IOWA IN THE CIVIL WAR
BIOGRAPHIES AND OBITUARIES
Last updated: 14 Oct 2009 ms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Surnames Beginning with the Letter C
HENRY C. CALDWELL was born in Marshall County, Virginia, September 4, 1832. His father came with his family to the "Black Hawk Purchase" in 1836, locating at Bentonsport, in Van Buren County. Here the son assisted in the work of the farm, attending the public school in winter. He began to read law at the early age of thirteen and in 1847 walked to Keosauqua and procured a place in the law office of Wright and Knapp. After a few years he became a partner in the firm and when twenty-four was elected prosecuting attorney. In 1859 he was elected to the House of the Eighth General Assembly and was appointed chairman of the judiciary committee. When the Civil War began he was commissioned major of the Third Cavalry and reached the rank of colonel in 1864. In June of that year he was appointed by President Lincoln Judge of the United States District Court for Arkansas. He served in that position until 1891 when he was appointed Judge of the United States Circuit Court for the District of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North and Sout Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. He has rendered many important and far-reaching decisions affecting the rights of the common people and especially protecting laborers from oppression of powerful corporations. In his official capacity he is above the influence which weath and power too often combine to accomplish selfish purposes.
~Source: History of Iowa, Vol IV,1903
TIMOTHY J. CALDWELL, pioneer physician, was born in North Carolina, in 1839, growing to manhood on a farm and acquiring his early education in the common schools of his native State. In 1853 he removed to Iowa, settling at Redfield in Dallas County, and threee years later began the study of medicine. Later he entered the Medical College at Keokuk, from which he was graduated in the class of 1861. He located at Adel where he began to practice medicine. In 1864 he was appointed surgeon of the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war. He then spent a year in study at Philadelphia and another in Bellevue Hospital in New York. In 1891 he took post-graduate work in New York and gave one winter to study at New Orleans. He has served as president of the State Medical Society of Iowa. In politics Dr. Caldwell is a Republican and in 1881 ws elected Representative in the Nineteenth General Assembly. At the close of his term he was elected to the Senate from the District composed of the counties of Audubon, Guthrie and Dallas, where he served by reelection in the Twentieth, Twenty-first, Twenty-second and Twenty-third General Assemblies. Dr. Caldwell was president of the company which built the railroad from Waukee to Adel and has always been interested in the growth of his home town.
~Source: History of Iowa, Vol IV,1903
WILLIAM P. CAMPBELL, who has made his home in the village of Brookville for more than three decades, has lived retired since1901, but for a number of years was actively engaged in business as the proprietor of a sawmill. His birth occurred in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of February,1842 , his parents being Thomas C. and Susan (Evans) Campbell, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The father came of Scotch ancestry; the mother was of German lineage. They came to Iowa in 1857, locating in Fairfield, Jefferson county, where Mr. Campbell worked at the cabinet-maker's trade for several years. Subsequently, he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm near Perlee, eight miles east of Brookville. After the death of his wife, he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Brighton , Washington county, Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his life in honorable retirement.
William P. Campbell remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of age, attending the district schools in the acquirement of an education. He first worked as a farm hand by the month, but, later, purchased an interest in a sawmill, operating the same prior to his marriage. Locating in Brookville, he there conducted a sawmill until 1901, when he retired from active business life. He sold his farm of forty-eight acres, in Black Hawk township, and purchased his present homestead of six acres in the village of Brookville , Locust Grove township. At the time of the Civil war, he enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company B, Nineteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving with distinction for twenty-three months. He participated in several important engagements, and was discharged because of impaired eyesight. Today, he is almost totally blind.
On the 27th of February, 1876, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Anna Troette, a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Elizabeth (Filson) Troette; the former a native of France and the latter of Ohio. They were married in Pennsylvania and came west in 1855, when their daughter Anna was a child, locating in Birmingham , Van Buren county, Iowa, where they spend the remainder of their lives. Benjamin Troette, who was a brick mason by trade, passed away thirty-two years ago. He had long survived his wife, whose demise occurred fifty-three years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born eight children. Walter, an agriculturist of Crawford county, Iowa , wedded Miss Lettie Gunn of that county, by whom he has four children: Geraldine, Anna, Willie and Crawford. Jessie, who gave her hand in marriage to Enos Lewman, a farmer of Jefferson county, passed away on the 18thof July, 1910. Clarence E. devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits in Crawford county, Iowa . Myrtle is the wife of James W. Grimes, a farmer living west of Libertyville , by whom she had three children: Cecil; Clive; and Intha, who is deceased. William passed away when a youth of eighteen. George, a well known land agent of Packwood , Iowa , handles western and northwestern farm lands and local real estate. Charles and Fred are both at home with their parents.
In politics, Mr. Campbell is a stanch republican, loyally supporting the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He was a member of Abingdon post of the Grand Army of the Republic, until it was disbanded. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church of Brookville, Iowa . Mr. Campbell has many friends in Jefferson county, among whom he is most highly esteemed and respected.
~Source: History of Jefferson County, Iowa, Charles J. Fulton, 2 vols. Chicago, S. J. Clark Pub. Co. 1912
PHIL CARLIN
Phil Carlin belongs to that public-spirited and helpful type of men whose activities are centered in those lines through which comes the greatest and most permanent good to the largest number and his achievements as superintendent of the municipal waterworks plant of Sioux City have brought him national prominence as well as the unqualified admiration and respect of his fellow citizens. He was born December 22, 1852, in Ottawa, Illinois, and his parents, Patrick J. and Letitia (Shannon) Carlin, were natives of the north of Ireland. In 1844 they followed the tide of emigration to the United States and first located in New York city. Subsequently they journeyed to Illinois and in that state the father followed the trade of blacksmith, residing at various periods in Geneva, Batavia and Ottawa. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union army, becoming a private in the Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, and at the battle of Pittsburg Landing sustained injuries which caused his death in 1863. He was long survived by the mother, who made her home in Sioux City, Iowa, with her son until her demise, which occurred in 1905, when she was eighty years of age.
Phil Carlin received his early instruction at Lyons, Iowa, and in 1870 became a student in the public schools of Correctionville, this state. He taught school in Woodbury county for nine fall and winter terms and during the summer months engaged in farming. He was placed at the head of the schools at Oto, Iowa, and in 1889 was elected recorder of Woodbury county. His work was very satisfactory and for eight years he was the incumbent of that position. He was in the employ of the Boston Investment Company for a year and in March, 1891, was appointed superintendent of the waterworks system of Sioux City. For thirty-six years he has continuously filled this
office, establishing a record of public service equaled by few and surpassed by none. Throughout this period the work of his department has been maintained at a high standard and Sioux City is indebted to him for a model waterworks plant which ranks with the most complete and best managed systems in the United States - an accomplishment which has earned for him the enduring regard of the residents of this community.
On Christmas day of the year 1877, Mr. Carlin married Miss Ida Moffatt, a daughter of George C. and Julia (Harrington) Moffatt, natives of New York state. Mrs. Carlin's grandfather was a veteran of the War of 1812 and her father fought for the Union cause during the conflict between the states. Mr. Moffatt moved to Sioux City in 1866 and became one of the pioneer farmers of Woodbury county. He passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years and his wife is also deceased. Mrs. Carlin became well known as an educator and previous to her marriage was a teacher in the public schools of Woodbury county for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Carlin have had three children but Jessie did at the age of thirteen. Harry P. was a guest in a hotel at Hot Springs, Arkansas, when the building caught fire and he received injuries which caused his death when a young man of twenty-two years.
George M. Carlin, the other son, has been identified with the Sioux City Telephone Company for twenty years. He married Miss Alma Reimers and they have two children: George M., Jr., and Marian V.
Mr. Carlin is a republican and for three years was an influential member of the local board of education. He has been a member of the Knights of Pythias for forty-four years and his identification with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks covers a period of twenty years. He is also identified with the Woodmen of the World and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a faithful member of the Methodist church and a high-minded man who would be a valuable acquisition to any community.
~Source: NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME III 1804-1926
WILLIAM L. CARPENTER was born near Salem, Ohio, on the 5th of October, 1841. His education was acquired in the public schools and at Epworth Academy. His father and family removed to Iowa in 1854, locating on a farm in Dubuque County where William remained until a few years before the Civil War when he went to Black Hawk County where he engaged in school teaching and farming. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Thirty-second Iowa Volunteers, in May, 1863, was promoted to second lieutenant and in 1864 became adjutant of the regiment in which position he served to the close of the war. His gallantry at the Battle of Nashville was commended by special mention in general orders. When the Grange movement began he took an active interest in the cause and in 1875 was elected secretary of the State Grange, holding the position several years. Removing to Des Moines, he engaged in manufacturing. When the barb wire trust of Washburn, Moen & Co. was organized and undertook to control the manufacture and fix the price of wire fencing, Captain Carpenter was one of the first to suggest to the farmers to unite in resisting the powerful monopoly in fixing prices. The fight continued for seven years in the courts during which time the "Farmers' Protective Association," through the factory established by Carpenter and Given, continued to manufacture and fix a reasonable price for fence wire. Litigation of a formidable character was instituted against the managers of the free factory; intimidation and bribery were attempted, and finally when all efforts failed to suppress competition the trust was compelled to reduce prices to those fixed by the farmers' association. Through the struggle William L. Carpenter kept the free factory running, unawed by threats and scorning all attempts at bribery. The same nerve that won promotion on the field of battle was shown by Carpenter in his contest with the powerful Washburn Syndicate. In 1886 he was nominated by the Democrats of the Seventh District for Congress by the District had too large a Republican majority to be overcome. He was elected mayor of Des Moines in 1888, serving two years. In 1890 he was appointed Custodian of the Public Buildings of the State, serving four years. He has been active in all humane works, serving on the commissions for aid to the Johnstown sufferers, the starving in India and the Cuban Relief Commission.
~Source: NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME III 1804-1926
JOHN DAVIS (J D) CARTER (click link to view gravestone photo - scroll down page)
J[ohn] D[avis] CARTER, proprietor of Platte Valley stock farm, resides on section 27, Benton Township. Perhaps no name among the pioneers of Ringgold County is more familiar to the early settlers than is that of Mr. CARTER, who has been identified with its interests for more than thirty years. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 21, 1824. His father, Thomas CARTER, was a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, and his mother, Harriet (DAVIS) CARTER, was a native of Ohio. They were married in Ohio, and reared a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Our subject was the second child. When he was five years old his parents removed to Tippecanoe County, Indiana. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. In 1843 the family removed to the then Territory of Iowa, locating in Jefferson County, where they resided about two years, and in 1845 removed to Wapello County and settled upon land known as the Black Hawk Purchase. In 1843-'4, Mr. CARTER assisted on the Government farm at Des Moines, under John S. SCOTT, Government contractor, and helped to break the land and raise corn where East Des Moines now stands. After this he took a claim in Wapello County, which he improved and cultivated. June 3, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Priscilla CLINTON, a native of Carroll County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Sarah CLINTON, who came to Iowa in 1843.
Mr. CARTER resided in Wapello County and attended to his farm duties until the first news of gold being found in California was received, when he joined the first company that started for that golden shore, leaving a wife and two children at home to await his return. They started in April 1849, with ox teams, arriving in September of the same year. He at once engaged in mining, meeting with good success in gathering the golden ore, and a year later he returned to his home in Fairfield. He was the first Californian to return. In 1855 he removed to Ringgold County, entering a portion of his land in June of that same year, and settled upon it in the fall.
His first dwelling was a long cabin, 16 x 18 feet, and it constituted kitchen, dining room, parlor and sleeping rooms. In the fall of 1859 he was elected sheriff, and took the oath of office January 1, 1866. He served creditably for two years.
At the breaking out of the civil war he was one to go forth in defense of union and liberty. He enlisted August 9, 1862, in Company G, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry. He participated in the engagement at Helena, Arkansas, and was with General STEELE’s division in the Red River expedition; was at the battle of Saline, where his horse was shot from under him; was at the taking of Mobile, Blakeley, and the Spanish Forts, where the regiment lost heavily; was at Whistler, the last engagement of the war. His regiment was in twenty-nine hard-fought battles. He was honorably discharged in August, 1865, and returned to his home to resume his duties upon his farm.
Platte Valley farm contains 400 acres of as rich land as can be found in the county. Mr. CARTER is making a specialty of the fine stock, and owns, in company with three others, one of the best registered Norman horses in Southern Iowa; also some thorough-bred short horns. On this farm can be seen some of the best horses and cattle in Ringgold County. His residence is a fine two-story building, modern style and well furnished, and buildings for stock, orchard, etc. Politically Mr. Carter is a Republican, and has always been one of the "wheel-horses" ever since coming to the county. He served as a member of the Board of Supervisors four years, and justice of the peace eight or ten years.
Mr. and Mrs. CARTER are the parents of six children – John T., Day, Harriet Ellen, Mary L., Eliza and Priscilla. Jane and Sarah are deceased. Mrs. CARTER died in 1882, and in January, 1883, he was married to Mrs. Phebe MARTIN, a sister of his former wife. Mr. CARTER has won many friends, and no man in the county stands higher politically or socially.
NOTE: John D. CARTER died December 29, 1919. Priscilla (CLINTON) CARTER was born January 23, 1826, and died March 29, 1883. J. D. and Priscilla were interred at Platte River Cemetery near Maloy, Ringgold County, Iowa. Sharing a grave plot with J. D. and Priscilla is their son Samuel W., born October 8, 1860, and died October 12, 1885 at the age of 25 years, 2 months and 4 days.
J. T. [John Thomas] CARTER, son of J. D. and Priscilla (CLINTON) CARTER, was born August 17, 1854, Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa, and died June 20, 1940, Reedley, Fresno County, California with interment at Acacia Memorial Park, Modesto, Stanislaus County, California. He was the husband of Lora Isabel (DOWLIN) CARTER (1863-1929)
Guy Dowlin CARTER, son of J. D. and Priscilla (CLINTON) CARTER, was born December 21, 1888, Ringgold County, Iowa, and died January 8, 1933, Turlock, Stanislaus County, California, with interment at Turlock Memorial Park. Guy was a farmer and a dairyman, married to Nora (WHITE) (1887-1969), and the father of Herschel Thomas CARTER (1917-1995) and Elizabeth Mary (CARTER) SWINGLE (1914-1943).
SOURCES:
~Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 261-62, 1887.
~WPA Graves Survey
~Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009
CHARLES A CLARK, one of the great lawyers of the State, was born in Sangerville, in the State of Maine, January 26, 1841. He attended the common schools of his native town, with three terms at Foxcroft Academy. Later, while working on a farm, he walked three miles to Guilford several times each week to procure instruction in Greek and Latin. At the age of fifteen he began to teach school and in April, 1861, enlisted as a private in Company A, Sixth Maine Volunteers and as a soldier of great courage he received rapid promotion to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment, serving until he was severely wounded and discharged. As soon as he recovered he reentered the Army with a commission as captain and assistant Adjutant-General, serving in General Burnside's Brigade until November, 1864, failing health compelled him to resign. He received a special Congressional medal for gallantry and meritorious services in saving the regiment from capture at Brook's Ford, Virginia, on the night of May 4, 1863. Upon the personal recommendation of General Hancock he was brevetted major of gallantry at Marye's Heights, Fredericksburg, May 3, 1863, and lieutenant-colonel for conspicuous bravery at Rappahannock Station, November 7, 1863. Colonel Clark participated in the following engagements: Siege of Yorktown, battles at Williamsburg, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, both at the first and second engagements, Salem Church, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and numerous others. Colonel Clark cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, later became a liberal Republican, serving as a delegate to the Cincinnati National Convention of 1872, affiliating with the Democrats until 1896. In 1888 he was president of the Democratic State Convention and a delegate to the National Convention the same year. He nominated Horace Boies for Governor at the Ottumwa Convention in 1891. Colonel Clark returned to the Repulican party in 1896, assisting in the canvas for McKinley. He came to Iowa in 1866, becoming a resident of Webster City, where he practiced law for ten years, then removing to Cedar Rapids. For ten years he was a law partner with Judge Hubbard, practicing in the Supreme Court of many States and in the Supreme Court of the United States.
Jacob H. Camp
Marion county lost one of her pioneer settlers when Jacob H. Camp passed away on the 28th of January, 1884, upon his farm three-quarters of a mile west of Swan. He had long been identified with agricultural interests in that locality, where he owned and cultivated two hundred and eighty acres of land, and in addition he was the owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy acres southeast of the village. He had been a resident of Marion county since May, 1856, at which time he took up his abode on the border of Warren county. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1825, a son of Frederick and Rebecca (Carrier) Camp, who removed to Morrow county, Ohio, when their son Jacob was a small child and in 1856 came to Iowa. They were not long permitted to enjoy their new home, however, for both passed away about 1860.
Jacob H. Camp was an only child. He pursued his education in the schools of Ohio and in early manhood took up the profession of teaching, which he followed through several winter seasons after coming to Marion county. He inherited less than two thousand dollars from his father‰s estate and with that exception never had any financial assistance, making his own way unaided in the world and yet winning for himself a place among the men of affluence in his adopted county. Following his arrival in Marion county he purchased land and began the improvement of his farm and through the intervening years to the time of his death remained a successful farmer and stock-raiser. He was always diligent, determined and persistent and by reason of his careful management and unfaltering industry won a very gratifying measure of success, becoming in time the owner of two excellent farms, comprising four hundred and fifty acres, near the village of Swan. As previous stated, the land was divided, his home place consisting of two hundred and eight acres about three quarters of a mile west of the village of Swan, while the other tract of one hundred and seventy acres lay southeast of the town.
Mr. Camp was first married in the spring of 1851 to Miss Hephzibah Murray. She was born May 31, 1834, and died November 9, 1866, in the faith of the Dunkard church, of which she was a devout member. There were six children born of that marriage but three died in infancy, while three reached mature years, although but one is now living, Mrs. Emma De Veny of Swan township. A son, John Camp, died June 8, 1889, and a daughter, Ella, passed away in 1876. The Murray family was established in this county in pioneer times, for Edward and Elizabeth Murray, the parents of Mrs. Hephzibah Camp, arrived here in 1850.
On the 18th of August, 1867, Jacob H. Camp was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha E. Murray, nee Smith, widow of Samuel D. Murray, who was a brother of Mr. Camp‰s first wife. Samuel D. Murray was born February 24, 1836, in Ohio, and passed away on his farm near Swan, May 22, 1862. In 1859 he had wedded Martha E. Smith and to them were born two children, one of whom died in infancy, while the other is Mrs. Luella Goss, a widow with two children, now living on a claim in Montana. To Mr. and Mrs. Camp were born four children. Jacob H., residing at Miles City, Montana, is a forest ranger in the employ of the government. He is married and has four children. Lizzie is the wife of Oscar Whaley, a son of Wilson Whaley, of Clay township, Marion county. They now reside at Mountain View, California, where Mr. Whaley is assistant cashier of a bank. They have one son who is twenty years of age. Anna, the next of the family, died July 18, 1888, at the age of sixteen years. Wilbur, residing in Santa Clara county, California, is the cashier of a bank at Mountain View, although he was in the railway mail service for several years. His education was acquired at Highland Park College in Des Moines and he entered the army as a member of Company B, Fifty-first Iowa Infantry, and went to the Philippines, serving throughout the Spanish-American war. He then returned home and reentered the railway mail service, running between Burlington and Omaha and a part of the time to Chicago over the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Later he resigned and organized a bank at Mountain View, California, of which he is the cashier and active manager. He is still the owner of a farm new Swan. He has a wife and two children.
Mr. Camp was a democrat in his political views and held some local offices. He read law in his younger days and although he never practiced, his knowledge of the law proved of benefit to him in the conduct of his business affairs. He was reared in the Dunkard faith and afterward became a member of the church. He was highly esteemed throughout the community and enjoyed the warm regard and friendship of many with whom he came in contact. His business integrity was above question and in all of his business dealings he was found thoroughly reliable. There were substantial elements in his character that gained him high regard and his memory is yet cherished by many who knew him while he was still an active factor in the world‰s work. Since her husband‰s death Mrs. Camp has built her present comfortable home in Swan, where she has resided for the past sixteen years. For a number of years she was a member of the United Brethren church but of later years has observed the seventh day Sabbath.
~Source: The History of Marion County, Iowa, John W. Wright and W. A. Young, supervising Eds., 2 Vols. Chicago; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. 1915, page 382
ROBERT CAMPBELL
Robert CAMPBELL, a leading armer of Ringgold County, is a native of Indiana, born in Madison County, June 12, 1842, a son of John and Susan WILLIAMSON) CAMPBELL, his father a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Maryland. In the fall of 1856 his parents moved to Iowa, and settled in Ringgold County, buying a tract of land on section 10, Washington Township. The father died in 1881, and the mother is still living. They had a family of twelve children, ten of whom are living, our subject [Robert] being the fourth.
He was reared a farmer, remaining at home until after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when, in September, 1861, he enlisted [as a Private] in the Union army, and was assigned to Company I, Forth Iowa Cavalry, and served until August [8], 1865 [mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia]. He was captured near Helena, Arkansas, when on a scouting expedition, and was held a prisoner from March till September, when he was paroled and sent to St. Louis, and a month later was exchanged and joined his regiment at Memphis, Tennessee. At Selma, Alabama, he recieved a gun-shot wound through the thigh, which disabled him for a time.
After his discharge he returned to his father's farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits, and after his marriage settled on the farm where he now lives, which contains 160 acres of choice land.
He was married in 1869 to Sarah A. MUMFORD, who died in April, 1884, leaving one daughter - Estella M.
In politics Mr. CAMPBELL is a Republican.
NOTE: Robert's mother Susannah Jane "Susan" (WILLIAMSON) CAMPBELL was born April 18, 1818 in Caroline County, Maryland, the daughter of Elijah and Sarah Whitely (SMITH) WILLIAMSON. She was married on May 12, 1836 in Indiana to John W. CAMPBELL. John W. CAMPBELL, son of Abraham CAMPBELL, was born May 3, 1808 in Pennsylvania. John died August 5, 1880. Susan died in Diagonal, Ringgold County, Iowa on April 25, 1910. Susan and John were interred at Centenary Cemetery near Knowlton, Ringgold County, Iowa. Susan and John were the parents of twelve children:
1) Elizabeth (CAMPBELL) SHIELDS, born 05 Apr 1837, IN; died 12 Aug 1910, Union Co. IA interment Hopeville Cemetery, Clarke Co. IA married 1852, Diagona IA to John H. SHIELDS, Jr.
Children: Mary Ann (SHIELDS) DECKER, Westley Nolan SHIELDS, Charles Emery SHIELDS, Susan Jane (SHIELDS) DECKER, Joseph Hopkins SHIELDS, Effie May (SHIELDS) GERMAN, Abraham C. SHIELDS who died in infancy, Cora Bell (SHIELDS) GERMAN, William Henry SHIELDS, Clara Otis (SHIELDS) BULLOCK; Dora Della (SHIELDS) YOUNG, and Elizabeth (SHIELDS) DENLY
2) Charles CAMPBELL, born 1838; died, 19 Sep 1889, Ringgold Co. IA interment Centenary Cemetery near Knowlton, Ringgold Co. IA
3) Elijah CAMPBELL
4) Robert L. CAMPBELL married Sarah A. MUMFORD
5) Mary Jane (CAMPBELL) BIRD, born 17 Feb 1847, IN; died 20 Feb 1928, Diagonal IA married 15 May 1862, IA to Joseph BIRD, born 05 Jun 1841; died 04 Feb 1927 Mary Jane and Joseph interred Centenary Cemetery near Knowlton IA
6) Margaret Ann CAMPBELL
7) John L. CAMPBELL
8) Hugh CAMPBELL, born 13 Jul 1851, died 21 May, 1921, inter: Centenary Cemetery, Knowlton IA;
9) Sarah E. CAMPBELL
10) Susan Caroline CAMPBELL
11) Willamina CAMPBELL
13) Rebecca Jane (CAMPBELL) POWELL, born 1859; died 1943 married Samuel H. POWELL (1860-1936) Rebecca and Samuel interred at Centenary Cemetery near Knowlton IA
Sources:
~Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 357-58, 1887.
~American Civil War Soldiers Database, ancestry.com
~WPA Graves Survey
~http://iagenweb.org/ringgold/biographical/ring_bio-campbellrobert.html
from Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa Lewis Publishing Company of Chicago, 1887, Pp. 357-58
~Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009
WILLIAM CASNER
William CASNER, one of the active and enterprising farmers and stock-raisers of Jefferson Township, and an old pioneer of Ringgold County, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1819. His father, John CASNER, was a native of Maryland. In early life he followed the show-maker's trade, but his later years he spent in farming.
William CASNER received his education in the log-cabin school-houses of his neighborhood, which he attended while not helping with the work of the farm. In 1828 he went with his parents to Noble (then Monroe) County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He then began dealing in lumber, and was engaged in the lumber trade twelve or fifteen years, in that State.
He was married August 24, 1844, to Miss Margaret KELLER, a daughter of John KELLER, deceased. Of eleven children born to this union, only five survive - Mary A., Christiann, Jane, Susannah, and Charles, all married but the latter.
Mr. CASNER went overland to California in 1852, where he mined for two years, returning to Ohio in 1854. In the fall of 1855 he came to Ringgold County, Iowa, and entered over 700 acres of wild land, most of which was located in Jefferson Township.
He brought his family here in the spring of 1856, when he settled on the farm where he has since made his home, located on section, 15, Jefferson Township, on which he has made all the improvements, and brought his land under fine cultivation.
Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal Church was built on his land near his house, in 1858. This was a frame structure, 22 x 28 feet, and was the first church built in the county.
Mr. CASNER has now 200 acres of valuable land, and is at present devoting his timeprincipally to raising stock. He has held several offices since coming to the township, having been justice of the peace three terms, and has served as trustee, school director and school treasurer.
Mrs. CASNER is a member of the Methodist Espicopal church.
Mr. CASNER was a soldier in the late civil war. He was a member of Company G, Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and participated in the battles of Helena, Little Rock, and others. He served two yearsand seven months, when he was discharged for disability. He has never fully recovered from the effect of his army experience, and now draws a pension from the Government.
NOTE: William CASNER enlisted as a Private on November 18, 1862 from Mount Ayr, Iowa, and was assigned to Company G of the 29th Iowa Infantry. He was mustered out of service at Keokuk, Iowa, on March 21, 1865. He was a member of the G.A.R. Post No. #286, Tingley, Iowa.
William CASNER died on September 18, 1896, and was interred at Purdom Cemetery, Keosauqua, Van Buren County, Iowa. Margaret (KELLER) CASNER was born September 21, 1823, and died December 25, 1903. She was interred beside her husband William at Pardom Cemetery.
Sources:
~Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 359, 1887.
~American Civil War Soldiers Database, ancestry.com
~WPA Graves Survey
~http://iagenweb.org/ringgold/biographical/ring_bio-casnerwm.html
from Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa Lewis Publishing Company of Chicago, 1887, p. 359
~Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009
James Isaac Chambers
James Isaac Chambers is a prosperous and representative agriculturist of Marion county, owning and operating a valuable farm of three hundred and sixty acres in Indiana and Knoxville townships. He came to this county with his parents in the fall of 1856 and has resided continuously within its borders save for a period of three years spent in Nebraska.
The birth of Mr. Chambers occurred in Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 24th of January, 1851, his parents being Robert H. and Ellen T. (Dixon) Chambers, the former of Scotch and the latter of English descent. Both were natives of Maryland and their marriage was celebrated in Ohio. In the fall of 1856 they came to Marion county, Iowa, settling in Indiana township, where Robert H. Chambers purchased a tract of land. Throughout his active business career he successfully devoted his attention to the pursuits of farming and carpentering and at the time of his demise he owned a quarter section of land. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company K, Third Iowa Cavalry, remaining with that command for thirteen months or until discharged because of illness. In politics he was a republican and in the office of constable he made a commendable record. His religious belief was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which he passed away in 1894, while his wife was called to her final rest four years later. Both lie buried in this county. They celebrated their golden wedding here, and this was the only occasion when all of their children were together. They have five sons and nine daughters and nine of the family are yet living.
James I. Chambers, who was a little lad of five years when brought to this county by his parents, began his education in the state of his nativity and continued his studies in a log schoolhouse of Indiana township, Marion county. When twenty years of age he started out in life on his own account and throughout his entire business career, with the exception of three years spent in Nebraska, he has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits here. Success has attended his efforts and he now owns three hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Marion county. He has made many substantial improvements on the property and in connection with the cultivation of cereals devotes considerable attention to the raising of graded stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.
On the 25th of December, 1872, Mr. Chambers was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Rankin, a daughter of J. C. and Nancy Rankin. To them have been born four children, as follows: Bertha Ann, who gave her hand in marriage to A. R. Rowland; Stella, the wife of A. C. Tucker; Josephine, who is the wife of Harl Baker; and Cameron, H., who wedded Miss Sarah Suska Woody
~Source: The History of Marion County, Iowa, John W. Wright and W. A. Young, supervising Eds., 2 Vols. Chicago; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. 1915, page 80
Zephaniah Chambers
For a considerable period Zephaniah Chambers was actively, honorably and successfully connected with the farming interests of Marion county, his home being on section 11, Liberty township, and in his death the community lost a representative agriculturist. He was born in Indiana in 1844, a son of James and Cassie Chambers, who were married in that state and there reared a large family children to good and useful lives. In the early ë40s the family came to Marion county, Iowa, driving across the country with ox teams, and on reaching their destination the father preempted a claim in Liberty township. It was entirely destitute of improvements, nor had a furrow been turned or a stick laid upon the place. He resolutely undertook the task of developing the farm and in the course of years his labors were abundantly rewarded with good harvest. He also carried on stock-raising with success and became recognized as one of the leading and enterprising agriculturists of the county. He died February 11, 1882, at the age of seventy-two years and his wife passed away December 31, 1879, at the age of seventy-five years. Their remains were laid to rest in Liberty cemetery. They were pioneers in the broadest and best sense of the term, aiding largely in the development and up building of the county and promoting its progress in every possible way.
Zephaniah Chambers was but an infant when brought by his parents to Marion county and here he was reared amid the scenes and environment of pioneer life, sharing with the family in all of the hardships and privations which are features incidental to the establishment of a frontier home. He acquired a meager education in one of the oldtime log schools but in the school of experience learned many valuable lessons.
On the 15th of February, 1866, Mr. Chambers was united in marriage to Miss Temperance Bonnett, a daughter of William H. and Mahala (Spaur) Bonnett. Her father was born October 13, 1822, and departed this life April 5, 1884, while his wife, who was born April 17, 1824, died during the Civil war. They were married September 28, 1847, and in their family were five children, Lucy, Temperance, Marion, Isador and Matilda Jane. The first name is now deceased. The family were pioneer settlers of Marion county and the father manifested a helpful interest in public affairs of general importance. His life was devoted to general farming and stock-raising and through close attention to business he was able to provide a good living for his family. His political support was given the democratic party.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chambers began their domestic life upon a farm in Liberty township and as the years passed on seven children were added to the household: James William, who married Anna Smith and is now deceased; Stella, the wife of William Way; Austin, who married Allie Johnson and is deceased; Wesley, who married Esta Carmin; John, who married Lizzie Coster; one who died unnamed; and Frank, also deceased.
Mr. Chambers always devoted his life to the work of tilling the soil and raising stock and the result of his labors was seen in well cultivated fields, from which he annually gathered good harvests. At the time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country‰s call for aid, enlisting as a member of Company A, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, with which he went to the front, taking part in a number of hotly contested engagements. After his return home he resumed farming and was thus busily engaged to the time of his death, which occurred December 7, 1895. He is still survived by his wife, a most estimable lady. She practically reared her younger brothers and sisters after her mother‰s death and has been most devoted in the care of her own household. She is highly esteemed wherever known and most of all where she is best known.
~Source: The History of Marion County, Iowa, John W. Wright and W. A. Young, supervising Eds., 2 Vols. Chicago; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. 1915, page 312
CHOWN, WILLIAM
WILLIAM CHOWAN ², an early settler of this county, now residing on section 32, Orono Township, is a native of Devonshire, England, and was born on the 26th of March, 1826. His parents, Richard and Mary Ann ( Hook ) Chowan ², were also natives of that country, and reared a family of eight children : Ann and Mary, the two eldest, are both deceased ; Sarah is the widow of Mr. Runnals, and resides in London ; John, is living in Lake Township, this county ; Joseph makes his home in England ; Richard is also living in the land of his birth ; William, of this sketch, is next in order ; and George, the youngest, is a resident of England.
Our subject was reared to manhood in his native land, and there followed the occupation of farming. Thinking that the New World would furnish a better field for his labors, when twenty-nine years of age, he emigrated to America. Boarding the sailing-vessel " Consolation," at Liverpool, in 1855, after a very stormy voyage of twenty-eight days, he landed in New York. He was in a strange country, with no friends near him, and had but half a crown in money ; but he immediately began seeking for some employment at which he could gain a livelihood. Going to Cleveland, he husked corn for about a week, and then pawned some of his clothes in order to get enough money to carry him to Zanesville, Ohio, where he had a brother living. In that city he worked for an old judge, receiving $10 per month ; and continued his labors in that vicinity, working by the month, until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company E, in the 62d Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, under the command of Col. Pond. He was not engaged in many of the hotly contested battles of the war ; his hardest fight being at Winchester. In 1863 he was discharged from the 7th New York Battery, to which company he had been transferred.
On the 28th of October, 1852, Mr. Chowan ² was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ann Symonds, their wedding being celebrated in England, but on May 18, 1852 ¹, before his emigration to America, Mrs Chowan ² departed this life. He was again married, on the 12th of April. 1857, becoming the husband of Miss Ann Jane Robinson, and by their union four children were born: John, born Dec. 18, 1857 ; William, April 24, 1859 ; George, June 25, 1860 ; and Richard, born June 8, 1861, died the same year. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in 1862, and Mr. Chowan ² was a third time married, this union being with Mrs. Dyche, widow of Charles Dyche, and a daughter of George and Rebecca ( Pry ) Master, who were natives of Germany. Three children have graced their union : Mary, born July 21, 1864, is now the wife of Charles Stickney, of Louisa County, Iowa ; Eliza, born Jan. 18, 1868, and Charles R., born May 8, 1869, are both at home. By her former marriage Mrs. Chowan ² had six children : Nancy Jane, born April 4, 1849 is now residing at Toolesboro ; John G., born Nov. 26, 1850, is a resident of Louisa County ; Rebecca C., born Aug. 6, 1853, wedded John Edmondson, of Washington County, Iowa ; Joseph, born August 8, 1855, died on the 26th of August, same year ; Clara E., born Sept. 19, 1858, died Jan. 16, 1879 ; Agnes, born Aug. 15, 1859, is the wife of Edward B. Miller. Clara wedded Jim Lee.
Mr. Chowan ², politically, affiliates with the Democratic party, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 32, Orono Township, and is one of the self-made men of the county, having made all that he has by his own efforts. Landing in this country with only half a crown ( which, however, he still has in his possession ), pawning his clothes to get to his brother's then working for $10 per month, was the way in which he began life in America ; but his perseverance, industry and good management, and economy have gained him a comfortable competence.
¹ This death date has to be wrong. It has to be from 1853-55
² The surname should be CHOWN, not CHOWAN, according to a researcher
~Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 572
~Submitted by Kevan Chown
S. T. CHURCHILL
A representative citizen of Ida county and a member of one of its worthy old families was Samuel T. Churchill, of Arthur, who died April 26, 1926. He spent practically his entire life in this county and contributed his full share to the development and prosperity of this section of the state, belonging to that class of citizens who while advancing individual success also promote the public welfare.
Mr. Churchill was born in Clinton county, Iowa, on the 4th of July, 1861, a son of Enoch and Susan (Williams) Churchill, the latter of whom was a native of New York state. Enoch Churchill was born June 10, 1830, near Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, and died on his farm in Ida county, Iowa, March 16, 1912, in his eighty-second year. At an early age he was brought to the United States, the family stopping first in New York state, where they remained about five years. In 1841 they came to Iowa, where he was reared to manhood and secured his education. In 1879 he came to Ida county, where he engaged in farming, becoming the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and sixty-three acres, and here spent his remaining years. On May 1, 1860, Mr. Churchill was married to Miss Susan P. Williams, of Dewitt, Iowa, and they became the parents of six children, namely: Samuel T., whose name appears at the head of this sketch; Robert, of Omak, Washington; Elizabeth, the wife of G. E. Clifford, of Arthur, Ida county; John of Des Moines, Iowa; Mary Grace, who still lives on the home place; and Stephen, who died in infancy.
Enoch Churchill was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a member of Company C, Twenty-sixth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served until the close of the conflict. He took part in many of the important battles and campaigns of that great struggle, including Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea, and was mustered out of the service at Washington, D. C. Politically he gave his support to the republican party, while his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, the society at Arthur having been founded by him and his wife. He was long a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was a public-spirited man, taking a commendable interest in everything relating to the welfare of his community. There were in him sterling traits which commanded uniform confidence and regard, and his memory is today honored by all who knew him and is enshrined in the hearts of his many friends.
Samuel T. Churchill resided on the old homestead and devoted himself to its operation until his death. Among his fellow agriculturists he was regarded as a man of more than ordinary capacity and business ability, his career having been marked by sound judgment and wise discretion. His splendid character and his industry were recognized and appreciated, and he left many friends who mourned his passing.
~Source: NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME III 1804-1926
GEORGE W. CLARK was born in Johnson County, Indiana, on the 26th of December, 1833. He was educated at Wabash College and in 1856 removed to Iowa, making his home at Indianola. He was engaged in the practice of law when the Civil War began and was the first man in that county to enlist as a volunteer, assisting in raising Company G of the Third Iowa Infantry. He was commissioned first lieutenant and on the organization of the regiment was appointed quartermaster, serving in that position until September 1, 1862, when he was appointed colonel of the Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry. He commanded the regiment in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post. His regiment was also in the Red River campaign under General Banks. During the latter part of the war Colonel Clark commanded a brigade.
~Source: NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME III 1804-1926
JAMES S. CLARK was born near Indianapolis, Indiana, October 17, 1841. After spending his early years on a farm, Mr. Clark came to Iowa and was a college student at Mount Pleasant when the Civil War began. In April, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company F, First Iowa Volunteers, participating in the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Later he was promoted to lieutenant and captain of Company C, in the Thirty-fifth Infantry, which was engaged in seventeen battles and sieges during its term of service. On the day that General Lee surrendered Captain Clark led his regiment in a desperate charge on the forts of Mobile, Alabama. He is the historian of that gallant regiment, having gathered the events of its career in the Civil War which have been published, adding to the valuable literature of the deeds of Iowa soldiers in the great Rebellion. He is president of the Regimental Association of the First Iowa Regiment of volunteer soldiers in the Civil War and has published a sketch of General Lyon and "The Fight for Missouri." Captain Clark is a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University and also of the Iowa State University. He engaged in the practice of law in Des Moines from 1870 to 1890, when he retired to accept the position of secretary of the Des Moines Insurance Company, as well as president of the Iowa Alliance of Insurance Men.
~Source: NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME III 1804-1926
RICHARD P. CLARKSON, eldest son of Coker F. Clarkson, was born at Brookfield, Indiana, in 1840. He learned the printing business in his father's office at that place and after the family removed to Iowa in 1855 Richard worked for many years on the prarie farm which his father improved in Grundy County. He secured a position as compositor in the office of the State Register at Des Moines in the spring of 1861 and in October enlisted as a private in the Twelfth Iowa Infantry. At the Battle of Shiloh he was captured with the regiment after a gallant fight and for seven months was a prisoner. After being exchanged he returned to his regiment serving until the close of the war. In 1870 the father and two sons, Richard P. and James S. purchased the Iowa State Register establishment and for many years worked together in their several departments, making it the most influential Republican paper in the State. Richard P. was the business manager and in 1889 became the sole owner of the establishment and from that time forward assumed editorial management of the paper. In June, 1902, after thirty-two years of service in the exacting field of daily journalism he sold the establishment and was appointed by President Roosevelt United States Pension Agent for Iowa and Nebraska.
~Source: NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME III 1804-1926
WILLIAM P. CLARKE was born in Baltimore, Maryland, October 1, 1817. At the age of fourteen he went to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and learned the printing business. In 1838 he came west on foot at the age of twenty-one and reaching Cincinnati established a daily newspaper, and later became editor of the Logan Gazette, in Ohio. In 1844 he went farther west and located at Iowa City where he was admitted to the bar in 1845. He was a ready writer and contributed frequently to the newspapers on the slavery issue, being a "free-soiler" in politics. He attended the Pittsburg National Convention which took the preliminary steps toward the organization of the Republican party in 1856, acting as one of the secretaries. At the National Republican Convention in 1860, Mr. Clarke was one of the delegates from Iowa and was choosen chairman of the delegation. He soon after purchased the State Press at Iowa City and took an active part in the antislavery contest leading to the Kansas war. As a member of the National Kansas Committee he sent a company of men to aid the citizens of that Territory in expelling the "BorderRuffian" invaders. He was for many years the keeper of a station on the "underground railroad" and was fearless in aiding fugitive slaves to freedom, cooperating with John Brown during his operations in Iowa. Mr. Clarke prepared the original ordinances for the government of Iowa City. he was reporter of the decisions of the Iowa Supreme Court for five years. As an influential member of the Constitutional Convention of 1857 he acted as chairman of the committee on judiciary. Early in the Civil War Mr. Clarke was appointed paymaster in the army, serving until 1866. He was then chosen chief clerk in the Interior Department at Washington, resigning when Andrew Johnson began his war on the Republican party, and returning to the practice of law in Washington, he died February 7, 1903.
~Source: NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME III 1804-1926
WILLIAM ALLEN COBB was born in Sac county, December 26 1875, and the people of that community have known and respected him as a businessman and repeatedly given him the responsibilities of the important office or county treasurer, and it is in his duties presiding over this over this office he is found today. His father, Farnsworth A. Cobb, was born in Vermont and came with his parents to Jackson County, Iowa, when a boy, where he grew up and learned the trade of blacksmith. In 1868 he moved to Sac County and was in the blacksmith business there until his death, at the age of sixty-seven. In the Civil war he served as a soldier in the Union army, with company K of the Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry. Farnsworth A. Cobb married Sarah Paup, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in 1928, at the age of seventy-eight. Both parents were members of the Restitution Church, what is known as the Church of God. William Allen Cobb grew up in Sac City, had the advantages of the public schools and from the time he left school took up business connected with the building trades and was a general contractor until January 1, 1919, when he began his tenure of office as county treasurer. He was elected in November 1918 on the Resubsequent two years. In 1930 his candidacy was unopposed. Mr. Cobb is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United workmen, and he and his family are Baptists. He married Miss Clara Boda, a native of Iowa. their two children are Rolland D. and Geraldine.
~Source: A Narrative History of the People of Iowa with SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC. by EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, volume IV THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. Chicago and New York 1931
EDWIN H. CONGER, soldier, banker and statesman, was born in Knox County, Illinois, March 7, 1843. He attended the public schools in boyhood and, entering Lombard University at Galesburg, graduated in 1862. Mr. Conger enlisted as a private in an Illinois regiment. He made a brave soldier and was promoted several times, finally becoming captain of his company and at the close of the war was brevetted major. Upon his return home he entered the Albany Law School, where he graduated in 1866 and entered upon practice at Galesburg, but two years later removed to Iowa, locating on a farm near Dexter. After five years he became a resident of the village and engaged in banking. In 1875 he established another bank at Stuart. He was for several years one of the trustees of Mitchellville Seminary. In 1878 he was elected treasurer of Dallas County and in 1880 was nominated by the Republican Convention for State Treasurer. He was elected, serving two terms with marked ability. Remaining in Des Moines, after he retired, in 1886 he was elected to Congress in the Seventh District. In 1888 he was reelected, serving until appointed by President Harrison minister to Brazil where he served with distinction for four years. Upon the election of McKinley, in 1897, Major Conger was restored to the Brazilian mission. But American interests in China requiring an experienced diplomat, the President transferred him to that empire. When the Boxer uprising took place and the massacres began, great anxiety was felt for the safety of all of the foreign ministers at Peking, who were soon isolated from all communication with their governments, the city being surrounded and in possession of the hostile armies of Boxers. For weeks Peking was cut off from any communication with the outside world and it was feared that all of the foreign ministers with their families had perished from the attacks of fanatical insurgents. The anxiety of the Iowa people was intense for the safety of Major Conger and his family and one morning the news came that all of the foreign ministers and families had, after a long and heroic defense, been slaughtered. Finally the allied armies of America and Europe forced their way to the Chinese Capital and relieved the besieged ministers, who with their families and other Christians had been shut up for weeks in the British legation buildings fighting day and night for their lives, subsisting a part of the time on mule meat. All through the terrible ordeal Major Conger was one of the bravest of the defenders and his wise counsel in the dire extremity was acknowledged by all to have aided materially in saving the little garrison from extermination. Returning home for a few months' rest Major Conger and family met with a hearty reception. After consultation with the President he returned to his post in China.
~Source: A Narrative History of the People of Iowa with SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC. by EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, volume IV THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. Chicago and New York 1931
GEORGE W. COOK (from the book, University Recruits, by D W Reed)
second Captain of Company C, was a native of Ohio, born in 1838. He was a member of the senior class in Upper Iowa University, a member of the University Recruits and as such entered the service September 15, 1861. Upon the organization of the company he was elected 1st Sergeant; was present with his company at Ft. Donelson; was wounded and taken prisoner at Shiloh; exchanged November 10, 1862. While in prison he was commissioned 2d Lieutenant, vice Smith resigned, and in February, 1863, was commissioned 1st Lieutenant, vice Henderson, discharged for wounds. He was present with his company during the Vicksburg campaign, and upon the death of Captain Warner was commissioned Captain December 14, 1863. He commanded his company from that time, including Battle of Tupelo, until December 1, 1864, when he mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., on expiration of original term of enlistment. He returned to his home in Cayton County, Iowa, and was soon after elected County Superintendent of Schools and held that office several years and then removed to Medicine Lodge, Kansas.
DATUS E. COON was one of the pioneer newspaper men of Iowa. He established the first newspaper in Mitchell County, at Osage, in 1856, called the Democrat and supported the administration of James Buchanan. In 1858 he established a paper called the Cerro Gordo Press, at Mason City, the first in the county. Two years later, in 1860, he moved to Ellington and there established the first paper published in Hancock County. When the Civil War began he received authority from Governor Kirkwood to raise a company for the Second Iowa Cavalry. It became Company I in the organization of the regiment. He was a gallant soldier and was promoted to major in September, 1861, to colonel in 1864 and brevetted Brigadier-General in March, 1865. He located in Alabama at the close of the war and was elected to the Legislature during the reconstruction period. Mr. Coon was appointed by President Hayes Consul to Babaca, Cuba. In 1875 he went to San Diego, Californai, as Superintendent of the Chinese Exclusion Law, where he was killed by the accidental discharge of a pistol on the 17th of December, 1893.
~Source: A Narrative History of the People of Iowa with SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC. by EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, volume IV THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. Chicago and New York 1931
DATUS ENSIGN COON
COON FAMILY SOLDIERS
GEORGE B. CORKHILL, lawyer, soldier and editor, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, 1838. In 1847 the family removed to Iowa, locating at Mount Pleasant. He graduated from the Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, afterwards taking the law course at Harvard University. He was admitted to the bar at Mount Pleasant and began practice; but in 1862 entered the Union army, having been appointed by President Lincoln Commissary of Subsistence and assigned to the Army of the Potomac, where he served until the close of the war, having been promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. After leaving the army he became a law partner of A.H. Bereman at St. Louis for a time but returned to Mt. Pleasant and in 1869 was appointed District Attorney of the First District. He was later appointed clerk of the United States District Court for Iowa. Mr. Corkhill was for some time private secretary to Senator Harlan and was special agent of the Department of the Interior under him. He was editor-in-chief of the Washington Chronicle for some time. In 1880 he was appointed by President Hayes United States District Attorney for the District of Columbia and acquired national fame in conducting the prosecution of Guiteau, the assassin of President Garfield. He also prosecuted the suits against the famous "Star Route" officials. Colonel Corkhill was a life-long Republican. His first wife was Olive B. Miller, the eldest daughter of Judge Samuel F. Miller, Iowa member of the United States Supreme Court. Colonel Corkhill died at Mount Pleasant July 6, 1886 from disability contracted during the war.
Obituary (pdf) His thoughts on the Insanity Plea (pdf)
Gravestone submitted by Steve Hanken
CORNWALL, W. T.
Tingley Vindicator
Tingley, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, November 28, 1919
The following account, taken from the Denver, Colo. Times of November 21, is in regard to the death of a former well-known citizen of Union county, but who was identified with the early history of the north half of Ringgold county as well. He was so well thought of and highly respected, that the township of Tingley and later the town of Tingley was, on the suggestion of Edgar SHELDON, another highly esteemed pioneer, named after Mr. CORNWALL, taking his second given name - Tingley.
William Tingley CORNWALL died this morning at his residence, 917 East Thirteenth Avenue, after being an invalid for thirteen years.
He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, October 21, 1842. At the commencement of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry and served throughout the war. After the Civil War, Mr. CORNWALL settled in Iowa and married Amy K. BOSWORTH of Brighton, Iowa [April 19] 1870 [at Brighton, Iowa]. He was treasurer of Union county, Iowa, for a number of years until he came to Denver in 1882 at the request of J. O. BOSWORTH, to become secretary and treasurer of the Denver Fire Clay company. For twenty-one years, he was active in the management of this company, and largely responsible for its success.
Mr. CORNWALL is survived by his widow, who has scarcely left this bedside for many years. Two children, Albert CORNWALL and Milo CORNWALL, died many years ago, the former in infancy and the latter at the age of 25 years, before marrying and Tingley's founder left no heirs.
NOTE: William Tingley CORNWALL, the son of Francis CORNWALL (1800-1869) and Martha (CARR) CORNWALL (1802-?) was interred at Block 33 of Fairmount Cemetery, Denver, 430 South Quebec St Colorado. Amy Keturah (BOSWORTH) CORNWALL, the daughter of Daniel Ladd and Lydia J. (CASE) BOSWORTH, was born in 1849, and died in 1940. She was also interred at Fairmont Cemetery, Denver.
From Representative Women of Colorado, "MRS. AMY K. CORNWALL DENVER: Charter member of North Side and Woman's Clubs of Denver, and also of the Colorado Equal Suffrage Association, of which she was President for several years. Has resided in Colorado thirty-two vears.
SOURCES:
~Tingley, Iowa Centennial: 1883 - 1983. p. 2. PSI, Inc. Belmond IA. 1983.
Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library, September of 2011
~SEMPLE, James Alexander. Representative Women of Colorado. p. 127. Williamson_Haffner Co. Denver CO. 1911.
~Transcription and notes by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2011
JOHN M. CORSE was born April 27, 1835, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1842 his father removed to the new Territory of Iowa, locating at Burlington. The son, John, after acquiring an education became a clerk in a drug and book store. In 1853 General A.C. Dodge, who was a friend of the father, secured the son an appointment in the Military Academy at West Point. After two years' instruction he left the Academy and engaged in business with his father at Burlington. Later he studied law with C. Ben Darwin, finally took the law course at Albany, New York, and was admitted to the bar. He was a "Douglas Democrat" and in 1860 received the nomination of that party for Secretary of State, but with his party was defeated. When the Civil War began he helped raise men for the First Battery of Light Artillery. Soon after he received the appointment of major of the Sixth Regiment of Infantry and was in the Battle of Shiloh. In May he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and was in command of the regiment. In March, 1863, he was commissioned colonel and in August was promoted to Brigadier-General. In 1864 he was in Sherman's great campaign through the Gulf States and greatly distinguished himself by an heroic defense of Allatoona against an assault by a greatly superior force. He served with distinction to the close of the war and was brevetted Major-General of volunteers in April, 1866. In 1867 he was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue in Chicago. He was one of the incorporators of the Texas Pacific Railroad Company. In 1871 he removed to Boston where in 1886 he was appointed postmaster. He died in that city on the 27th of April, 1893.
~Source: A Narrative History of the People of Iowa with SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC. by EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, volume IV THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. Chicago and New York 1931
COSGRRIFF, RICHARD H
PHILLIP M. CRAPO is a native of Freetown, near New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he was born June 30, 1844. In youth he enjoyed excellent educational advantages, but chose to forego a college career that he might enlist in the Third Massachusets Infantry, serving in the eastern department. After the war he became a civil engineer in Michigan and was engaged in the State offices at Detroit in the preparation of the Military History of Michigan. In 1868 Mr. Crapo came to Iowa as the representative of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company which he served in various capacities for more than twenty-one years. He has always been a public spirited citizen and aided materially in numerous important enterprises in Burlington. He assured the establishment of the Burlington Free Library and has recently made possible the erection of a permanent home for it by subscribing half of the cost of a beautiful building. He was also chiefly instrumental in providing a public park for Burlington which bears his name. Mr. Crapo assured the success of the Semi-Centennial Celebration of the admission of the State into the Union, which was held in Burlington in 1896, serving as President of the Board of Commissioners which had charge of the enterprise. He was largely instrumental in securing the establishment of the Soldiers' Home at Marshalltown and delivered the address on behalf of the soldiers at the dedication of the building.
~Source: A Narrative History of the People of Iowa with SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC. by EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, volume IV THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. Chicago and New York 1931
MARCELLUS M. CROCKER, lawyer and soldier, was born in Johnson County, Indiana, February 6, 1830. With his father's family he came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1844, where he attracted the notice of Shepherd Leffler, who was a member of Congress living at Burlington. When Crocker was sixteen years of age he had acquired an education. Leffler and General A.C. Dodge, who was a United States Senator, joined in securing him the appointment of cadet in the Military Academy at West Point. He entered upon his military education, but the death of his father made it necessary for him to leave the Academy before he could graduate. It was in the fall of 1849 when he returned home to look after the affairs of his father's estate that he entered the office of Judge Olney and took up the study of law. In the course of two years he was admitted to the bar and began practice at Lancaster, in Keokuk County. In the spring of 1854 he removed to Des Moines and entered into a partnership with D.O. Finch. In 1857 he and P.M. Casady became partners in the practice of law and soon after J. S. Polk became a member of the firm. Mr. Crocker became in a few years one of the most prominent and successful lawyers in central Iowa. He was attending court at Adel when the news of the firing of Fort Sumter was received. He returned to Des Moines and made a thrilling address at a war meeting. From this time forward he was an uncompromising Union man, supporting Lincoln's administration, although he had been a firm Democrat from boyhood. He at once began to raise a company for the war, which became Company D of the Second Volunteer Infantry. In the winter following he was promoted to a Brigadier-General. He took an active part in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and in the latter commanded a brigade which was composed of the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa regiments and became one of the most famous of the Army of Tennessee. He was promoted to Major-General and placed in command of the Seventh Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps, which fought most gallantly with heavy loss at the battles of Jackson and Champion's Hill. In this campaign under the eye of General Grant, that great chieftain pronounced Crocker "competent to command an army." In 1863 he came home on sick leave. While in Des Moines the Republican State Convention was in session, and there was a movement inaugurated to nominate him for Governor. But he declined the honor with a remark: "If a soldier is worth anything he cannot be spared from the field; if he is worthless, he will not make a good Governor." His last active service in the Civil War was with Sherman in the march to the sea, where his health began to fail. Early in the summer he was transferred to a command in New Mexico where it was hoped the climate would be beneficial to him. But he was already stricken with a fatal malady and in June, 1865, he went to Washington where he was prostrated with sickness, but lingered until August 26, when he passed away at the early age of thirty-five.
~Source: A Narrative History of the People of Iowa with SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC. by EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, volume IV THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. Chicago and New York 1931
SAMUEL R. CURTIS was born in Ohio on the 3d of February, 1807. He entered the Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1831. At the beginning of the War with Mexico he was appointed Adjutant Gerneral of Ohio and soon after was commissioned Colonel of the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served with distinction through the war and was military governor of several of the captured cities. In 1847 he removed to Keokuk, Iowa and was for several years chief engineer of the Des Moines River improvement. He became civil engineer for several railroads constructed in Iowa, Indiana and Illinois. In 1853 he was nominated by the Republicans of the First District for Representative in Congress and elected, serving until 1861, when he resigned his seat to enter the military service. He was the first colonel of the Second Iowa Infantry and was soon promoted to Brigadier-General. He commanded the Union army in the Battle of Pea Ridge where he won a brilliant victory over superior numbers. General G. M. Dodge, one of the ablest of the higher officers from Iowa writes of that battle: "Probably no one had a better opportunity than I to judge of the battle. My command opened the battle, and I think was the last to fire a gun. General Curtis, the commander of that army, was entitled to the full credit of that great victory. The battle virtually cleared up the southwest and allowed all our forces to concentrate on or east of the Mississippi. General Curtis had under him as the division commanders several experienced, educated soldiers, who performed their duties with great ability, but it was General Curtis who met and defeated up their own ground, three hundred miles away from any base, twice his number. He was attacked in the rear and on the flank with great force, the fighting lasting three days, and he defeated, yes, virtually destroyed, Van Dorn's army." General Curtis was promptly promoted to Major-General in recognition of his great victory and given command of the Department of Missouri. After a vigorous campaign a clique of unscrupulous politicians of Missouri secured his removal and he was transferred to the Department of Kansas where he won additional honors. He was the first Major-General from Iowa, the only one who commanded an independent army. He was never defeated in battle and it was not creditable to the administration that a commander so able and successful should have been displaced from a Department where he had won enduring fame.
~Source: A Narrative History of the People of Iowa with SPECIAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHIEF ENTERPRISES IN EDUCATION, RELIGION, VALOR, INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, ETC. by EDGAR RUBEY HARLAN, volume IV THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. Chicago and New York 1931
S. L. Cutshall
To such men as Samuel L. Cutshall is the great state of Iowa indebted for its development and progress along agricultural lines, for he devoted many years of his life to improvement of his land, which he brought to a splendid state of productivity, and while he was advancing his individual interests he was at the same time contributing to the general prosperity and progress of the community in which he lived. Samuel L. Cutshall was born at Fort Wayne, Indiana, November 7, 1845, and is a son of Eli and Dorcas (Price) Cutshall, who were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania respectively, and went to Indiana in an early day, the father devoting his attention to farming pursuits there until 1839.
In 1855 he came to Iowa, locating in Buchanan county, where he continued farming during the remaining active years of his life. To him and his wife were born eleven children, of which number six are still living.
Samuel L. Cutshall received his educational training in the public schools of Indiana and Iowa. He remained at home until October, 1863, when he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, with which command he served until the close of the war, taking part in a number of hard-fought engagements, through which he came without injury. He was mustered out of the service at Atlanta, Georgia, August 8, 1865, and returned home, where he remained until his marriage, in 1870, when he rented a farm in Black Hawk county, Iowa, living there for two years. In the fall of 1871 he came to Clay county and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Lake township, to which he later added eighty acres by purchase. he is still the owner of the two hundred and forty acres, all of which he improved, erecting a good set of farm buildings and otherwise making of it one of the best and most productive farms in that locality. In 1906 Mr. Cutshall moved to Dickens, where he bought ten acres of land, which he improved and on which he lived until 1915, when he sold that place and bought a nice home in Spencer, where he now resides, enjoying the fruits of his former years of earnest and well-directed effort.
On March 10, 1870, Mr. Cutshall was united in marriage to Miss Janette Moyer, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Isaac and Betsy A. (Leach) Moyer. To them have been born eleven children, ten of whom are living as follows: A. B.; Mary D., the wife of Roy C. Swingley, of Minnesota; Fred B., who lives in California; Effie L., the wife of J. O. Davidson; Raymond L.; Samuel G., who lives in California; Ruby J., the wife of A. W. Johnson, of Montana; Inez Belle, at home; Eugene H., who lives on the Home farm; Laura P., the wife of Martin Peterson, of California; and William, who died when eight months old. Politically,
Mr. Cutshall is a republican and has served as school treasurer and commissioner, as well as in other local offices. He is a member of Annett Post, No. 124, G. A. R., and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has been true and loyal in every relation of life and has so ordered his actions as to command the unqualified respect of his fellow citizens.
~Source: NORTHWESTERN IOWA ITS HISTORY AND TRADITION VOLUME II 1804-1926
