In '54 he came west with his parents and located in Chickasaw county. His farm is well improved and under a fine state of cultivation. Mr. L. has held different town offices and is, at present, postmaster at Bassett, although h