Article from Taylor County
History 1881 by Lyman Evans
FLICK, Capt. JOHN, farmer, section five, post-office Platteville, was born
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1817, where he was raised and
received his education in the common schools. Learned the tanner's trade
at the age of sixteen, and four years later opened a tannery at Bakerstown,
Pennsylvania, which he conducted eight or nine years. Came to Iowa in
1849, and settled on a farm in Wapello county, where he remained nearly
five years, then came to his present home in Taylor county. He helped to
organize the county. In September, 1861, he was commissioned captain of a
militia company by Gov. Kirkwood, and in the following November was
commissioned by Gov. Gamble, of Missouri, to organize a company in that
State. He promptly performed that duty, served six months, and was
mustered out at St. Joseph. Returned to the Hawkeye State and was
commissioned captain of company B, Second battalion southern border
brigade, and served fourteen months. He then received a lieutenant's
recruiting commission from the United States government. Held that
position six months, resigned, and was mustered into the Ninth Iowa
cavalry as captain, in which capacity he served two years and eight
months. Was inspector of government horses for a time; also had command of
the government post at Fayetteville, Arkansas, for several months. Was
mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, and returned to his home. He was married
in 1842 to Miss Margaret Patton, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. They
are the parents of six children: James P., William H., Abraham, Mary,
Sarah and John C. Mr. Flick now has a farm of 525 acres, all in good
cultivation. Has given to his children considerable land. He has one of
the best arranged homes in Taylor county. Himself and wife were formerly
members of the Associate R. P. Church, and are now enjoying the confidence
and esteem of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
