Source: History of Fremont County, Iowa
(Des Moines: Iowa History Co., 1881)
Transcribed by Cay Merryman

• BENNETT, D. W., farmer, P. O., Walkerville; born in New York, in 1822; removed with his parents, when young, to Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood; was educated in the common schools. Mr. Bennett was married in 1848 to Miss Mary A. Dodge, a native of Pennsylvania, and is the father of seven living children: Rotilla A., Ann Eliza, Dora, Sarah L., Vinus D., Mary A. and Anson B., (the latter adopted) and three dead: Olive, Mary and Daniel. Mr. B. came to Iowa in 1879. Mrs. Bennett is a member of the church of Latter Day Saints.

• BRUCE, SAMUEL, farmer, P. O. Walkerville, lives on section 28; born in Monroe county, Ohio, October 28, 1841. Removed to Hamilton county, Iowa, in 1859; attended school at Boonsborough, Iowa, one year. Spent his early life carrying mail, in working in a mill, on a farm, etc. Came to Fremont county in 1878. He enlisted in the army September 28, 1861, in the famous 8th Missouri infantry. Was with his regiment at Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Missionary Ridge, and other engagements, sixteen in all. He was discharged by reason of expiration of term of service. Mr. Bruce re-enlisted December 5, 1864, in company E, 53d Illinois infantry. Was in the engagement at Raleigh, North Carolina, and mustered out July 22, 1865. He was married February 17, 1867, to Miss Anna Pratz, a native of Stark county, Illinois. They have four children living: Ivan, John, Mary and Bertha, and one dead. The parents are consistent members of the Christian church. Mr. Bruce has a farm of 160 acres, a good house, barn, orchard, etc., and his home is surrounded by a beautiful grove.

• BRICKER, H. M., farmer, P. O. High Creek; born in 1829 in Columbiana county, Ohio; was educated in the common schools; worked on a farm; moved to Missouri in 1868, and to Wisconsin the same year; came to Iowa in 1873; located on his present farm in 1877. He has followed moulding for two years, and railroading at intervals for four years. Mr. Bricker has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Susan Miller, of Ohio, by whom he had one child, Elizabeth, now married and living in Michigan. His first marriage took place in 1852. His second marriage was to Miss Barbara Tzand, a native of Switzerland, in 1860. They have four children: Emeline S., Mary H., Linnaeus and Ulysses O. Emeline is married. Mr. B. has a good farm orchard, etc.

• BENTLEY, J. J., farmer, P. O. Walkersville; born in King George county, Virginia in 1835; removed to Pennsylvania when young; learned the trade of carpenter; came to Iowa in 1852; was one of the first settlers of Wayne county; came to this county in 1873. He enlisted in November, 1861, in company H, Fifth Kansas, and was engaged in twenty-six battles. He was wounded at the battle of Mt. Vernon, May 11, 1863, by a shot through the body, for which he receives as a pension the insignificant sum of $2 per month. Mr. Bently was married in 1860 to Miss Mahala Fugitt, a native of Indiana. they are the parents of seven children: Nancy, Jesse, Freddie, Janie, Sarah A., William, and James E. Nancy is the wife of Mr. H. Morgan, of Sidney. He is a member of the United Brethren Church.

• BLOOM, J. K. P., farmer, section 24, P. O. Walkerville; born in 1843, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania; removed to Will county, Illinois, in 1851; to Green county, Wisconsin, in 1857, and to his present residence in 1877. May 29, 1864, he enlisted in the army and served until August 5, 1865; was in the battles before Petersburg and at North Fork. During his service he contracted severe diseases. Mr. Bloom was married February 6, 1870, to Miss Elizabeth Eley, a native of Green county, Wisconsin, born April 22, 1847. They have three children: Warren, Theodore, and Dora. Mr. Bloom is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and a well-respected citizen. He has a good farm house, orchard, etc.

• CAMPBELL, CHAUNCEY, farmer, P. O. High Creek; born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1839; removed to Allen county when 15 years of age; was educated in the public schools of Allen and Knox counties; spent his youth on a farm. He came to Van Buren county, Iowa, in 1869, and to this county in 1874, locating on his present farm the next year. He was married to Miss Mary M. Gardiner, a native of Van Buren county, in 1872. Mr. Campbell owns a good farm of 80 acres, lives in a good house, has a promising young orchard, and bids fair to succeed well in life.

• COUCH, J. B., farmer, P.O. High Creek; born in 1837 in Randolph county, Illinois; educated in the common schools; spent his youth working on a farm. Mr. Couch enlisted in the Illinois state service May, 1861, serving one month, when he was mustered into the United States service as a member of company H, 22d Illinois infantry. He was in the battles of Belmont, Stone River, Chickamauyga, Missionary Ridge, and many skirmishes. He was mustered out with the rank of sergeant, July 20, 1864, and re-enlisted in February, 1865, in company F, 154th Illinois, and was elected captain upon the organization of the company, and served until August, 1865. Captain Couch was married in 1865, and is the father of six children: Mary, William, Edna, James B., Fred and Charles.

• CAMPBELL, A., section 18, P. O. Farragut, farmer; born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1843; came to America with his parents when three years of age, locating in Illinois. Mr. Campbell enlisted at Peoria, May 3, 1864, as a member of the 11th Illinois cavalry, and served until November, 1865, when he was mustered out by special order of the war department. Mr. Campbell was married in 1877 to Miss Eliza M. Gurney, a native of New York. Two children have been born to them: George A., and Bessie W. He resides on an excellent farm and is very comfortably situated.

• ROBY, J. B., section 8, P. O. Farragut, farmer; born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1827. Removed to Randolph county, Indiana, when ten years of age; was educated by his own efforts in the common schools. Learned the trade of chair-making with his father, and was able to do good work when ten years old. He also followed the trade of carpenter for twenty-five years. He was married in 1847 to Miss Sarah Davis, a native of Ohio. They have three living children: Sarah, Martha, and Minnie. Silas R. and Mary E. are dead. Mr. Roby removed to Iowa in 1854, to Fremont county in 1867, and to his present home in 1875. In 1865 he was enrolled in the 59th regiment Missouri state militia. He has followed farming for the past eight years and owns a good farm, which he cultivates carefully.

• DARBYSHIRE, JOHN,farmer, P. O. Walkerville; born in Washington, Iowa in 1851; was educated in the common schools; spent his early life on a farm. He came to this county in 1875, and located on his present farm, which is a good one of eighty acres and contains a good house and other buildings and is under a hedge fence.

• DAY, E. H., section 17, P. O. Walkerville, occupation farmer; born at Jamestown, Ohio, in 1831; removed with his parents to Cass county, Indiana, in 1838; received his education in the common schools. Mr. Day came to Iowa in 1855. August 15, 1862, he enlisted in company B., fortieth infantry, and served until May 17, 1865. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, at the capture of Little Rock, Yazoo City, and Duvall's Bluff. He was sick from lung disease while at Columbus, Ky., and again at Little Rock, from which place he was sent to the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa. Mr. Day spent his youth in the service of his father in a tannery, but since attaining manhood his principal occupation has been that of a farmer. He was married in 1855 to Miss Louisa Dalbey, a native of Ohio. They have three children, Frank, Carrie and Cora, all of whom are at home. Mr. Day owns a snug little farm of 40 acres, which is in a high state of cultivation, has a good house, an excellent orchard, and plenty of small fruits, etc.

• FINLEY, WILLIAM, farmer, P. O. Walkerville, section 26; born in Stark county, Illinois, in 1856; educated in the common schools; spent his youth on a farm. Mr. Finley was married in 1877 to Miss Sarah Snider, of Butler county, Ohio. They have one child: Edith. Mr. F. removed to his present farm in 1879. He is comfortably situated, his farm being in an excellent state of cultivation with a good house and other buildings, a young orchard, grove, etc.

• FLETCHER, JOSEPH, farmer, P. O. Shenandoah; born at Berwick, Warren county, Illinois, in 1855; educated in the common schools; spent his early life on a farm; came to Iowa in 1875, locating at Shenandoah, where he remained two years and then went to Oregon, engaging in fruit-drying, and was for a time connected with a government surveying corps. Mr. F. returned to Iowa in the spring of 1880, and was married shortly after his return to Miss A. B. Sloan. They live on a fine little farm of 80 acres, and their prospects for future happiness and prosperity are very glowing indeed.

• FEIL, HENRY E., section 15, P. O. Walkerville, farmer; born in 1853 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, where he was educated; emigrated to America in 1869, locating in this county, near Riverton. He went to California in 1873, but returned after an absence of one year, and settled on the farm where he now lives. He was married in 1876, to Miss Matilda Borchers, a native of Nebraska. They have two children: Oscar and Rosa. Mr. F. has always been a farmer and now owns an excellent farm of 160 acres. He lives in a good house, surrounded by a beautiful grove, orchards, etc.

• GARNER, J. T., section 5, P. O. Farragut, farmer and dealer in blooded stock; born in Huron county, Ohio, in 1851. His parents died when he was quite young. He was reared in Henry county, Illinois, receiving his education in the common schools. His youth was spent in working on a farm, and he has always followed the profession of farming. Mr. Garner was married to Miss Lydia M. Himes, a native of Stark county, Illinois, in 1872. They have one child, Della M. Mr. Garner came to his present location in 1878. He is a farmer at present, owning a good farm. He also has a fine orchard containing ten acres.

• GARDNER, R. T., farmer, section 14, P. O. Walkerville; was born in 1846, in Van Buren county, Iowa, and remained there during his early life, receiving an education in the common schools. In 1873 he moved to Riverton township, Fremont county, and settled at his present home in 1878. In 1872 was united by the bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah E. Campbell, a native of Ohio, and has four children: Musa L., Leon, Nelson A., and Hugh A. Owns eighty acres of well improved land. Is the oldest living son of Aaron and Clarissa Gardner, natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Iowa when the country was first settled. The father died in 1865, and the mother came west with her sons in 1873. They had nine children: Sarah E., Lucinda J., Wm. H., Robert T., John H., Mary M., James M., Clara A., and Louisa A. Is a member of the Baptist church.

• HAMBLIN, JOHN, farmer, P. O. Walkerville; Mr. Hamblin was born on an island in the Missouri river, near Nebraska City, which has now washed away. His parents removed to Illinois when he was quite young. His youth was spent in farming, which has always been his chief occupation.

• HAMBLIN, JACOB, proprietor of sample room at Walkerville; born in Michigan in 1855; removed with his parents to Henderson county, Illinois, where he grew to young manhood. In 1879 he came to Iowa, locating first in the township, and removing to Walkerville the same year. Mr. Hamblin was married in 1877, to Miss Elizabeth Wheatley, a native of Illinois. They have one child, Florence. Mr. Hamblin is a member in good standing of the I.O.O.F. Wm. V. Hamblin was born in Racine county, Wisconsin, in 1847. After living in various places he settled at Walkerville in 1879; has always been a farmer. In 1871 he married Miss Amanda Darwin, a native of Illinois. They have two children, Mary and Jacob.

• HAYWARD, EDWARD P., section 4, P. O. Farragut, farmer; born in Ohio in 1850. Removed at an early age with his parents to Knox county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. Educated in the common schools and at Kewaunee Seminary and Abingdon College. Mr. Hayward was married in 1877 to Miss Emma Fuller, a native of Henry county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. H. are now members of the M. E. church, and have been from their youth. Mr. Hayward has always followed farming as a vocation, and has a nice farm of 80 acres, with a good house, barn, orchard, etc.

• HOWARD, C. T., farmer, section 11, P. O. Shenandoah; was born at Monmouth, Warren county, Illinois, March 25th, 1844, and remained there until 1870, when he removed to Fremont county. His boyhood days were spent in farming and securing an education, which was commenced in the common schools and finished at the Abingdon high school, Knox county, Illinois. He enlisted March 18th in the Thirty-seventh Illinois cavalry, and was discharged at Nashville after eight month's service. Was married in 1866 to Miss Clara A. Day, a native of Illinois They have six children: Della L., Mamie I., Edward E., Cora M., Clara G., and Laura E. Owns 80 acres of good land well improved, with a fine orchard.

• HAMANN, CHRIST, farmer, section 5, P. O. Farragut; was born in 1824 at Hessen, Germany, after receiving his education at a private school, he emigrated to America and located in New York City in 1865. In 1868 he started for a new home in the great west and located in Sidney township, Fremont county, removing from there to his present home in 1873. In 1847 on the 4th day of December he was married to Miss Catherine Fuchs. They have one child: Catherine. After the death of his wife Catherine he married in 1852 Miss Catherine Dorr, a native of Germany, by this union he has two children: Mirie(sic) and Henry. He owns 160 acres well cultivated land, and has accumulated wealth by hard work and patient industry.

• JOHNSTON, ANDREW, farmer, section 14, P. O. Walkerville; born in Henry county, Iowa, in 1848, removed to Appanoose county in 1858; to Mercer county, Mo., in 1860; to Decatur county, Iowa, in 1865; from thence to Madison county; to this county in 1869. In 1873 he went to California, remaining only one year. Mr. Johnston was married in December, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Krout, a native of Taylor county, Iowa. They are the parents of three children: Arthur W., Minnie L., and Orville. Mr. Johnston came to Fremont county with but limited means, but now owns a good farm of 140 acres, fenced with hedge, and containing an orchard, excellent buildings, etc.

• KEASEY, JOHN, farmer, section 2, P. O. Shenandoah; was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1838. Here he passed his early life and received a common school education and devoted his time to farming. In 1861 at the first call of his country he enlisted in the three months service. At the expiration of this term he re-enlisted in company G, 126th Pennsylvania infantry, served until the expiration of this term of service and re-enlisted for the third time in company I, 201 Pennsylvania infantry and served until the close of the war, and was discharged with the rank of second sergeant in June 1864. He participated in the battle of Chancellorville and other engagements. In 1860 he was married to Miss Judith A. McElhaney, a native of Pennsylvania and has seven children living: William B., Jennie A., John F., Mary C., Nannie B., Thomas W. and Addie A.; has lost two by death. In 1878 he located on the farm he now occupies, which contains 80 acres of fine land and is well improved, and ornamented with shade trees, and a good orchard.

• LUSH, GEORGE, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. High Creek; born in London, England, in 1850; educated in Westminster parish normal school, spent his youth in a store and in attending school; engaged in the china and glassware trade on his own account for some time. Upon the death of his parents in 1867, Mr. Lush emigrated to America, locating in this county in 1871. He was married in 1873. His wife is a native of Sweden. They have three children: James, Frederic and Hattie. Mr. Lush has held several township offices, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He has a good farm, residence, two acres of orchard, etc.

• MEWHOR, JOHN, farmer, section 8, P. O. Riverton; was born in Ireland in the year 1830, living there until he became fifteen years of age, when he emigrated to America, and settled in the state of New York. After spending three years in California he turned his footsteps eastward again and located at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, remaining there until 1872, from which place he moved to Fremont county, locating at his present home in 1875. In 1873 he married Miss Sarah Thompson, a native of Pennsylvania. They have four children: Ellen, James, Mary and Sarah, and are members of the M. E. church. He received a portion of his education in his own country and the remainder in his adopted, America. Has 80 acres of fine land, with a good orchard and a grove.

• PUTMAN, G. M., farmer, P. O. High Creek; born in Fulton county, Illinois, in 1835, removed to Davis county, Iowa, in 1847; after living in Mercer county, Missouri, and again in Davis county, he came to this county in 1869, locating on his present farm in 1877. Mr. Putman was married in 1854 to Miss Mary Kelsey, a native of Indiana. They have been blessed with eleven children, living: Franklin H., Jane E., Tilford L., Clara M., Sarah F., Omer, Emma, Mattie, Cora, Nellie, Maggie and one - Freddie - dead. Mr. P. has always followed farming for a livelihood, occasionally working with a threshing machine.

• POULSON, THOMAS, section 21, P. O. Farragut, farmer; born in Monmouthshire, England, in 1852; came to America twenty years later, settling in Farragut. Mr. Poulson was married in 1873 to Miss Jane Greedy, a native of England. To them have been born three children: Emily M., Minnie F. and Nellie J. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Church of England. When Mr. Poulson came to America he had nothing, comparatively, but by industry and careful economy he is now in comfortable circumstances, owning a farm of 160 acres, whereon are situated a good house and other buildings, and from which he reaps a bountiful harvest each year.

• RICE, REVILLO, section 30, P. O. High Creek, farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Rice was born in 1833 in Ashland county, Ohio. At the age of 16 he went to learn the trade of a carpenter, which he followed continously for ten years, and which he has pursued at intervals since. He enlisted in the 182d Ohio infantry in 1864 and was discharged at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, in 1865. During his term of service he was engaged in the construction of a fort at Cedar Point, Ohio, and for good conduct was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Mr. Rice was married October 16, 1859, to Miss Frances A. Clark, a native of Caledonia county, Vermont. Six children have been given them: Lucy L., Chas. H., Walter A., Ambrose C., Francis A., and Grace. The first named, Lucy, is married to A. S. Lytle, and resides in Madison township. Mr. Rice removed to his present farm - one of 160 acres - in 1866. His farm is made doubly valuable by reason of a splendid orchard situated thereon and by its excellent state of cultivation. The house is surrounded by a beautiful grove of four acres in extent. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have been consistent members of the Free Will Baptist church from youth.

• THAYER, GEORGE W., farmer and mechanic, P. O. High Creek; born in Livingston county, New York, in 1817. Learned the trade of wagonmaker at the age of twenty-three, and pursued that vocation for seventeen years, and has engaged in it at intervals throughout his life. He has also worked at carpentering, blacksmithing, broom-making, and other trades. He removed to Knox county, Illinois, in 1855, and to where he now lives in 1858. Mr. Thayer was married January 1, 1841, to Mrs. Candace Hayward, originally Miss Rising. They are the parents of two children: George H. and Eloise, both of whom are married. The latter is married to Geo. Wolf and resides in this township. Mr. Thayer is the oldest settler in his neighborhood. He settled where he now lives when the country was new, and endured many privations. At one time he lost his farm through his desire to accommodate his friends. G. H. Thayer, son of the subject of the preceding sketch, was born in Livingston county, New York, in 1842, and has shared his father's fortunes since that time. He was married in 1867, to Miss Isena M. Weaver, a native of New York. They have five children: Chas. E., Mary C., Josephine, Ada, and Harry. Mr. Thayer enlisted in the United States army in 1863, and served a year and a half. He was engaged in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, and shared the fortunes of his regiment generally.

• TULL, B. C., residence section 16, occupation farmer, P. O. Walkerville. Mr. Tull was born in Hancock county, Illinois, where he was educated in the common schools and grew to manhood. Removed to this county in 1873, settling first at Riverton, and coming to where he now lives in 1876. He was married December 14, 1867, to Mrs. Lucinda Waller, who was born in Indiana. They have had three children: Bert., Frank., and Edith E. Mrs. Tull's maiden name was Gardener. She was married first to J. K. Waller, by whom she had two children: Clara E. and Wm. C. The former is now married and resides at Walkerville. Mr. Tull spent two years in mining in Montana territory; three in the grain business at Riverton, and the rest of his life has been spent in farming. He has a farm of 160 acres in a good state of cultivation, a good house and outbuildings, an orchard, plenty of meadow land, and is quite comfortably situated generally.

• WHISTLER, J. M., farmer, section 5, P. O. Farragut; born in Indiana in 1849. Removed to Appanoose county, Iowa, when two years of age, where he grew to manhood. He spent his early life in working on a farm, attending common school in the winter. Mr. Whistler came to Fremont county in 1874, locating at first in Fisher township; afterwards, in 1875, removing to where he now resides. He was married in 1870, to Miss Maria C. Gunter, a native of Monroe county, Iowa. Five children have been born to them: Charlie E., Frank E., Henry A., Willie E., and Dora B. When Mr. Whistler first came to the county he had almost nothing but his stout heart, his strong hands, and his faithful wife. He now owns a fine farm of 160 acres, and in a good state of cultivation, with an orchard, grove, etc., all of which has been acquired by industry and economy.

• WHETSTONE, JAMES E., farmer, section 7, P. O. Farragut; was born in Harrison county, Iowa, in 1841. Moved with his parents when quite small to Henry county, Iowa. After serving his country from November 14, 1861, in company H, 5th Kansas cavalry, and participating in the battles of Helena, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and other minor engagements, he was honorably discharged December 18, 1864. In 1873 he located at his present home in Fremont county. On the 19th of April, 1866, he was married to Miss Littie Springer, of Ohio, and has three children: Charles, Edwin and Emma. Has followed the business of farming from his youth, and owns forty acres of good improved land and a good orchard. Has served as township clerk and school director. Was educated in the common schools.