Rockford Township

Hon. Elbridge G. Bowdoin    Pages 902 - 903
Of Floyd County, Ia., was born at South Hadley Falls, Hampshire County, Mass., on the 16th day of February 1820. His father, Hon. William Bowdoin, of Huguenot origin and a descendant of the same ancestors as the Bowdoins of Boston, was for more than forty years a practicing attorney of the Massachusetts bar and for several terms a member of the Massachusetts Senate. The subject of our sketch was educated at Amherst College, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 1840. After graduating he commenced the study of law, but subsequently for some time taught an academy at Spencertown, Columbia County, N. Y., and again from 1842 to 1845 was similarly engaged at Milton, Caswell County, N. C. Returning to Massachusetts, the latter year, he resumed his legal studies with Judge Henry Morris, at Springfield, where in May 1847, he was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Immediately after he removed to Amherst, where he entered into partnership with the Hon. Edward Dickinson, with whom he continued in the practice of his profession until 1855, when, owing to ill health, he made a journey to Iowa, which eventuated in his becoming interested in real estate in Floyd and adjoining counties, and a resident of the town of Rockford, of which he was one of the original proprietors. In 1856 he was admitted to the bar of Floyd County, but never practiced there. In 1859 he was elected a member of the Iowa House of Representatives, which met in 1860, from the district then composed of the counties of Floyd, Cerro Gordo, Worth, Hancock and Winnebago, in which session he was a member of the Judiciary Committee, and Chairman of the Committee on Schools and State University. He was re-elected to the assembly which met in 1862, in which session he was Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, and a member of the committee on apportioning the State into congressional districts. In 1860 he was a member of the Iowa delegation to the National Republican Convention, at Chicago, which nominated Mr. Lincoln. In December 1863, going to Washington he was made Clerk of the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives, of which the Hon. James F. Wilson, of Iowa, was Chairman, which position he retained for nearly ten years, six of them with Mr. Wilson as Chairman, and the remainder with Hon. John A. Bingham, of Ohio. Since that time he has resided at Rockford, where he is principal proprietor of the unoccupied town property, and is engaged in farming and dealing in real estate. He is one of the most public-spirited men in the Shell Rock Valley. He was never married.

N. D. Bowles    Page 903
One of the prominent citizens of Rockford Township is a native of Holmes County, O., born May 3, 1833. He was reared and educated in his native place, residing there until his eighteenth year, when he came to Iowa, locating in Clayton County in the summer of 1851. In 1872 he moved to Osceola County, and in 1877 to Floyd County, where he has remained since. His marriage to Bertha A. Cummings occurred Nov. 14, 1856. She was born in Michigan, June 29, 1837. Mr. Bowles enlisted in February 1862, in the Sixteenth United States Infantry, and served two years, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Kennesaw Gap, Atlanta and was captured just before the memorable battle of Perryville, Ky., but succeeded in making his escape that night, and returned to his regiment. He was appointed master of transportation of the army from Louisville, Ky., to Fort Scott, Kan., and was there from June until the following January. After the close of the war he returned to Floyd County, and has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Rockford Township since. Politically he is a strong supporter of the Republican party.

William Braunton    Page 904
Is a native of England, born June 6, 1834. He received his education in his native country, and there learned the builder's trade, which he followed until 1871, when he came to the United States, and to Rockford, Ia., via Chicago. He has built many of the residences in Rockford, and has been very successful. He was married in his native county, in 1866, to Emma Haslett, who was born in England in 1843. Their union has been blessed with six children -Ernest, Marian, Hugh, Blanche, Harold and Eva. The first three were born in England, the last three in America. Mr. Braunton, in politics, is a strong supporter of the Republican party. He is a member of the Established Church of England.

Stephen P. Britton    Page 904
Was born in Elizabeth, N. J., and there his boyhood was passed, and his education received. In 1848 he left his native State for the West, and located in Chicago, Ill., where he engaged in the practice of law two years; then removed to Winnebago County, Ill. He farmed on Rock River nine years, and in 1856 came to Floyd County, purchasing an interest in the town property of Rockford. He now owns 360 acres of fine land, adjoining the city. He was married in 1858 to Annie D. Porter, a native of Zanesville, O., born in 1836. They have three children - Stephen, born in 1860, Robert in 1862, and Annie in 1871. Mr. Britton is classed with the prominent farmers and fine-stock breeders of the county, and owns some choice imported cattle, horses and hogs.

Henry Bumgardner    Page 904
Was born April 17, 1825, in the State of Ohio. He lived there until 1857, when he came to Floyd County, and settled on section 28, Rockford Township. He now owns 230 acres of as fine land as there is in the county, all under excellent cultivation, and containing many improvements and conveniences not found on the average farm. He learned the miller's trade in Ohio, and has followed that occupation in connection with farming much of the time since coming here. He was married in 1858. Mrs. Bumgardner was born in Indiana in 1840. They have seven children - Albert Newton, born in 1860; John Leeson, in 1862; Mary C., in 1864, Eddie Jasper, in 1866; William Henry, in 1868, Estella, in 1875 and Carter, in 1879. Mr. Bumgardner has held the office of School Director four terms.

John S. Childs    Page 905
Is a native of Woodstock, Conn., born Sept. 30, 1833, a son of John Childs, a successful farmer, and Alice, nee Walker. His parents are excellent examples of the higher type of Puritanic character; honest, industrious and frugal, rearing their children in the strictest principles of integrity, and early teaching them that idleness was to be no part of their inheritance. They are still living at the advanced age of ninety years. John Childs, Sr., has always been noted for his sterling Christian character, and for doing well whatever he undertakes to do. Mrs. Childs is an estimable woman of superior intellectual abilities, and is thoroughly posted on all the topics of the day, and on matter pertaining to the General Government. She is ready and expert in argument, and believes that it is a woman's duty, equally with her right, to inform herself in all practical knowledge attainable by careful husbandry of spare time. She is a devoted Christian, and has laid up a rich store of treasure for the great hereafter. John Spencer Childs was educated in a select school in his native town, and subsequently taught a few seasons. In March 1857, he emigrated to Iowa, selecting Rockford as the scene of his future labors. He embarked in the mercantile business with his brother-in-law, O. H. Lyon, now a banker of Rockford. The firm of Childs & Lyon continued for twelve or fifteen years, and few houses in the Shell Rock Valley were better known, or were the recipients of more extensive trade than they. Mr. Childs is still in the business, having operated alone until the past four years., since when his son Harry has been in partnership with him and manages the entire business. Mr. Childs was married March 30, 1858, to Lydia F. Lyon, a native of Woodstock County. They have five children - Harry M., Alice S., Mary L., Anna G. and Leonard W. Politically he favors the Republican party.

F. B. Cogswell    Pages 905 - 906
Is a native of Erie County, N. Y., born in the town of Wales, Mar. 20, 1834. When sixteen years of age he left his native State and went to Pennsylvania, returning two years later. He subsequently emigrated to Illinois, where he remained two years; then went back to New York; thence to Waushara County, Wis. He owned a farm of eighty acres on section 15, Richland Township, which he sold in 1881. He was elected to all the township offices of Richland Township, and was Sheriff of the county two years. He came to Floyd County, Ia., in 1873, having previously purchased land here in 1868. He owns 160 acres and is classed with the representative farmers and breeders of fine stock of Floyd County. He was married Dec. 10, 1856, to Martha Leigh, who was born in England in 1833. Three children have been born unto them - Eva T., born Dec. 5, 1857, in Waushara County, Wis., and died in Rockford Township, Ia., Feb. 17, 1878, of typhoid fever, Addie I., born August 1862 and Frank, Dec. 7, 1868. In his religious views Mr. Cogswell is a Liberalist, and politically is a Republican, and has been elected by that party to many of the local offices. He is at present serving as Road Supervisor and School Director, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.

S. B. Cogswell    Page 906
One of the prominent citizens of Rockford Township, was born in Wales, Erie County, N. Y., Feb. 7, 1840, and was there reared and educated. He emigrated to Ogle County, Ill., in 1861, and engaged in farming there until 1880, when he removed to Floyd County, Ia., and settled upon his present farm of 140 acres, on section 2, Rockford Township. This farm is under excellent improvement and thoroughly stocked. He was married Nov. 20, 1856, to Frances Hubbard, also a native of Erie County, N. Y., born Oct. 1, 1841. They have had four children - Ettie, born Feb. 18, 1859; Willie, born Mar 1, 1865, died March. 25, 1870; Minnie Ellen, born Nov. 23, 1869 and Lizzie, Sept. 18, 1874. Mr. Cogswell is at present serving acceptably in the offices of Road Supervisor and School Director. In politics he is a strong Republican.

Albert Collins    Pages 924 - 925
Deputy Postmaster, Rockford, Ia., was born in Otsego County, N. Y., Dec. 21, 1843. When twelve years of age he came West with his parents, locating in Madison, Wis.; thence, in 1856, to Lake County, Ill. They resided there until the fall of 1868, then removed to Floyd County, Ia., settling in Rockford Township, where his father died in December 1879. His mother is till a resident of Floyd County. Mr. Albert Collins enlisted June 7, 1864 in Company F, Thirty-eighth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served one year. He was wounded at Petersburg, Va., on picket line, Jan. 3, 1865, losing his left arm. He was honorably discharged at Washington, D. C., April 17, 1865. He returned to Illinois, then his home, and resided there until 1868, then became a resident of Rockford, Ia. He has been acting Deputy Postmaster most of the time since. He was married at Shell Rock, Ia., Sept. 12, 1872, to Ellen L. Palmer, a native of Castleton, Vt., born May 7, 1852. In politics Mr. Collins is a strong supporter of the Republican party.

John D. Conner    Pages 906 - 907
Was born in Holland, Erie County, N. Y., Aug. 22, 1832. His father, S. B. Conner, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1811 and died March 1, 1877. His mother Tufanny Dake, was born in Holland, N. Y., March 22, 1815 and died March 24, 1872. His parents were early settlers of Holland, N. Y., and moved to Wisconsin, where they both died. They had nine children; seven are still living. While in New York, Mr. Conner carried on the daguerreotype business for seven years. In 1862 he went to Warren County, Pa., where he lived three years. He then moved to Wisconsin and remained six years; from there, to Floyd County, Ia., and settled in Ulster Township; two years later went to Rudd and lived four years; then came to Rockford, where he kept a restaurant for three years, then he sold out, and has since followed painting most of the time. He has had a wooden leg since he was fifteen years old. His wife, Urania E. Crowell, was born in Centerville, Allegany County, N. Y. Sept. 23, 1827. Her father, Samuel Crowell, died in New York in 1862. She was the oldest of his seven children. Her uncle, Edward Crowell, was one of the first settlers of Floyd County, and owned a large farm. He died in Ulster Township, in 1880. His large family of fourteen children all reside in Iowa.

C. E. Cutter    Page 907
One of the representative citizens of Rockford Township was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., June 26, 1847. His father is a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., born June 3, 1810; his mother, of Pennsylvania, born Jan. 21. 1821. They are now residents of Cerro Gordo County, Ia. The subject of this memoir came West with his parents in 1854, settling in Wisconsin, where they resided eighteen months, then removed to Floyd County, Ia., locating on a farm about four miles south of Charles City. One year later they went to Cerro Gordo County, where C. E. resided eight years, engaged in farming. He was married on Jan. 8, 1879, to Josephine M. Perness, who was born in LaSalle County, Ill., March 4, 1847. Two children have been born of this union - Cynthia M., born May 9, 1880, and Clara, Feb. 4, 1882. In politics Mr. Cutter is independent, voting for the man rather than the party. He is extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising in this township.

Charles Jay Dumbolton    Page 908
Was born in the State of New York, July 27, 1853, and was the youngest of a family of three children, viz.: Nathan, Lucius and Jay. In 1856 he left his native State, and with his parents moved to Wisconsin, settling in Columbia County. He received a practical education there, and in 1868 came with his parents to Floyd County, Ia. They settled upon a farm on 360 acres, on sections 9 and 10, which they still reside upon. Jay manages the farm for his parents, who are now in their declining years, and in connection with farming operates a steam threshing machine. He is a Republican in his political views, and is classed with the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Floyd County.

John Dumbolton    Page 908
Was born in Otsego County, N. Y., May 19, 1806. In 1856 he left his native State for the West, and located in Baraboo, Wis. From there he moved to Columbia County, that State; thence to Floyd County, Ia. He settled on section 9, Rockford Township, where he now owns a finely cultivated farm of 360 acres. He was married in Otsego County, N. Y., on June 8, 1834, to Harriet A. Coe, a native also of the Empire State, born in the town of Scriba, on April 5, 1813. Five children have blessed this union, viz: Samuel, born April 18, 1835; Louisa, Nov. 9, 1837; Lucius B., April 1, 1843; Nathan H., June 5, 1848; and Charles Jay, July 27, 1851. The eldest son, Samuel, was drowned in the Tennessee River at Paducah, Ky., on March 25, 1864, while serving in the Union army, a member of Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Dumbolton has retired from active business life, and his son, Charles Jay, is managing the farm. He is classed with the prominent agriculturists and stock-breeders of Floyd County, and in politics is a strong Republican.

William Durkee    Pages 908 - 909
Proprietor of the Beebe House, Rockford, Ia., was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., July 30, 1839. At the age of seven years he came West with his parents, locating in Green Lake County, Wis., where he remained until March 4, 1864, when he came to Rockford, Floyd County, Ia. Since his residence here he has engaged in the hotel business, and is known throughout the county as a genial, gentlemanly host, and a popular landlord. He was married March 14, 1864, to Miss Frances Beebe, a native of Attica, Wyoming County, N. Y., born Feb. 14, 1844. They have three children - Jennie C., born May 29, 1865; Frank, Nov. 11, 1868, and Robert Nelson, Feb. 26, 1874. Mrs. Durkee is a member of the Congregational church. He has always been a strong supporter of the Democratic party.

A. H. Evans    Page 909 - 910
Was born in Steuben County, N. Y., Dec. 22, 1832. He was married Jan. 18, 1855, to Elizabeth Conrad, who was born in Hinsdale, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., Jan 7, 1830. There are two adopted children - F. D., born Feb. 23, 1855 and Hattie, born Feb 22, 1877. Mr. Evans came to Floyd County, Iowa, in 1867, and now has a fine farm of 100 acres on section 34, Rockford Township. He is a Republican in his political views and has held the office of School Director and Road Supervisor several terms. In religious belief he is a Methodist. He enlisted Feb. 2, 1864, in the First New York Independent Battery, and was discharged June 23, 1865, in Syracuse, N. Y. He was in several hard fought battles, among them the battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, and Cold Harbor, Va. In 1856, while living in New York, some fallen timber near his house took fire, and as it was a very dry time, and a strong wind blowing, they were unable to save the house or contents. His family were obliged to take refuge in a well nearby, in which there was not much water. They threw their bed clothes and carpets into the well, but were obliged to dip water and pour on them, as the fire brands were blown in on them. In this way they spent three hours, twelve feet below the earth's surface. The fire-fiend seems to have a special spite against him, for in 1866, while living in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., he had his storehouse and all his goods destroyed by fire.

F. D. Evans    Page 910
Was born Feb. 23, 1855, in Alleghany County, N. Y. He was adopted by A. H. Evans in 1856, and came with him to Floyd County, Ia., in 1867. He follows farming as his profession.

Oscar J. Green    Pages 911 - 912
Was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., and became a resident of Floyd County, Iowa, in 1865. He located at once in Rockford Township, where he followed farming until five years ago, when failing health compelled him to discontinue the arduous duties of farm life. He sold his land and moved into the town of Rockford, where he has resided since. He was married Nov. 13, 1860 to Adeline Clark, who was born in New York, Oct. 30, 1837. They have one child, a daughter, Grace, born July 29, 1866. Mr. Green's father was born in the State of New York, Jan. 24, 1797, and died there Aug. 15, 1870, at the age of seventy-four years. His mother is a native of Rhode Island, born in 1799, and is now residing with her daughter, Mrs. Elms, in Floyd County. In his political views Mr. Green is a Republican. Mrs. Green is a member of the Congregational church.

W. J. Green    Page 912
Was born in the town of Berlin, Berkshire County, N. Y., May 6, 1815. When fourteen years of age he left his native place, and went to Williamstown, Mass., where he worked in a woolen factory, manufacturing satinet, about four years; then went to Stephentown, N. Y., where he attended school one year, and at the age of nineteen went to Rowe, Mass.; worked in a woolen factory there six months, attended school at Stephentown the following winter, and in 1837 removed to Barry, Ill. He returned to New York eighteen months later and worked at his former business one year; then purchased an interest in a wool-carding and cloth-dressing establishment, which was destroyed by fire in 1841. He rebuilt his factory, and in 1843 sold it and went to Massachusetts, where he remained two years, then spent six months in South Coventry, Conn. Returning to Massachusetts, he purchased an interest in a cloth factory, selling out in one year. In 1851 he came West, locating in Janesville, Wis., and in 1854 he settled in Floyd County. When he came to Iowa he settled on the farm which he now owns, on section 14, township 95. He first entered 160 acres in 1854, and the following spring an eighty adjoining. They erected a log cabin, in which they lived six years. His tools were a common ax, a saw and a hammer. He built this cabin during the Indian troubles near Clear Lake. When he moved into his cabin the settlers were camped all about it. While this was in process of construction he and his family lived in their wagon three weeks. Such hardships were discouraging, and it was for such men as Mr. Green to grapple with these difficulties when many would have given up and returned to civilization. Mr. Green now has a reward for his zeal and enterprise in the possession of one of the most beautiful homes in the county. He has bought twenty acres adjoining the old farm, on which he has built an elegant residence, and where he is surrounded with every comfort of life. He also owns 160 acres of land on section 16. He was married in 1841 to Harriet Douglas, who died leaving one child - Harriet G. A., born in August 1842, and married John Reid. In 1845 Mr. Green married Mary Ann Ryndus, in Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Green are prominent members of the Congregational church, in which he is a Deacon. In politics he is a Republican.

Benjamin Griffin    Page 913
One of the representative citizens of Rockford, Ia., was born in Hampsted, near London, England, May 4, 1814. He was married in London in 1833, to Anna Payne, who was born in that city in 1813. Three children blessed this union - William, born in 1834, was killed by a kick to the breast from a horse; Margaret, born in 1835, died in 1862, and Sophia, born in 1843, married Dr. Irwin, now of Rockford. They have two sons - R. P., who is a partner in the drug store, and William. Mr. Griffin came with his family to America, landed at New York, and from there went to Newburg; stopped one month, thence to Albany, where he engaged in the butcher business two years, then came West, locating in Quincy, Ill., in 1837. One year later he removed to Tulla, Mo., where he embarked in the pork and beef packing business until 1842, and in that year returned to his native country. He remained in England ten years, and while there, in 1851, attended the World's Fair at London. In 1852 he returned to the United States, and located near Madison, Wis., where he farmed four years, and in 1862 came to Floyd County, Ia. He spent one year in Charles City, prior to locating in Rockford. Since his residence here he has engaged in the drug business, and has been fairly successful. He formed a partnership with his son-in-law, Dr. Irwin, who died, and his son is now the partner. He is thoroughly versed in pharmacy, and is a skillful and reliable druggist. In his political view he is a Republican, and is a member of the Church of England.

D. A. Hardman    Page 914
One of the pioneer children of Iowa, was born in Delaware County, Ia., Dec. 13, 1852, and when a mere baby was brought by his parents to Floyd County. They settled in Rock Grove Township, and D. A. was reared and educated in the common schools of that vicinity; also attended the Osage Seminary two years. On Nov. 11, 1880, he purchased his present farm of sixty acres, on section 28, Rockford Township, which he now has under excellent improvement. He was married March 20, 1880, to Ella Fleanor, who was born in Rock Grove, March 25, 1860. They have one child - Ray, born July 27, 1882. Mr. Hardman is a member of the Baptist church, and in politics is a Republican. His father, David Hardman, was born in Ohio in 1817, and died in Rock Grove Township, Floyd County, April 17, 1882. His mother is a native of Indiana, born in 1819. She is still living on the old homestead.

S. W. Haven    Page 914
Furniture dealer, and one of the prominent business men of Rockford, is a native of Ludlow, Windsor County, Vt., born March 3, 1826. He was educated in his native State, and resided there until twenty years of age, when he went to Pennsylvania, and two years later removed to Winnebago County, Ill. He resided there seven years, and in 1855 came to Floyd County, Ia. Since 1856 he has been a resident of Rockford Township. He followed the carpenter's trade chiefly until 1876, when he embarked in his present business, and has met with flattering success. He served as Township Clerk for about ten years, and was elected Justice of the Peace in 1878, and has held the office to the present time. He was married in 1849, to Sarah Jane Knapp, who was born in 1829. Three children have blessed this union, viz.: Ella J., born in September 1850; Emmett M., March 30, 1854, and Laura O., Jan. 22, 1860. Mr. Haven enlisted Aug. 21, 1862 in the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, and served until Aug. 8, 1865, when he was mustered out at Clinton, Ia. He participated in many of the hard fought battles of the war, and though often where shot and shell fell thickest, escaped unhurt. He is a member of the regular Baptist church, and in politics is a Republican, and a Prohibitionist.

Charles Howell    Page 915
Was born at Chester, Orange County, N. Y., Sept. 7, 1857. His father was a physician of considerable reputation, and a man of excellent character. He married Ruth A. Davis, and to them five children were born, four girls and one boy, Charles being the third child. His parents died when he was young. He and one of his sisters were cared for by an uncle and aunt, who resided on a stock farm, situated eight miles from Newburg, on the Newburg & Goshen Turnpike. He received a liberal English education, and lived with his uncle until his uncle's decease, which occurred Dec. 13, 1877. The next two years his attention was turned to farming; but becoming embued with a desire to locate West, he left his native State, May 1, 1880, at the age of twenty-two, and proceeded to the western part of Nebraska, where he spent several months among the great stock ranches. From Nebraska he returned to New York, and in passing through Iowa made a short sojourn in Des Moines, where he became so impressed with the business inducements Iowa offered young men, that he remained in his native State but three months, when he returned to Iowa, April 1, 1881, and engaged in butter-making for A. F. Bingham at Jesup, Buchanan County. From Jesup he proceeded to Rockford, Floyd County, and on Jan. 20, 1882, leased E. Price's creamery and opened the same the following season for the manufacture of butter, making a gilt-edged article, which is shipped to the Eastern markets.

T. S. Hubbard    Page 915
Was born in Erie County, N. Y., July 7, 1850. He came to Rockford Ia., in 1878, from Ogle County, Ill., where he located in 1866. He rented land the first year of his residence here, then bought 198 acres on section 3, this township, taking possession Oct. 1, 1878. He has lived upon his land since, and is now one of the finest cultivated farms in this section. He was married Jan 9, 1872, to Mary E. Hayes, who was born in Ogle County Ill., Dec. 23, 1853. Four children have been born of their union, viz.: Arthur (deceased), Eva, Minnie E., and Edna F. Mr. Hubbard is a Republican in politics and a strong supporter of that party.

Smith Kimball   Page 917
Is a native of Erie County, N. Y., born Mar. 10, 1820, and made that place his home until 1872, being engaged extensively in farming, and also conducting a dairy. In 1854 he made a trip to Illinois, and resided near Chicago three years, then returned to New York. In 1872 he came to Iowa, locating in Rockford Township, where he has remained since, an honored and respected citizen. He owns eighty acres of land in Ulster Township, besides his farm of 160 acres on section 36, Rockford Township. He was married in March 1851 in his native state to Hannah Parker, who was born in New York, in 1822, and died there on Mar. 18, 1861. He was married to his present wife Jane Leigh, on June 17, 1862. Mr. Kimball is a strong supporter of the Republican party.

Jacob R. Knapp    Page 917
Was born in Winnebago County, Ill., Mar. 9, 1840, and lived there until he was sixteen years old when he came to Rockford, Floyd County, Ia., and has resided here since. He served four years and four months in the late Rebellion having enlisted in the Ninth Iowa Regiment Volunteer Infantry, and also served in the Third Iowa Battery, as a gunner. He served under Captains Hayden, Melvin C. Wright and O. H. Lyon. He participated in many of the hard fought battles of the war, thirteen in number, among them Pea Ridge, Helena, Arkansas Post, Pemberton and others. He was mustered out with his comrades at Davenport, Ia., and came home to Rockford, where he was married Sept. 22, 1867, to Cynthia De Wolf, who was born June 6, 1850. The fruit of this marriage is three children - Laura, born Sept. 21, 1868, died Mar. 23, 1869; Burton, born Aug. 18, 1873, died Oct. 10, 1873, and Owen A., born May 13, 1879. Mr. Knapp owns a finely cultivated farm of 120 acres on section 33, Rockford Township, and in politics is a Republican.

Robert Lindon    Page 918
Grain and stock dealer, Rockford, Ia., was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, May 9, 1840. He emigrated to the United States in September, 1862, landing at Boston, Mass., and from there went at once to New York, thence to Watertown, Wis. He was married there in 1865 to Miss Addie Vanness, who was born in New York State in 1840. Mr. Lindon has been prominently identified with the grain and stock business of Wisconsin and Iowa for the past twenty years, and is at present managing a large grain elevator at Rockford, in company with D. D. Cutler. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and in politics is a strong supporter of the Democratic party. Mr. Lindon has been a resident of Floyd County for the past ten years.

Elijah Longbotham    Page 918
Was born in the town of Paris, Grant County, Wis., June 14, 1843. He came to Rockford Township, Floyd County, Ia., on May 2, 1877, and settled on his present farm of 160 acres, on section 30. He is extensively engaged in grain and stock raising, and his farm is one of the finest in this vicinity. On Dec. 25, 1869, he was united in marriage with Celia H. Taylor, likewise a native of Paris, Wis., born Mar. 11, 1846. Two children have blessed this union, viz.: Julia A., born Oct. 14, 1870, and Thomas O., Nov. 7, 1872. Mr. Longbotham was reared in the Republican school of politics and is still a strong adherent to the principles of that party.

Maurice McKenna   Page 919
Was born in Springfield, Mass., May 31, 1844. His parents were natives of the County of Kerry, Ireland, from which county they emigrated in 18__. In 1833 they located in Fond du Lac County, Wis. Maurice McKenna studied law in the office of Messrs. Blair & Colman, and also in the office of H. F. Rose, at Fond du Lac, Wis. He was elected, on the Democratic ticket, for three successive terms, Clerk of the Courts of Fond du Lac County, Wis., serving six years in that capacity. He was also Vice President of the Star Printing Company, in said city. In 1876 he was admitted, in the Fourth Judicial District of the State of Wisconsin, to practice as an attorney at law, and has practiced his profession since. In 1875 he married Miss Nellie Fagan. He served in the war of the Rebellion, having been a member of Company I, Thirty-ninth Wisconsin Infantry, going out with his regiment, serving chiefly in Mississippi and Tennessee; and having completed his term of service, was, with his comrades, discharged at Milwaukee, Wis., in September 1864. He has also published a volume of poems. He is now a resident of Rockford, Ia., being a member of the Floyd County bar, and is successfully engaged in the practice of law at that place.

C. F. Meyers    Pages 919 - 920
General merchant, Rockford, embarked in the produce business at this place in 1872, continuing until 1881, when he added to that a stock of general merchandise, and by strict attention to business, and by keeping on hand a full and complete line of goods to meet the demands of his customers, has succeeded in building up a fine trade. A native of Louisville, Ky., he was born Feb. 22, 1849, and at an early age moved with his parents to Evansville, Ind., where he was reared and educated. When fifteen years old he returned to his native city, and there learned the jeweler's trade, and four years afterward went to St. Louis, Mo., where he spent one year, working at his trade; thence to Henderson, Ky. He clerked in a hardware store at that place three years, and in 1872 located in Rockford, Ia., where he has been actively identified with the business interest since. On Nov. 3, 1876, he was united in marriage with Amanda Baker, a native of Indiana County, Pa. They have two children - Blanche, born March 1, 1878, and C. F., Nov. 3, 1880. Mr. Myers is a Democrat in his political views.

Clark E. Mitchell    Page 920
Son of H. W. Mitchell, is a native of Illinois, born in Stephenson County, Jan. 17, 1850. When four years old he moved with his father to Portage County, Wis., and resided there eleven years. In 1865 the family settled in Floyd County, Ia., and Clark E. has made Rockford Township his home principally since. In 1877 his father moved to Stephens Point, Wis., where he is now engaged in the lumber traffic. The subject of this sketch is one of a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, viz.: Z. T., a resident of Rockford, Ia.; H. L., a farmer in Union Township; J. S., in business with his father in Wisconsin; Frank H., conducting a large farm at Fargo, D. T.; Mary L., residing in Randolph, Wis., and Anna, living with her father. Mr. C. E. Mitchell was married Oct. 6, 1874, to Blanche E. Jackson, who was born in Beloit, Wis., Apr. 15, 1851. They have two children - Maud, born Nov. 3, 1876, and Lavantia, Jan. 14, 1880. Mr. Mitchell owns a fine farm of 640 acres on sections 21 and 22, and is classed with the prominent agriculturists and stock-breeders of Floyd County. Politically he is a Democrat.

E. R. Moore    Page 920
A prominent farmer and stock-breeder of Floyd County, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, Oct. 28, 1841. He emigrated with his parents to Erie County, N. Y., in 1842, and lived there until 1875 when he came West, locating in Ogle County, Ill. One year later he came to Floyd County, Ia., and settle in Rockford Township. The first year of his residence here he rented land of S. Kimball, then purchased 159 acres on section 25, where he still resides. On Oct. 29, 1866, he married Elody A. Cogswell, who was born in Erie County, N. Y., June 3, 1847. Three children have blessed this union - Addie, born Oct. 2, 1867; Jennie E., born Feb. 12, 1872, died Feb. 28, 1874, and Maud, born July 16, 1878. Politically Mr. Moore favors the Republican party.

O. N. Robbins    Pages 921 - 922
Is a native of Washtenaw County, Mich., born April 9, 1830, and when only one year old he went with his parents to Livingston County, N. Y., where he resided until 1844, then removed to Rockford, Winnebago, County, Ill. In 1855 he came to Floyd County, locating in Charles City, where he remained one year, and in 1856 settled in Rockford Township, where he has since resided. He engaged in farming and staging from Charles City, Rudd and other points until the railroad was built through this place, and since then has carried on the livery business. He has always been an active politician, and gives his support to the Republican party, and prior to the organization of that party was a Whig. He was married in 1854 to Emeline Knapp, who was born in 1826, and died in 1879, having been the mother of two children - Arthur, born in 1856 and Louis born in 1864, died in 1871. Mr. Robbins' father, Benjamin, was born in Fredford, Vt., in 1798, and is now living with his son in Rockford, Ia. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. There are four generations now living at the house of O. N. Robbins in Rockford. He rode a team of fifty-two span of horses in 1844, at Geneseo, N. Y., during the campaign of Henry Clay, when he made a speech at that place.

C. M. Roberts    Page 922
Is a native of Canada, born Aug. 20, 1855. He came to Iowa in 1866, locating in Cedar Falls, where he resided fourteen years, and in 1880 came to Rockford, Floyd County. He purchased six town lots near the B., C. R. & N. R. R. depot where he erected a nice comfortable residence, and is still residing. He is now employed with Robert Eggert in the erection of a paper mill on the Shell Rock River, in South Rockford. He married Mary Sweetser, who was born in Portland, Me., Aug. 2, 1855. Two children have blessed this union, Viz.: - Everard M., born Sept 6, 1878, and Harry E., Aug. 12, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are consistent members of the Methodist church, and politically he is a Republican. He is a man of sober and industrious habits, and is much respected in the community in which he lives.

O. M. Ruggles    Pages 922 - 923
One of the prominent citizens of Rockford Township was born in Broome County, N. Y., April 23, 1838. When sixteen years of age he left his native State and went to Fond du Lac, Wis., where he resided eight years, attending school. He went to Minnesota where he read and practiced law two years, and in 1864 enlisted in the Sixteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, engaging in many a hard fought battle. He was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea, and was at the battle of Whippie Swamp, at the taking of Columbia, S. C., and at Raleigh, N. C., when peace was declared. After the close of the war he returned to Wisconsin, and taught school at Prairie du Chien four years. He was married in 1867 to Elizabeth Kelso, a native of Otsego County, N. Y., born Oct. 7, 1843. The fruit of this marriage is six children - Almira, born Aug. 30, 1868; Cora, June 24, 1870; Grace, Feb. 7, 1872; Robert G., March 19, 1875; Helen, Nov. 11, 1878 and Wallace S., March 1, 1882. Mr. Ruggles owns a finely cultivated farm on sections 5, 7 and 8, Rockford Township, consisting of 215 acres. He is a Democrat in his political views, and has held the office of Township Trustee. He is a member of the Congregational church at Prairie du Chien.

H. C. Scott   Pages 923 - 924
Dealer in agricultural implements, Rockford, Ia., was born in Richland County, O. June 23, 1827. When eight years of age he went with his father to Michigan, resided there two years, thence to Rockford, Ill., in 1838, traveling with ox teams all the way. He engaged in farming in Illinois until October 1875 when he came to Floyd County, locating in Charles City. In March 1876 he settled in Rockford Township, purchasing 200 acres of fine land on section 33, which he farmed one year; then sold, and moved into the city of Rockford, in order to facilitate the educational advantages of his children. He built a nice residence here, where he has for the past six years dealt in agricultural implements. He was married on Dec. 23, 1850 to Mary C. Muffitt, a native of New York, born in 1833. Seven children have been born unto them - Horace T., Sophronia, William H., Hattie E., C. A., Estella and Jessie. Mr. Scott is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M. fraternities of Rockford, and is at present serving in the City Council. Politically he is a Republican.

L. A. Scott    Page 924
One of the prominent citizens of Rockford Township was born in Erie County, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1832. He resided there until 1853, and in that year emigrated to Columbia County, that State, where he remained thirteen years, then came to Rockford, Ia., and has resided here since. Upon coming to this city he erected a large stone storehouse, 40 x 23 feet, on Platt Street, which he subsequently sold to Isaac Hall. He also built the first and only slaughter- house in Rockford. In the year 1871 he embarked in the butcher business and also conducted a grocery store and saloon a short time. He engaged in the hardware business one year, and for the past three years has packed butter for various firms in Rockford. He was married in 1879 to Minnie Graves. Politically he favors the Republican party.

Oren R. Shaw    Page 924
One of the prominent farmers of Rockford Township, is a native of Oneida County, N. Y., born in the town of Marsey on March 13, 1831. He lived there until 1853 when he moved to Lake County, Ill., thence in 1864 to Floyd County, Ia. He settled on section 30, Rockford Township, where he owns a finely improved farm of 173 acres. He was married to Sarah J. Maynard on Sept. 20, 1860. She was born in Cheshire County, N. H., Feb. 11, 1836. They have one child - Jessie Augusta, born Oct. 4, 1866. The family are members of the M. E. church. In politics Mr. Shaw is a Republican, and has held many of the township offices, among them those of Justice of the Peace and School Director, and in each instance has served with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents.

T. P. Sutton    Page 925
Was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., Nov. 19, 1840. His father died when he was ten years old, and the following year he moved with his mother to Dodge County, Wis. He was the fourth child of a family of six children. They resided in Dodge County three years, then removed to Jackson County, and in 1870 he came to Floyd County, Ia., where he had previously purchased the south half of section 32, Rockford Township. He now owns 480 acres of finely cultivated land, and is recognized as one of Floyd County's most prominent farmers and stock growers. He was married July 27, 1865, to C. J. Wright, who was born in Portland, Me., May 4, 1845. He is a Republican in his political views.

John W. Wood    Pages 925 - 926
Was born in Canada, June 19, 1835, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1842, and to Jones County, Ia., in 1854. John W. resided there two years, then returned to Illinois, and in 1863 returned to Iowa, locating near Rudd, Floyd County. He remained there until 1879, when he settled on section 18, Rockford Township, where he purchased an excellent farm and has resided since. He owns 240 acres of fine land, well improved. He married Hannah Tittle, a native of the State of Pennsylvania, born April 6, 1836. Their union has been blessed with eleven children, all living - Israel L., David S., Delbert A., Frank U., Homer Wesley, Lydia Alice, Daniel Jackson, Lottie Belle, Hester Ann, Guy H. and Francis Roy. Mr. Wood is the present Road Master in District No. 9, and politically he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Close Communion Baptist church.

S. W. Woodhouse    Page 926
Was born in Kenosha County, Wis., Jan. 11, 1856, and lived there until 1872, when he came to Rockford Township, Floyd County, Ia. His father died when he was eleven years old. His early education was limited, being received at a common district school in Kenosha County, Wis. He was Cashier of A. L. Plummer's bank about three years; read law in Rockford and passed his examination before Hon. R. G. Reiniger, of Charles City, and was admitted to the bar Sept. 20, 1880; since that time he has been practicing law in Rockford. He was married Oct. 30, 1878, to Flora E. Campbell, a native of Eldon, Victoria County, Canada West, born Oct. 26, 1855, of Scotch parentage. She was left an orphan when seven years old and was taken and educated by her grandparents. She came to Iowa in 1877, and at the time of her marriage was engaged in teaching school. They have one child - James Stewart, born Nov. 17, 1979. Politically Mr. Woodhouse is a Republican.

Ambrose S. Wright    Pages 926 - 927
Was born in New York, Aug. 17, 1837. He came to Illinois in the spring of 1856, and to Floyd County, Ia., in the spring of 1862. He settled first on section 30, Rockford Township, and resided there until 1873, when he went to Nora Springs. Eighteen months later he settled upon his present farm on section 30, Rockford Township. He owns 480 acres of finely cultivated land and is classed with the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Floyd County. He was married March 7, 1866, to Elizabeth Cook, a native of Oswego County, N. Y., born Dec. 10, 1836. They have one child, a daughter - Edith, born May 14, 1872. Mr. Wright has held the office of School Director for the past five years, and politically is a strong Republican. He is a prominent member of the Baptist church and is Superintendent of the Sabbath school. His father, Spencer Wright, was born in Massachusetts in 1805, and in 1862 emigrated to Floyd County, Ia., where he died Aug. 9, 1866. He was a man of sterling Christian integrity, and although he had been a resident of the county for only a short time his loss was deeply felt by the community. His widow married Wm. Wagner in 1870 and is a resident of Rock Grove Township.

George Wyatt    Page 927
Was born in Danville, Livingston County, N. Y., April 1, 1815. He resided there until 1836, when he came West, locating in Michigan, where he engaged in clerking nine months; then went to Fort Defiance, O., and took charge of a stock of goods for Ellis & Co., one year, and in 1838 removed to McHenry County, Ill. He was there pioneering until 1841, then went to Fort Winnebago, Wis., where he farmed some time, then took a contract to supply the fort with wood and hay for eight months. He was subsequently hired by the American Fur Company to take care of the trading post there, and acted in that capacity eighteen months. In 1844 he was instrumental in organizing Portage County, Wis., for judicial purposes, and was appointed Clerk of the District Court by the District Judge, and by the people was elected Register of Deeds and Clerk of the Commissioners' Court. He also held the offices of Postmaster and Notary Public. From 1844 to 1847 he engaged in the lumber traffic with Ed Houghton, and in the latter year sold out and returned to Winnebago County, Ill., where he farmed until 1849, then went to Rockford, Ill. He was employed on the police force there util 1852, and also served as City Collector and Assessor. In August 1852, he went to California where he remained fifteen months, then returned to Beloit, Wis., and in 1854 he settled in Floyd County, Ia., and in company with Milo Gilbert erected a double log cabin on the site of the present town of Charles City. The two families spent the winter there, and in the spring of 1855, Mr. Wyatt went into the land-office business, which he followed two years, and during that time selected the swamp land of the county under a commission from the judge, and in the spring of 1856 he selected a site and laid out the present town of Rockford, giving it its name. Mr. Wyatt continued in the land office business until 1858, when he became afflicted with rheumatism, and still suffers from that disease. In 1863 he opened the Wyatt House in Rockford, of which he is still proprietor. He was married in October 1858, in Rockford, Ill., to Mercy Smith who was born in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1824. They have seven children, five living - Emma (now Mrs. L. B. Dumbolton) born in 1852; Carrie in 1853 (married LeRoy Berton); Charles born in 1854; William W., in 1859 and Henry in 1865. Mr. Wyatt and wife are prominent and respected members of the Congregational church, and in politics he is a Republican.