JOHN SACKETT, a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 10, Marion Township, was born July 15, 1812, in Butler County, Ohio. His father, Thomas Sackett, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1789, and his mother, Margaret (Chambers) Sackett, was born in 1791, in the State of Maryland. Six children blessed the union of this worthy couple: Dorcas, the deceased wife of Levi Batterton, a resident of Menard County, Ill.; John, our subject; Samuel, a farmer of Macon County, Mo.; Phoebe, wife of Milas Goodwin, a farmer of Coos County, Ore.; Mary, deceased wife of Rev. A. C. Gaines, of Douglas County, Neb.; Harriet married Thompson Crider; both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Sackett removed to Butler County in a very early day, and at that place their three eldest children were born, and there they improved a beautiful farm on which they resided until 1816. They then removed to Brookville, Franklin Co., Ind., where their three youngest children came to make glad the household. Here, as in Ohio, they cultivated a beautiful farm of 160 acres, but in 1826 he moved back to the old home in Ohio. In 1828 he removed to Sangamon County, Ill., and, as in Indiana and Ohio, obtained school land and made a farm of 140 acres. Thomas Sackett was a man always in advance of civilization. While in Sangamon County, Ill., his life companion was called to rest. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and taught her children that in the teachings of the Bible all were made better to live and better to die. About four years after the death of his first wife, Mr. Sackett married Elizabeth Dickerson, and by this union one child was born, Margaret Z., wife of Harvey Wells, of Sangamon County, Ill.  After the death of his second wife in 1847, Mr. Sackett married May McKee, who died in 1857, after which time he made his home with his children. He died at the home of his son Samuel, in Macon County, Mo., in 1872. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his younger days delighted in frontier life, and in improving and beautifying his farms.

John Sackett, our subject, received but a common-school education, and until twenty-one years of age he worked on the farm of his father, and for the next five years worked at various occupations, but still resided at home. On the 11th of January, 1837, he was united in matrimony with Miss Rhoda Hart, of Green County, Ky., born Dec. 27, 1818. She removed with her parents, Moses and Rhoda (Scott) Hart, from Kentucky to Sangamon County, Ill., in 1823, and while there the county was divided, Menard being taken from it. Mr. and Mrs. Hart resided in Sangamon County until their death, the father dying in 1836, preceding his wife fifteen years to the land of rest, she dying in 1851. Of their eleven children five are now living, Miranda, widow of Calvin Simmons, residing in Hancock County, Ill.; Martha, the widow of John F. Wilson, a resident of Mt. Pleasant; Nancy, wife of Hiram S. Webb, now residing in Wapello County, Iowa; Elias, a farmer in Clarke County, Iowa; Moses entered the army has never been heard of since. The land on which Mr. Hart lived was surveyed by Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. and Mrs. Sackett came from Sangamon, Ill., to Henry County, Iowa, in 1851, where he purchased 160 acres of land on section 10, and forty acres on section 17, Marion Township. On the latter farm he erected a beautiful two-story country residence, surrounded by fine groves and orchards. When he obtained the land it was nothing but a wild prairie. He hauled the lumber for his house and barn from Burlington, and made many improvements, until he now has one of the finest residences in that part of the county. Mr. Sackett and his wife have witnessed many changes, and are the only ones living in the neighborhood who were there in the days of 1851. They are the parents of eight children: Mary, the deceased wife of I. H. Draper, a farmer in Riley County, Kan.; Nancy, wife of J. W. Moore, a farmer in Marion Township; Thomas died at the age of five; Miranda, wife of Jacob Messman, a farmer of Clarke County, Iowa; Alford, a farmer of Ringgold County, Iowa, married Louisa Deer; Rosann, wife of William Draker, a farmer in Gage County, Neb.; Melissa, wife of Aaron McClure, of Mt. Pleasant; Alice, wife of William Jones, resides on the old home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Sackett have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty years, and always takes an active part in church work. No couple in the community are more highly respected than they. All of this world's goods that they possess they have made by their own honest efforts and industry. Mr. Sackett cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison, and ever since its organization he has never failed to cast his ballot with the Republican party. He was a great friend of Abram Lincoln, having become acquainted with him while in Sangamon County, Ill.  On the 11th day of January, 1888, they celebrated their golden wedding, having trod the path of life for half a century together. They have twenty-two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 578 & 583.)

JOHN SAMPLE, deceased, a pioneer of Henry County, of 1839, and one of her most highly respected citizens, fell a victim to cholera June 5, 1851, his wife also dying two days later. Samuel D. Woodworth, a son-in-law of John Sample, and his two sons, all died within seven days of the appearance of the disease among them. Mr. Sample was born in Washington County, Pa., with the birth of the Republic in 1776, March 23, a few years prior to the issuing of the Declaration of Independence, and his child­hood and youth were spent amid the stirring scenes of the great Revolution, from which has sprung the greatest Republic known in the history of the world. His father was an English emigrant, his mother a native of Germany, both worthy people. John Sample was apprenticed to a millwright, and served his time at that useful trade. In pursuit of employment he afterward wended his way to Butler County, Ohio, about the close of the last century, where he was married, Jan. 20, 1803, to Miss Ann Taylor daughter of Henry Taylor. Mrs. Sample was born in Cincinnati April 10, 1783. Her father was a pioneer of Cincinnati, and a brother of hers was the first white male child horn in that city. Mr. Sample removed to Randolph County, Ind., in 1818, where he engaged in building mills. In the spring of 1839 he set out with his family for the then "far west" of Iowa. Their mode of conveyance was by one-horse team and two ox-teams, with the usual covered emigrant wagons. He located land in Tippecanoe Township, the same land now forming a part of the farm of his son-in-law, William Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Sample were blessed with a numerous family, consisting of eleven children, seven of whom grew to maturity. Mary was born Jan. 1, 1804, and was the wife of S. D. Woodworth she died in Jan­uary, 1845. Jane H. was born May 14, 1812; she married Arthur Bull, Nov. 12, 1829, and died Sept. 26, 1831. William was born June 14, 1814; he married Amanda T. Goddard, and died of cholera June 9, 1851. Robert was born Oct. 13, 1816, and died Aug.12, 1839; John was born Sept. 26, 1818, and died in September, 1842; Eliza A. was born Feb. 25, 1821.

Mr. Sample was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife was an earnest Methodist. He was a Whig in polities and his sons walked politically in his footsteps. While living in Randolph County, Ind., he was chosen one of the three judges who constituted the courts of that county, and served with honor and ability in that capacity. He was a man of positive views and of great force of character, upright and honorable in all his intercourse with his fellowmen, and he enjoyed in a marked degree the respect and esteem of all who knew him, He was a master mechanic and delighted in the exercise of his skill. His course westward was marked by mills of his erecting, and up to the time of his sudden death he was desirous of building another mill. His daughter, Eliza A., the wife of Mr. William Davis, is the only surviving member of that once large family.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p 234.) (JC)

HENRY CLAY SAUNDERS, dealer in real estate, loan and collection agent, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, was born in the Shenandoah Valley, near Staunton, Augusta Co., Va., Dec. 28, 1829, and is the son of Bartley M. and Annie (Caulk) Saunders, who were pioneers of Henry County, Iowa. Henry C. removed with his parents to Tennessee in early childhood, and from there went to Georgia. From Georgia the family removed to Georgetown, Ill., and from there to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, arriving May 26, 1838. Our subject was educated in the public schools and at McKinney's High School, of Mt. Pleasant, and after completing his studies engaged as a merchant's clerk at Mt. Pleasant, following that occupation for ten years. He was appointed Postmaster at Mt. Pleasant in 1849, under President Zachary Taylor's administration, and served four years. He was next made Deputy Recorder and Treasurer of Henry County, and served in that capacity about six years. He then entered upon his present busi­ness, which he has pursued continuously since. Mr. Saunders was married at West Union, Fayette Co., Iowa, in November. 1855, to Miss Rhoda Bowman, a daughter of John Bowman. She was born in Warren County, Pa., whence her parents removed to Henry County, of which they were early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders have four children, two sons and two daughters: Dermont M., married to Miss Stella Comstock, and residing in Mt. Pleasant; Frank D., unmarried, and living in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Ona, wife of Harry Porter, living in Lincoln, Neb., and Anna, still at home, all born in Mt. Pleasant. Mrs. Saunders is a member of the Christian Church. He is a member of Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Henry Lodge No. 10. He has passed all the Chairs of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, and is one of the charter members of the oldest lodge of the order in Mt. Pleasant. In polities he is a supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 273-274) (JC)

JOHN SAVAGE, farmer, was born in Northamptonshire, England, Jan. 22,1838, and is a son of William and Mary (Worrall) Savage. William Savage was born in the same shire, and Mary, his wife, in Warwickshire, in the city of Coventry. William and his father, John Savage, Sr. were both tailors, and during a long term of years William worked in London and Birmingham.

In London his marriage was celebrated Aug. 4, 1829, at St. Pancreas Church, in the county of Middlesex. In London their first son, John, was born, whose death occurred in infancy. Not long afterward Mr. Savage removed to Northamptonshire, to Greens-Norton, where Rosa, who is now the wife of David Burton, of Salem, was born. Rosa's birth was followed by that of Mary, wife of Edward Simkin, a carpenter of Salem, formerly a farmer. Then came John, our subject, and Thomas W., deceased, who was wounded during the late war, his death occurring eleven days after. He was a member of Company K, 19th Iowa Regiment, and had been but two months in the service when his death occurred, he having not yet reached his majority. The Savage family removed from England to America, landing in New York May 1, 1846, after a voyage lasting two months. His uncle, Samuel Savage, was one of the leading Friends in the township of Venice, Cayuga Co., N. Y., and to that point William made his way. The family were warmly welcomed, and Samuel, who was also a tailor, advised William to locate in the same township, on the Poplar Ridge Road. William engaged in business there for nine years. Our subject was then a lad grown old enough to work, and his father's trade was too confining for the boy, so he engaged at farm work for a farmer living in the neighborhood, at $l.50 per month, and liking it very much, he prevailed upon his parents to go farther west, and in 1855 the family removed to Iowa, making a landing at Burlington.

Dr. Thomas Siveter, a well-known resident of Salem, had been somewhat in correspondence with Mr. Savage, and being also a native of England, tendered the hospitalities of his home to the family until they could look over the country. The offer was accepted, and a team carried them to Salem soon after their arrival at Burlington. The next day rooms were rented in Salem, and William and our subject drove over the country and selected the tract now the home farm of John Savage. The family removed within a few days to their new home, consisting of a small house of two rooms and thirty acres of cleared land, and in the same year an ox-team was purchased and in the autumn of 1855 the first crop was harvested. The parents both lived and died on this farm, and for several years prior to the death of the father John managed the place. The family were only in moderate circumstances, but their last days were spent in an easy manner. William Savage and his wife were devoted Christians. For many years he was a leader of the Methodist Episcopal class at Wesley Chapel, near Salem.

The marriage of John Savage to Miss Tacy D., daughter of Walter and Sarah Crew, was celebrated Oct. 24, 1862; she was born Sept. 14, 1834. (An interesting history of her family appears elsewhere.) The domestic life of our subject and his young wife was begun on the farm of Charles Poulter, his brother-in-law, he, however, managing the farm of his father. One year later he completed a room in the Savage residence, and brought his young wife to the farm upon which they have since lived, and all their children except Nellie, the eldest daughter, were born in the old farmhouse of their grand­father. The family was composed of eleven children-Nellie M., Jennie T. ; Thomas E. and Alice S., twins; Walter H. and William, twins, the lat­ter deceased; Sarah, deceased; then William C. and John R., twins, Samuel M. and David L. After the death of his parents our subject became sole owner of the homestead. He had, however, purchased other lands, and his successors have since added many broad acres to his domain. The children old enough to learn have a substantial education, and Jennie, Alice and Thomas hold certificates entitling them to teach in the schools of this county. Thomas and Jennie have both been engaged in that profession, the former now having charge of a school. Several terms were taken by them in Whittier College and in the schools of Salem, and we are pleased to observe that the children of such parents have all a literary taste.

Mr. Savage had secured a good education before his parents came to this State, and prior to his marriage he had taught several terms of school in this county, the first of which was in what was known as District No. 7, which is now consolidated with another. Continuously, with two exceptions, Mr. Savage taught for seventeen consecutive winters, and many of the middle-aged residents in this township were former students under his tutelage. For many years Mr. Savage has been a member of the School Board, and a long while before and until the school districts became independent, he was Treasurer of the School District Township Board of Salem. In 1883 he was elected Assessor of Salem Township, serving two years. Mr. Savage now gives his entire attention to the management of his farms, which have increased from a 60-acre tract in 1871, to 340 acres in 1887. This is indicative of his energy and good management, and few men have a better business record. Politically, he has acted with the Republican party since its organization, but of late has leaned strongly to the cause of prohibition, of which he is an ardent advocate.

Mrs. Savage has for some time past been an inva­id, but bears her suffering with Christian patience and resignation. By birthright, she was a member of the Society of Friends. She has ever proved herself a sincere Christian, a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 302-303) (JC)

WILLIAM H. SCHLEIP is the pioneer cigar manufacturer of Henry County, having done business in 1855 at Mt. Pleasant, and with the exception of the years from 1858 to 1865, has been continuously engaged in that business. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, born near Lemforde, June 9, 1835, and is a son of Gerhardt H. and Wilhelmina Schleip. In 1847 he came to American in company with his parents, the family landing in New Orleans and going from thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned his trade of cigar-making. After completing his trade he engaged with the Cigar-Marker's Co-operative Union in manufacturing, but that venture proved a failure after a six-months trial. In 1854 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and worked as "jour;" then in 1855, to Davenport, where he remained a short time; then returned to Keokuk and soon afterward to Mt. Pleasant, where he opened a store in company with Fred Eiche. This partnership continued two years, when Mr. Schleip sold out, and in the summer of 1858 went to Kansas, and there engaged in a queensware business and cigar trade. His next move was to St. Louis in 1859, where he worked nine months, and then went to Belleville, Ill.  On the 30th of October, 1860, at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, he was united in marriage with Miss Katie Messman, a native of Lee County, Iowa, and daughter of Michael Messman. Nine children have been born until them, six of whom are now living - Louis C., William, Ida, Emma, Frank H. and Charles.

From Belleville, Ill., Mr. Schleip returned to Mt. Pleasant in 1865, re-opened in his former line and has built up an excellent trade, amounting annually to about $25,000. His father and mother died at Cincinnati, Ohio, of cholera, July 4, 1849. His brothers, Henry Frederick A., are living in Ohio. The youngest, Louis, died at Vincennes, Ind., in 1884. Henry lives at Newton, Ohio, engaged in farming, while Frederick is a merchant at Hamilton, in the same State. While a man who attends strictly to his own business, Mr. Schleip has yet given some attention to public affairs, and for two years was a member of the City Council from the First Ward. Politically he is independent, voting as he thinks best, regardless of party lines. For President of the United States, he voted for Fremont, Lincoln, Greeley, Tilden, Garfield and Cleveland. Fraternally Mr. Schleip is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Turners. In the former body he has passed all the chairs. As a business man and citizen he is universally respected. Honest and upright in his dealing, by close attention to his business he has accumulated a competency, and is among the best business men of Henry County.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 456.)

THEODORE SCHREINER, Grand Tyler of all the Masonic bodies in Iowa, and for twelve years door-keeper of the Iowa State Senate, was born in Grosenbach, Bavaria, known as Rhenish Prussia, near the ancient historic city of Worms, June 18, 1811. His father, the Rev. Carl Julius Schreiner, was a popular minister of the Lutheran Evangelical Church of his native town at the date of son's birth, and continued so until death close his earthly career, in 1818. By this sad event young Theodore, at the age of seven years, was consigned to the care of an uncle, who treated him with kindness, and provided for his education at the village academy, where he received a fair German education with rudiments of Latin and French, and English so as to be able to read it readily, although he could not speak the language. When of suitable age he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, where he served the usual term, and by zeal and punctual attention to business acquired a thorough knowledge of his trade. In accordance with an old established custom, he then set out to travel and see the world, and fit himself for actual business. Young Schreiner in his travels wandered over Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France. In 1830 (an eventful year in the history of Europe) he found himself in Paris, then the focus of the political world. It was during this, his first visit to the French capital (July, 1830), that the Revolution occurred that drove Charles X. from the throne. Our subject, then nineteen years of age, found himself with several young German students enrolled in the National Guard, and listened to Lafayette while he harangued his troops from the saddle, in favor of liberty.

The spirit of republican liberty rapidly spread over Europe, and Schreiner next appears as a soldier of freedom in the Polish wars; defeated i this, he returned to his native country where the revolutionary spirit was at its height. The people were in rebellion, and the young soldier cast his lot on the side of liberty, and enlisted against the Government. Having taken an active part at public meetings, encouraging resistance to the oppression of bad government, and in opposition to the King and his ministers, he was arrested for high treason, and while many of his companions were sentenced to imprisonment, but were afterward released on appeal to the Court of Assizes, he through the powerful influence of an army officer, a college-mate of his father's, was never molested. The overthrow of republican principles in the fatherland was succeeded by an exodus of German patriots to America. He joined a party of some 200 emigrants from his native town, and in June, 1833, they sailed from Havre for Baltimore in an American brig. During the voyage of fifty-six days Mr. Schreiner applied himself to the practical study of the English language, and succeeded so well that he was chosen leader by his companions. On arriving at Baltimore, the party divided, seventy-five with Mr. Schreiner at the head, starting for Missouri with a view of locating in that State. On reaching Wheeling the party purchased a flatboat on which to continue their journey, but owing to the low stage of water they abandoned the voyage at the mouth of the Muscatine River, and a party of which Mr. Schreiner was leader was sent into the interior to purchase land for the company. A favorable location having been found in Washington County, Ohio, and several farms purchased, the emigrants took possession, and established a German colony. The following year witnessed large accessions from the fatherland. The colonists, being well pleased with their new home, determined to become citizens of the Republic, and Mr. Schreiner was the first to take out naturalization papers in Washington County. The colonists were a people of deep religious convictions, and a place of public worship was soon erected, but they found they had no ordained minister among them, so, having organized a society of the Lutheran Evangelical Church, they determined to elect a lay preacher from among their number. Mr. Schreiner was selected as best fitted by education and early training to discharge the sacred functions of that office. It was not until several years later that an opportunity occurred for his ordination and installation. The young minister was successful and became very popular. Under his direction other churches were organized and dedicated. He served his people as pastor for twenty years, often ministering to three congregations at a time, and wielding a powerful influence for good among his countrymen. In politics, the colonists were all Democrats, but of anti-slavery sentiments. On the foundation of the Republican party they and their preacher joined that organization.

Mr. Schreiner was married Jan. 11, 1835, in Washington County, Ohio, to Miss Anna Maria Tuttle, daughter of Joel and Mary Tuttle. Mrs. Schreiner was born at Bristol, Conn., in 1812. Her parents were New England people, and emigrated with teams to Washington County, Ohio, in 1817. Mr. and Mrs. Schreiner have been the parents of six children, five sons and one daughter: Caroline, born Oct. 28, 1835, was the wife of Arthur E. Wagstaff, and died Aug. 4, 1859; Charles Julius, born May 22, 1838, married Emma Stewart, and is a carpenter residing at Mt. Pleasant; they have three sons and one daughter, and lost one son, drowned at Mt. Pleasant, July 2, 1887. Edwin Ludwig, born Sept. 9, 1840, a prominent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now Presiding Elder, residing at Centerville, Iowa, married Martha Robinson, and has two daughters; Theodore M. was born Feb. 8, 1843, was a Sergeant of Company K, 6th Iowa Infantry, was captured at Shiloh, and was a prisoner at Andersonville; he died Sept. 25, 1862, and was buried at Andersonville. John Augustus, born March 2, 1848, is a civil engineer, employed in railroad work, residing at Mt. Pleasant; McCormick O., born Oct. 8, 1852, is a carpenter, residing at Mt. Pleasant.

Mr. Schreiner moved from Ohio to Mt. Pleasant in 1855, arriving here August 19 of that year. He became a contractor and builder, and erected as many as a hundred buildings in this city and vicinity. In 1860 he began the manufacture of sash blinds, which he continued for twelve yeas. Since 1876 he has not be in active business. He took an active interest in Masonry in early manhood, and on coming to Mt. Pleasant he made application and was initiated into the order Aug. 22, 1856, and was made a Master Mason the following November. Soon after the latter event he was chosen Tyler of his lodge, and entered with fervency and zeal on what seemed destined as his life work in Masonry. He was soon made a member of Henry Chapter No. 8, and became a Royal Arch Mason March 14, 1857. He was soon after appointed Tyler of the Chapter. The Christian order of Knighthood he received at Des Moines, in June, 1864. Subsequently, on the organization of Jerusalem Commandery No. 7, of Mt. Pleasant, he became a member and Sentinel thereof. He was appointed Grand Tyler at the Sixteenth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, at Davenport, in June, 1859. His appointment has been renewed annually since, until he has served twenty-eight years in that capacity. In 1863 he was appointed to the same position in the Grand Chapter, and was assigned to the same post in the Grand Commandery in 1864. All of these positions he fills with credit to himself and satisfaction to the members. he has been presented with many valuable presents and testimonials from the different bodies, including a beautiful Tyler's sword, gold watch, medals, etc.  He was elected an honorary member of the Grand Lodge for faithfulness and efficient services in the responsible office of Grand Tyler. He was also elected, in 1870, to the office of Grand Scribe, as a compliment, and to the end that he might thereby become a permanent member thereof. In this capacity, in company with Parvin, Hartsock and Bowen, he represented the Grand Chapter of the United States at Baltimore, in September, 1871. He was also elected an honorary membe rof the Grand Commandery and subsequently elected a member of Damascus Council of Royal and Select Masters, No. 13, and is Sentinel for that body and also for the Grand Council. He is also a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, a 32^o,  by communication, and Grand Captain of the Guards of the Grand Consistory of Iowa. At the session of the G. T., in June, 1869, he presented the Grand Lodge with a beautiful  set of ivory gavels with ebony handles. On June 15, 1887, he took the degree of the Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The subject of this sketch, next to the Grand Secretary, is probably better known to the fraternity of Iowa than any of other individual. With the same exception, he has been longer in the service of the craft, and in whatever position assigned or duty imposed, he has been found true and faithful. In his association with his brethren he has endeared himself to them by his unfailing urbanity, rare intelligence and graces of personal character. In his private character and at home, he is well known and distinguished for his affable manners, and his Christian and charitable services on all proper occasions. He has an extended acquaintance among the leading men of this other States, and was appointed Door-keeper of the State Senate in 1879, was re-appointed, and served in that capacity twelve years.

Mr. and Mrs. Schreiner celebrated their golden or fiftieth wedding anniversary Jan. 11, 1885. The ceremony was performed in the Masonic Hall in the presence of upward of 400 friends. Many beautiful and valuable presents wer given to the venerable bride and bridegroom, among which may be mentioned $155 in gold. The State Senate presented Mr. Schreiner with a beautiful silver tea set. 

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 572-74.)

JOHN GOTTLIEB SCHUBERT, a farmer residing in Baltimore Township, was born in Schlascan, Germany, in 1830, and is the son of John G. and Elizabeth (Douffle) Schubert. Both parents were also born in or near Schlascan, where they were married and reared a family of three children: Christiania, deceased wife of Gottfried Schermell; Mary, wife of Aug. Kudabe, a wealthy farmer of Jackson Township, and our sub­ject. The parents came to America in 1853, locating in Green Bay, and the next year purchasing land in Henry County. They remained in this county until their death, the father departing this life in 1875, and the mother in 1885, at the advanced age of eighty-eight.

Our subject was married, in 1859, to Anna Muschick, a. lady born in Germany, whose parents were Martin and Lizzie Muschick, residents of Marshall County, Iowa. They began their domestic life upon a farm in Baltimore Township, upon rented land, but two years later Gottlieb purchased the farm of his father and removed with his young wife to their present location. Their children, five in number, were all born in this township, namely: Martin, born May 13, 1861, died Aug. 14, 1863; Charley, born April 20, 1863; Frank, born Nov. 22, 1865; Mary, born Jan. 31, 1868, and Emma, born Dec. 12, 1874. All are yet under the paternal roof except Charles, who was married Jan. 19, 1 888, to Rose A. Lee. Mr. Schubert, aided by a good wife, has become one of the wealthy men of Baltimore Township, in a comparatively short lifetime, farming upon his present farm. The broad acres are highly cultivated, and the elegant country home is one of the most attractive to be seen in the south part of the county. The large barns give shelter to many head of fine cattle, and everything betokens a prosperous life. All the children are well educated in the English language, and are such as give a high moral and intellectual tone to the community in which they reside. There is no family living in this part of the county more favorably known to her citizens than that of Gottlieb and Anna Schubert, and as Germany has contributed many valuable citizens to the grand State of Iowa, we gladly give them a place in the history of Henry County.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 218-219.)(JC)

LEWIS C. SCOTT, farmer, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1824, and is the son of, William and Abigail (Cowgill) Scott, both of whom were born in Virginia, he is Loudoun, and she in Hanover County. The parents of both moved from Virginia to Ohio as early as 1800, where both took claims in Columbiana County, improved farms, and there lived and died. William Scott, whose ancestors came from England with William Penn, and were among the first settlers of Pennsylvania, was a Friend, and his children, seven in number, were reared in that faith. He died in Columbiana County, Ohio, June 16, 1847. His children were Hiram, who wedded Elizabeth Gilbert, and came to Iowa in 1848, and afterward went to Ohio and died; Margaret married first Gilbert Bailey, and after his death George Carlock, with whom she resides in Harrison County, Mo.; Lemuel N. wedded Priscilla Fouty, who after his death married Benjamin Cowgill; James C. became the husband of Margaret A. Cobb, and resides in New Waterford, Columbiana Co., Ohio; Rachel, deceased, was married to Isaac N. Hanson, who resides in California; Jehum, the youngest, married Maria Hanson, and also lives in California.

Our subject, who completes the list, with his mother and five of the younger children, came to this State in 1849, and first settled in Lee County, near Pilot Grove, and in 1850 the family removed to Salem, Henry County. They remained in Salem only one year and then removed to Mahaska County, where the mother died in 1867. Two of the children returned to Ohio, and two went to California, but our subject liked the fine climate, soil and society of Iowa well enough to continue a resident of the State. He returned to Salem and purchased a farm of Joshua Cowgill in 1868, and since that time Mr. Scott has been actively employed not only in agriculture, but also carrying on a harness and shoe shop, having learned that business in Salem before the removal of the family to Mahaska County. June 20, 1867, Mr. Scott became the husband of Mrs. Ann (Montgomery) Dewitt, the daughter of John and Ann (Heward) Montgomery, who settled in Henry County in 1839, coming originally from New Jersey. Gen. Montgomery of Revolutionary fame was an uncle of John Montgomery, and four of the Hewards were commissioned officers during the war of the Revolution. the grand-uncle of Mrs. Scott was a Captain in the War of 1812, and her first husband, Marion Dewitt, was a member of Company D, 14th Iowa Infantry, in the Civil War, and contracted disease in the service which ended his life. Lewis C. Scott is a man in whom his fellow-citizens place the utmost reliance, and his word has ever been as good as his bond. Born and reared a Friend, he has always affiliated with the society at Salem. His wife is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. One son was born to Mrs. Scott by her first marriage, Lorenzo B. Dewitt, yet unmarried. The last marriage has been blessed by the births of William, Rosetta, Annette and Abigail, all bright, intelligent children. It is pleasant to meet with intelligent people, and the public morals and social habits of a community are formed by just such people as these of whom we write. This sketch of Lewis C. Scott and family will be warmly welcomed by the pioneers and best people of Henry County, and it is with pleasure that we present it.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 566.)

JOHN T. SHANE, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is numbered with the pioneers of 1845. He was born in Fayette County, Pa., March 13, 1825, and is the son of George and Mary (Tuttle) Shane, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were married in Fayette County, Pa., and reared a family of six children, all dead except our subject. His father died in 1852 and his mother in 1833. On the death of his mother John was placed in the family of Hiram Hughes, with whom he remained until was fifteen years of age, when he went to Brownsville, where he was employed on a farm, and later upon the pikes in that vicinity. In the fall of 1840 he went to Beaver, Pa., and had the pleasure of hearing Gen. Harrison, who was then a candidate for President, make a speech. In the fall of 1844 he went to Steubenville, Ohio, and in 1845 came to Henry County, Iowa, where he has since continued to reside, and for some time was engaged in blacksmithing.

On the 24th day of September, 1846, Mr. Shane was united with Miss Margaret Jack, a daughter of Milton H. and Elizabeth (Smith) Jack, and a native of Tennessee. There were three children in her father's family: Mary, who married L. W. Bussey, now deceased, and who resides in Washington County, Ark.; Amanda, wife of Patterson Martin, of Mahaska County, Iowa; and Mrs. Shane. Her mother died in 1826 and her father in 1827. Mrs. Shane came to Henry County in 1841 in company with an uncle, John Tolle, who located in New London Township, but who, in 1843, removed to Mt. Pleasant, at that time but a small village. Mrs. Shane well remembers being in Keokuk when there was not a church in the place, the first class-meeting being held at the house of the friend she was visiting.

Mr. and Mrs. Shane are the parents of five living children: George M., now in Arkansas, was a soldier in the regular army over seven years; Sarah J., wife of John Crabb, resides in this county; Margaret E., wife of Moreland Ritchie, also resides in this county; John W. W., of Mt. Pleasant; and Philip E., in railroad service in the Indian Nation.

In 1861 Mr. Shane enlisted in Company C, 4th Iowa Cavalry, under command of Capt. Beckwith. He was mustered in at Camp Harlan and participated in the first battle of Jackson, Miss., was in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, second battle of Jackson and the battle of Canton, Miss.  After the last engagement in company with the regiment he went to Vicksburg, veteranized and returned home. On his way home he caught a severe cold, and starting back to camp after the expiration of his furlough he grew worse, was examined at Keokuk, sent to the hospital, and was subsequently discharged.

In 1852 Mr. Shane crossed the plains and was four months in making the trip to Salem, Ore., where he engaged as a laborer, but in the fall started to the mines. The snow falling blocked the way, and he in company with others, was compelled to remain in the valley till the following spring. He arrived in the mines March 4, 1853, where he remained till September, 1854, engaged in mining. While in the valley in the winter of 1852-1853, he paid $1 per pound for flour, and for poor meat thirty-five cents per pound; for board, $4.50 per day. The sufferings of the company were terrible, and some of their number dug up the feet of cattle that had been killed in the fall, that they might pick the flesh from the bones. Leaving the mines in the fall of 1854, he returned home by water, by way of New Orleans, thence down the river to Burlington.

The fathers of both Mr. and Mrs. Shane were in the War of 1812, the father of Mrs. Shane being wounded in the hip, carrying the bullet to his grave.

Mr. Shane came to Henry County a poor young man, and while not numbered among the more wealthy, fortune has yet favored him. He has a comfortable home in the city, with twelve acres of land, together with eighty acres on section 7. Together with his good wife, he enjoys the respect and confidence of friends and neighbors among whom they have lived for more than forty years.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 609-10.)

FRANCIS DRAKE SHELDON, farmer. Perhaps no man in Salem Township is more widely known, or is considered more of a peculiar character, than the gentleman named above. He was born in Leeds County, Canada, Dec. 26, 1809, and is a son of Jeremiah and Experience (Fuller) Sheldon. They were natives of Pittsford, Conn., and emigrated to Canada several years be­fore the birth of our subject. For many years before his marriage, and as long as he remained in Connecticut, Jeremiah Sheldon was a Lieutenant in the regular army. The eldest son, Horace, was born before the family removed to Canada, where the father purchased a farm, upon which Riley, Rustin W., Amelia, Richard, Francis D., Jane, Alexander and Experience, were born.

The parents both died on this farm, their children being grown and well educated prior to that time. Our subject fell from a tree when seventeen years of age, and broke both his wrists, which practically disabled him for farm work, but his father being in somewhat straightened circumstances, the son determined to shift for himself. He attended school for three years, and paid both for board and tuition, and when twenty-one years old began teaching, which he continued for three years. Not liking that profession, in 1823 he began clerking in a store, and in 1826 was married to Sarah, a daughter of Sheldon and Olive Stoddard, the former a member of the firm of Hartwell & Stoddard, in whose employ he had been.

Francis Sheldon had economized and saved money enough to purchase a farm at Rideau Lake, near Beverly, and the domestic life of the young couple was begun on this farm. The father of Mrs. Sheldon was, in his day, a very wealthy man, who owned extensive mills, and shipped large quantities of lumber to Quebec; and was also engaged in the mercantile trade. Later, they removed to Porter County, Ind., where they both died. One daughter, Olive, now deceased, graced the union of our subject and wife before they became residents of the United States. Their removal was made to Porter County, Ind., about 1836, and the next year they went to Cass County, Mich., where Mr. Sheldon purchased a farm. In Porter County, Ind., a son, Franklin, was born, who wedded Mary Vaughn, and at the time of his death, Dec. 19, 1883, was the editor of the McPherson (Kan.) Free Thinker. Olivia, the second daughter, now deceased, was born in Michigan. She became the wife of William M. Carter, of Lee County, Iowa.

Mr. Sheldon had erected a new house on his farm in Cass County, Mich., and after it was cleaned and ready to move into, the cabin caught fire and burned to the ground with all its contents. This was a severe loss to the young couple, as it swept away all their earnings; so they returned to Indiana, where the death of Mrs. Sheldon occurred the next year, Dec. 9, 1841. While a resident of Canada, our subject embraced the doctrine of the Friends, and for a term of years was a prominent member of that society. After the division in that body regarding slavery, Mr. Sheldon still remained in the church, though in sentiment he was an Abolitionist. He labored faithfully in the society even after his removal from Michigan, and after the death of his wife, returned to Cass County, Mich., and taught a monthly meeting school. The next year he returned to Canada, and while there was married to Miss Charlotte Booth. She was a daughter of Isaac and Thursey (Wing) Booth, whom, as is well authenticated, bore in their veins royal blood. Her father was born in Orange County, and her mother in Dutchess County, N. Y., but their parents were natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Booth settled on a farm in Canada, and there their children grew to maturity. Charles, the eldest son, was a well-known surveyor, and also taught school, as did Mrs. Sheldon before her marriage. Her mother bore fifteen children, nine reaching maturity-Anna, Elizabeth, Caroline, May, Rebecca, Charlotte, Charles, James and Daniel. Mrs. Sheldon is the only one living, and was born July 9, 1822.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon lived for three years in Cass County, Mich., and in 1845 came to Lee County, Iowa, where he purchased a farm. For many years after his coming to Iowa, Mr. Sheldon labored earnestly in the Society of Friends, but after careful consideration of the subject, aided by a liberal and intelligent study of moral and Divine law, he and his wife (who was born in that faith) asked for a discontinuance of their membership. Having fully investigated the subject, both have allied themselves with the great body of materialists, and with all their former zeal are now laboring for the welfare of their fellow-men. In 1878 they became residents of Salem, where they have a neat cottage on a nice little farm inside of the corporation. Six daughters and three sons have graced their union: Sarah, the wife of Charles Brown, a farmer of Henry County; Thursey wedded to Hiram H. Root, a farmer in Colorado; Hoag B. was a soldier during the late war, belonging to an Iowa regiment, and was wounded at the battle of Atlanta, but recovered, and is now a resident of Mesa County, Col., and is a bachelor; Rebecca is the widow of James South, and resides in Lee County, Iowa; Experience is the wife of Elihu Bond, and resides in Dawson County, Neb.; Rachel is the wife of Lemuel Kenley, a resident of the same county; Charles W. married Minnie Stamper. and resides in this township; Olive is the wife of William M. Steward, a farmer of Henry County; Franklin Sheldon, the other son, was also a soldier in the late war, serving three years, a part of which time he was connected with the hospital staff.

Mr. Sheldon and his wife, by reason of their long residence in the State, and their unswerving uprightness of character here, are entitled to and have the respect and esteem of the people who know them.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 254-255)(JC)

   C. H. Smith

C. H. SMITH, General Manager of the Western Wheel Scraper Company, the most important manufacturing institution of Mt. Pleasant, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1842, and came to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, with his parents, David and Hannah Smith, in 1853. Mr. Smith was education in the city schools, and enlisted in September, 1862, in Company C, of the 4th Iowa Cavalry, and continued in the service until the close of the war. He was captured by the rebels at Grenada, Miss., Aug. 18, 1863, escaped and reached the Union lines at La Grange, Tenn., August 27. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, during which time he took part in numerous engagements with the rebel cavalry. He also took part in the raid on Memphis, and was with Wilson's expedition in Alabama and Georgia, during which he took part in the battles at Selma, Ala., and Columbus, Ga., the latter being the last battle of the war. He was promoted to the position of Second Lieutenant, and received an honorable discharge in August, 1865, having given three years of faithful service to the defense of the Union. On his return from the war he became a resident of Burlington, Iowa, returning to Mt. Pleasant in 1878, and engaging in the construction of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. It was while he was on this work that he introduced the wheel scrapers, and demonstrated their practical use. This experiment led to the establishment of the factory at Mt. Pleasant, of which he is the efficient manager, and of which an account is given below.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage at Burlington, Iowa, May 26, 1874, to Miss Selma C. Teuscher. Mrs. Smith was born in Farmington, Iowa. They have three children, all daughters - Stella May, Edna Louise and an infant. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics, and is Commander of McFarland Post No. 20, G. A. R.  He is enthusiastic in the cause of the Grand Army, and has done much to place McFarland Post upon its present prosperous footing. He is a stirring business man, and the marked success of the Wheel Scraper Company is due to his energetic and judicious management.

On an adjoining page we give a faithful portrait of this truly representative business man of Mt. Pleasant, to whom is due much of its prosperity, in the employment of much of its skilled labor, and in the distribution of large sums of money in payment thereof.

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The Western Wheel Scraper Company was incorporated in 1877, and the business was begun that year at Mt. Pleasant on a small scale, but four men being employed, the intention then being to manufacture only for their own stockholders, who were in the contracting business, and needed the articles in their own work. In 1878 the making of road and grading plows was begun, and the business gradually increased. The practical value of the wheel scrapers especially being fully demonstrated, many other contractors wanted to share in the benefits to be derived from their use, and the demand for them was so urgent and persistent that the company decided to enlarge their works, and put them on the market, selling to all who wanted to buy. Thus was begun the industry which to-day is so potent a factor in the growth and prosperity of Mt. Pleasant, giving employment to hundreds of its workmen, and supplying the means of comfortable support for hundreds of its families, and adding yearly largely to the valuation of the city. In 1880 the company added to their manufacture the Improved Drag Scraper, which they now make in large numbers. Extending their operations still farther, in 1884 they began the manufacture of the Moore Road Grader, a machine for grading and leveling roads, which saves fully seventy-five per cent of the cost of working roads in the old way. In 1887 they added two new features to their factory, one being a reversible grader, which promises still farther to reduce the cost of grading, and work a revolution in the work, by largely increasing the capacity and efficiency of the machine. The other new department added to the work is the manufacture of the "Western Farm Wagon," which embraces several novel and improved features, never before embodied in the manufacture of any wagon, such as a new improved thimble skein, new style of lock, an improved manner of ironing, and especially a new patent dump end gate, which has already proved itself greatly superior to anything of the kind heretofore invented. These wagons, which promise hereafter to be a prominent part of their trade, will be made in the thorough manner which has been a characteristic of all of the work turned out at this establishment. They will be painted in a superior and artistic manner, and no pains will be spared to make them superior to any wagon of the kind ever put on the market, and the achievements of the company in the past are a guaranty that what they undertake they will carry out.

To accommodate their largely increased and continually increasing trade, the buildings and grounds occupied by the company have been added to from year to year. Instead of the one small building used in 1877 their works now cover two entire blocks of ground, in which employment is given to nearly 300 men, which force will be largely increased next season. The operations of the company have been conducted with such shrewdness and business ability, and their manufactures have acquired such enviable fame for their practical utility, and the honest and thorough manner in which they are made, that the business is on a sure and stable foundation. While other manufacturing establishments are usually closed during a part of the year these works have never been shut down since they started, except for necessary repairs. Their value to the city of Mt. Pleasant is a very great, bringing a large addition to its population, and distributing much more money in it than any other industry or business in the city or county. The Directors of the company are Capt. Warren Beckwith, Dr. A. W. McClure and Charles H. Smith. The latter has since the inception of the works been their efficient manager and controlling spirit, and his energy and good judgment have done much to produce the great success attained by the company. His associates recognize this fact, and leave the entire management in the hands of Mr. Smith, with gratifying results to themselves. 

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 375-76.)

JOHN D. SMITH, one of the farmers and extensive stock-raisers residing on section 7, Marion Township, was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 21, 1830, and is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (McCready) Smith, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Robert McCready, grandfather of our subject, was one of those brave men who fought so gallantly for the freedom of his country during the Revolutionary War. Nine children blessed the union of Thomas Smith and Elizabeth McCready: Nancy, widow of Alexander Lawthers, now resides in Washington County, Pa., on a farm adjoining the old home farm; Jane, wife of J. B. Hart, a resident of Mt. Pleasant; Robert M., who died Jan. 1, 1886, in Davis County, Iowa; Joseph, a farmer of Van Buren County, Iowa; Thomas P. died near Mt. Pleasant in 1846; Elizabeth died on the home farm in Henry County, where H. C. Weir now lives; our subject is the seventh child in the order of birth; William McCready Smith was Chaplain in a Pennsylvania regiment during the late war, and died in the service in 1864; E. J. died in Henry County in 1855; Anna M. is the deceased wife of P. M. Ogan, a resident of St. Louis.

Thomas Smith brought his family to Iowa in 1840, settling on the farm now owned by H. C. Weir, on which he made the first improvements, and at the time of his death he had one of the best farms in the county. He was an active church worker, and organized the first temperance society in Richland County, Ohio, and was also one of the first farmers who dared to lay aside the use of whisky in the harvest fields and in public gatherings. He was a man of great moral convictions, always upholding that which was right, and in politics was an old-line Whig and a strong Abolitionist. In his younger days Mr. Smith was a teacher, and for several terms held the office of Justice of the Peace of the county. He ended this life in April, 1848, and was highly respected by all who knew him. His wile died in 1866, and with her husband was a member of the Congregational Church.

Our subject's early life was spent in attending the district school until the age of twenty-one, when, in the spring of 1852, he decided to go to California. Crossing the plains with an ox-team he landed in Placerville, and from there went to Scott's Valley, Siskiyou Co., Cal., where he engaged to work on a farm. The first year he received $1,000, the second and third year $1,200 each, and the last two years he received $180 per month, from all of which he saved $6,000. Returning to Henry County, he purchased 125 acres of land, of which he took possession in the spring of 1858, when he was united in marriage with Miss Isabel Paine, a native of Virginia, being born in Berkeley County in 1832. She came to Henry County with her parents in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of five children: Nevada, born June 25, 1859, died March 20, 1861, in infancy; Charles, born Oct. 30, 1861; Clara A., born May 11, 1864; Walter E., born Jan. 23, 1867, died April 10, 1874, and Elbert E., born June 5, 1870, now in college at Mt. Pleasant.

Mr. Smith has kept adding to his first purchase until he now owns 525 acres of the best cultivated land in the county. Starting in life with a capital of $54, he has by his own honest labor become one of the well-to-do farmers of Henry County, and is an extensive stock-raiser. He imported the first fine imported Norman horse into the county in 1873, for which he paid $2,500. Politically Mr. Smith is a Republican, and has held many township offices. He is always ready to push forward any public interest, and is, with his wife, an earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 314-315) (JC)

Sylvester Smith

SYLVESTER SMITH, is a farmer and Postmaster, residing on section 3, Wayne Township, Henry Co., Iowa. Only one person, Mrs. Elizabeth Woodruff, antedates our subject in priority of citizenship in Wayne Township. He was born in Lake County, Ohio, March 7, 1831, and is a son of Sylvester and Lucretia (Woodworth) Smith, both natives of Franklin County, Mass. they were perhaps married in. that State, removed later to Warren County, N. Y., and afterward to Lake County, Ohio, where Mr. Smith purchased a tract of woodland, and cleared up a fine farm prior to their removal to Iowa in 1842. Sylvester Smith, Sr., came the year previous and purchased lands, to which the family removed the next spring. A house was erected within a few feet of where the fine residence of our subject now stands, and here for forty-five years the represent­atives of the honored father have held possession and wielded a power for good, both in the social and business worlds. Nine children were born be­fore the family removed to Iowa, two of whom died in infancy, and a daughter, Eliza, when twenty years of age; and the following six sons comprised the family in 1842: Dexter C., husband of Phoebe Pence, both now deceased; Edward, the husband, first of Celia Schockley, and after her death of Mrs. Fannie (Buffington) Haines, all now deceased; John L., husband of Lucretia C. Woodworth; Elijah P., who wedded Catherine Haines, and after her death Addie Kimbal; Charles A., husband of Margaret Young; and Sylvester. The sons aided in the improvement of the new farm, at that time Wayne and Scott Townships forming one voting precinct, with thirteen polled voters. Through the instrumentality of Sylvester Smith, Sr., Wayne post-office was established in 1851, and he received in August of that year his commission, and a mail service was established between Iowa City and New London, one round trip made each week. Perry Ketchum was the first mail carrier. After the resignation of his father, our subject was appointed Postmaster of Wayne, Nov. 10, 1858, his commission bearing the signature of Aaron V. Brown, Postmaster General, and from that time has held the place, being to-day the oldest continuous Postmaster in the county, having for more than twenty-nine years filled that position.

Charles A. Smith, one of the brothers, was a volunteer in Company G, 11th Iowa, and served from 1862 until the close of the war. He was cap­tured at the battle of Atlanta, July 27, 1864, and was confined in the prison pen at Andersonville for several weeks, but was later sent to Florence where he was exchanged.

Our subject, Sylvester Smith, is the son of a sol­dier of the War of 1812, and Sylvester Smith, Sr., laid his land warrant, received at that time, after he came to Iowa. He was an able man and one who aided largely in the culture and improvement of this community. Being a professed Christian, a member of the Congregational Church, the family were in attendance at the organization of the Craw­fordsville Congregational Church the next Sunday after they came, and when sufficiently strong to organize a church in Wayne Township, both himself and wife aided in its establishment, Sylvester Smith, Sr., becoming its first Deacon, and remaining in that capacity the remainder of his life. The death of that good man occurred Dec. 21, 1863. He was known far and wide as "Yankee Smith," and was one of the organizers of the Republican party in this county, being an avowed Abolitionist for years. His wife survived until Aug. 13, 1875, having lived to see the principles so long advocated by her husband fully established.

Sylvester Smith, Jr., was married, Feb. 18, 1857, to Miss Delilah J. Coen, of this county, born in Washington County, Ohio, and a daughter of Will­iam and Rachel Coen. Both parents are now deceased, and only three of their children are living: James S., who married a lady of Kansas, near Garden City; Susan, wife of Perry Ellis, of Carroll County, Mo.; and Delilah, wife of Mr. Smith.

Since the spring of 1842 our subject has never known any other home but his present; changes, of course, have been made; the roomy mansion has taken the place of the unpretentious home of almost half a century ago; children have been born, reared and married; one generation has passed away, and the second is of mature years, and wealth has come as he and his good wife have grown in years. Five children have graced their home, four now living: Charles S., a resident farmer of this township, wedded to Charlotte Kitch, of Marion Township; Harry K. is the husband of Margaret McKee, and also resides on a farm near the Smith homestead; William E. almost reached the age of manhood ere summoned from earth; Francis I. and Rosa J. are unmarried and still inmates of the parental home. Francis has become an expert telegraph operator, and if his health permitted would make that his business. We are pleased to present this brief sketch of one of the oldest and best known families of the township, as they deserve this recognition of their long, useful, prosperous and happy domestic life within her boundary.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp .175-176)(JC)

CHARLES SNIDER, an early settler and prominent business man of Mt. Pleasant, proprietor of the oldest established drug-store in the city, and a member and General Manager of the Mt. Pleasant Gas Works Company, was born in Bavaria, Germany, June 16, 1831. He is the son of Philip and Christina (Donaw) Snider, and came to America with his parents in the autumn of 1831, while an infant. His father, who settled in Bedford County, Pa., was a grain buyer in his native country, but on coming to this country he engaged in farming. He and his wife were industrious, frugal people, strict in their religious views, and trained their children to habits of industry and morality. They were in moderate circumstances, and our subject, like the other children, had to work hard, and had but limited opportunities for education. At the age of fourteen years Charles left home to work among strangers and make his own way in the world. He was employed for about a year as chore boy with a Mr. Duffield, whom he left, to accept a place in the dry-goods store of W. S. Fletcher, at McConnellsburg, Pa.  He spent about two years with Mr. Fletcher, and then entered the drug-store of Dr. Duffield, a son of his former employer, and a prominent physician of that city. He learned the drug business with Dr. Duffield, with whom he remained till the spring of 1852, working during the first year for the munificent salary of $36. Becoming impatient at the prospect of getting on slowly, he conceived the idea of trying his fortune in California, then the great center of attraction on account of recent gold discoveries, but much against the wishes of his family and friends, who objected on account of his youth and inexperience, he being still in his minority. He set out via New York and Panama, for the Eldorado of the West. His small savings were augmented by borrowed capital, and in order to make his limited means go as far as possible, he endured the discomforts and hardships of a steerage passage in a crowded vessel, crossed the Isthmus of Panama on foot, subjected to the intense heat of a tropical region, destitute of water. Before reaching Panama he was nearly prostrated by sickness and exhaustion, but by force of an indomitable will and energy, he succeeded in reaching Panama, where, having regained his strength, he shipped for San Francisco. Disappointed in obtaining employment in that city, he went to Sacramento, where after considerable delay and difficulty he obtained employment in a drug-store, in an inferior position. By strict attention to business he won rapid promotion, and was soon placed in full charge of the store, his employer spending the greater part of his time in the States. Here he found the effect of his early training a good safeguard against the temptations that surrounded him. Drinking, gambling, and the usual forms of dissipation customary in a mining region, beset his path on every hand. The precepts of his worthy parents came to his mind, and under their influence he held himself aloof from the vortex that wrecked so many worthy men. While in charge of the store and stock they were destroyed by fire, while his employer was absent in New York, but before his return Mr. Snider had the store rebuilt and the business again in full running order. Here he succeeded in accumulating a snug sum, after paying the debt incurred at starting on his voyage, and sending several hundred dollars home. He left this employment in the summer of 1854, and returned to Pennsylvania via the Nicaragua route. As biography, like history, should teach the coming generations the lessons of the past, these facts are set forth in detail, that they may encourage young readers not to get easily disheartened, but to push on, despite obstacles that may seem insurmountable, till success crowns their efforts.

Mr. Snider was married at Pittsburg [sic], Pa., Aug. 3, 1854, to Miss Mary E. Niccolls, daughter of Nathaniel Niccolls. Mrs. Snider was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., Sept. 13, 1833. Seven children were born to their union; four sons and three daughters, all born in Mt. Pleasant: Frank M., born May 18, 1855, died Aug. 16, 1855; Howard E., born June 13, 1857, married Miss May Brooks, daughter of Capt. Brooks, of Mt. Pleasant; they have two children, daughters - Stella and Bertha. Howard is now interested with his father in the drug business at Mt. Pleasant, north side of the Park, where they carry a full line of drugs, paints, wall paper, etc., under the firm name of C. Snider & Co.  Ellie A., the next younger, was born Nov. 2, 1859, and died March 5, 1862; William E., born March 5, 1863, died Aug. 17, 1864; Blanche was born March 5, 1863, and died Feb. 5, 1872; Charles F., born Jan. 6, 1870, is a student of the Iowa Wesleyan University; Edith was born April 7, 1875, and is attending the city schools.

Mr. Snider came to Mt. Pleasant with his wife Nov. 16, 1854, and in April, 1855, began business as a druggist. he rapidly built up a prosperous trade, and bought out Douglas & Miller, then his only competitors. he has since carried on business continuously, covering a period of thirty-three years. In the spring of 1877 he formed a partnership with Messrs. Henry Ambler, of Mt. Pleasant, and W. S. Fletcher, of Philadelphia, Pa., and purchased the Mt. Pleasant Gas Works, re-organized the business, and has been the General Manager of the same since that time. He became identified with the Iowa Wesleyan University in 1858, and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for twenty-five years, and of the Executive Board nearly as long. He was elected and served as Treasurer of the University eleven years. He has served as a member of the City Council, is a Republican in politics, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for upward of thirty years. His wife and family are members of the same church. Mr. Snider was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Mt. Pleasant, of which he still a stockholder, and a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Snider is a self-made man; deprived of educational advantages in his youth, he was obliged to rely on his own efforts and studious habits for the training that the youth of to-day have thrust upon them. His history points a moral, showing that with the exercise of a determined will, based on good judgment and correct business principles, supported by habits of persevering industry and unswerving integrity, success is assured. He has now been identified with Henry County and its institutions for more than thirty-three years, and has won a place among the foremost of her many worthy citizens.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 394 & 397.)

JAMES SNYDER, a farmer residing on section 25, Canaan Township, Henry Co., Iowa, was born in Marshall County, W. Va., April 21, 1830, and is a son of Andrew and Sarah (Baker) Snyder. Andrew Snyder was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, and Sarah Baker in Marshall County, Va.  George Snyder was the grandfather of our subject and a Pennsylvania German by birth and parentage. He married Rachel Taff in Pennsylvania, then removed to Virginia, and from thence to Highland County, Ohio, their last days being spent in Brown County, where they died and were buried. They were parents of Samuel, Hiram, William, Adam, Peter, Andrew, Mary A., Nancy and Kittie. Of these, Adam, and probably Peter, are living, the first in Centerville, Iowa, the latter in Ladoga, Ind.

Andrew Snyder went to Virginia, and there married Miss Sarah Baker about 1827. She was a daughter of George and Sarah Baker, who resided on a farm in that county. After a married life of eighteen years in Virginia, during which time eight children were born, the family removed to Iowa, settling in Des Moines County, near Danville, in 1844. The children were Rachel, wife of Oliver Little; James, our subject; Elizabeth, who resides with him; Mary A., who died unmarried; Caroline, who wedded James Crogan; Sarah, wife of Charles Crocker; William W., who died in childhood, and Lou J., wife of E. A. Miller. Mr. Snyder purchased a half section of land in Des Moines County and erected a log house, which has long since been torn down. Under its roof were born Theo. B., and attorney-at-law in Burlington and the husband of Mary L. Dorgan, and Wilbur, a resident farmer of Pleasant Grove Township, who married Nellie Burns, of Des Moines County. For thirty-seven happy years the parents lived on their old homestead, when the mother was taken from them, the father living three years longer, when he too died, on the old homestead.

The pioneer life of Mr. and Mrs. Snyder was shared in its fullest sense. The improving of a new farm was not such a hardship for them as for many, they living so near the city of Burlington. Their lands were productive, and their children grew to man and womanhood, bringing gladness and joy to the old homestead. All except one had reached maturity at the time of the mother's death, which occurred in December, 1882. Her remains were interred near the old family mansion in Pleasant Grove Township. She reached the mature age of seventy-four, and her funeral obsequies were held on Christmas Day in 1882. The husband survived until 1885, and all that was mortal of the pioneer was laid to rest by the side of the wife he had loved so well. The very advanced age of eighty-three had been reached by that patriarch, who had held in his arms a score and half of grandchildren, some of whom are now parents. Andrew Snyder was a quiet and good citizen, always a farmer, and his children were early taught habits of thrift and sobriety.

Our subject grew to manhood in Des Moines County. He was united in marriage with Miss Mahala Doty, Nov. 27, 1859, Rev. G. B. Bowman, President of Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Linn Co., Iowa, performing the ceremony at the residence of the bride's mother in Linn County. Ephraim Doty, the father of Mrs. Snyder, was born in Ohio County, Va., and wedded Mary Snyder in that State. They removed to Highland County, and thence to William County, Ohio, where he death occurred in the autumn of 1844. He was the father of twelve children, the eldest of whom were born in Virginia. His widow came to Iowa the same year, locating at Mt. Vernon, Linn County, where she remained until her death, in August, 1881. Her house was the home of all her fatherless children except the eldest, who married in Ohio. We are pleased to give not only the name, but the wives and husbands of those children, who were pioneers in Southeastern Iowa: Rachel married Caleb Richart, who died in Ohio; Kitte A. became the wife of Barney Pettycourt, of William County, Ohio; Abner, husband of Mary A. Barnes, died in Western Nebraska; Mary A. wedded Horatio Walker, and resides in Buchanan County, Iowa; Phoebe became the wife of Chauncy Blodgett, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; Andrew married Hannah McElroy, and was killed at the battle of Champion Hills, where his body was buried; George W. was killed at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and was buried in the National Cemetery there; Minerva, wife of Joseph S. Cookus, of Crete, Neb.; Mahala, wife of our subject, is a twin sister of Minerva; Ephraim married Emily L. Jenks, and resides in Mt. Vernon, and with Ruah, his sister, formed another pair of twins. She wedded Christian Cordes, of the same village, and Elizabeth became the wife of Peter H. H. Kepler, also of Mt. Vernon.

Six years after the  marriage of our subject he removed to Henry County and purchased a farm, upon which he now lives. Not a tree was standing nor a furrow turned upon this tract, but from the beginning a farm has been made, substantial improvements erected, and for years Mr. Snyder has been recognized as one of the leading farmers of Canaan Township. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are the parents of six children: Virginia A., wife of W. H. Deal, of Scott Township; Rachel F., wife of J. H. Forbes, a resident farmer of Crawford, Neb.; Charles W., James E., Wilbur D. and Howard T. complete the family and are all beneath the paternal roof. Both the daughters were educated at Howe's Academy, and were engaged in teaching in this and Des Moines County prior to their marriage. Since 1865 Mr. Snyder and his family have been honored citizens of Canaan Township, and as such we desire to do them justice and give them the credit they deserve for the part taken in the development of this goodly land.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 293-94 & 297.)

REV. WESLEY J. SPAULDING, A. M., Ph. D. Lit. D.

Rev. Wesley J. Spaulding, for many years president of the Iowa Wesleyan University, was born in Newark, New York, April 18, 1828, a son of Thomas J. and Sabra [Proctor] Spaulding. His parents were descended from early colonial families of the country. The father was born in Vermont and the mother spent her girlhood days in the Green Mountain state, although her birth occurred in New Hampshire. They were married in Ludlow, Vermont, and soon afterward removed to Newark, New York, where the father engaged in merchandising and also conducted a successful business as a manufacturer of patent medicines. At a later date he removed to LaGrange county, Indiana, where he was the founder of one bank and was connected with several others. He took an important part in the early affairs of that county and contributed in substantial measure to its material improvement, up building and progress. At one time he served as probate judge of LaGrange county. His death occurred there May 22, 1874, when he was in his seventy-third year, for his birth had occurred on the 6^th of September, 1801. His wife, who was born in 1800, died when about ninety years of age. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Dr. Spaulding was the youngest son in a family of five children and as a youth of eight years became a student in the common schools, wherein he continued his studies until he entered Asbury University now known as De Pauw University at Green Castle, Indiana. Completing the literary course there, he was graduated in the class of 1854 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and subsequently won the Master of Arts degree, while the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred upon him. Following his graduation he joined the Indiana Methodist Episcopal conference and spent a year and a half in the active work of the ministry, on the expiration of which period he was elected professor of Greek at Iowa Wesleyan University and came to Mount Pleasant in the fall of 1855. The chair of Latin was merged with Greek and he therefore acted as instructor in both departments. In 1860 he was assigned to the pastorate of the Methodist Episcopal church at Ottumwa, Iowa, but after a year retired and in the fall of 1861 returned to the university as vice president and acting president. At a later date he was transferred to the Indiana conference and accepted the pastorate of the church at Mount Vernon, Indiana, but later was unable to engage in any active ministerial service for a number of years on account of ill health. During that time he was superintendent of the Union schools of Sturgis, Michigan, for two years and subsequently he was again transferred to the Iowa conference and stationed at Burlington, Keosauqua, Washington and Fairfield successively. Having acted as pastor of these various churches he afterward returned to the Iowa Wesleyan University and was once more elected vice president and acting president, which position he held for a year. He was then elected president and remained at the head of the institution for eight years, during which period he also filled the chair of philosophy which he had held during his incumbency in war times. Since 1884 he has not been actively connected with the school. He has, however, kept up his historical investigation and researches, his studious habits and scholarly tastes yet remaining strong and salient features in his character. Dr. Spaulding has also been interested in banking in connection with the bank at Sturgis, Michigan, of which his father was one of the founders. He was likewise interested in the First National Bank of Mount Pleasant.

Dr. Spaulding was married to Miss Martha Berry, a daughter of Rev. L. W. Berry, at one time connected with the Iowa Wesleyan University, Asbury University, but then stationed at New Albany, Indiana. Four children were born of this marriage. Cora is the widow of John McKibben, who was auditor of the Santa Fe Railroad and she makes her home in Topeka, Kansas. Ida is the wife of Greeley W. Whitford, an attorney and one of the leading politicians of Denver, Colorado. Wilbur Berry Spaulding, LL.B., who for some years has been claims attorney for the San Francisco Railroad Company, and Stella, who is now Mrs. Hoffman and secretary for Dr. Lutz, an eminent surgeon of St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Spaulding was at one time a member of Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 8, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, from which he is demitted. He was raised in Sturgis Lodge in Michigan and was a member of Keosauqua Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, but demitted to Henry Chapter, No. 7. He likewise became a member of Jerusalem Commandery, Knights Templar, and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but has also withdrawn from active association with that fraternity.

Perhaps no better summary of the life work of Dr. Spaulding can be given than in the words of one of his students, who said: "Dr. Spaulding's work in and in connection with the Iowa Wesleyan University was unique, original and unusual. To understand his connection with and his influence upon the school we must ascertain, if we can, something of the contents and quality of his mind and its especial adaptation to the rare and exalted art and attributes of the teacher. His strength did not lie especially along executive lines, although in him there was no weakness of discipline or hesitating leadership but his especial power and his unusual qualifications were in the class room in contact and personal intercourse with his students. There and there chiefly were illustrated his rare gifts as expositor and teacher. The atmosphere of the class room was his native air. There he became radiant and glowed with a natural and contagious enthusiasm that no one can fully appreciate who has not come within the charm of his class room influence. However excellent his platform and public work, they furnished no adequate nor at all accurate measure of his especial capabilities. These were alone made manifest in the class room. Few teachers were less dependent on text-books or cared so little for their arbitrary lines and limitations. He supplied text-book and topic alike, suggesting the one and illustrating the other with a skill and adaptation as rare as it was agreeable. In teaching his aim and his application were always personal. Education, as understood by him, was not an arbitrary prescription doled out to the intellectually ailing as a remedy used for each and all alike. His intellectual diagnosis was always personal and he did not adopt the common educational error and thereby escaped the common educational crime of prescribing first and diagnosing afterward. He studied his pupils with quite as much care, yes with far deeper concern, than he studied his text-books. He made the quality and kind of soil in which the seed was to be sown his first and his chief concern. This fairly ascertained, he could proceed with something of scientific certainty and with a reasonable hope of a natural and definite intellectual fruitage. He always recognized the difficult and sought to avoid the embarrassment of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Difference in endowment both in quality and in degree, he recognized as necessary and fundamental and held that its discovery and the wise use of it made by the teacher was his highest claim of fitness for his sacred trust. He so skillfully applied the plummet and took the mental soundness of his pupils as not to discourage by contrast nor humiliate by comparisons. His only object was to hold, as it were, the mirror up to nature, thus enabling the student to see his own image and, recognizing it, to plan his course along lines of least resistance in the struggle of life. How is this boy or girl to be most benefited by me as their teacher in the work before them in life? This was his constant concern and daily study of each and all who came within the circle of his influence as a teacher. His first efforts were to discover the special faculties and determine the contents of the pupil's own mind that he might intelligently adapt the training to the individual need. This personal concern, this making a pupil acquainted with himself, this mental photograph, as it were, of each student, which he took and studied and by reason of which he was enabled lovingly and helpfully to lead him to a knowledge of himself, the highest education possible to give or receive, this was Dr. Spaulding's chief and his unusual gift as a teacher.

"This brief sketch would be grossly inadequate if it failed to note the effort of Dr. Spaulding to accomplish the unification of the several Methodist Episcopal colleges of Iowa. In the early years of the decade of 1880 his heart was set upon this plan of consolidation and unification, believing that only in this way could the adequate financing of the several Methodist colleges be accomplished. His address before the Iowa Methodist State Convention in June, 1881, was an able and earnest plea for the work of centralizing and conserving the educational aim and effort of Methodism in Iowa. In this view he was supported ably and enthusiastically by Senator Harlan, Dr. Coxe, Dr. Wheeler and other leading Methodists of the state. In his personal quality he is the best exemplification of high and pure ideals, of deep sympathy, of loyal and loving devotion to his friends, of wide benevolence of mind and heart and exalted views of mind and destiny. I can not better conclude this imperfect sketch than by quoting the refined and discriminating words of Dr. W. H. Thomas, of Chicago, a lifelong friend, who in a letter now in my possession, said, 'His special field in which he excels as a thinker and teacher is metaphysics. He not only has a peculiar power of seizing and holding the most subtle proposition until its exact contents is perceived and its value and relations fixed, but he also has the rare gift of seeing just how the same thing is perceived by others or whether they can see it at all and, if not, where the difficulty lies. In this way he is far removed from the ordinary drillmaster and is in the highest sense an educator. No one passes from under his care without some impress of this almost matchless master of the human mind.'"

(Biographical Review of Henry County, Iowa. .Chicago: Hobart Publishing Company, 1906. pp. 18-22) (PW)

Benjamin Spry

BENJAMIN W. SPRY, now deceased, was a native of Ohio, and was born in Zanesville, Oct. 23, 1817. He remained in that city until after his marriage, which occurred in March, 1844, to Miss Ivy Johnson, who was also a native of Ohio. He was engaged in the mercantile business until the time of his death, which occurred July 6, 1827. His life throughout was an entirely upright one, and he was held in high esteem by all who knew him. His devoted wife preceded him to the better world, her death occurring June 25, 1875. After the death of his wife Mr. Spry made his home with his son-in-law, G. W. Burton, of Mt. Pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Spry were the parents of seven children: Hattie J., born in 1845, is now the wife of E. D. Anderson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Annie E., born in 1846, is the wife of J. W. Burton, of Mt. Pleasant; Charles W., born in 1847, is a farmer in Marion Township; he married Miss Flora B. Moford. J. W. died in infancy; Mary E., who makes her home with her sister, Mrs. J. W. Burton; Emma C., who died in 1873, at the age of twenty; Homer J., born in 1857, is a farmer in Marion Township; his wife was Miss E. L. Anderson.

Mrs. Harriet Boyce, now deceased, was a native of Washington County, Md., and a grandmother of Mrs. Anderson. Her maiden name was Thompson.  She was born Dec. 7, 1792. Her first husband was Jacob Johnson, and to them were born thirteen children, of whom twelve grew to man and woman­hood. At the time of her death she had seven children, forty-eight grandchildren, and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. Her second husband was Mr. Boyce. She was a member of the Methodist.