FLOYD COUNTY GENEALOGY

 

Scott Township

Biographies

Source: History of Floyd County, Iowa, 1882



A
Thomas Alexander

B
T.J. Barnum
G. L. Brown

C
Benjamin Courtright

D
Dexter W. Dean
Daniel Duncklee

E
E. W. Ellis
Andrew J. Esser

G
William Galbraith
Thomas Garber

J
J. W. Jeffrey

L
Hiram Losee

M
E. D. Montrose

N
T. W. Nicholson

O
Cyrus H. Oaks

S
J. B. Schermerhorn
Isaac Sharp
Paxson Shultz
Charles D. Smith
David Stoner

W
John R. Waller


A
Thomas Alexander page 1001

Thomas Alexander was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1833. He left there in the fall of 1864, and went to Canada; remained there until the fall of 1879, when he came to Floyd County, Iowa, and settled on section 33, Scott Township, where he still resides, engaged in farming, raising corn and stock. He has 320 acres of fine land. He was married in Ohio, Feb. 22, 1855, to Catherine B. Atkinson. They had one child - John F., born Dec. 7, 1855. Mrs. Alexander died Oct 15, 1857. He was married a second time May 25, 1858, to Matilda Sparling. By this union there were three children - W.S., born Aug 9, 1859; Agnes, Dec. 22, 1860, and Olivia J., Jan. 2, 1863. Mrs. Matilda Alexander died Aug. 28, 1881. Politically, Mr. Alexander is a Democrat, and in his religious belief is a Baptist.

B
T. J. Barnum page 1001

T. J. Barnum, one of the prominent citizens of Scott Township, was born in the State of New York, July 3, 1819. He was reared and educated in his native State, and made it his home until 1864, when he came West, and in the fall of 1867 settled in Winneshiek County, Iowa. He followed farming there four years, then moved to Floyd County, settling on section 35, Scott Township, where he owns 80 acres of finely cultivated land. He was married in 1839, to Nancy Lewis, a native of the Green Mountain State, born in 1820. They have one child - Menard, born in New York in 1845. In his political views Mr. Barnum is a Democrat.

G. L. Brown page 1001
G. L. Brown was born in Tompkins County, N.Y., Oct. 8, 1840. His parents moved to Pennsylvania when he was three years old, and from there, fourteen years later, to Illinois. He lived in Ogle and Winnebago counties, Illinois, till 1868, when he came to Floyd County, Iowa, where he has since resided, following the occupation of farming. He owns 240 acres of land, 160 in Scott Township, Floyd County, and 80 acres adjoining, on section 1, Binnezette Township, Butler County. He raises both live-stock and grain. Politically, he is a Republican; has held the office of Justice of the Peace eight years, and is Road Supervisor. He was married in October, 1860, to Martha McNeill, a native of Winnebago County, Illinois, born Nov. 17, 1844. They are the parents of seven children - Charles E., born Nov. 16, 1861; Mary M., Dec. 26, 1863; Cora D., Feb. 20, 1866; Thomas H., Feb. 17, 1867; John J., March 9, 1869; George W., March 15, 1871; William H., born Aug. 15, 1873.

C
Benjamin Courtright page 1002

Benjamin Courtright was born in Monroe County, Penn., Aug. 2, 1826. He moved to Illinois in 1866, where he remained till 1874, when he came to Floyd County, Iowa, and settled on section 35, Scott Township, where he has 160 acres of good, well-improved land. His entire life, with the exception of one year spent in Mendota, Illinois, has been spent in farming. He is neutral in his political views, and has held the office of School Director. He was married May 4, 1853, to Catharine Transue, a native of Monroe County, Penn., born Aug. 24, 1830. They have eight children - John, born Oct. 4, 1851; Anna E., March 5, 1853; Alice, April 26, 1858; Isaac, May 28, 1860; William A., March 3, 1862; Mary M., March 5, 1864; Sabrina, Dec. 24, 1868. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

D
Dexter W. Dean page 1002

Dexter W. Dean was born in DeKalb County, Illinois, Nov. 17, 1856, where he resided till 1881. He had previously made several visits to Iowa, and at one time, 1865, remained some time. Finally, in 1881, he moved to Floyd County, and settled on section 27, Scott Township, where he and Franklin Keith own 650 acres of fine land in partnership. He was married in Illinois, June 8, 1878, to Phoebe Riddle, who was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 3, 1856. They have one child - Ellsworth, born in Illinois, Nov. 14, 1879. Politically Mr. Dean is a Republican.

Daniel Duncklee page 1002
Daniel Duncklee, one of the prominent farmers of Scott Township, was born in the State of New Hampshire, June 22, 1829. His father moved with his family to New York in 1841, and Daniel resided there until 1856, when he came to Iowa. He located in Freemont Township, Benton County, remaining there until 1878, when he came to Floyd County, and purchased eighty acres of land on section 33, Scott Township, where he is at present residing. His farm is under excellent improvement and well stocked. He was married in 1866, to Elizabeth Stackhouse, who was born in Illinois, April 6, 1840. Their union has been blessed with two children - Ida Marian, born Dec. 11, 1866, and Almira, April 26, 1872. Mr. Duncklee is a member of the Christian church and in politics he is a Republican.

E
E. W. Ellis page 1003

E. W. Ellis is a native of Wales, born Jan. 23, 1839. He emigrated to America in 1856, landed at New York City, and from there went to Utica, where he spent two years. In 1867, he moved to Dubuque County, Iowa, thence in September, 1873, to Sac County, where he resided four and one-half years, and in 1877 came to Floyd County. He owns a finely improved farm of 105 acres on section 31, Scott Township, and is one of the prominent farmers and stock-growers of the county. He married Charlotte Jeffry, who was born on the Isle of Man, March 22, 1843. In May, 1861, Mr. Ellis enlisted in the Sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, participating in many a hard-fought battle. He served in the Army of the Potomac, under Generals McClellan and Pope, and was wounded Aug. 30, 1862, at the second battle of Bull Run. He was honorably discharged with his comrades at Madison, Wis., July 16, 1864. In politics he is a strong Republican.

Andrew J. Esser page 1003 Andrew J. Esser was born in Prussia, Feb. 28, 1842, and emigrated with his parents to America in 1851. They landed at New York, and from there went at once to Dodge County, Wis., where Andrew lived seven years, then went to Missouri, and worked as a farm laborer two years. in August, 1863, he enlisted in Company E, Twelfth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served thirteen months. He participated in the battles of Jackson, Miss., Black River, Canton; was in the siege of Vicksburg forty-seven days, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. Upon leaving the service he returned to Wisconsin, remained six months, thence to Kendall County, Illinois. He followed farming there four years, and May, 1868, came to Rockford, Iowa. He at once engaged in farming, and in 1874 purchased 200 acres of land on section 31, Scott Township, and in 1878, 160 on section 32, making a splendid farm of 360 acres of finely cultivated land. He was married in 1871 to Martha De Wolf, who was born in Wisconsin in October, 1853. They have three children - Anna, born July 29, 1872; Albert, May 26, 1876; and Leonard, July 22, 1878. In his political views, Mr. Esser is a Republican; he has held many of the township offices, and is the present School Director and Road Supervisor.

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G
William Galbraith page 1003

William Galbraith, one of the prominent farmers of Scott Township, is a native of Scotland, born in the town of Slates, in 1804. He emigrated to America in 1850, landed at New York, and from there went direct to Marquette County, Wis., where he engaged in farming eleven years, and in 1861 disposed of his land and came to Floyd County, Iowa. He settled on sections 10 and 11, Scott Township, where he owns a valuable farm of 320 acres, under excellent improvement and finely stocked. He has twice married; his first wife, Jeannette Stephenson, was a native of Scotland, where she died in 1842, leaving two children - Jeannette, born April 30, 1838, and David, March 11, 1841. The second marriage occurred Jan. 25, 1849, to Agnes Thomson, likewise of Scottish birth, born in Ayreshire in 1829. The fruit of this union is ten children, viz.: William, born Oct 11 1850; James, Aug. 26, 1854; John, March 1, 1856; Andrew, Aug. 22, 1858; Robert, Feb. 21, 1860; Samuel and Alexander (twins), March 21, 1863; Rachel and Hugh (twins), July 7, 1864, and Agnes, April 2, 1869. The family are members of the Presbyterian church, and in politics Mr. Galbraith gives the Republican party his support.

Thomas Garber page 1004
Thomas Garber, one of the representative citizens of Scott Township, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1835. He came from Ohio to Clayton County, Iowa, in 1854, and lived there until March 13, 1865, when he settled in Floyd County, purchasing land in Union Township. Three years later he moved to Scott Township, having previously bought eighty acres of land on section 12, and has since resided there. He has made farming his life business, and is now one of the practical and successful farmers of Floyd County. He is a strong supporter of the Republicans, and has been elected to the office of Constable, and is the present Road Supervisor. He was united in marriage with Josephine McCrum, on March 18, 1862. She was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, Dec. 22, 1844. Four children have blessed this union, viz: Seldon, born April 18, 1865; Edmund, Jan. 25, 1867; Dora, Feb. 24, 1870, and Alice, July 7, 1878. Mr. Garber is a member of the German Baptist church.

J
J. W. Jeffrey page 1004

J. W. Jeffrey was born on the Isle of Man, May 19, 1837, and emigrated to America when in his boyhood; he landed at New York and went at once to Jamestown, Wis., where he resided until Aug. 12, 1862, and on that day he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Nash and Colonel Montgomery, and was mustered out with his comrades when the war closed at Washington, D. C., and discharged at Madison County. He was with the Army of the Cumberland, and engaged in many a hard-fought battle. He was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea, and participated in the battles of Kennesaw Mt., Atlanta, Dallas, Georgia, Decatur, Georgia, and was in front of Atlanta under fire for about six months, and was also present during the siege and battle of Savannah, Georgia. After the capture of that city, he with his regiment shipped on board a steamer and went to South Carolina, and took the town of Columbia, reducing it to ashes. This regiment was detailed as provost guard and sent to North Carolina, thence to Richmond, Virginia, and from there to Washington, and was in the grand review. He returned to Wisconsin, and in the spring of 1866 crossed the plains to Montana, and resided near Helena City two and one-half years. He came to Rockford, Ia., in the fall of 1869, and bought 120 acres of fine farming land on section 31, Scott Township, and has resided here since. He was married Dec. 27, 1869, to Rosa S. Collogan, who was born in Wisconsin, and died July 14, 1880, leaving five children - James N., Mary E., Abbie B., George and Frank L. Mr. Jeffrey was again married on April 16, 1882, to Aurelia Lowrenz, who was born in Freeport, Ill., April 26, 1852, and came to Rockford, Iowa, in 1876. In politics Mr. Jeffrey is a strong Republican.

L
Hiram Losee page 1005

Hiram Losee. Prominent among the pioneers and representative citizens of Floyd County stands the subject of this sketch. A native of Jefferson County, N.Y., he was born March 3, 1834, and resided there until 21 years of age, when he came to Marble Rock, Ia, at that time called Beelar's Grove. Settlers were few in that region and Mr. Losee was among the first. He opened a farm on section 30, Union Township, which he cultivated and afterward rented until 1870, when he sold it and moved to Scott Township. He is one of the largest land-owners in the county, his possessions amounting to 1,233 acres of fine farming land. The farm upon which he resides is located on sections 12 and 13, and consists of 700 acres, well improved and thoroughly stocked. He has a herd of 208 head of stock. He has been elected to the offices of Township Clerk, Treasurer, Justice of the Peace and County Treasurer, serving in each instance with credit to himself and the entire satisfaction of his constituents. On Sept. 8, 1859, he was united in marriage to Phoebe Smith, a native of Ohio. They have eight children - John K., born Feb. 18, 1861; Charles D., June 16 1863; A. Sheridan, Aug. 19, 1865; Frederick R., Dec. 25, 1868; James B., May 26, 1870; Amelia J., Feb 11, 1874; Sarah M., Apr. 2, 1877; and Florence M. Apr. 18, 1882. Mr. Losee is neutral in his political views. His mother is spending her declining years with him, and is seventy-five years of age.

M
E. D. Montrose page 1006

E. D. Montrose was born in Ulster County, N.Y., and from the time he was four years of age until he was twenty he lived on the banks of the Genesee River, Livingstone County. In 1836 he emigrated to St. Joseph County, Mich., thence to Dane County, Wis., in 1848. In 1865 he came to Floyd County, Ia., and in 1866 bought 250 acres of fine land on section 35, Scott Township, where he has resided since, one of the most honored and respected citizens of this county. He was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in 1867, holding that position ten years. In 1868 he was elected County Superintendent, and has held at various times nearly all the township offices, serving with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. On Dec. 19, 1839, he wwas united in marriage to Harriet L. Star, who was born in Oneida County, N.Y., Oct 16, 1817. Their union has been blessed with seven children, viz: Henry W., born Dec. 27, 1840, and enlisted in Company B, Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, on July 24, 1861, and served four years, participating in all the battles of this regiment except one; he was wounded at Corinth, Miss., and at Fort Donelson; he was with Sherman on his march to the sea and with Grant at Belmont; he was discharged with his comrades after much brave and daring fighting at Louisville, Ky.; Catherine born Aug. 14, 1843, married W. H. Porter; Emily, Oct. 27, 1845, is the wife of T. E. Teape; Marion, Dec. 22, 1847, married Austin Russell; Addie, Jan. 24, 1849; Lucy, May 8, 1856, married Frederick Morrill, and Sarah, Mar. 28, 1861. In his political views Mr. Montrose is a strong Republican.

N
T. W. Nicholson page 1006

T. W. Nicholson was born in Philadelphia, Penn., June 19, 1847, where he lived till five years of age, then went with his parents to Pittsburg, Penn., where they lived three years; from there came to Delaware County, Ia., in 1855. He worked on a farm with his father, in Delaware County, until 1871. Jan. 1, 1871, he married Sarah C. Stones, born in LaPorte, In., March 5, 1850. They have four children- Elsie M., born May 13, 1875; Robert G., Nov. 30, 1876; Frank H., Dec. 18, 1878; and Nora G., Jan. 21, 1881. Mr. Nicholson is a Democrat in his political views. He owns 160 acres of good land on section 17, Scott Township, Floyd County.

O
Cyrus H. Oaks page 1006

Cyrus H. Oaks was born in the State of Maine, Jan. 21, 1835, and emigrated from there to Illinois when twelve years of age. His parents settled on a farm in Boone County, where he was reared and educated, remaining until 1871, and in that year he came to Floyd County, Iowa. He located on section 8, Scott Township, where he owns 260 acres of finely cultivated land, and ranks with the prominent and successful farmers of the county. He has held the office of Township clerk since 1874, and that of Justice of the Peace four years. He was elected County Supervisor in January, 1876, and still retains that position. As an officer he is capable and efficient, and discharges his duties with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. Politically he is a pronounced Republican. On Jan 30, 1861, he was united in marriage with Alida A. Vorce, a native of Henderson, N. Y., born Aug. 26, 1835. The fruit of this union is two children - Albert J., born Nov. 13, 1861, and Earle, Aug 16, 1865.

S
J. B. Schermerhorn page 1007

J. B. Schermerhornwas born in Delaware County, N.Y., July 1, 1840, and came to Galva, Henry County, Illinois, in 1858, where he lived one year, and came to Iowa, going to Delaware County; remained there till the spring of 1869, and then came to Floyd County, settling on section 23, Scott Township. He has 160 acres of fine land, which he has under good cultivation. Politically he is a Democrat. He has held the office of Township Treasurer for eight years, and is the present incumbent; he was elected Justice of the Peace in 1876, and still holds that office; he has served on the Board of Township Trustees for several terms. He was married to Rebecca M. Bowman, July 23, 1861. She was born near Dayton, Ohio, April 20, 1845. They have six children - Frank, born April 9, 1862; Eugene J., March 24, 1865; Sarah, July 11, 1872; John T., Feb. 22, 1875; Wayne H., Sept. 22, 1877; Susannah, May 19, 1879.

Isaac Sharp page 1007
Isaac Sharp, was born near ROchester, N.Y., Nov. 19, 1830, and when he was three years old his father emigrated to Chautauqua County, that State, where he remained until thirteen years of age. His father then removed to Kane County, Ill., and died there in 1880. Isaac Sharp came to Iowa, Sept. 17, 1854, resided in Benton County one year, then came to Floyd County, purchasing 160 acres of land on section 2, Scott Township, and in 1873, he added 160 acres to that purchase, and now owns 320 acres of as fine land as there is in the State of Iowa. He was married to Agnes Cornelie in LaSalle County, Ill., on July 19, 1853. She was born in Ulster County, N.Y., Sept. 2, 1836. The have nine children, viz: Hattie, George, Calvin, Emma, Fred, Nellie Charles, Lulu and Willie. Mr. Sharp votes the Republican ticket, and has held the offices of Township Trustee, School Director and Assessor, serving acceptably in each instance. He ranks with the prominent and influential farmers and stock-growers of Floyd County.

Puxson Shultz page 1008
Puxson Shultz was born in Columbia County, Penn., in October 1826. He moved to Lee County, Ill., in 1856, where he resided until 1874, when he came to Floyd County, Iowa.,where he has 229 acres of good, well -improved land. He was married in Pennsylvania in 1851, to Hannah Temple, a native of that State, born in 1827. THey have five children- Hr. R., Philip, George, Jane and Elmeda. He raises stock and all kinds of grain. Politically he is a Republican.

Charles D. Smith page 1008
Charles D. Smith was born in Erie County, O., Nov. 12, 1853, and emigrated with his father to Floyd County, Ia., in June 1856. They settled on section 6, Union Township, and Charles D. remained at home assisting on the farm and attending school until 1879, when he purchased eighty acres of rich land on section 4, Scott Township, and moved upon it. He built a house, which was completely demolished by a storm that visisted this region June 1, 1879, and made a complete wreck of all his improvements.With unfaltering energy and determination he went to work to rebuild his fallen home, and today he ranks with the prominent and influential farmers of Scott township. He was married Jan. 29, 1879, to Emma J. Smith, a native of New York, born Dec. 23, 1859. Two children have blessed this union - Nellie, born Feb. 16, 1880, died March 10, of that year, and Cassie, born June 28, 1881. Mrs. Smith came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Smith, from New York in 1878, and met and married her present husband. Her parents reside near Marble Rock, Ia. In politics the subject of this memoir is a Republican.

David Stoner page 1008
David Stoner was born in Shelby County, Ohio, March 22, 1825, and lived there until he was twenty-five years old, when he removed to LaPorte County, Ind., and lived four years; then went to Delaware County, Ia., and followed farming till 1874, when he came to Floyd County, settling on section 15, Scott Township, where he has 160 acres of fine, well-improved land. He was married in Wayne County, Ind., in 1847, to Sarah Bowman, a native of Dauphin County, Penn., born in 1828. From this union there are five children - Sarah (now Mrs. Thomas Nicholson), born in 1851; Emiline (now Mrs. Allen Kates) born in Indiana in 1853; Genlanstone, born in Iowa in 1855; Augusta, born in Delaware County, Ia., in 1863; and Ada Melvina, born in 1868. Mr. Stoner is neutral in his political views.

W
John R. Waller page 1009

John R. Waller was born in Rockford, Ill., October 28, 1841. He moved to Charles City, Ia., in 1855, where he lived until 1864, when he went to Montana Territory and engaged in mining, merchandising and handling live-stock till 1868, when he returned to Charles City. He then speculated in live-stock, land, etc. In 1871 he moved on this farm on section 23, Scott Township, where he still resides. He has been raising trotting and thoroughbred horses, and is now handling and shipping horses, mules, cattle and all kinds of gran to Northern Dakota. He was married Jan. 9, 1870, to Mary E. Stearns, who was born in Pittsfield, Mass., July 13, 1843. They have five children - Edwin S., born Dec. 20, 1873; Richard R., Aug. 16, 1875; Wayne F., May 16, 1878; Oliver Randolph, Aug. 2, 1880; Helene B., Oct. 16, 1881. Mrs. Waller is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Waller is a member of the Red Mountain Lodge of Freemasons in Montana. Politically he is a Republican. He graduated from Iowa College, and was probably the first to graduate from FLoyd County. He owns 900 acres of land.



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Transcription by Bonnie Stickney


 


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