FLOYD COUNTY GENEALOGY

 

Rock Grove Township

Biographies

Source: History of Floyd County, Iowa, 1882


Transcribed by Bonnie Stickney

A
Allen Adams
John R. Adams
Cyrus M. Allen
Oscar B. Allen
Jacob Ankeny
George Apel

B
Abner A. Babcock
Isaac T. Babcock
George A. Baker
Francis L. Benedict
Henry L. Benedict
Smith G. Blythe, M.D.
Alvaro W. Burgess
Thomas Edwin Bryan

C
Henry H. Cott

D
Charles Darling
Ira R. Dean
William Dean

F
Nicholas Fleenor
Enoch F. Forbes
John G. Forbes

G
H. Gage
Jonathan F. Gates
Edson Gaylord
Jackson Gaylord
John G. Gaylord
John J. Gaylord
Lyman Gaylord
Wm. H. Gonser

H
David Hardman
Geo. A. Heintzelman
David A. Hoel
F.M. Hubbard
Eli M. Hutchinson

K
Luther J. Keyes
John A. Kidney
Abiah Knapp

L
James A. Lathrop
John C. Lindsay

M
James Marshall
William Mathers
E. W. McNitt
Elder Daniel B. Mead
Charles W. Morris

N
Halvor Nelson
Myron H. Nickerson

P
Harrison Pierce
Rev. Edward G.F. Pribbenow
Lewis D. Powers

Q
Josiah G. Quinby

R
Murray Roberts
William W. Roberts
Zina Roberts
William G. Robison

S
Harry B. Shaw
William G. Spencer
Wm. F. Stewart
Augustus Stone
J. Edwin Sullivan
L. D. Sweet

T
Andrew B. Tredway

W
Daniel A. Wheeler
John W. Whitesell
William Workman
James Wyatt


A

 

Allen Adams page 952

Allen Adams was born in Mercer County, Penn., Nov. 26, 1843. He resided on a farm until he was fourteen years old, when he learned the trade of a shoemaker.

He came to this country in 1861, and in the spring of 1862 enlisted in Company A, Eighteenth Iowa Infantry; was transferred to the Twenty-first Regiment in the fall of 1862; went in as a private, was promoted to Sergeant, and during the siege of Vicksburg, June 17, was mustered in as Second Lieutenant, which he held till the close of the war. When his time expired he was tendered the commission of Captain in order to keep the company together till the balance of the regiment's time was out and they discharged, but declined. He was in the battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Jackson, Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely and others. He was on detached service during the charge at Black River Bridge. Took part in the charge on Vicksburg and saw Colonel Dunlap killed. He was married in 1868 to Mary S. Kilborn, who was born in 1842. Her father, E.B. Kilborn, was born in New York State in 1807, and died in February 1881, in Otsego County, N.Y.Her mother, Mary (Fitch) Kilborn, was born in 1810 and died in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have two children - Mertie L. and Gracie Belle. He owns ninety three acres on section 17, Rock Grove Township, and is engaged in both farming and stock raising.

 

John R. Adams page 953

John R. Adams, farmer and stock-raiser, section 9, Rock Grove Township, was born in Bedford County, Pa., March 19, 1824. He is a son of John Adams of the same county. His Grandfather Adams was a native of Germany. John R. moved to Knox County, Ohio, with his parents in 1836, where his father died in 1876. He came to this county in 1865 and settled on wild prairie land; hauled lumber from Cedar Falls to build his house and took all his wheat there and sold it for forty cents a bushel. He owns 1,900 acres, all under cultivation. He is no office seeker. He was married in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, April 5, 1860, to Ellen Miksch, a native of New Philadelphia, Ohio. They have five children - Ilo, Rankin, Asa, Clara, and Ida.

 

Cyrus M. Allen page 953

Cyrus M. Allen (deceased) was born in Scipio, Cayuga County, N.Y., May 4, 1822, and in 1833 he moved with his parents to Berrian, Mich., and subsequently to Chicago. He was married in the latter place, in 1850, to Lucy J. Judson, daughter of Henry Judson (deceased). She was born in Huntington, Crittenden County, Vt. Seven children blessed their union, viz.: Lucia, Oscar B., Alonzo, Carrie, Cyrus, Walter, and Bertie. In 1856 Mr. Allen became a resident of Nora Springs, where, in company with John West, he owned and operated a saw-mill a number of years. He afterward worked at the blacksmith's trade. He died Feb. 11, 1874, and sorrow fell upon many hearts when to the list of the dead was added the name of this honest and upright man. He was a consistent member of the Congregational church, as was his wife, who afterward became the wife of Elder D.B. Mead, a Baptist minister.

 

Oscar B. Allen page 954

Oscar B. Allen, an enterprising young business man of Nora Springs, is a native of Cook County, Ill., born July 1, 1855, a son of Cyrus M. Allen (deceased), whose sketch appears in this work. He came with his parents to Nora Springs in 1856, and was here reared and educated. He served an apprenticeship at the harness-maker's trade under G.W. Hall, and is still in his employ. He went to Dakota Territory in 1878, and was bookkeeper for the contractors who were building the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad and division, for some months. He returned to Nora Springs, and has since resided here. He is Secretary of the City School Board, and has been a member of the Old Settlers' Association for the past four years. He is a prominent member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity.

 

Jacob Ankeny page 954

Jacob Ankeny, farmer and stock-raiser, section 4, Rock Grove Township, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., Aug. 25, 1822. His father, George Ankeny, of Westmoreland Co, moved to Knox Co., Ohio in 1830. Jacob came to this county in 1855, where he owns 120 acres of fine land. He was Township Trustee at an early day, and at that time built the first bridge across Flood Creek. He was married in Knox Co., Ohio, to Susannah Adams. They have had thirteen children - Mary (deceased), Olive, Rebecca and Elizabeth, born in Ohio; Thomas J., Wallie F., Joseph L., Normandy, James P. and four deceased, born in this

county. Two daughters, Elizabeth and Rebecca, are prominent teachers in this county. When Mr. Ankeny settled here, there were very few families in the township, and it was a wild prairie.

 

George Apel page 954

George Apel, farmer and stock-raiser, section 23, Rock Grove Township, was born in Hesse, Germany, March 22, 1846. His father, George Apel, was also a native of Germany. George, Jr., came to America, and to Osage, Iowa, in 1860. He enlisted in the late war in Company K, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, and served three years, being in the battles of Little Rock, Nashville, Spanish Fort, Tupelo, and many others. He came to Floyd County in 1874, where he owns 160 acres of fine land. He was married in 1868 to Katie Lohn, and has three children - Conrad G., Anna C., and Willie F. He is a member of the Presbyterian church.

B

 

Abner A. Babcock page 954

Abner A. Babcock, farmer and stock-raiser, section 16, Rock Grove Township, born in Otsego County, N.Y., July 22, 1822, a son of Sanford Babcock, also a native of New York State. His early life was spent on a farm, and his education was received in the common schools of New York. In April, 1863, he came to this county and bought land, and the following fall moved his family here. He owns 170 acres and a half interest in 120 acres of fine land. He was married Sept. 19, 1852, to Nancy, daughter of Nicholas Quackenbos. They are the parents of six children, five living - Amos M., Isaac T., Ira J., George L., and Estella. He has served his county as Supervisor and his township as Clerk and Assessor.

 

Isaac T. Babcock page 955

Isaac T. Babcock, son of Abner A., was born in Otsego County, N.Y., April 26, 1858. He came to this county with his parents in 1863, and has received his education in the schools of this place, residing on the farm with his parents. He was married Feb 7, 1882, to Ella Baker, a daughter of George A. Baker, who came to this county in 1870. Isaac T. resides on section 14, Rock Grove Township, where he owns 120 acres of land and is engaged in farming and stock raising.

 

George A. Baker page 955

George A. Baker, farmer and stock-raiser, section 15, Rock Grove Twp., was born in Knox County, Ohio, May 18, 1833, a son of William Baker, a native of Pennsylvania, who was brought to Knox County, Ohio, when one year old. Geo. A. grew up on the same farm as his father; was educated in a subscription school, the first one he attended being held in the loft or attic of an old log milk-house. He came to this county in 1870 and now owns 192 acres of finely cultivated land. He was married in the fall of 1854 to Mary Robison. They have eight children - William W., John B., Ella, Clifford M., Jacob H., Sarah, Louis and Walter.

 

Francis L. Benedict page 955

Francis L. Benedict, was born in Chenango County, N.Y., Oct. 11, 1825; a son of Lewis Benedict, a native of Connecticut, and Lydia (Parckard) Benedict, a native of New York. Both are living; the father eighty-three and the mother eighty-one years of age. Francis L. was educated in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where he went with his parents when a small boy. In 1852 he came to Linn Co., IA, and in 1856 to this county, where he owns 200 acres on section 18, (Rock Grove Twp.) and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married March 21, 1848, to Abigail Snow, a native of Massachusetts. They have seven children, five living - James L., Lyman L., Elmer A., Harrison, and Bertie. He has been Township Trustee and School Director several years; County Supervisor one year, and was Postmaster two years.

 

Henry L. Benedict page 956

Henry L. Benedict, was born in Coventry, Chenango Co., N.Y., Nov. 1, 1834. His father, Lewis Benedict, a native of Connecticut, moved to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, in 1836, and in 1846 to Dodge Co., Wis. Henry L. was educated in Ohio and Wisconsin. He came to this county in the fall of 1867 and settled on section 11, (Rock Grove Twp.) where he owns 160 acres of fine farm land and eighteen acres of timber. He is both farming and stock-raising. He was married in 1855 to Sarah A., daughter of Martin L. Blair. They have had four children, three living -

Sumner A., Charles F., and Lettie S. Marsha E. died at the age of eight years. He is Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace; is a member of the A.F. & A.M.

 

Smith G. Blythe, M.D. page 956

Smith G. Blythe, M.D., Nora Springs, was born in Middlesex County, N.J., Nov. 6, 1841, and was one of a family of nine children. His father, Joseph M. Blythe, was a native of Kentucky, and a minister in the Presbyterian faith. In 1856, he was placed in charge of a pastorate at Vincennes, Ind., where Smith remained one year, then returned to the East, and entered Lafayette College at Easton, PA., from which he graduated in the spring of 1860. He took charge of a classical acadeny at Belvidere, N.J., in the following fall, and began reading medicine. He was one of the first to enlist in the late Rebellion, becoming a member of Company D, First Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, and in a month after enlistment was made Commissary Sergeant. In February 1862, he was promoted tothe rank of Second Lieutenant of Company A, and at the battle of South Mountain was made First Lieutenant of Company F, and in November of 1862, was promoted to the Captaincy. He was wounded four times, and so severely at the battle of the Wilderness that he was mustered out for physical disability on June 24, 1864. Upon leaving the service he taught school at Hopewell, Ind., some time, and in the meanwhile continued the study of medicine. He attended the Ohio State Medical College at Cincinnati, during the sessions of 1866-'67, and located in the practice of his profession, in the spring of 1867, at Vinton, IA. He successfully practiced there until December 1869, when he moved to Rudd, Floyd County; thence in January 1873, to Nora Springs. He graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York City, in 1878, and since his residence here has built up a large and lucrative practice, being recognized as one of the leaders of the medical profession in the State.

Dr. Blythe was married July 8, 1863, to Miss Emily G. Sharp, daughter of Judge Wm. R. Sharp, of New Jersey. Of the nine children born of this union three survive - Emily M., Hannah L., and Redford V. The deceased were - Ellen H., William S., Jessie C., Elizabeth G., Jean M. and one who died in infancy. Dr. Blythe was the Presidential Elector for the Fourth Congressional District in 1880, and has efficiently served in various offices. He is on the Governor's staff as Surgeon General, with the rank of Brigadier General of the Iowa National Guards. His mother, Ellen Henrietta (Green) Blythe, was a sister of the Hon. Chief Justice Green of New Jersey.

 

Alvaro W. Burgess page 957

Alvara W. Burgess is a native of Mukwanago, Waukesha County, Wis., born Sept. 20, 1846, son of Alvaro Burgess, who died in Beaver Dam, Wis., in 1864, whither he had moved with his family in 1848. The subject of this memoir was the youngest of a family of ten children, and he came to Nora Springs from Beaver Dam in 1869 and engaged in the manufacture of pumps. In February 1871, he married Miss Marion E. Gaylord, oldest daughter of W. P. Gaylord. On the 29th day of September, 1872, after an illness of two days, she died. In April 1874, he married Miss Lentie Paddleford, second daughter of Charles Paddleford. They have two children - Dale and Ruth. Mr. Burgess is now engaged in the mercantile business at Nora Springs with Mr. A. Stone. They carry a $7,000 stock of goods, and their annual sales amount to $30,000. They are popular merchants, and are recognized as men of irreproachable business integrity. In politics Mr. Burgess's sympathies are with the Republican party. In religion, a Baptist.

 

Thomas Edwin Bryan page 957

Thomas Edwin Bryan, one of the prominent citizens of Nora Springs, is a native of Nobles County, O., born Dec. 3, 1843. His father, Cornelius Bryan, was born in Monroe County, O., in 1810. The subject of this memoir came to Nora Springs, IA, in November 1869, from Delaware County, IA. He enlisted during the war of the great Rebellion in Company K, Twenty-first Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service three years. He married Miss Carrie Nichols, who died after a long and painful illness on Feb. 13, 1875. He was married Jan. 23, 1878, to Harriet A., daughter of Hon. W.P. Gaylord. They have one child, a daughter, Beulah. In company with J.J. Gaylord, Mr. Bryan is conducting a store of general merchandise at Nora Springs under the firm name of Gaylord and Bryan. He is an accomplished businessman, an active salesman and a good accountant. In politics he is a Republican, and was appointed Postmaster of Nora Springs in January 1879, and still retains the office. He is a prominentmember of the I.O.O.F. and A.O.U.W. fraternities, Nora Springs.

C

 

Henry H. Cott page 958

Henry H. Cott is a native of New York State, born in 1839. He, with his parents, moved to Wisconsin in 1852 and came to Nora Springs in 1872, starting the first paper ever printed in the town. With a disposition that cannot endure inaction, he gathered a slight knowledge of printing while spending the winter of 1863-'64 in Flint, Mich.; at that time he was working by day in a furniture manufactory, and becoming acquainted with the "boys" of the Wolverine Citizen; he passed the evenings in their company at the printing office, without the slightest idea that printing was ever destined to become his regular business. In the spring of 1864 he returned to Wisconsin, engaging in the grocery business, and printing a three-column amateur paper started by other parties. From this small beginning and from love of the work grew out a job office, and a newspaper became a natural consequence. Mr. Cott is by right the senior editor of Floyd County, having been continuously in business for a longer period than others of the profession.

D

 

Charles Darling page 958

Charles Darling, son of Calvin Darling, of Vermont, was born in Tioga County, N.Y., May 19, 1840. In 1855 he went to Portage County, Wis., with his parents, where he worked on a farm in connection with his trade, that of carpenter, which he learned when a boy, till the fall of 1868, when he came to Floyd County. He is living on section 21, Rock Grove Township, and is both farming and working the carpenter's trade, He was married Sept. 21, 1862, to Maria Post, a native of New York State. They are the parents of four children, three living - Adda E., Francis L., and Annie L. Milton L. died at the age of five years. Mr. Darling is a member of the Baptist church. He has been Township Trustee several years, and School Director. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. and G.A.R. During the war he served in Company F, Fifth Wisconsin Infantry, one year.

 

Ira R. Dean page 958

Ira R. Dean, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Foxcroft, Piscataquis County, Me., Nov. 8, 1831, and is a son of Ira Dean, a native of Massachusetts. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He went with his parents to DeKalb County, IL, in 1844, and in 1854 came to this township. (Rock Grove Twp.) He resides on section 14, where he owns eighty acres. He was married Sept. 27, 1857, to Mary A., a daughter of Adam Cline. They are the parents of six children, five living - Henry G., Dorcas M., Sarah A., Charlotte M., and Luna E. He has served as Constable two terms.

 

William Dean page 959

William Dean, farmer and stock-raiser, Rock Grove Township, is a son of Ira Dean, a native of Massachusetts, and was born in Foxcroft, Piscataquis County, Me., July 26, 1827, where he received a common-school education. He came West, to DeKalb County, IL, in 1844 and to this county in 1853. There were only two houses where Charles City now stands, at that time, one being a store and a dwelling. He went about sixty miles, to Waverly and Cedar Falls, to mill, built his first house of logs, making the flooring of basswood and the shingles of oak with an ax only; fastened the roof on with weight poles. Took his wheat to McGregor, a distance of 100 miles, and sold it for 25 and 30 cents per bushel. He was married July 4, 1856, to Harriet A., daughter of Samuel Gaylord. They had one child - William J., born May 7, 1858; died May 25, 1858. Mrs. Dean died May 8, 1858. Feb. 12, 1860, he married Adeline Arthur, who died Sept. 8, 1874. July 4, 1875, he married Harriett N. Birdsell. He resides on section 11, and owns 370 acres of fine land. He has held the offices of Township Clerk, Township Trustee, and has been Justice of the Peace several years. Mr. Dean always held that the path of duty was the only path of safety; would sooner see the "heavens fall" than swerve from what he thought to be right. He was ever particular to fulfill to the letter every promise, even to the least. When his promise was out for anything it was always sure. Though hard up for money his punctuality enabled him to get any money that was not in immediate use wherever he could find a dollar.

F

 

Nicholas Fleenor page 959

Nicholas Fleenor, farmer and stock-raiser, section 17, Rock Grove Township, was born in Washington County, Va., June 17, 1811. He is the son of Isaac Fleenor, of the same State, Nicholas being born and reared on the same farm as his father; attended a subscription school in a log cabin; had slab benches with no backs, puncheon floor, and heated by a fire on a large stone at one end of the cabin, the smoke going out of a hole in the roof. There was a slab on pins stuck in the wall for a writing desk, and greased paper pasted over a crack in the wall for a window. He went to Washington County, Ind., in 1834, and cleared out a farm. He came to this township in 1855, moved on a farm here in 1856. He owns 150 acres, and has deeded eighty acres to his sons. He was married in December 1835, to Sarah Kaylor. They had eleven children, seven living - Robert, John, James, Mary J., Martha E., Nancy C., and Luella. Two sons, Isaac M. and Geo. F. died in the late war. Isaac M. was in the Twenty-eighth Iowa Infantry and Geo. F. was in the Dubuque Battery. One daughter, Mary, died after she was married, and left one son.

 

Enoch F. Forbes page 960

Enoch F. Forbes, section 20, Rock Grove Township, was born in Black Hawk County, Ia., June 2, 1853. He came to Floyd County with his parents in April, 1865. He married Nov. 25, 1873, to Lora E. Henry, born this township May 24, 1856, and a daughter of John and Julia A. (Workman) Henry. They are the parents of four children, three living - Milton, Wilson, and Mary Maud. Mr. Forbes is a member of the I.O.O.F.

 

John G. Forbes page 960

John G. Forbes, a native of New York, came to Iowa in 1850, and settled in Henry County. From Henry County he went to Louisa, from Louisa to Black Hawk, from Black Hawk to Tama, and from Tama to Rock Grove, in 1865, and purchased of B.M. Lyon the premises near Rock Grove City, where his widow now resides. He married Miss Elizabeth Mathews. In February, 1872, he died, and was buried at Rock Grove City. He was an industrious, honest farmer, and was respected by all. On the premises he planted a fine young orchard, which is now producing its fruits. He held theoffice of Trustee and School Director, and whatever he did for himself or the public was well done. His children were - Harriet, now dead; Margaret J., wife of William O. Moore, of Indiana, and now dead; Thomas J., now in Kossuth County Ia.; Joseph W. , now in Minnesota; James W., now here; Mary E., wife of P.J. Smith, of Black Hawk County; Wilson M., now studying for the legal profession, at State University at Iowa City; E. Fletcher, now here, and Isabella, wife of George Brown, Esq., of this place. In politics a Republican. In religion a Methodist.

G

 

H. Gage page 960

H. Gage, Mayor of Nora Springs, was born in Worcester County, Massachusetts, Feb. 20, 1822, a son of Nathan Gage, likewise a native of the Bay State. His grandfather, Silas Gage, emigrated from Scotland to America when a mere boy, and his descendants are now among the prominent respected citizens of various States. The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm, and his educational advantages were those of the common schools. At the age of fourteen he became self-supporting, purchasing a stock of tinware, which he peddled three years, then ran a wholesale cigar and confectionery wagon three years. He spent two years as collector for T. New & Co., stove dealers, in Keene, N.H., and in 1852 he married Nancy E. Stone, of that place. Four children have blessed their union, Henry S., Warren H., Frank H. and Mary E. After his marriage in 1854, Mr. Gage moved to Madison, Wis., thence to Steven's Point in 1856. One year later he located in Howard County, IA, where he engaged in farming and the mercantile and stock business until the fall of 1867, when he became a resident of Nora Springs. He has been instrumental in building up the town, and has always been foremost in any enterprise that promised progression to her interests. He always takes an active interest in educational matters and has been a member of the School Board for six years. He has served acceptably as Mayor for the past five years; he helped to organize the Masonic Lodge of this place, and is also a member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity. During the first years of his residence here Mr. Gage engaged in the mercantile, grain and banking business, but of late has attended to the management of his farms, five in number, and loaning his money. Though coming to this country in limited circumstances he has by indomitable will and determination to succeed surmounted many obstacles, and to-day he ranks with the wealthy and influential citizens of Floyd County.

 

Jonathan F. Gates page 961

Jonathan F. Gates, attorney, Nora Springs, was born near Marietta, Ohio, Nov 13, 1838. He went with his parents to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1843, and in 1847 to Fond du Lac County, Wis. In 1861 he went to Independence, Ia., and from there direct to what is now Springfield, D. T., and helped lay out the town; returned to Independence in 1861. In August 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, and was discharged Feb 16, 1863, on account of disability. His education was limited till after the war, when he went to Lenox Collegiate Institute, Hopkinton, Ia., during 1866 and 1867. He then read law and was admitted to the bar in March, 1875. He practiced in Independence a short time; served five years as Deputy Sheriff of Buchanan County, Ia., before he was admitted to the bar. He came to Nora Springs in the fall of 1875, where he is engaged in the practice of law, collecting, notary public, real estate and general agent. He was married April 10, 1869, to Mary J. Burrington. They have one adopted child - Edna, born April 14, 1873. He is a member of the I.O.O.F.

 

Edson Gaylord page 961

Edson Gaylord, born in Northville, Litchfield County, Conn., October 16, 1826, is a son of Samuel and Betsy (Jackson) Gaylord. His paternal grandfather, Ager Gaylord, was in the French and Indian wars, and distinguished himself by killing two Frenchmen at one shot, while on picket duty.

The Gaylords are noted as a long-lived race, several of his ancestors reaching 100, and one the advanced age of 112 years. His mother was specially noted for her fine vocal powers. Edson Gaylord has always been a hard-working man commencing at the early age of six years, when his father hired him out to ride a horse for Elmer Baldwin, of New Milford, Conn., to plow a steep side-hill full of stumps and stones. He was put on the horse, which was hitched ahead of two yoke of unbroken steers. The horse pulled one way and the steers the other. The order was given to "lick up", and he "licked up", when off they started, boy, horse, steers, and lastly Yankee Baldwin, holding on to the plow with a death-like grip.

He started as soon as the sun was up in the morning, and rode all day, returning just as it was dark, and received six and one-fourth cents a day. At the age of nine, he was hired out to work on a farm at $6 per month. At the age of seventeen he went to Sussex County, N.J. to teach school.

He left home with $7 in money and one plain suit of clothes. After traveling three days he reached his destination with fifty cents left. He taught the school three successive terms and returned to Connecticutt with $70, paid up his father's small debts and commenced going to school. Three weeks later he was sent for from a back country school, where the large scholars had just dismissed the teacher with fearful warnings if he ever dared show himself in the community again as a teacher. After many warnings from friends and much persuasion from the committee he concluded to accept the position which he filled with perfect satisfaction to all concerned for three winters.

In the spring of 1848 he engaged to work for Captain John Peters, of Woodville, for $160 a year, pledging himself to work faithfully, with no holiday. This pledge he kept to the letter, losing no time in the following five years he did not make up by working nights. He taught three terms in a district school in New Jersey. Up to the time he was twenty-one he gave all his wages to his father, reserving only sufficient to clothe himself in the plainest manner. In the spring of 1853 the five brothers were in council together and agreed that one of their number should "go West", and look up, and secure homes for themselves and families.

This lot fell to Edson. He went first to Bristol, Wis., where he had cousins; looked over the Southern part of Wisconsin and the Northern part of Illinois, down as far as Quincy; then came into Iowa, and from here went to Minnesota; then back to Bristol, where he worked through the harvest; then started once more, and, finally, after coming to Rock Grove for the third time, was fully convinced that it was the most lovely spot, and possessed more natural advantages than any other he had seen in all his rambles.

On Oct. 21, 1853, he cut the first tree, to clear up the site for his future home on the northwest quarter of section 17. He completely finished a house 18 x 24, warm and comfortable, without using a nail. The roof was of split stakes, held in place by heavy poles. Mr. Gaylord has some peculiarities that it would be well if more possessed. He has held as his motto: "Pay as you go," owing no one, and never gave his note till after he was forty-five, and then on conditions. Never gave written security to any one.

In religion he is eclectic; in politics is independent; always subscribes liberally to all church and public enterprises, especially such as pertain to the cause of education. He cut the first tree for a school-house in Floyd County, getting up in the middle of the night to do it. Mr. Gaylord is a man of more than ordinary ability, as his work has shown.

He cut out and made the first pioneer road through Rock Grove; burned the first lime in a regular kiln. He made and supplied almost the entire country with lime and brick for many years, having for this business over forty-five acres of very heavy timber, averaging to handle the wood three times with his hands. He deeded most of the land where Nora Springs now stands from the Government. He built one of the most substantial houses in Northern Iowa, using for the purpose 100,000 brick and 500 bushels of lime; has dealt with many, but lawed with none, always exemplifying his fixed convictions, that every person should secure their own needs by honest toil.

He was for some years a correspondent for the New York Tribune. Has written many valuable papers on the apple-tree question in the Northwest, which have been republished and highly complimented by leading horticulturalists of the Northwest. He never aspired to any public office which he did not secure by heavy majorities. He has been Justice of the Peace, Chairman of the Board of Township Trustees, and Chairman of the City School Board several years each. Is now a member of the two latter, and also Marshal and Street Commissioner. He was married July 22, 1862, to Helen M. Lamb, of Wayne, Dupage County, Illinois, of Scotch parentage.

Their first born was a son - Wallace E., born July 22, 1863; the second, a daughter, Myrta J., born July 22, 1865, died March 1, 1869; the third, a daughter, Vienna, born Jan. 27, 1871.

 

Jackson Gaylord page 963

Jackson Gaylord was born in the village of Northville, township of New Milford, Litchfield County, Conn., on Dec. 23, 1829. He was named after his mother, whose maiden name was Betsy Jackson. He is a descendant of brave and patriotic ancestors, many of them having fought bravely in the defense of their country's honor, in the wars which occurred in their lifetimes. His great-grandfather died in the French and Indian wars, and his grandfather, Ager Gaylord, entered the army at the age of 16, serving through the French and Indian and the Revolutionary wars.

On one occasion while out on a scouting expedition, he saw two Frenchmen, who had taken refuge behind two trees which had commenced growing together and widened out as they grew. Mr. Gaylord and his party took refuge behind a stump, standing in Indian file, to watch the proceedings of the enemy. The Frenchmen stepped together to prime their guns, one of them apparently being out of powder. Mr. Gaylord embraced the opportunity to make sure of his men, which he did by killing both at one shot.

Agur Gaylord died at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. Samuel Gaylord, father of the subject of this interesting record, was born Jan. 6, 1776, in the town of Norfolk, Conn., and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to the blacksmith's, serving seven years. He was an excellent workman, especially excelling in the manufacture of edged tools. He emigrated to Rock Grove Township in 1855 and resided here until his death. He secured the south half of southeast quarter of section 1, township 96, range 19, Portland Township, Cerro Gordo County; also twenty nine acres of timber on section 18, lying between the rairoad addition to Nora Springs and the Shell Rock River, on a part of which the M. & St. P.R.R. Co. built their depot. He also owned blocks 13 and 14, old town, living on said premises several years.

He has since built a house on lots 1 and 2, block 10, railroad addition, where he resides at this time. He was married on the 9th of November, 1862, to the widow Harriet Vliet, of Tranquility, Sussex County, N.J. She had three children - Eliza and Ira, who live in Jersey, and Alice, who married Robert Wilson, and now lives in Nora Springs. His wife, Harriet, died of consumption, on Dec. 2, 1877. He was married again August 7, 1879, to the widow Elizabeth Coppock, a native of Stockport, England, and sister to Israel Turner, depot agent at Nora Junction. She had one son - W.M., who lives with his mother. Jackson has no children. By profession he is a school-teacher, and has a good education. He attended the common schools until twelve years of age, and from that time until his eighteenth year went to school during the winters and worked in the summers.

He spent four terms in an academy or high school. Being naturally endowed with superior mental abilities he has been a diligent student, and is one of the best informed men of his day. As a teacher he has been very successful. While in the West farming was his principal business. Inpolitics a Republican. He is not a member of any church, but in sentiment a Congregationalist. His wife, Harriet, was a member of the Congregational church. The following narrative as related by him shows to some extent the endurance and perseverance of the early settlers: "In 1855 I was living in Tranquility, Sussex County, N.J.; having determined on going West, I went to New York City, where I met my father, mother, and two sisters, also brother Lyman and family and brother Edson, who had returned from the West for the purpose of taking my father and family back with him. We went to Chicago, then up the lake to Kenosha, Wis., thence to Bristol, where we stopped several weeks with brother Wilberforce and other friends, making preparations for a three-hundred mile overland journey to Iowa, also waiting for our goods which we had sent by the way of the lakes, but we were obliged to go without them, learning afterward they arrived the day we left.

We purchased four yoke of oxen and three wagons; on the 12th day of November we commenced our journey. For three days the weather was very pleasant, when suddenly it changed, rained, turned cold, snowed, and winter set in in earnest. Our faithful oxen trudged on, day after day, slow but sure. At night stopping with some farmer, spreading our beds upon the floor, bunked in for a snooze and a rest, Edson and sometimes myself sleeping out-doors in the wagon. So we traveled on day after day through the snows, and beaten by the cold winds of the Wisconsin hills. Upon reaching the Missippi River we found navigation stopped on account of the slush ice in the river. Thinking we might have to remain where we were during winter, we commenced making preparations for that purpose. We stopped with a Kentuckian by the name of Hartford, a whole-souled, generous-hearted man, who with his wife, did all they could to make us comfortable. In about four days the weather moderated so that the ferry-boat could run. We hurried our things aboard our wagons, and bidding good-bye to our kind hosts, we started once more for Iowa.

On nearing the river we had to cross some bridges over bayous; our oxen not liking the looks of things very well, behaved so badly we were obliged to unyoke part of them and draw the wagons over by hand. On reaching the ferry we had quite a time in persuading our cattle to get on board; this being accomplished, we crossed the river and landed at Clayton City, Ia., just at dark. Then we had to climb the heights and get over the bluffs. Our oxen not being shod and the road slippery, we had to double teams, sand the road and take one load at a time. All having safely reached the summit, we were soon bunked for the night and in the arms of Morpheus. On the 5th of December, after a cold and tedious journey, we arrived at Rock Grove, on section 17, where Edson Gaylord lives at the time of this writing. The log house is now standing, having two rooms, in which seventeen of us, big and little, lived most of the winter. Provisions were very scarce; no meat or anything hardly in the country, except flour; for some time we lived principally on bread, and gravy made of flour, water, and molasses. We had to go long distances to trade. Myself and Earl Gaylord, my nephew, ten or twelve years of age, went to Dubuque to trade, with a big wagon and two yoke of cattle, a distance of 140 miles; stopping at Janesville, we found salt $9 a barrel; in Dubuque it was about $1.60. We were gone 12 days, camping out and sleeping in our wagon. Meetings were held in log school-houses and the groves. The people gathered for miles around, coming with ox teams. All were on a common level, and general harmony and peace prevailed.

 

John G. Gaylord page 966

John G. Gaylord, known in army records as J.J. Gaylord, was born in Litchfield County, Conn., July 28, 1843. He is a son of Lyman Gaylord, and came with his parents to this county in 1855. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of this county. He enlisted in the late war, in Company A, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, and served over three years. He was in the battles of Magnolia Hill, Champion Hill, at the capture of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863; was one of the number that made desperate charges at Black River Bridge and Vicksburg, May 22, when Grant attempted to take the latter by storm; fought from May 1 to July 4, losing one tenth of their number May 17, at the Black River Bridge charge, and taking 1,100 prisoners and eighteen cannon; also, at Mobile, Flort Blakely, Spanish Fort and others; was never wounded or taken prisoner, and was always in the front. He was married May 21, 1861, to Alice La Due. Mrs. Gaylord died and, Sept. 16, 1863, he married Sarah Ankeny. Of his four children only three are living - Alice, Flora, and George A. He resides on section 10, (Rock Grove Twp.) and is engaged in farming and stock raising. He owns 200 acres of fine land.

 

John J. Gaylord page 966

John J. Gaylord, brother of the Hon. W. P. Gaylord, was born in the State of New York, Dec. 12, 1818. His parents moved to Litchfield County, Conn., when he was an infant, and he was reared and educated in New Milford of that State. When he was seventeen years old his parents moved to Warren Township, and he worked in his father's blacksmith shop there and on farms in the vicinity until 1844, when he returned to New Milford and followed his trade there six years, thence to Southford, Conn. He worked in an edge-tool manufactory there one year; in a machine shop one year, and in 1852 went to Woodbury, Conn. In 1854 he came to Floyd County, Ia., and returned to Connecticut the same year. He worked in a paper-mill at Wolcott two years, and in 1861 came to Nora Springs, Ia. He farmed in this township thirteen years, and is now engaged in the mercantile business - a member of the firm of Gaylord & Bryan. He is a popular merchant, and is known throughout the county as a man of irreproachable business integrity. He was married in 1839 to Charlotte A. Johnson, who died Nov. 6, 1874, leaving two children - Ellen L., now Mrs. J. K. Rupert, of Charles City, and Marion, wife of Chas. E. Brown of Norwalk, Conn. Mr. Gaylord has filled many offices of trust, with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. He is a Methodist in his religious faith.

 

Lyman Gaylord page 967

Lyman Gaylord came here from Litchfield County, Conn., in the fall of 1855, and settled on section 8, (Rock Grove Twp.) where he now resides. He is the eldest of five brothers living in this neighborhood. He has a good farm, a fine brick dwelling, and substantial outbuildings. He is a man of remarkable energy, and at his advanced age today does more work than most of the young men who call themselves smart. He is one of the few who can't endure rest, and one of the kind who will wear out instead of rusting away. He is out of debt, and has laid up enough for the ""rainy day". He has a fine young orchard and an abundance of good timber. His sones are - John G. and Earl L. His daughters - Eliza, now Mrs. Wm. B. Reed, and Emily, now Mrs. Nick F. Weber, attorney at law at Clarion, Wright County, Iowa. His daughter Sarah, a child about seven years old, died in 1861. In politics he is a Republican. In religion, a Second Adventist.

 

Wm. H. Gonser page 967

Wm. H. Gonser was born in Knox County, Ohio, March 16, 1847. His father, Henry Gonser, died when he was quite small, and his mother married William Workman. In 1856 the family came to Floyd County. Wm. H. engaged in farming in Nora Springs till 1870, when he was engaged as a clerk in the stores here, which continued till the spring of 1882, when he went into business for himself in a grocery crockery, etc., store, and is having a good trade. He was married in 1876 to Sarah, daughter of Wm. F. Stewart of Nora Springs. Mr. Gonser is a member of the Masonic, I.O.O.F., and A.O.U.W. societies.


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David Hardman page 968

David Hardman (deceased) was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 24, 1817. His parents moved to Wayne County, Ind., in 1818, and to St. Joseph County, Ind., in 1832. He was married March 29, 1840, to Melinda Roe, of Wayne County, Ind. He went to Delaware County, Ia., in the fall of 1851, and came to this county in April, 1853, where he entered 160 acres of land on sections 20 and 21, Rock Grove Township, and was engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was the father of twelve children, ten living - Israel A., Noah W., Francis J., Vina A., Henry F., David A., John W., Jennie M., Ida F., and George R. Mr. Hardman died April 17, 1882. His son, George R., is carrying on the farm.

 

Geo. A. Heintzelman page 968

Geo. A. Heintzelman was born in Centre County, Pa., Jan. 23, 1836. His father, George Heintzelman, was a native of Union County, Pa.; his great-grandfather came from Holland about the same time as William Penn. He was reared on a farm, and his early education was comparatively limited. He removed to Will County, Ill., in 1854, and in 1860 went to St. Genevieve County, Mo. June 16, 1861, while cutting wheat in the field, he was drafted into the rebel army. He made the officers believe it was all right, but asked permission to finish his wheat, which was granted. That night he signalled a boat and escaped, going to St. Louis; he then bought a ticket for Red Wing, Minn., but was robbed on the wharf; then stopped at Fulton, Ill., and worked in the harvest-field one month, and enlisted in Company K, Eighth Illinois Cavalry; was in the charge of Yorktown, Williamsburg, seven days' fight at Richmond, second Bull Runn, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Upperville, Gettysburg, Falling Water, and others. After the war he went to Plainfield, Ill., and in 1867 went to Newton, Jasper County, Ia.; thence to St. Genevieve County, Mo., in 1870, and in 1873 came to Nora Springs, Rock Grove Township. He is by trade a contractor and mason. He was married May 18, 1866 to Cynthia Culver. They had two children - Harley E. and Effie C. Mrs. Heintzelman died in Marshfield, Mo., and in 1875 Mr. Heintzelman married Sarah Lewis. They have two children - Lulu and Willie. He was a member of the I.O.O.F., K.P. (in Missouri), A.O.U.W., and the Grand Army of the Republic.

 

David A. Hoel page 969

David A. Hoel, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Iroquois, Ill., Jan. 8, 1850. His father, James Hoel, is a native of Indiana, who moved to Bremer County, Ia., in 1855, and to this county in 1868, and is still living in Rudd. David A. received his education in the common-schools of Bremer and Floyd counties. He was married March 24, 1874, to Katie Howard, of Wisconsin. They have had three children, two living - Sydney and Alfred. Mr. and Mrs. Hoel are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Rudd. He is Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He owns 80 acres of fine land.

 

F.M. Hubbard page 969

F. M. Hubbard, of the firm of F. M. Hubbard & Son, was born in Indiana in 1830. He was the sixth child of Dr. John and Anna Hubbard, who were early pioneers from Massachusetts and Vermont to Western New York, and from there to Indiana, thence to Illinois in 1836, while Indians still occupied that country. Dr. John Hubbard was a graduate of the Williams College, Mass, a son of Major John Hubbard, of Revolutionary fame. F. M. Hubbard spent his boyhood days in Cook County, Ill., until he was twenty years old; then, in 1850 crossed the plains to California, where he stayed until 1854, when he returned to Illinois, studied medicine, and graduated in New York City in 1856. In the same year he was married to Hattie E. Burbank, of Lancaster, Mass., who was the daughter of Aaron and Chloe Burbank.

Aaron Burbank was a Baptist minister and graduate of Waterville College, Me. F.M. Hubbard engaged in the practice of medicine at Janesville, Wis., in 1856, but soon abandoned that, and engaged in the patent right business, taking out five patents for inventions while in the business at Ripon, Wis. In 1869 he came to Nora Springs, and has since been engaged in various occupations here, but mostly in the mercantile business. They have four children living - Myra Alice, born in 1858; George Melville, in 1860; Charles Henry, in 1864; Jason Coridon, in 1867; and two dead. George M. is a member of the present firm of F. M. Hubbard & Son, dealers in drugs, jewelry, groceries, music, etc. Also publishers of the Advertiser, a little sheet issued weekly (first number July 4, 1882), to represent the interests of Nora Springs and its business men.

 

Eli M. Hutchinson page 969

Eli M. Hutchinson, farmer and stock-raiser, northwest quarter of section 26, was born in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., June 7, 1838. His father, John B. Hutchinson, was a native of the same county. He was reared on a farm and was educated in the common schools. He came to Cedar Rapids, Ia., in 1854, and to Mitchell county in 1855, where he farmed near the Floyd County line till 1873. He built a mill on Rock Creek in 1867. He came to this township (Rock Grove Twp.) in 1873; owns 160 acres of fine land, besides some timber. He was married Dec. 31, 1866, to Mary C., daughter of Wm. G. Dudley (deceased), a native of Edgar County, Ill. They are the parents of six children, five living - Minet A., Mira A., Hattie M., Lissie M. and Floyd M. He was Postmaster of Meroa Postoffice, Mitchell County, four years; Township Clerk, three years; Assessor, one year; Township Treasurer, one year, and has held other offices of trust in Mitchell County. He is a Master Mason; is a member of Rock Creek Christian Church, of which he is an elder. He served one year and a half in Company K, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, and eight months in Company K, Twelfth Iowa Infantry; was in the battles of Fort DeRossa, Pleasant Hill, La., Old Oak and others; was ninety days under fire at one time, one-third of his brigade being killed and wounded at Pleasant Hill.


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Luther J. Keyes page 970

Luther J. Keyes, of the publishing firm of Keyes and Blythe, editors of the "Moniter", is a native of St. Lawrence County, N.Y., born April 17, 1839. His father, Luther H. Keyes, was a native of Massachusetts, and a carpenter. Luther J. learned his father's trade in his youth, and worked at it five years. In 1854 he went to Laporte, Ia., thence to DeKalb County, Ill., in 1856; two years afterward went to Beloit, Wis., and in 1859 to Laona, Ill. He enlisted in 1861 in Company C, Fifty-fifth Volunteer Infantry, and served four years and four months, participating in all the battles of his regiment. He entered the service as a private, and for meritorious conduct was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. Upon leaving the service he went to Waverly, Ia., and in 1875 left there and located in Nashua, Ia., and in the fall of that year moved to Marble Rock. In the fall of 1877 he came to Nora Springs, when he establised the telephone system here; conducted it four and one-half years, and in January, 1882, became a partner in his present business as editor of the "Monitor", an enterprising sheet devoted to interests of the order of I.O.O.F. He was married Dec. 25, 1865, to Esther A. Lancaster, of Winnebago County, Illinois.

 

John A. Kidney page 970

John A. Kidney (deceased) was born in Marcellus, Onondaga County, N.Y., Jan. 8, 1823, a son of Robert Kidney, a native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. who moved with his family to Cattaraugus County, that State, settling upon a farm. John A. was raised on a farm and educated at the Springville Academy. He taught school and followed the insurance business in his native State until the fall of 1850, when he came West, locating in Dodge County, Wis. He engaged in teaching there, and was married March 21, 1854, at Lowell, Wis., to Waity A. Sweet. After his marriage he followed the mercantile business in Markesan, Wis., two years, thence to Winona County, Minn., in 1856, being among the earliest settlers of that region, and suffering many of the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life, engaging in farming there until 1865, when he came to Nora Springs, and resided here until his death, one of her most prominent and respected citizens. He owned a fine farm near the town and much city property. He was very conversant with law and practiced in the justice courts, and was Justice of the Peace several years. He was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and was always ready with open purse to subscribe to church and school funds. As a man of rare social qualities, superior mental endowments, he had few superiors and in his death, which occurred April 9, 1880, Floyd County lost an esteemed and honored citizen.

 

Abiah Knapp page 971

Abiah Knapp was born in Otsego County, N.Y., Feb. 9, 1803, and went with his parents to Delaware County, N.Y., when quite young; remained there till 1816 when they moved to McKean County, Pa. Abiah Knapp worked at the lumber business a number of years in Pennsylvania, and in 1837 went to St. Clair County, Ill., where he worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade; went to Rockford, Ill., in 1840, and remained till 1858, when he came to Floyd County, (Rock Grove Twp.) where he has since resided. He was married Feb 10, 1826, to Susan Mills. They have had eleven children, seven of whom are living - Robert, Alex, Jane, Aurilla, Ann, Miles and James. One son, Albert, died at Murfreesboro in the late war. Mrs. Knapp died Sept. 5, 1876. April 12, 1877, Mr. Knapp married Mrs. Pamela Sells, nee Nickerson.

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James A. Lathrop page 971

James A. Lathrop was born in Burlington, Vt., Sept. 30, 1828. His father, John Lathrop, also a native of the "Green Mountain" State, died when James A. was ten years old, and he went to live with an uncle, in Middlebury, Vt.; remained there three years and then began to rely on his own resources. His early educational advantages were limited; he can truly be called a self-educated and self-made man. In 1850 he came West to Fond du Lac County, Wis., and worked a short time as a carpenter and joiner; then worked in different parts of the State as a millright, till 1855, when he bought land in Waupaca County, Wis., and located on it, and erected a saw mill; two years later he built a grist-mill in partnership with Daniel Barnum. In 1859 he bought out Mr. Barnum and sold one-fourth interest to his brother-in-law, William West. They carried on the business together for two years when Mr. Lathrop sold out and came to Rock Grove, where he owns a fine farm of 130 acres on section 21. Mr. Lathrop was married in June, 1855 to Rebecca Atkinson. They had one son - William. In 1865 Mrs. Lathrop died, and in 1868 Mr. Lathrop married Jennie Capen. They have three children - Emma, Charles and Lena. He is a member of the Baptist church; is also a member of the I.O.O.F.

 

John C. Lindsay page 972

John C. Lindsay, farmer, section 25, was born near Darlington, Canada West, Aug. 3, 1849. His parents moved to DeKalb County, Ill., when he was quite small. He was educated there in the common schools, his home being on a farm. He came to Floyd County, Ia., (Rock Grove Twp.) in 1865. Jan. 12. 1876, he was married to Ann E. Archard. They have two children - Maud and Mary. He was Constable two years in Mitchell County, Ia.

 


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James Marshall page 972

James Marshall, farmer and stock-raiser, Rock Grove Township, was born in Canada East (or Quebec), Nov 13, 1843. His father, George Marshall, was a native of Yorkshire, England. James Marshall's early life was spent on a farm, his education being received in the common schools. He went to New York State in 1863, from there to DeKalb County, Ill., in 1864, to Black Hawk County, Ia., in 1865, and to this county in 1874, where he settled on section 20, this township, (Rock Grove) and owns 160 acres of fine land. He was married in October 1873, to Josephine Forbes. They have three children - Mary, William and Belle. He is a member of the I.O.O.F.

 

William Mathers page 972

William Mathers, postoffice Nora Springs, was born in Quebec, Canada, Dec 22, 1823. He is a son of Wolsey and Mary (Irwin) Mathers, of the North of Ireland. They came to this country in 1820. William grew to manhood in Quebec. He was left an orphan at the age of eight years, and thrown on his own resources for a livelihood. He learned the trade of harness-maker at the age of ten. He went to Massachusetts in 1845, and from Martha's Vineyard on a whaling voyage, one year; was on the Brazilian man-of-war "Constitution" one year and on two or three other vessels one year. In 1846, while out on the ocean he saw a school of sharks under the peak of Tennerief. On the passage from Rio Janiero to England he saw a man fall from the mizzen top-sail-yard and killed. He saw the Spaniards and Portuguese celebrate "Neptune shaving Greenhorns." They form a police, who seize inexperienced men and go through a farcical shaving, immersing the head of the victim in salt water. They pretend that Neptune comes up the side of the boat out of the sea, and does the shaving with a huge razor of hoop-iron. He fell over-board once. He leaned the Spanish and Portuguese languages, and was employed as interpreter. In 1847 he was on the police force in Liverpool seven or eight months. From there he went to New Orleans and worked at his trade, for the Government contractors. In 1865 he came to this county and farmed for a while, then worked at his trade which he is still doing in Nora Springs. He was married in Chicago in 1850 to Eliza Slee. They had had twelve children, nine living, seven boys and two girls. From 1853 to 1865 he lived in Boone County, Ill.

 

E. W. McNitt page 973

E. W. McNitt was born Sept. 11, 1831, near Rochester, N.Y., son of John and Julia (Chamberlain) McNitt. He received his education at Beaver Dam, Wis., where his parents located when he was very young. In 1857 he engaged in a mercantile business in Otsego, Wis., which he continued in that place and Beaver Dam until his removal to Floyd County in 1869. He settled at Nora Springs, and engaged in the hardware business. He was elected to the Wisconsin Legislature, serving one term, and also held the office of Mayor of Nora Springs, and at the time of his death, which occurred Oct. 23, 1874, was a member of the Board of Supervisors of Floyd County. He was married Jan. 1, 1856, to Miss Rhoda Boutwell, of New York State. They had four children - Clarence J., Anna B., Harrie L. and Allen R. Mr. McNitt was a man of more than ordinary acquirements, and was held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

 

Elder Daniel B. Mead page 973

Elder Daniel B. Mead is a native of Cayuga County, N.Y., born in the town of Mentz, Sept. 14, 1817, a son of William Mead, who was born near Newark, N.J. He was reared on a farm, and educated in Wadsworth Academy and Granville College, O., having moved to that State in 1833. He became a member of the Baptist church at the age of eighteen, and five years later commenced preaching in that faith. In 1845 he was given charge of a church in Berrien County, Mich., where he remained until 1854, then settled in Nora Springs, Floyd County, IA, where he has since resided, one of the most honored and esteemed citizens of the town. He was united in marriage with Abigail W. Ward on May 4, 1837. Of six children born to this union, five are living --Giles W., Emma M., Eliza, Laura A. and William W. His wife died March 11, 1876, and Oct. 1, 1877, he married Mrs. Lucy J. (nee Judson) Allen, widow of the late C.M. Allen. Mr. Mead held the office of Justice of the Peace two years, and served as County School Superintendent a short time. He performed the ceremony for the first couple married in this county, the contracting parties being John Henry and Julia A. Workman.

 

Charles W. Morris page 974

Charles W. Morris, farmer and stock-raiser, section 30, Rock Grove Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ky., Feb 11, 1844. His father, Wm. Henry Morris, was also a native of the same county. He received a common-school education; moved with his parents to Putnam County, Ind., in 1854. He farmed summers and worked at the shoemaker's trade winters for several years. He came to Iowa in 1873, and settled in Cerro Gordo County, and in 1874 came to Floyd County and settled in this township, (Rock Grove) where he still resides. He owns 160 acres in this township, forty acres in Cerro Gordo County and 100 acres in Mitchell County. He was married in 1863, to Nancy M., daughter of Joseph T. Eggers of Indiana. They have two children, Mary F., and Mahala D.


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Halvor Nelson page 974

Halvor Nelson, proprietor of the Upper Ten Roller Mills, formerly Upper Ten Merchant Mills, Nora Springs, was born in Norway and came to America, to Rock County, Wis. in 1845, and from there to Clayton County, Ia., in 1848. He has seven children - Nelson H., Peter, Henry, Anna, Barbara, Peer and Isabella C. His mill is a stone structure four and a half stories high, with a frame elevator and feed mill. Uses patent roller system and makes first-class flour, doing both merchant and custom milling. Has nine pair of rolls, two pair of middling stones, and two for corn and feed; has a capacity of 125 barrels daily.


 

Myron H. Nickerson page 974

Myron H. Nickerson, section 20; post office, Nora Springs, was born in Chenango County, N.Y., March 28, 1831. He is a son of Edgar M. Nickerson, a native of New York, but now a resident of Humboldt County, Ia. Mr. Nickerson went to Linn County, Ia., in 1851, from there to Jones County in 1855, and to this county in 1865. He was married in December 1853, to Louisa, a daughter of James Snow. They have had four children, three living - Arvine, Sarah and Ina. He has held the offices of County Supervisor and Assessor the past eight years. Is a member of the A.O.U.W.

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Harrison Pierce page 975

Harrison Pierce, section 6, Rock Grove Township, was born in Wayne County, N.Y., Sept. 1, 1834. His father, John Pierce, was a native of Hampshire, England. Harrison Pierce was educated in the common schools of his native State till 1844, when he came West, to Kenosha County, Wis. and in 1854 came to Floyd County. He enlisted in the late war in the Third Iowa Battery, light artillery, and served about 4 years; was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Helena, etc.

He owns 236 acres of fine land, and is both farming and stock raising. He married in April 1876, Mrs. Laura A. Wright, nee Fish, and has one child - Annie M. Mrs. Pierce had one son - Afton L. Wright. Mr. Pierce is a member of the A.O.U.W.

 

Rev. Edward G.F. Pribbenow page 975

Rev. Edward G. F. Pribbenow, was born in Prussia, Germany April 8, 1839, where he remained till 1853, when he came to America and to Milwaukee, Wis.; he moved to near Madison, Wis., in 1854, and to Mitchell County, Ia., in the spring of 1869. He came to Floyd County (Rock Grove Twp.) in the fall of 1873, and settled on his present farm when it was wild land. He owns 236 acres of fine land, and is both farming and stock-raising. He was married Jan. 7, 1862, to Mary G. Rinder. They have twelve children - Ferdinand, Amanda, Richard, Julius, Alvina, William, Lydia, Albert, Emeline, John, Adda and Nora. His is a member of the German Methodist Church.

 

Lewis D. Powers page 975

Lewis D. Powers, one of the prominent citizens of Nora Springs, was born in Geneva Township, Walworth County, Wis., on March 20, 1837, a son of James B. Powers, a native of Maine. He was reared on a farm, and his educational privileges were those of the common schools. He came to Floyd County with his parents in 1856, settling on a farm. He enlisted in 1861 in Company I, Third Iowa Infantry, and served three years, participating in many a hard fought battle, among them those of Shiloh, Mattamora, and the siege of Vicksburg. Upon returning to Nora Springs he engaged in general trading, and now does a general mercantile business, carrying a full line of goods. He was married Sept. 16, 1865, to Sophronia C. Daniels. They have one child - Alice E. Mr. Powers has been elected to the offices ot Township Clerk, Township Trustee, member of the School Board, and is at present Constable. He has ever been an able and efficient officer, discharging his duties with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents.


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Josiah G. Quinby page 976

Josiah G. Quinby, farmer and stock-raiser, section 12, Rock Grove Township, a son of James Quinby, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 20, 1836. They went to Jasper County, Ind., in 1845, and in the fall of 1855 Mr. Quinby came to this county, and settled in Ulster Township. He owns 441 acres of fine land, 160 acres of it in Cerro Gordo County, Ia. He was married in August, 1857, to Edith Kanouse, a daughter of John H. Kanouse, now of Kansas. They have seven children - James, John, Charles, Eda, Nellie, Elmer and Hattie. Mr. Quinby was Township Trustee several terms.

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Murray Roberts page 976

Murray Roberts, farmer and stock-raiser, section 12, Rock Grove Township, was born in Winnebago County, Ill., June 3, 1853. He is a son of William W. Roberts, of Pennsylvania. He came to this county with his parents in 1857, where his father died in 1871. He received his education in Rock Grove Township. He was married in December, 1879, to Eda A. Dean. They have one child - William M. He is a member of the Sons of Temperance; owns 120 acres of fine land.

 

William W. Roberts page 976

William W. Roberts (deceased) was born in Sussquehanna County, Pa., Jan. 12, 1823. He was a son of Daniel and a grandson of Jacob Roberts, who was six years of age at the time of the Wyoming massacre, but he and his parents escaped just before and went to Luzerne, Pa. William W. went to Winnebago County, Ill., in 1850, and to this county (Rock Grove Twp.) in 1857, where he died March 16, 1872. He was married Oct. 5, 1847, to Fanny Roberts, also a grandchild of Jacob Roberts. They were the parents of ten children, seven living, Zina, Murray, Clara, Julia, Edwin, Ira and Wilson. One son died March 22, 1872, at the age of seventeen.

 

Zina Roberts page 976

Zina Roberts, eldest child of William W. Roberts, was born in Susquehanna County Pa., Dec.. 27, 1848, and moved with parents to Winnebago County, Ill., in 1850, and to this county in 1857. He has taught school eight winters, but is at present engaged in farming and stock-raising. He owns 120 acres on section 22, Rock Grove Township.

 

William G. Robison page 976

William G. Robison, farmer

and stock-raiser, born in Knox County, Ohio, March 31, 1828, is a son of Isaac Robison of the same State. He was educated in the common and subscription schools of an early day. He came to Warren County, Iowa, in 1864, and to this county (Rock Grove Twp.) in 1868. He now owns 159 acres of fine land. He was married October 20, 1859, to Mary M. Gonser. They have ten children - Emma A., Ida J., Ella L., Tena M., Mary E., Martha M., Mabel B., George W., Eddie and Burnett. He is a member of the German Baptist church at Rudd.


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Harry B. Shaw page 977

Harry B. Shaw, a native of Licking County, Ohio, was born Sept. 19, 1838. He remained there and in Delaware County until 1852 when he came overland to Iowa, settling in Black Hawk County, where he engaged in farming until 1861. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was one of the first to offer himself on the altar of his country's honor. He became a member of Company I, of the Third Iowa Infantry, commanded by Colonel, now General, M. M. Trumbull, and was in many a hard-fought battle. At the battle of Hatchie River he was severely wounded and made a cripple for life, receiving a cannister shot through the left breast, just above the heart. He now carries a withered hand as an evidence of the part he performed in that memorable conflict. Recovering partially from the wounds, he again re-enlisted in the Veteran Reserve Corps, and remained in the service until May, 1865, when he was honorably discharged, having been in the service three and a half years. In February, 1870, he located in Nora Springs, where he engaged as clerk, and traveling, until 1875, and since that time has been manager of the Spencer House, and conductss a real estate and insurance business. He was married in 1870, to Emma G. S. Spencer, an estimable woman, and a daughter of the late W.G. Spencer, formerly the proprietor of the Spencer House. Four children have blessed this union, viz: Willie (deceased), Robert (deceased), Lelia E.S. and Bessie M. Mr. Shaw is a quiet, agreeable man, and possessed of much more than ordinary acquirements. He is a prominent member of the I.O.O.F., A.O.U.W. and I.O.G.T. fraternities, and politically he favors the Republican party. In religious faith he is a Congregationalist.

 

William G. Spencer page 977

William G. Spencer (deceased) was born in Westmoreland, N.Y., on June 3, 1813, a son of A. Spencer. He left his native town in 1834 and came West, locating in Chicago, Illinois, thence in 1836 to Ogle County, that State. He was married there in 1839 to Elizabeth A. Marshall, and in the same year moved to Rockford, Illinois, and, after residing in various localities, he settled in Nora Springs in 1869. He embarked in the furniture business here continuing two years, and at that time built the Spencer House, which he owned and conducted until his death, which occurred June 16, 1881, and sorrow fell upon many hearts when to the list of the dead was added the name of this honest and upright man. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer had a family of five children, two living - Clara A. and Emma G. One son, George M., aged twenty -seven years, was killed at Menomonee, Wis., by flying timber while driving piles.

 

Wm. F. Stewart page 978

Wm. F. Stewart, born in Delaware County, N.Y., June 2, 1830, was a son of Alex. Stewart of the same county. He went with his parents to Wyoming County, N.Y., in 1836, and to Rockford, Illinois, in 1844. In 1873 he came to Nora Springs, where he sold goods, which has been his occupation since a boy. He was married in the fall of 1852 to Amanda A. Williams and they have had six children; four are living - William, James, Sarah and Frank. Mrs. Stewart died July 13, 1882.

 

Augustus Stone page 978

Augustus Stone, of the firm of Burgess & Stone, merchants, Nora Springs, was born in Ottawa, Canada, Dec. 16, 1823. His parents were Augustus Stone, Sr., a native of Connecticut, and Triphosa, nee Cutter, of Vermont. He was reared on a farm and educated in the schools of Canada, where he resided until 1844, then moved to Winnebago County, Illinois. He remained there until 1856, when he removed to Winnebago County, Wis.; thence to Nebraska in 1872. In 1873 he came to Nora Springs, Iowa, where he has since resided and has won the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. He is a good salesman, an honest man, active and accurate in his business. He was married March 28, 1850, to Miss Emily J. Wheeler, a native of Massachusetts. He is a prominent member of the Baptist church.

 

J. Edwin Sullivan page 978

J. Edwin Sullivan, farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, Rock Grove Township, was born near Niles, St. Joseph County, Michigan, July 31, 1844. His father was Thomas Sullivan, a native of Kentucky. J. Edwin came with his parents to Iowa in 1849, and to this county in 1854. He was educated in the schools of Nora Springs; was married Dec. 18, 1873, to Electa G. Montgomery. They have three children - Myrtie M., Charles LeRoy, and William A. He owns 100 acres of fine land. Is a member of the I.O.O.F.

 

L. D. Sweet page 978

L. D. Sweet, section 31, Rock Grove Township, was born November 15, 1831, in Upper Canada. His father, John F. Sweet, a native of New York State, came West to Dane County, Wisconsin, in 1839, and to Dodge County Wis., in 1846. He was a mechanic, but lived on a farm, at which L. D. Sweet has always worked. He went to California in 1850, and returned in the fall of 1862 to Lowell, Wis. He came to Floyd County, Iowa, in the fall of 1865, and settled on the farm where he still resides. He now owns 490 acres. He was married May, 1864, to Agnes H. Dogan. They have three children - Lizzie E., Taylor E. and John F. He is a member of the Baptist church, and is a Master Mason. He has held several township offices.


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Andrew B. Tredway page 979

Andrew B. Tredway, banker and grain merchant, Nora Springs, was born in Richfield, Lucas County, Ohio, Mar. 1, 1843, a son of Stutley Tredway, a native of Allegany County, N.Y. His father was a lumber merchant, and he engaged in that business with him in Wisconsin, where the family had moved when he was but three months old, until 1858, and in 1860 entered the employ of a grain firm in Lowell, Wis., with whom he remained four years. He served as Orderly Sergeant in Company C, Fifty-first Wisconsin Volunteers, from 1864 to 1865, and at the close of the war went to North McGregor, Iowa, where he engaged as general manager and salesman of Seley & Shaw's wholesale lumber yard until 1869. Then purchased a yard at Pottsville, Iowa, which he conducted till the fall of 1871. He came to Nora Springs in September of that year, embarking in the grain business here, and in 1877 built an elevator and feed mill, with a storage capacity of 15,000 bushels. In 1879 he added a banking business, which he has successfully operated since. He was married Jan. 1, 1868, to Josephine M. Sweet of Lowell, Wisconsin. Of four children born unto them two are living - Stutley W. and Everett M. Mr. Tredway is serving his second term as Justice of the Peace of Nora Springs, and was Mayor one year. He is an enterprising business man, and a prominent citizen of Floyd County.

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Daniel A. Wheeler page 979

Daniel A. Wheeler, one of the prominent citizens of Nora Springs, was a son of Daniel Wheeler, Sr., a native of Massachusetts, who moved to New York state about 1835, and to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in 1844. Daniel A. was born in Chenango County, N.Y., February 16, 1840, and was reared and educated in Sheboygan. In 1860 he accepted a clerkship in a law office at Council Bluffs, remaining there two years, and in 1862 he went to Central City, Colorado, where he engaged in mining six years. He returned to Wisconsin in 1868 and embarked in the grocery business at Omro, continuing until 1872, and in that year he located in Nora Springs. He has been engaged in the lumber business since coming here, and has built up an extensive and lucrative trade. He is a popular merchant, and is know throughout the county as a man of irreproachable business integrity. He was married in 1871 to Josephine Packard, an estimable lady of superior social and mental qualities. They have had four children - Mary, Frank, Hattie, and Josephine. Mr. Wheeler served acceptably in the chair of the Mayoralty and has held other local offices.

 

John W. Whitesell page 980

John W. Whitesell was born near St. Thomas, Canada, August 23, 1849. His father, Daniel Whitesell, came to this place in 1852, being the first settler. He carried a bushel of corn meal on foot from Cedar Falls. His father, Aaron Whitesell, was a native of Germany. Daniel Whitesell is now living in Brookins County, Dakota Territory. The first school John W. attended was taught by Hon. W..P. Gaylord, in an old log house. Their family lived in a house with no floor for nearly two years; the roof was made of shakes, and not a nail used in the contruction of the house. They pounded corn with an iron wedge. When they came here they had no money and were $5 in debt. Buffalo and deer roamed over the prairies. He now owns 305 acres of fine land on section 20, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married Sept. 4, 1879, to Flora A., daughter of Silas Walker, now of Verndale, Minnesota.

 

William Workman page 980

William Workman, born near Cumberland, Maryland, April 15, 1811, is a son of Stephen Workman, who moved to Knox County, Ohio in 1815, and died there, aged 101 years. Mr. Workman came to Rock Grove in 1854, and purchased the place where he now resides, on section 8, of Anthony Overacker. He was first married to Mary Baker and had seven children, six living - Andrew J., Philip, Julia Ann (now Mrs. John Henry), Martha (now Mrs. Alex. Hemphill), Sarah (now Mrs. Alfred Drury), and Catharine (now Mrs. Joseph Shork). Mrs. Workman died in Ohio in 1854. In 1856 Mr. Workman went back to Ohio and Nov. 23 he changed the name of Mrs. Gonser to Mrs. Workman. Mrs. Gonser had eight children, five living - Lucinda, Mary M., Matilda, William H. and Mahala. One daughter, Eliza, died at the age of nineteen. In politics Mr. Workman is a Democrat. In religion he is a German Baptist, being the head and front of that church in this region.

 

James Wyatt page 980

James Wyatt, section 31, Rock Grove Township, born in February 1824, in Summersetshire, England, was a son of John Wyatt, a native of the same place. James Wyatt was educated in England, and came to the United States in 1849, going to Kenosha County, Wisconsin, and working on a farm until 1856, when he came to Floyd County and settled on the farm where he still resides, which was at that time wild land, and which he has brought under a fine state of cultivation. He was married Oct. 17, 1852, to Elizabeth Price (Pierce?), a native of Dorsetshire, England. They had nine children; eight are living - Charles B., Judson L., Josephine, James W., John B., Harry, Dora and Estella. Mrs. Wyatt died in January 1875, and May 15, 1877, he married Mrs. L. Hammer. She has one daughter - Blanche Hammer. Mr. Wyatt owns 187 acres of land. He has been Road Supervisor for the past five years.


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