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

• ALLEN, EDWIN W., farmer, section 20, P. O. Hamburg; born in Morgan county, Illinois, February 7, 1846. When three years of age he moved with his father's family to Sangamon county, same state, and in 1867 came to this county. He was married April 7, 1880, to Miss Ella L. Taylor. His farm comprises 640 acres of excellent land, largely devoted to stock raising. He has been financially depressed and lost heavily, but has met every obligation manfully.

• BROWN, D. S., ranchman; born in Pulaski county, Kentucky, September 11, 1828, where he grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools of his native place, and spent his youth on a farm. He is an old settler of this county, but now resides in Texas. He was left an orphan when fifteen years of age. When eighteen years of age he went to Indiana, where he remained until 1852, when he moved to Clay county, Illinois. In 1856 he came to Fremont county and located at Fisher's grove, and resided in various parts of the county until 1877, when he went to Texas, where he now resides. He was married November 6, 1846, to Miss Younger. They have had four children, one of whom is living: Daniel Joseph. This wife died November 9, 1869. Mr. Brown was married a second time on May 18, to Mrs. Martha A. Pierce, a native of Pennsylvania. She was the wife of Samuel Pierce and by him the mother of two children: Wallace and Walter. They are members of the Presbyterian church. He owns about five thousand acres of land, which constitutes a ranch devoted to raising sheep.

• BULL, JAMES F., physician and surgeon, P. O. Hamburg; born in Lexington, Kentucky, July 4, 1822. When sixteen years old entered the Louisville American Medical College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1842. He at once went to Hannibal, Missouri, and entered upon the practice of his profession, which he continued in that place for twenty eight years. He was a democrat and at the close of the war disenfranchised by the radicals in that state. In 1870 he came to this county; in 1877 went to his farm, having previously engaged in the dry goods business in Sydney. He married Miss Hattie E. Peck, November 3, 1870. He is a member of the Episcopalian church, and his wife of the Christian church.

• BIRKHIMER, JOHN, farmer, P. O. Hamburg; born in Perry county, Ohio, August 4, 1834. In the spring of 1854 he removed to Washington county, Ohio. The four winters following were passed in teaching school in Jefferson county. In 1858 he moved to Ringgold county, and in the autumn of the following year he was elected county treasurer. In 1861 he returned to Jefferson county, where he resided until the spring of 1874, when he came to this county. Mr. Birkheimer has held a number of township offices since coming to this county, all of which he has filled with great acceptability. In 1880 he was the census enumerator for Madison township. He was married while a resident of Jefferson county, to Miss Amanda Van Ostrand, by whom he had six children, four now living: Edwin, born September 13, 1859; William, born February 11, 1861; Charles, born December 13, 1863 and Alice, born August 26, 1874. Two are dead: Eliza, died October 29, 1859, and Mary, died November 2, 1871. Mr. Birkheimer is an extensive farmer, and deals in stock on a large scale.

• CORBIT, J. N., farmer, section 2, P. O. Riverton; born in Jackson county, Ohio, September 26, 1826, where he grew to manhood, working on a farm; was educated in the private schools. He lived there on a farm until the fall of 1844, when he moved with his parents to Henry county, which was then a pioneer county, where he lived for twelve years, and then went to Mercer county, Missouri, and remained there until 1861, and then went to Wayne county, Iowa, and remained until 1864, and then came to this county and located at Fisher's grove, and located on his present farm in 1868. Married to Miss Rebecca Beam, a native of Jackson county, Ohio, December 23, 1847. They are the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are now living: Valentine W., Jasper, Lusetta, Margaret J., Loretta, Lorinia, Harlin, Ira A., and Virinda. Mr. and Mrs. Corbit are members in good standing in the Wesleyan Church, of which Mr. Corbit is a class leader. Before becoming a Wesleyan he was a member of the U. B. Church, and also of the M. E. He owns a good farm of eighty acres.

• CALKINS, JAMES W., farmer, section 4, P. O. Riverton; he is a native of the town of Fredonia, Cattarugus county, New York, and when quite young moved with his parents to Ohio, and remained but a short time when he went to Missouri. He soon after went to Pike county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood and was educated in the subscription schools. His youth was passed in working upon a farm, which has been his vocation until the present time. He came to Iowa in 18--, and immediately enlisted in the Mexican war, at Council Bluffs, and served fifteen months. After being discharged went to Missouri, where his parents lived, and shortly after came to this county. Was married in this county, May 15, 1852, to Miss Eliza Jane Gilimore, a native of Tuscarora(sic) county, Ohio. They are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living: Mary E., Miron R., Fred W., Luman, Lucinda, Chancey, Charles E., Alvah and Willard; James M. (deceased). He is a member of the Latter Day Saints, and his wife is a member of the M. E. Church. He has at different times been elected to the various township offices. He now owns a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres, in a fine state of cultivation. He is an old settler and cast his first vote in 1850, which was the first vote cast in the county. He was assessed for taxes for a time by both Iowa and Missouri, but Missouri failed to collect the levy. He is a man highly respected by his neighbors, and is an elder in high standing in the church to which he belongs.

• COWLES, HENRY, farmer, P. O. Riverton; born February 10, 1850, in Madison township, in this county, where he grew to manhood, and was educated in the public schools. Spent his youth in farming, which has been his occupation through life. He came to his present habitation in 1876. Was married April 14, 1872, to Miss Ellen McKean, a native of this vicinity. They have three children: Bert, Best and Robert H. Mr. Cowles' father was one of the very earliest settlers of this county. He came here in 1842, and is, probably, the oldest man now living, who was born in this county. Has several times served the county officially.

• CARMAN, CHARLES F., farmer, section 22, P. O. Hamburg; born in Thompkins county, New York, September 10, 1824, residing there until 1832. He then moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, of which he was a resident until 1853, when he went to Missouri, and in the following year came to this county. He was married June 15, 1849, to Miss Nancy Dew. They are the parents of six children: Sidney, Charles W., Annie, Elsie, Stephen D., and Laura. Mr. Carman and his wife are members of the Advent church. Mr. Carman is the pioneer preacher of that denomination in this county, and has charge of three churches. He is a Royal Arch Mason.

• DIXON, ISAAC P., farmer, P. O. Riverton; born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1854. He attained man's estate on a farm, and received only a common school education. He is of English descent, and traces the blood of his ancestry back to "Old England." He came to Fremont county in January, 1874, and located on his present farm, which consists of some eighty acres of fine land.

• EDGERTON, SAMUEL, farmer and stock raiser, section 4, P. O. Riverton; is a native of Logan county, Ohio, and was born February 24, 1825. He moved with his parents while yet young to Wayne county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. His youth was passed in working on a farm. He was educated in a school conducted under the auspices of the society of Friends. When 16 years old he went to Grant county, Indiana, and lived there until 1852, when he came to Iowa and located in this immediate vicinity. Was married January 25, 1844, to Miss Minnie Lytle, a native of North Carolina. They have had nine children: Thomas, William, Richard, Francis, Mary A., Erastus, Elmer, Samuel, Winnie E., John A. and Daniel, the latter two being deceased. He enlisted in company E., 29th Iowa volunteer infantry, at Sidney in August, 1862. was in all the battles in which his regiment participated except that of Saline. He ranked as corporal for two years. He was sick for some time, and finally after more than two years service, was discharged at New Orleans, and mustered out at Davenport. He owns 120 acres of land, well improved. Mr. Edgerton is one of the pioneers of this county, and is respected by the people as a worthy citizen and christian gentleman.

• EDGERTON, OWEN, farmer, P. O. Hamburg; born in Belmont county, Ohio, February 7, 1822. In 1824 he moved to Wayne county, Indiana; in 1837 resided in Grant county, same state, and in 1844 came to Iowa, locating in Mahaska county. Resided in Warren county until 1851, when he became a resident of Polk county. In 1867 he came to this county, of which he has since been a continuous resident. He was married February 3, 1843, to Miss Mary Rich. they are the parents of six children, five now living: John M., Owen A., Eliza J., Mary M. and William. Mr. Edgerton is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and I. O. O. F. He has filled the office of justice of the peace in his township. He has been prominently connected with the politics of his county, and was a delegate to the state convention of 1880.

• FISHER, J. L., farmer, section 2, P. O. Riverton; born April 21, 1836, in Portage county, Ohio, where he lived until nine years old, when he moved with his parents to Berrien county, Michigan, where he grew to manhood, engaged in farming. Was educated in private and public schools., When yet a young man he went to California. He made the trip by water via the Isthmus of Darien. He remained there eight years and then bought a herd of horses and started east. He made the entire trip on horseback, and slept but one night in a house. He arrived at home in October, and returned in the following April, going by the same route as before. He then engaged in operating a stage line. He remained about a year and bought another herd of horses, and started east, but owing to the lateness of the season many perished. On his return he concluded that this was the county to live in, and accordingly located here. Was married in April, 1870, to Miss Emma W. Edwards, a native of Linn county, Missouri, by whom he has been the father of two children: Lucy C., living and Joseph C., deceased. He has held many township offices, and at present is school director, constable and road supervisor. He came to this county with but few worldly effects, but now owns a fine farm of 120 acres. He is a quiet, inoffensive man, and respected by the entire neighborhood. His father was a farmer in Michigan, and died in 1851, leaving a family of eight children.

• FUGITT, TOWNSON F., farmer, P. O., Hamburg; born in Howard county, Missouri, February 1, 1824. When three years of age he moved with his father's family to Clay county, Missouri, where he resided until 1845 and in the common schools of which county he was educated. He was married April 29, 1847, to Eliza A. McKissick. They were the parents of nine children, eight now living: Nancy C., William M., Edward H., Martha, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ethleen, and John. Mr. Fugitt has seen some very exciting times since his residence in this county, for an account of which the reader is referred to the chapter on incidents. He has held many township offices, and has been prominently connected with the history of the county. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and of the A. F. and A. M. His identification with the educational interests of his county has been of long continuance and great advantage to their advancement.

• GREENAMYER, JEHU, farmer, section 13, P. O. Hamburg; is a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, where he was born May 8, 1829. He grew to man's estate on a farm, and received only a common school education. He has resided in Indiana, Ohio and California, where he resided until 1857. While there he made and lost a large amount of money. He came to this county in 1870. He was married Februry 3, 1859, to Miss Mary J. Concle. They are the parents of eleven children, ten now living: Arthur G., Hattie J., Nona V., Park C., Sallie F., Denver W., Franklin J., Dickie S., Kate N. and Bessie M. He is an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a trustee of the same. He has been twice a delegate from his presbytery to the assembly. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., and of the Inter-State Agricultural Society. He owns a farm of 240 acres, all well stocked and improved.

• GREGG, JOHN, farmer and surveyor, section 15, P. O., Riverton; born in Galesburg, Illinois, November 12, 1839. He was educaed in the common school and Lombard University at Galesburg, where he lived until 1867. In the spring of that year he came to this county. He enlisted in company B., 102d Illinois infantry, as orderly sergeant, but after seven months service was discharged for disability. He is a practical surveyor, which business he has followed for many years. He was married to Miss Ruth Selby, March 4, 1867. they are the parents of four children: Albert S., Frank, Edwin and Arthur. Mr. Gregg is a member of the A.F. & A.M. He has held various township offices, among them assessor and clerk.

• GRAY, JAMES, farmer, section 4, P. O. Riverton; is a native of county Irene, Ireland, born in August, 1846. There he grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools. His youth was passed in farming. He came to this country when about eighteen years of age, and first located in Ulster county, New York, where he was engaged in the quarries of that locality for about twelve years. In April, 1878, he came to Iowa and located in this county. Was married October 11, 1869, to Miss Ellen Hollis, a native of New York. they are the parents of five children, four of whom are now living: Elizabeth J., Sarah M., Margaret E., and Edward. Since coming to this county he has been engaged exclusively in farming.

• GREGG, JOHN, farmer, section 15, P. O. Riverton; born in East Tennessee, January 3, 1813. When eighteen months of age he went to Washington county, Indiana. In 1833 he moved to Knox county, and in 1858, to Rock Island. In 1868 he came to this county where he has since resided. He was married January 3, 1839, to Miss Drucilla Bandy, who died in 1839, leaving one child, John.

• GANDY, WILLIAM H., farmer, section 16, P. O. Hamburg; born in Preston county, West Virginia, January 6, 1829. IN 1831, he became a resident of Ohio, and in 1832, of Whitley county, Indiana. In 1851 he came to Iowa, locating in Davis county, working at his trade - the carpenter's - which he had learned in Illinois. He then located in Decatur county and in the spring of 1868, came to this county. He was married in February 1, 1860, to Miss Francis Rank. They are the parents of three children: Emma R., born September 4, 1860; Mara I., born October 18, 1864, and Roy O., born May 3, 1878. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gandy are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has held numerous township offices and is a worthy man.

• HAMILTON, CARLISTA, farmer, section 1, P. O. Hamburg; she was born in Ohio in 1835. Her parents moved to this state when Mrs. H. was only a small child, and located in Louisa county, where she grew to maturity, and there received her education in the subscription schools. She was married July 17, 1853, to Mr. Joseph Hamilton. They are the parents of five children: Catharine, Lydia, Elias S., Julia A. and Rosanna. Mr. Hamilton was born February 21, 1825, in the province of Canada. Came wih his parents, when young, to Michigan, where he grew to manhood, and then came to Iowa. He was a farmer by occupation. He was married previous to the time mentioned above, to Lydia Fuller, and as a result of the union, they had two sons: John and Loren. He came to this county in 1860 and located at Plum Hollow, and engaged in farming. He removed to Hamburg in 1865, and commenced farming and continued that occupation until his death, which occurred January 25, 1880, of catarrhal(sic) fever. Mr. Hamilton was a man respected and beloved by all who knew him, and had the confidence of all. In 1872 he united with the Adventists and became a minister in that denomination. He had been in poor health for many months.

• HARRIS, JOHN N., farmer, P. O. Hamburg; born in Belmont county, Ohio, August 27, 1831. When eighteen months old moved to Monroe county, Ohio, and lived there until 1854, when he came to Iowa, locating at Fairfield. In 1856 came to Sidney, Iowa, and after engaging in the clothing business a year, purchased, in 1857, an interest in the old Cromwell House. In 1858 he moved to Plum Hollow and resided there until 1862. Came to Hamburg, after a residence both in Nebraska and Missouri, in 1866. In 1876 moved on the farm he now occupies. He was married November 15, 1857, to Miss Julia A. Lucas, by whom he had four children: Lula, Eva and Wilbur R., living, and Mansell E., died February 28, 1876. He is a P. G. of the I.O.O.F. He was the first school treasurer of the independent district of Hamburg, and has held others offices of trust and responsibility. The grandfather of Mrs. Harris was the first territorial governor of Iowa.

• JARMAN, W. E., farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Percival; born May 24, 1838, in Pike county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was educated principally in the subscription schools, and passed the greater part of his youth working on a farm, which is his occupation at the present time. In 1857 he moved to Iowa and located in Marion county, where he remained until the spring of 1862, when he went west to the mining regions of Colorado, where he was engaged in mining and farming for two years. He then accepted the position of wagonmaster, and followed freighting for two years. In the fall of 1868 he returned to Iowa, and located near this place, and resumed his former occupation. While in the west he enlisted in company D, third Colorado cavalry, and participated in the Indian warfare that was prevalent at that time. He served 100 days, and during that time was in the battle of Sand Creek and other skirmishes. Was married to Miss Sivelda Cowles, a native of Gallia county, Ohio. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are living: Cameron C., James C., Wm. F. and Mary M., all at home. Edward E., (deceased). Jarman has held all the offices in the gift of the township from time to time, and at present is supervisor of highways.

• LIGGETT, MANLEY, farmer, section 1, P. O. Riverton; a native of Shelby county, Indiana, where he was born April 22, 1842. He received but a common school education, and such training as could be had from life on a farm. He came to Iowa, Fremont county, in 1864, and has since resided here. He was married December 23, 1869, to Miss Lena A. Sligar. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are now living: Josie M., Maud, Emma and an infant son. He enlisted in the spring of 1864 in company A., 132d Indiana volunteers, and was mustered out after a service of four months. He has been a member of the school board, and is now its secretary.

• LYTLE, JAMES, farmer and minister, P. O. Hamburg; born in Randolph county, North Carolina, July 19, 1818, where he resided until 1833. He then moved to Grant county, Indiana, of which he was a resident until 1863, when he came to this county. He was married to Miss Esther Buller, April 26, 1837. They are the parents of eleven children: Mary J., Job, Sarah A., Charles N. F., Elizabeth, Sampson R. and Alfred W., living, and John (died September 1, 1870), George (died September 20, 1858), Thomas (died March 10, 1870), Simon L. (died February 8, 1878). Mr. Lytle and his wife have been members of the Wesleyan Methodist church for over thirty years. In 1860 Mr. Lytle was ordained a minister in the same, and has seen years of service as a pioneer preacher, encountering all the vexations and trials to which the early preacher is subjected.

• McKISSICK, JACOB, P. O. Long Valley, California; born March 17, 1811, in North Carolina. When quite small he moved to Tennessee, where he remained until 1817, when he moved to Saline county, Missouri, remaining until 1830. He then went to Clinton county and then to Pltt county, but came to this county in 1840. In the spring of 1854 he went to California. He was the first justice of the peace in Fremont county, having been elected in 1841. He owns a large amount of land here and in Missouri, and is a heavy dealer in cattle on the Pacific coast.

• MEWHOR, JOSEPH, farmer and stock raiser, section 4, P. O. Riverton; born August 14, 1814, in county Tipperary, Ireland, where he grew to manhood, and was educated in the common schools. Came to America in 1864 and engaged in farming. He was married when 25 years of age to Miss Ellen Daily, by whom he is the father of seven children: Ellen, Catharine, Mary, Joseph, James, Annie and William. He learned the trade of a weaver when quite young and followed that business for several years. They have been members of the Presbyterian church from infancy. When he first came to this country he located at Philadelphia, and remained there until 1870, when he came to this county. He is a quiet, unpretentious man, respected by all who know him.

• McKISSICK, JOHN P., farmer, section 4, P. O. Hamburg; he was born September 15, 1845, in this township, where he grew to manhood and was educated in the subscription schools until free schools were introduced. His youth was passed in working on a farm until 1875, when the grasshopper plague prevailed. Prior to this time he invested in a milling property at Hamburg, which proved his financial ruin, and left his pecuniary affairs in a bad condition, but with his judgment much improved. Soon after this disaster he went to Missouri and rented a farm and began life anew. He then returned to Iowa and located on their present place of residence. Was married in April, 1864, to Miss Eliza Utterback, a native of Fayette county, Illinois. They are the parents of four children: Ida E., Fannie, Sarah H. and Tacie F. Enlisted in the federal army in March, 1862, in company D, Fifth Missouri cavalry volunteers, at Rockport, Missouri, and participated in the guerilla warfare that prevailed in that locality. He is one of the very first persons born in this county. He is universally respected and honored by his neighbors.

• MILLER, JAMES,farmer and minister, P. O. Riverton; born in Sangamon county, Illinois, July 30, 1830. When two years of age he moved to Brown county, same state, and in 1848 to the mines in California. In 1864 came from Illinois, whither he had returned, to this county and has since resided here. He was married September 25, 1852, to Miss Melvina Scott, who died August 16, 18--, leaving one child, Harriet C. He was married again April 5, 1860, to Miss Hannah J. Beaston. They are the parents of five children, three now living: Wallace B., born April 3, 1861; Mary C., born April 29, 1864, and Martha W., born March 27, 1871. Mr. Miller has been an elder of the Christian Church since 1859, and he and his wife are still honored members of the same denomination. Since twenty-two years of age he has been a minister of the gospel. He is a Master Mason. He has been prominently identified with the educational and material interests of the county from the date of his first coming.

• MORGAN, THOMAS O., farmer, section 8, P. O. Hamburg; born near Springfield, Illinois, December 16, 1833. In 1846 he went to Atchinson county, Missouri, and in 1848 came to this county. He was married March 17, 1857, to Miss Eliza Simmons. They are the parents of nine children, all living: Sarah E., Mattie, Paulina E., John C., Thomas A., Marsena, Edward, Earnest, and Fannie A. He has held numerous township offices, and filled them all to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.

• MORGAN, MARSENA, farmer, section 18, P. O. Hamburg; born in Sangamon county, Illinois, March 3, 1825, where he grew to manhood and was educated. He there resided until 1872, when he became a resident of this county and located on the Hawley-English farm, in McKissick grove. He was married June 18, 1855, to Miss Paulina Austin, who died February 19, 1869. They had three children born to them: Thomas E., and Marsena, now living. He was married again February 14, 1871, to Mrs. Emily H. Allen, whose maiden name was Dennison. This wife bore him three children: Mollie M., Gertrude and Lula. She is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Morgan is a member of the A. F. & A. M. fraternity, and is universally esteemed and respected.

• McKEAN, LEVI, farmer, section 13, P. O. Hamburg; born in Gallia county, Ohio, November 25, 1818, where he resided until 1851, when he came to Fremont county, Iowa. He was married October 18, 1845, to Miss Emily Cowles who died March 19, 1880. They were the parents of eight children, six now living: Thomas B., Nancy R., George C., Cyrus W., Ann E., and Robert H. He has held several township offices of importance.

• McKISSICK, JAMES E., mechanic, P. O. Hamburg; born in Fremont county, Iowa, August 25, 1852, which has always been his home, and in the common schools of which he was educated. He was married to Miss Thermantia Van Fleet, November 25, 1876. They have one child, Myrtie, born July 25, 1878. Mr. McKissick is the inventor of the famous McKissick Plow, and is naturally an inventive genius. He is the proprietor of the McKissick Plow Manufactory, and his labor and genius are meeting with deserved success.

• McKISSICK, WILLIAM A., farmer, P. O. Hamburg; a native of Fremont county, where he was born June 11, 1844, thus being one of the oldest persons living that was born in the county. He was here grown to manhood and educated. When nineteen years of age he went to California where he remained six years. He was married March 19, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth McMillen, who died March 4, 1873. He was again married, January 17, 1876, to Mrs. Ruth Coles, widow of Ruel Coles, and whose maiden name was Utterbach. By her former husband she had three children: James, Mary J. and Leslie. By her marriage with Mr. McKissick she has three children: John W., C. E. and Martha A. Mr. McKissick has filled nearly all the offices in the gift of his fellow citizens, and has won the esteem and confidence of all who know him.

• McKISSICK, C. W., farmer, P. O. Hamburg; born in Bedford county, Tennessee, April 19, 1816. When eighteen months of age he moved, with his father's family, to Saline county, Missouri, remaining five and a half years, when he moved to Clay county, Missouri, remaining until 1840. He then came to Fremont county, Iowa. For an account of the coming of Mr. McKissick the reader is referred to the chapter on "Old Settlers and Settlements." He was married August 28, 1842, to Miss Hannah Cheeney, by whom he had ten children, nine now living: Martha, John P., Elizabeth, Joseph, Howard, William A., James F., Susan, and Richard. Mr. McKissick has held numerous township offices, and has been intimately identified with the history of the county from the very earliest days.

• NOTSON, R. P. S., farmer and miller, section 23, P. O. Hamburg; born in Marion county, Tennessee, April 24, 1829. When one year old he went with his father's family to Boone county, Missouri, and thence after two years to Adams county, Illinois. In 1840 he came to Iowa and located in Jefferson county, thence to Wapello county, remaining four years, then to Decatur, and in 1874 to Fremont county. Until he came to this county he has been in the saw-mill business. He was married in 1849 to Miss Libbie Rowell, who died in 1862, leaving four children: Henry C., Safford S., Hester A., and Calahan. He married Miss Louisa Edmonston in June, 1863, by whom he has ten childred: Garry T., Edward, Henrietta, Charles, Lillie, Effie, Ruth, Robert Lee, Jennie and Louisa. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church. While a resident of Decatur county he was sheriff in 1854, and in 1865 and 1866 was a member of the county board of supervisors. He was a justice of the peace for ten years in the same county, and is now justice of the peace elect. He has never had a decision reversed by a higher court.

• NELSON, WILLIAM A., farmer, section 17, P. O. Hamburg; born in Jackson county, Ohio, January 28, 1835. When a few months old he went to Mason county, Kentucky, where he resided seventeen years. In 1852 he came to this county, and has since resided here. He was married January 8, 1867, to Miss Nancy C. Fugitt. They are the parents of nine children, of whom the following are living: Minnie F., Eliza F., Mattie C., Amanda C., and Sarah. Mr. Nelson is a Master Mason, and with his wife a member of the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon and Sunday school superintendent.

• PAULY, JACOB, farmer and blacksmith, P. O. Hamburg; born in Brevier, Germany, June 3, 1815, where he was educated in the common school, and grew to man's estate on a farm. Learned the blacksmith's trade, commencing when a youth of sixteen. In 1837 came to America and went to Fort Plain, Montgomery county, New York. From this time until 1843 he located at various places and was engaged in various business enterprises. In that year moved to this county, and has since resided here. He was married November 8, 1842, to Miss Mary E. Tinker. This was one of the earliest marriages in the county, and happening before Fremont county became a political entity, there is no record of it in the county books. They are the parents of eleven children, six of whom are living: Oliver B., Mary L., Amanda M., Christian, Frederick and Frantz S. Mr. Pauly enlisted August, 1863, in company A., eighth Iowa cavalry as blacksmith. He was in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, was discharged August 24, 1865.

• PARMAN, NANCY, farmer, section 30, P. O. Hamburg; born in Knox county, Kentucky, April 30, 1809. In 1832 she moved to Davis county, Missouri, where she remained until the spring of 1845, when she came to Fremont county. She was married August 2, 1832, to James W. Parman, who was born April 30, 1815, in Knox county, Kentucky. He died September 25, 1847, leaving five children, four of whom are now living: Phebe E., Mary A., Giles G. and James W. For thirty years she has been an honored member of the Baptist church. She is an old settler in this county and has known all that the word "pioneer" implies.

• RAY, JAMES H., farmer and harness maker, P. O. Riverton; born in Kentucky, October 2, 1846. He received a common school education merely. He came to Fremont county in 1854, and located near Riverton. In 1861 removed to Illinois, and two years later went to Monroe county, Missouri, but remained a short time, when he again came to this county. He learned his trade when sixteen years of age, but has not followed it. He was married February 7, 1868, to Miss Ella Richards. they have one child, Ida J., born September 8, 1870. He is an extensive dealer in stock, which business he follows in connection with his brother, Isaac P.

• ROBERTS, H. B., farmer, Island township, Nemaha county, Nebraska, P. O. Hamburg; born in Henry county, Kentucky, October 18, 1810, where he resided until 1823. He then became a resident of Bond county, Illinois, and in 1825 moved to Montgomery county, same state. In 1828 went to Fayette county, Illinois. In 1832 he volunteered in Whiteside's brigade in the Blackhawk war. He was made third lieutenant in the U. S. rangers by President Jackson. He has traveled extensively, having been in every part of the United States. From 1850 to 1855 he was mining for gold in California, in which occupation he made a million dollars and then lost it. He was married January 8, 1846, to Miss Mary King, by whom he had eleven children, of whom the following are still living; Elizabeth A., Nancy R., Benonia, George and William T. Mr. Roberts is a man who has had a most varied experience, and had many ups and downs. He is well respected, and being active and persevering his reverses have only made him more determined to succeed.

• SCOLES, OLIVER B., farmer, section 24, P. O. Hamburg; born in Knox county, Ohio, April 28, 1836. At the age of nine years he moved with his father to Missouri, and resided in Clay and Platte counties about four years. He then returned to Ohio, and after a two years residence in that state moved to Illinois. In the autumn of 1860, after various changes of residence, he became a resident of this county and has since remained here. He was married November 26, 1857, to Miss Ann E. Smith. They are the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom are now living: Martin K., Oliver P., Rosezella, William A., Minnie O., Nellie, James H., Charles S., Mina I., David C., and Frank. He was orderly sergeant in the state militia. Was a member of the school board for eighteen years, and has been its president and treasurer.

• SAMUELS, MOSES, banker, farmer and stockfeeder, section 5; born January 15, 1828, in Loraines, France, and with his parents emigrated to America when he was eight years old, and first located at New Orleans, in 1836. He there grew to manhood and was educated in the public schools of that city. He commenced when eleven years old working in a cigar factory, and there remained until fifteen years of age, when he obtained a position as inspector of pork and beef exported from that city, and held the position about three years. He enlisted in the Mexican war in June, 1846, in a battalion known as the New Orleans light artillery. He was sent to Mexico and remained about three months, and was afterward discharged at the place of enlistment. In August, 1848, he went to Pike county, Illinois, where he remained until the spring of 1850. He then made the trip across the plains to the mining regions of California, making the trip as an ox driver. He returned to Illinois and commenced farming in 1851; was married April 22, 1852, to Miss Malinda Jackson, a native of Pike county, Illinois. they are the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters: John B., Jennie E., Joseph, Mattie and ------. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Knights Templar. Mr. S. has been honored by being elected county supervisor. He came to Iowa and located on his present farm in 1856. He owns six farms aggregating over 1,000 acres. He deals largely in live stock, and is also doing a general banking business, being connected with the First National bank of Hamburg. He came to this country a poor boy, but by his indomitable energy and good management, amassed a fortune.

• SIMMONS, JOHN, farmer and stock raiser, section 1, P. O. Hamburg; born in Clay county, Missouri, June 29, 1843. Moved with his parents when ten years old to Iowa and located in this immediate vicinity, where he grew to manhood. He spent his youth working on a farm, and has continued in that occupation until the present time. He received his education in the common schools of his native place, and at this place. His father died when he was very young, leaving a family of children. In 1858 his mother and family came to this county. He was married January 26, 1875, to Miss Rebecca F. Weaver, a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of four children, all at home: Rosa, Harry, Annie and Oscar. Mr. Simmons owns a fine farm of 109 acres. He is a quiet, unpretentious man, respected by the people of his neighborhood for attending strictly to his own affairs, regardless of public opinion, which his surroundings amply attest.

• SIMMONS, THOMAS, farmer, section 13, P. O. Hamburg; born in Harrison county, Ohio, October 20, 1836. In 1841 went to Clay county, Missouri, and in 1852 came to this county. He was married April 25, 1880, to Miss Camellia Cowles.

• SHUEY, SILAS, farmer, P. O. Hamburg; born in Preble county, Ohio, January 23, 1823, where he lived until 1827. He then moved to Fountain county, Indiana, where he grew to man's estate and was educated. He came to Polk county, Iowa, in 1857, and to this county in 1877. He was married in March 1848 to Miss Hannah M. Reed, by whom he has ten children, seven living: James M., Melissa, Sophia, Edward R., Matilda, Alonzo F. and Mahala. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reed are members of the German Baptist church.

• THOMPSON, SYLVESTER D., farmer, section 16, P. O. Riverton; born in Vermillion county, Illinois, February 13, 1835. In 1875 he came to Fremont county, and has resided here since. He was married December 6, 1855, to Miss Margaret H. Woodbury. they are the parents of three children: Fletcher L., born October 8, 1857; Roxanna B., born June 7, 1859, and Lizzie J., born February 18, 1867. He is a P. G. of the I.O.O.F. He has held numerous township offices, and been a member of the school board.

• WADDELL, AUGUSTUS, farmer and stock dealer, section 12, P. O. Riverton; born in Gallia county, Ohio, in 1827, where he grew to manhood and spent his youth working on a farm. When twenty-one years of age he learned the trade of a carpenter and has followed that in connection with farming ever since. In 1847 he went to Knox county, Illinois. He came to this county in 1870; was married in 1853, to Miss Henrietta Powell, a native of New York, by whom he is the father of three children: George K., Mary J., and Winfield A. He was again married in 1877, to Mrs. Helen Wilson, originally Miss Parker. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres. He is a member of he M. E. Church, and has been a class leader in the same for many yers. He has been elected township trustee and justice of the peace.

• WOODLANDS, W. J., farmer and stock-raiser, section 11, P. O. Riverton; born July 15, 1845, in Oswego county, New York. When about nine years old he moved to Wisconsin and located at Appleton, where he grew to manhood, and passed his youth working on a farm. He was educated in the common schools of that city. In 1866 he went to Nebraska and lived in Nemaha and Powell counties. Two years later he came to this county and located in Fisher township, and in 1870 settled on the farm where he now lives. In 1876 he went to the Black Hills mining regions, but soon returned to farming. He has at different times held most of the various township offices. He is a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist church, and has been identified with all forward moves by that denomination. He came to this county with nothing, and at present owns a fine farm of 160 acres. He is a man thought well of by all who know him.

• WING, ORAMEL S., farmer, P. O. Hamburg; born in Montpelier, Vermont, October 31, 1832, where he was educated, and there he learned his trade, at which he worked until 1855. He then became a resident of Chicago, and thence went to Burlington, Iowa, and finally to Nebraska City. In 1857 he came to Fremont county and has since resided here. For the first fifteen years of his residence he worked at the carpenter's trade and then began farming. He was married April 23, 1865, to Miss Catherine O'Neil. They are the parents of five children, three of whom are now living: Nettie B., born April 30, 1866; Levi E. born October 5, 1868, and John W. born July 8, 1873. Two are deceased, Nellie, died April 17, 1870, and Bertie L., died November 26, 1879. Mr. Wing has held several township offices, and is at present secretary of the school board. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. and the A.O.U.W. His farm comprises 1060 acres, stocked with the very finest of cattle, and other farm animals.

• WOODWARD, SILAS, farmer, P. O. Hamburg; born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, April 11, 1812. His father located in Kentucky during the days of its early settlement, and was identified with its earliest and most vital interests. Mr. Woodward resided in that state until 1852 when he became a resident of Missouri, and in the year following, of Iowa, Fremont county. He was married in Kentucky, February 4, 1840, to Miss Jane Calvin, who died August 11, 1864. They were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living: Sarah M., John C., Nancy A., Almeta, Mary and Caroline. Mr. Woodward is a member of the M. E. Church south, and a trustee of the same. He is a member of the A.F. and A.M. His farm is one of the finest in the county, containing 350 acres, all well improved.