HISTORY

OF

Chickasaw and Howard Counties

IOWA.

BY W. E_. ALEXANDER_.

DECORAH, IOWA
WESTERN PUBLISHING COMPANY.
1883.

[HOWARD COUNTY]

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

VERNON SPRINGS TOWNSHIP.

A. B. Barnes, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in N. Y., in 1830, and is the the third son of Charles and Sarah Barnes. At the age of twenty-five years, he came to Iowa, and lived in Clayton and Lucas counties until, coming to this county in 1866. He has filled. the offices of assessor and trustee, and owns 320 acres in section 3. He was married in 1852; to Miss Fidelia Adams, they have five children, Charles C., Willard A., Sarah E., Edwin C. and Edgar J.

Joseph Batterham, farmer, and superintendent of the "county poor farm," also owner of eighty acres in section 16, was born in England, in 1842, and is the oldest son of Joseph and Mary A. Batterham. At the age of twenty-one years, he came to the U. S. and first settled in Cook county, Ill., where he remained until coming to this county. In 1880, Mr. Batterham, assumed the mangement of the poor farm, and has proved himself, the right. man in the right place. He was married in 1870 to Francis Batterham, and their children are, Mary L. and Grace M.

Sylvester Barnes, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in N. Y., in 1841, and is the oldest son of James and Mary Barnes. He came west at the age of fifteen years, settling in this county, and state. He was married in 1861, to Miss Catherine Ferrie, their children are, John W., James H., Maggie, Andrew, Joseph, Michael, Amanda, Frank, Leo and Sylvester. Mr. B. owns 160 acres of land, in section 32, valued at $25 per acre.

Thomas P. Davies, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born in Wales, in 1817, and is the second son of Thomas and Ann Davies. He came to America when twenty-one years of age, and landed in New Orleans, where he remained three years, and then went to Cincinnatti, Oho, remaining there until 1844, in which year he went to Janesville, Wis., and lived there until 1855, he then came to Iowa, settling where he now resides. He has been swamp land commissioner, notary public and justice of the peace, several years, and took an active part in the locating and building of the C., M. & St. P. R. R. He owns 374 acres of land in section 35 and 26. He was married in 1847, to Mrs. Maria J. Granda, a native of N. Y.; her maiden name Vinnie Gibbs, she is the daughter of the Hon. Dr. Leonard Gibbs, a physician of emimance and ex-circuit judge, and custom house officer, her first husband died in the year of 1843.

B. D. Evringham, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in Canada, in 1832, and is the third son of Jacob and Margaret Evringham. His parents moved to Illinois, when he was eight years of age, and remained in that state seven years, then removed to Dubuque county, Iowa, and seven years later to Clayton county, in 1858, he carne to Howard county. He was married in 1857, to Miss Elizabeth Moon, by whom he had five children-Frank D., Helen M., Mary J., Emma R. and Ida E. His wife died in 1871, and he was again married in 1873, to Miss Helen D. Hunt; their children are, Effie F., Edith L., Mabel D., Bertha C. and Alice E. Mr. Evringham, is a veteran of the late war, having enlisted in the thrity-eighth Iowa volunteer infantry, under Col. Hughes, serving in the western department, he received promotion from orderly seargent, to second lieutenant and was discharged at Davenport, Ia., in 1865. He owns a farm of eighty acres in section 34, valued at $50.00 per acre.

J. M. Field, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in England in 1817, and is the oldest son of Wm. and Susan Field, he came to the United States at the age of twenty-four years, and lived in New York thirteen years, then came to Howard county, Iowa. He owns 120 acres of land in section 28, valued at $50.00 per acre. He was married in 1842, to Miss Sophia A. Loors, their children are Ella D., Alice M., Cora L. and Ida B.

William Kellow, Senior, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in England, in 1822, and is the eldest son of Joseph and Mary Kellow. He came to the United States, in 1852, stopping two years in Indiana, he then came to Howard county. He owns sixty acres of land in section 27, valued at $50 per acre. He was married in 1845, to Miss Maria Rawle, and their children are, Joseph C., William, Jane, Samuel R., Maria R. and Mary L.

W. K. Barker, of the law firm of Barker Bros., attorneys at law, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1845, is a son of Jerremiah and J. L. Barker. In 1857, he came to Howard county, and located on a farm, one and one-half miles east of where Cresco now stands. In 1863, he enlisted in company B, seventh Iowa, volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war; was in all the battles that his regiment participated in going with Sherman in his march to the sea. The next ten years was spent in teaching and farming, and in '76, he began reading law, with Mr. Reed, and in 1877, was admitted to practice. He married Ada C. Brown, of Massachussetts, and they have one child, William Floyd.

G. W. Halsted, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in Ohio, in 1834, and is the eldest son of S. L. and Mary Halsted, who removed to Wisconsin, when he was twelve years of age; he remained there until1856, when he came to this county and state. He owns 230 acres of land, in section 31, valued at $20 per acre. He was married in 1861, to Mrs. L. C. Jones,, and has four children-Wilton E., Estella A., Nellie F. and George A. Mrs. Halsted had one child, a. daughter. by her former marriage - Alice E. Jones. In 1863, Mr. Halsted enlisted in the seventh Iowa infantry volunteers, at New Oregon, and was detailed at Davenport, as forage master. He was. disabled by a fall from his horse, and was finaly discharged in. 1865.

J. J. Lowry, sheriff ; was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1845; he is a son of Jacob and Henrietta. Lowry, natives of Germany. When he was twelve years of age, he removed with his. parents to Winnesheik county, this state, where he remained but two years, when he came to this county. In 1866, he engaged in the drug business, which he continued until 1877, when he sold his business to C. J. Webber. Two years later he was elected sheriff of Howard county, and was re-elected in 1881, and still holds the position. Mr. Lowry was married to Jennie Mullen, 'a native of Wisconsin, they have two children, Frederick B. and Norbert J. Mr. L. and family are members of the Luthren church.

G. E. Marsh, attorney at law; was born in Cateraugus county New York, in 1853; is the son of G. O. and E. A. Marsh. In 1866, he came west with his parents, and located at Jessup, Buchanan county, Ia., where he made it his home until 1876. He read law with Lake & Harmon of Independence, and was admitted to practice, in 1876. He went to Ossage, and for a short time practiced law, and soon after came to Cresco, and is now a member of the law firm of Reed & Marsh.

J. A. Dilworth, proprietor of the Dilworth house, was born in Philadelphia, November 26, 1838, and is a son of Norris C. and Martha R. Dilworth. When he was yet in infancy his parents-removed to Connecticut, where he grew to manhood. In 1861 he enlisted in company F, fifth Connecticut volunteers, and served three years and three months. In 1865 he eame west, locating in Lake City, Minn., where he remained five years. The next two years be made several changes, and, finally, in 1872 took charge of the Dilworth house, of which he is now owner and proprietor. He married Julia I. Holmes, also of Connecticut, and they have four children, Henry N., Justina, Otto L. G., and Julia.

Fred. Miller, dealer in harness, saddles, boots and shoes; was born in Bavaria, in 1834; came to America, in 1850, and located in New York city; the same year he went to Savannah, Georgia, and thence back to Niagara Falls, and thence he came west, to Winona,, Minn., where he remained twelve years; from there he went to McGregor, and finally settled, in Cresco, where he now resides. He has been twice married, his first marriage was to Harriett Tubbs, a native of New York, and who died in 1868, leaving two children, William and John. His second marriage was to Caroline King, a native of Germany; they have three children, Jennie, Lottie, and Albert.

G. Meverden, dealer in furniture; was born in Holland, in 1834; is a son of Richard and Harriett Meverden. He came to America, in 1852, and settled, in Wisconsin, in 1865; then came to Conover, and six months later came to Cresco, where he has since resided. He married Bertha Grenwold, a native of Germany; they have two children, Hattie and Daniel.

L. Swensen, proprietor of the Cresco tow mill, erected in 1876, was born in Norway, in 1841, came to America, with his parents, when yet an infant; locating in Racine county, Wis. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of machinist, in Chicago, and Milwaukee, and has since been engaged in the same calling. In 1874 he came to Cresco and started a foundry, which he after-wards sold to Mr. Lowry.. He married Annie Johnson, also a native of Norway; they have two children, Rosa May, and Johnny.

J. J. Mason, proprietor of the Webster house; was born in Vermont, in 1812; is a son of Elias and Betsy Coburn Mason, both natives of Massachusetts. When the subject of this sketch was twelve years of age, his parents removed to New York, where-he lived. until he reached his twenty-first year. In 1837 he came west, locating in Chicago, thence to Milwaukee, and in 1855 he came to Iowa, locating in the town of Howard, Afton township, this county. The following year he went to Decorah, farmed a short time, and soon after purchased the Decorah house; one year later he moved to Waukon, and was a resident of Allamakee county for some time. He kept the Mason house a short time.. Mr. Mason made a number of changes within the next few years,. and we will only record his keeping the winnesheik house, in Decorah, in company with A. J. McClasky, his son-in-law. In. 1880 he purchased the Webster house, of which he is still proprietor. His wife was Diana C. Orton, a native of New York.

Wentworth Bros., proprietors of meat market, Cresco, Iowa.. These enterprising young men established their business in September of 1882, and are doing the leading business in their line, in Cresco. A. N. Wentworth, the elder brother, was born in Canada, in 1854, and in 1870 came to Cresco; he married Maria Hamilton, and they have four children, two sons and two daughters. W. A. C. Wentworth, the younger brother, was also born in Canada, being four years younger than his brother; he came to Cresco, in 1872.

O. N. Hoyt, physician and surgeon, was born in Magog, Canada, east, in 1843; is a son of Nason and Miranda Hoyt. When he was thirteen years of age, his parents removed to this county, located in Paris township. O. N.'s early life was spent on his father's farm, and when yet a young man, he engaged in teaching, which he followed ten years. In 1873 he was elected county superintendent, which position he held two terms. He graduated at the Hahneman Medical College, at Chicago, in the class. of '79. He was married to Amelia E. Laskey, a native of Chicago; they have two children, Jessie and Alonzo.

William Wilbraham, attorney at law; was born in Malone, Franklin county, N. Y., in 1846; is a son of Joseph W. and Jane Wilbraham. In 1851 he went with his parents to LaPorte, Ind., at which place he made his home until 1878. In 1862 he enlisted in company E, fourth Indiana cavalry, and served until the close of the war. In 1878 he came to Cresco, read law with C. F. Breckenridge, and was admitted to practice in April 1881. He married Celesta Webster, a native of Indiana.

J. M. McCoy, lumber dealer, Cresco; was born in Linden, Vermont, in 1840, and is the youngest son of William and Johanna McCoy. When he was six years old his parents removed to Nashua, N. H., where he lived until he was eighteen years of age, and then came west, to Dodge county, Wis., where he made his home until 1876. Mr. McCoy opened a lumber yard in Decorah, which he conducted during 1864 and 1865; also had yards in Postville, Castalia, and Ossian. He came to Cresco, in 1876, and took charge of the lumber business, of Day Eros., which position he still holds. He purchased a farm of 800 acres, in partnership with a Mr. Hale, which he still conducts. He married Ida Dexter, a native of New Hampshire.

E. E. Bertrand, photographer, and dealer in musical instrument, Cresco, Iowa; established business in 1871; was born in Vermont, in 1853, came west in 1860, settling in Ripon, Wis., thence to St. Charles, Minn. He learned his trade in Rochester, Minn., and then came direct to Cresco, and established business for himself. Mr. B. is said to have the best photograph rooms in the state; he makes a specialty of instantaneous dry plate work.

C. F. Webster was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1830, and is the son of Asaph and A. Webster, who were natives of the state of New York. When but four years old his parents moved to Joliet, Illinois, where he lived two years, and then moved to LaPorte, Ind., remaining in the latter place twenty years, and in 1856 came to Howard county, locating at Howard Center, where he resided until the year 1860, when, being elected to the office of county clerk, he took up his residence at New Oregon, the county seat at that time. On the expiration of his term of office, in 1864, he returned to farming, and continued therein until he was re-elected, in 1874, since which period he has held the office. Mr. W. was married to Serena I. Irvin, a native of Ohio; they have three children, Clara E., Allie I., and Edith May.

John E. Peck, county auditor, elected in 1877-was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1832; is a son of Edward and Mary Eastman Peck, both of whom are natives of New York. When 19 years of age he came to Chicago, and was for a time employed by a lumber company. In the fall of 1853 he went to Janesville, Wis., where he engaged in the lumber trade. In this he continued until 1856, in which year he came to McGregor, Iowa. Here he remained in the same line of business until 1862, in which year he enlisted in Co. I, 27th Ia. Inf., serving until the close of the war. He was promoted from a second to first lieutenancy soon after enlistment. After the the war closed he went to Conover in the interests of a lumber firm, and in 1866 came to Cresco, indentifying himself with the lumber trade, and selling his business to Carver, Jacobs & Co. in 1874. He then entered the machinery business, in which he continued until his election to the county auditorship as recorded above. Mr. Peck is a member of the Congregational church, and is in politics a republican with greenback, anti-monopoly proclivities. He married Mary E. Barnes of New York, and has three children, Addle B., Charles B. and Louisa M.

W. H. Patterson. County recorder, was born in Erie Co., Penn. in 1838, and is a son of William & Mary Campbell Patterson, both of whom were born in New York state. When he was seventeen years of age his parents removed to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, thence to Euclid and soon after to Ashtabula, Ohio. In April 185- they came to Iowa and located in south west part of this Co., where the subject of this sketch lived until 1860, when he was appointed deputy recorder, & treasurer, which position he held until Aug. 1862. Then enlisted in Co. I, 38th Iowa Vol., as 2nd Lieutenant & was soon after promoted to first Lieutenant, he was discharged in Louisiania, after serving two and one half years. On his return to this Co., he engaged in the drug trade which business he continued a short time. In 1865 he was appointed county recorder, and he has been elected to the same position at every election since that time. He received his education at the Asbury seminary, Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He married Sarah Carpenter a native of New York, they have six children, namely William, Wilber, Arthur, Henry, Joseph and Fritz. Mr. Patterson and wife are members of the M. E. church, his political views are repnblican.

A. F. Baumgartner, grocer and part proprietor of the Lime Springs mills, is a son of C. and Fredricka Baumgartner, and was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1856, and lived in that city until 1876, when he removed to Cresco, Ia., and was employed as clerk in one of the business houses there. In 1879 he opened the grocery house of A. F. Baumgartner & Co. In February, 1883, he purchased an interest in the Lime Springs mill.

John Steinman, farmer, P. O. Cresco, is a native of Ohio, and was born in 1840, he is the second son, of Adam and Rebecca Steinman, who, in his childhood, moved to Ill., and after a residence there of seven years, went to Winnesheik county, Iowa where he remained until 1872, then came to Howard county. Mr. S. owns 240 acres of land in section 9, valued at $35 per acre. He has filled the offices of town clerk and secretary of school board, and has been indentified with the Howard county, agricultural society, for several years, having been secretary three terms. He was married in 187 t to Mary James, and has three children, Elsie DI., Leah H. and Jessie.

J. G. Upton, farmer, section 5, 13 & 24, P. O. Cresco; owns 400 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre, was born in Hillsborough. county, New Hampshire, in 1814, is the second son of John and Phoebe Upton. When five years old his parents removed to Vermont; when thirty-five years of age he left Vermont, and went to Chicago, Ill. After a residence of some years there, he removed to Alamakee county, Iowa, where he remained until 1855. He then moved to Howard county, Iowa, and has resided there since. He was married in 1850, to Miss Sarah A. Miles, a native of Maine, and has six children, Emma B., James H., Ada M., Clark C., Alena and Abe L.

John I. Sturgis, dealer in groceries and provisions, was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1816, is a son of John and Susan Sturgis, both natives of New York; in '36 he went to New York city, and learned the trade of type founder and machinest, where he remained until 1855, when he removed to Iowa, locating in this county, in 1856. His occupation has been farming, and for a number of years a dealer in hardware, at New Oregon; in 1882 he came to Cresco and engaged in business, as above. His wife was Eliza Hope, of Pittsburg, Penn.

E. I. Barker, dealer in hardware, stoves, and tinware, was born in Richmond, Wayne, county, Indiana, in 1836; he is a son of Jerremiah and Jane Barker. In 1857 he came to Howard county, and located one and a half miles east of where Cresco now stands. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 38th Ia. Inft, and served two years, being discharged as secund lieutenant, He continued farming until 1869, when he established his present business. He was married to Jane Brow a native of Ills. they have six children, 111a1'nda J. Ulysses S., George S., Josephene, Kate Eleanor and Philip S.

Charles Byrnes, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 120 acres of land in section 32 and 35. Mr. B. was born in Ireland, in 1835, and is the son of John F. and Ann Byrnes. In 1849 he immigrated to the United States, with his parents, and settled first in New York, remaining three years, then moved to Dodge county, Wis., where he lived twenty eight years; then came to Iowa, settling first in Buchanan county, then to Howard county. He was married in 1857, to Miss Ann Madden, also a native of Ireland, and has eight children, Julia, John, Mary T., Margaret E., Lucy A., Chas. E , Lizzie and Anna, all of whom are now living.

John G. Stradley, real estate, loan and insurance agent, established business in 1873.

Joseph Richards, retired farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in Pa., in 1818, and is the tenth son of Martin and Catherine M. Richards. In 1854 he moved to Minnesota remaining eight years, then came to Howard county. He was married in 1846, to Miss Rebecca J. McBride, a native of Pa. Their children are Wm. L., Thomas B., Catherine M. and Mary J. He served during the late war, in the sixth Ia. cavalry, serving one year and eight months under Col.Wilson; he received honorable discharge, on account of wounds received at the battle of Stone river, in Sept., 1863.

W. H. Roche, blacksmith, P. O. Cresco; was born in 1847, in Ireland; his parents came to America, in his infancy, and settled at Aurora, Ill.; he remained there, until 1856, when he came to Howard county. He was married in 1871, to Margaret Brady; the children are Wm. W., Katie E., Charles J., Mary E. and Maggie A. Mr. R. owns eighty acres of land, valued at $20 per acre, and has filled the offices of town clerk, assessor and councilman.

A. Rivers, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born in Canada, in 1820, and is the fifth son of Edward and Mary Rivers; when seventeen years of age he went to N. Y., remaining one and one-half years, then spent a few months in Pa., and went to Wis., where he remained until 1858. He then came west, and located in Howard county; where he now owns, 315 acres of land, valued. at $30, per acre. He has filled many offices in the township. He was married in 1845, to Agnes Stenhouse; their children are Mary E., William T., Edward, Alac and Lincoln.

Wm. Rumsey, farmer, P. O. Cresco; born in 1812, in the state of N. Y., and is the third son of David and Lydia Rumsey. He remained in N. Y., about twenty-four years, then lived In Ill. four years, and in Wis. twenty-three years, then spent one year, in Ill., and came to Howard county, Ia., in 1854; he only remained four years, then spent six years in Wis., and returned to this county, and state. He owns 320 acres in sec. 24 and 25. He has filled the offices of prosecuting attorney, and justice of the peace. He was married in 1856,. to Miss Francis A. Dunn, their children are Lydia M., Wm., James, Kate and Roberta E. Mr. Rumsey, also owns sixty acres of land in Orleans township, Winnesheik county, Iowa.

Joseph Archer, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns eighty acres, in section 16, valued at $60, per acre. Was born in N. Y. in 1832, and is the third son of John and Sarah Archer. He came west in 1866, and after a residence of seven years in Lime Springs, he moved to Vernon Springs township. He enlisted in 1861, in the fourteenth N. Y. infantry under Col. McQuade, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run. He was married in 1857, to Miss Mary Edsall, a native of N. Y., by whom he has two children, Edward A. and Frederick W.

Hor ce Bishop, a retired farmer, and resident of Cresco, was. born in 1831, in the state of N. Y., and is the eldest son of Wm. and Almira Bishop. His parents moved to Indiana where he was five years of age. In 1850 he went to California and Australia, remaining five. years, then returned to Indiana, when he remained fifteen years; he then came to this county and state. He now owns a farm of 160 acres in section 18, in Vernon Springs township, valued at $20 per acre. Mr. B. has filled the office of justice of the peace several years. He was married in 1855, to Miss Mary M. Stover, a native of La. Porte, Ind., and their children are, Hattie M., Orpha M., Nellie and Albert V.

Wm. Brierley, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 160 acres in section 29, valued at $30 per acre; born in England, 1825. He came to the U. S., when twenty-two years of age, and lived twenty-one years in Philadelphia. In 1870, he came to Iowa, and located, where he-now resides. He was married in 1851, to Miss Ann Bates, and their children are, Elizabeth, Martha, Mary, Willie, Ben, Jennie, and John.

C. L. Bents, farmer, P. 0. Cresco; owns 240 acres in sec. 12, valued at $30, per acre; born in the state of Ohio, in 1847, and is the eldest son, of Henry and Amanda Bents, his parents moved in his-infancy to Indiana, and soon after to Iowa, locating in Howard. county. Mr. B. has been in the employ of the American, and other sewing machine Co's. for five years as traveling salesman. He was married in 1882 to Miss Hattie Goodrich, of Fayette county, Iowa.

James Barnes, farmer, P. O. Cresco; is a native of Ireland, and was born in the year 1820, he is the second son of James and Margaret Barnes; they came to America, when Jas. was ten years of age, settled first in Canada, and lived part of the time in N. Y., previous to coming west in 1856, they then located, where he now resides, and owns eighty acres of land, valued at $25 per acre. Married in 1839, to Miss Mary O'Connor, they have five children, Sylvester, Margaret, Michael, James, Daniel, Jerry and Mary Jane.

Hon. Frank Sayre, ex-mayor, and attorney at law, was born in Peoria, Ill., in 1853; is a son of Perry, 0., and Annie Sayre; hi father died when he was in infancy, and his mother soon after came to Iowa, and located at Johnsontown, Jones county. In 1860, the subject of this sketch, went to St. Louis, and remained until 1866, when he returned to Jones county, and grew to manhood; he graduated in the law department of the State University, in the class of '75; and in the same year came to Cresco, and engaged in practice. Was married to Ollie Rafferty in 1875; they have one child.

John Mc Cook, of the law firm of McCartie & McCook, attorneys at law, Cresco; was born in Burks county, Penn., in 1855, is a son of Thomas, and Euphema McCook. When he was two years of age his parents removed to this county, where they have since re-sided. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and received his education at the common schools, and the Decorah institute. He read law with Mr. McCartie, and was admitted to practice, in April, 1881, and has been a member of the firm of McCartie & McCook, since February, 1882.

John Farnsworth, banker; was born, in Muscatine, Ia., in 1839, a is son of Azel and Ann Farnsworth, of Vermont. He remained in Muscatine, until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he entered the pay master's department, which position he filled for three and one-half years. He married Mary C. Mason, a native of Indiana, and they have five children, Emma, Edwin P., Clinton E., Mary and Asa A. In 1869, Mr. F. came to Cresco, and engaged in the banking business, which he still continues.

Thompson & Johnson Bros., dealers in general merchandise, which business was established in 1876. R. Thompson, senior member of the above firm, is a native of Norway, born in 1852, and came to America, in 1871. He first located on a farm in Hesper township, Winnesheik county. Then came to Cresco, and was employed as clerk, until he established his present business. He married Mary Ulrickson, a native of Winnesheik county, Ia., and has three daughters.

- A. Norton, of the firm of Norton Bros., liverymen, established business in 1873, at Cresco; was born. in Courtland county, New York, in 1840, and is the son of S. G. and Margaret Norton, who in 1853, came west, locating in White Water, Wis. He came to Howard county, in 1865, and engaged in farming, and in 1873, went into his present business. He was married to Lura Dow, a native of the state of New York, and their children are-Alva and Alta.

C. J. Webber, druggist, Cresco, Ia.; was born in Germany, in 1851, and came to America, in 1867; he first located in Chicago, where he remained until 1874, when he came to Cresco, and engaged in business as above. He married Carrie J. Tuttle a native of Sweeden, and their children are, J. T. and Parepa.

Lawson T. Woodcock, agent for the C., M. and St. P. R. R. at Cresco, Ia.; was born in Worcester county, Mass., in 1825, and is the son of Tisdale and Patty Baker Woodcock. He lived in that county until 1853, and was in business in Waterville, Mass., about one year. He then came to Iowa, locating at Waukon. In 1866, he moved to Cresco, and took charge of the railroad office. He married Francis Maria Tuel, a native of Westmoreland county, N.H.

R. J. McHugh, dealer in agricultural implements; business established, 1880; was born at Lindsay, Ont., in 1852, and is the son of Patrick and Ann McHugh, natives of Ireland. He left Canada in 1870, and located in Omaha, remaining one year, then returned to Canada. In 1878, he again left Canada, and traveled two years, in Oregon. In 1880, he located here and established business. He was married in December, 1880, to Agnes Kirby. of Lawler, and they have one child, Mary E.

J. J. Clemmer, M. D., Druggist, Cresco, Ia.; was born in Fayette county, Penn., in 1834, and the son of Jasper and Delilah, Clemmer, who in 1850 removed to Green county, Wis., where he remained until 1856; in which year he came to this county, and state. He graduated in the class of '56; from the eclectic medical institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, and commenced the practice of medicine in the same year, he etablished the first drug store in the county, at New Oergon, in 1860. He removed his stock to Cresco, in 1866, when the town was first located on the railroad.

J. G. Doan, dealer in hardware, etc., business established. ins 1870; was born in Canada in 1829, and is the son of Mathew and Magdaline Doan. They came to the United States,, when he was two years old, and settled in Cass county, Mich.,, where he grew to manhood. He lived in Wis., a short time, and then came to Iowa, locating first in Fayette county. In 1870, he came to Cresco, and established business. He married Mary A. Blakesley, and their children, are, Walter E., Harriet M., Fred M. and Frank M.

Geo. Morse, dealer in agricultural implements, established business in '77. He was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1817, and is the son of Charles and Sophia Morse. His parents moved, in his infaney, to Connecticut, where he grew to manhood. In 1843, he went to Syracuse, N. Y., remaining one year, then to Cass county, Mich.; he came to Howard county, Ia., in 1856, and settled on a farm in Oregen township, remaining sixteen years. In 1872 he came to Cresco, and has been in various business enterprises, previous to establishing his present business. He married Miss Dewanner Clowes; their children are Franklin, Horace G., George A. and Dewanner E.

A. A. Eddy, physican and surgeon, Cresco, Ia.; born in Vermont, in 1843, and is the son of J. H. and Celecta Eddy, who, when he was eleven years old, came to Iowa, and settled in Freemont township, Winnesheik county, where he received a common school education. He entered the Chicago medical college, and graduated with the class of '80, and immediately commenced the practice of medicines. He married Euzetta Town, a native of Ohio; their children are S. J., W. E. and W. G.

John McNamara, retired; was born in Ballycorry, one mile from Enis, county, Clare Ireland, in March, 1814. He is the tenth son of Thomas and Mary McNarmara. He immigrated to America, when twenty-five years old, and settled in Washington connty, N. Y.; lived there four years, then removed to Saratoga county N. Y., and engaged in the blacksmith business. He there six years, then went to New York city and engaged with the sixth avenue railroad company, and remained with them ten years; from there; he removevd to Philadelphia, Pa.; from there to Cincinnatti, Ohio. In '64, removed to Illinois, and lived there one year and eight months. For eight months he acted as delivery clerk in a lumbar yard; also worked in the north side rolling mills, for five months, In '67, moved to Decorah, Ia., and after a residence of five months, remvoved to Howard county, and has lived there ever since. He was married in '44, to Miss Mary Cullen, a native of Ireland; has had five children-Mary A., who is now Sister Mary Rose, in a convent, in Pennsylvania; Thos. P., a resident of New York; Eliza J., Susan J. and Sarah; the latter three deceased. He enlisted in '61, as a private, in the twenty-ninth Pennsylvania volunteer infantry under Col. J. K. Murphy; first saw service in the battle of Balls Bluff, also participated in the battles of Antietom, Fredericksburg, Chancelorsville and Gettysbairgh; was then transferred to the army of the Cumberland, and participated in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Pea Ridge and Taylors Ridge. He afterwards accompanied Sherman in his memorable march to the sea, and was honorably discharged at Chattanooga, Tenn. Mr. Mc-Namara left New York and went to Philadelphia, to enlist, leaving a salary of $1,500 a year.

S. M. Willman, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born in '19, at Litchfield, Conn., and is the second son of Joseph and Deborah Wild-man. His parents moved to Genesee county, N. Y., when he was four years old, and lived there twenty-two years; moved to Rock county, Wis. After a residence of twenty-seven years in that state, he removed to Howard county, Ia., where he owns 100 acres of land in the above township, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. W. has been a member of the county board of supervisors; he has also held other offices in the township and county. He was married in '48, to Miss Adeline Wheeler, of N. Y. Their children are, Egbert B., Albert M., Wilber A., Clara and Fred.

John B. Stevens, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born in Belgium in 1822, and in '59 he came to the United States. After a residence of thirteen years in Wis., he went to St. Louis, Mo., and then to New Orleans, La., afterwards returning to Milwaukee, Wis., and finaly to Howard county, Ia., in '58. He was married in the following year, to Miss Mary Price; their children, are, Adolph, Albert, William, Theodore, John; Frank, Sophia and Ada. Mr. Stevens owns eighty acres of land in section 3, valued at $25 per acre.

Ransom White, farmer, P. O. Cresco, born in Franklin county, N. Y., in 1854, and is the fifth son of Alexis and Emily White. His parents moved in his infancy to Fayette county Ia., and after residing there one year, they moved to Lime Springs in this county, remaining four years, then to Vernon Springs township, where he now resides, and owns 160 acres of land in sections 18 and 19, valued at $20 per acre. He was married in '79, to. Miss Alice Eldridge, they have one child-Edna.

J. Salisbury, Miller, P. O. Cresco; operates and is part owner of the Vernon Springs flouring mills, was born in Vermont, in 1816, is the sixth son of Reuben and Mariam Salisbury. When he was six years old, his parents left Vermont, and moved to Oswego county, N. Y., he lived there, and in Jefferson county in the same state, until 1857, then went to Dubuque, Ia., and lived there and in Deleware counties until '71, when he came to Howard county, and purchased the above named mills of J. I. Case, of Racine, Wis. Mr. Salisbury was married in '39, to Miss Margaret Ding-man, a native of New York; has five children, Adeline, Henry C., Dewitt L., Imogene and Fred. He enlisted at Dubuque, in '64, in the forty-sixth Iowa infantry, Col. Henderson commanding, and was stationed at Collinsville; was discharged September, '64.

Lathrop E. Smith, editor, Cresco; born in 1837, in Upper Canada; moved with his parents, to Beloit, Wis., in '46. Learned the printer's trade and a attended the public schools and college, at Beloit; was married in 1863, to Minerva Noble, of that place. Since his school days, excepting about four years spent on a farm, for health, he has been continually in the newspaper business. While in college he was one of the editors of the College Monthly. He stepped from that to an editorial and proprietary interest in the Beloit Journal, the office in which he learned his trade. Dui-in the war at the solicitation of members of the Union League, he established the Standard, a radical republican paper, in the strongly democratic town of Burlington, Wis. Mr. Smith moved to Cresco, Iowa, in April, '73, since which time he has been sole editor and proprietor of the Howard County Times. Mr. Smith was one of early republicans, and all of his papers have been exponents of the party, liberal and progressive. He has always taken especial interest in educational matters, and is now serving his fourth term as president of the Cresco school board. He is actively identified with temperance and other reformatory works; and has prospered in all his business enterprises.

W. R. Mead, editor, Cresco. The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Mayfield, Montgomery county, N. Y., July 22, 1824. When eight years of age, he removed to Chautauqua county, N. Y., with his parents, residing there until the fall of '53. At the time of their settlement in Chautauqua county, it was nearly one unbroken wilderness, without roads, inhabitants or school houses, and at no time, during the minority of the subject of this sketch, did he reside nearer than within three miles of a public school. These years, were nearly all spent upon the farm of his father in the town of Busti, now owned and occupied by two of his brothers. All his early opportunities for an education were obtained from the instruction of his father, and from access to a neighboring library, of choice selected works. At the age or seven-teen years, he began the duties of a pedagougue, in a district school, in Warren county, Penn. In this role, several years succeeding were occupied, with intervals each fall at the village academy, in Jamestown. The period occupied in teaching, much of which was in one particular school, his evenings were occupied in reading law, and in conducting the editorial columns of the northern citizen, a newspaper conducted in the interest of Hon. Reuben E. Fenton, before he had that prefix, and which vocation he continued until after the democrats had elected Mr. Fenton to congress, in 1852. At about this time he was admitted as an attorney and counselor at law. In 1853 he removed to Beloit, Wis., and in 1854, to Dubuque, Iowa, where, until the fall of 1857, he was a writer on the Daily North West. In November of that year he changed his residence to Howard county, locating at New Oregon, and engaging in the practice of law. At about this time he was admitted to practica in, the supreme court of the state. in 1859, in company with his brother, F. J. Mead, he became a proprietor in, and editor of, the Iowa Plain Dealer, at New Oregon, removing to Cresco with his business in 1867, and still continuing as editor and joint proprietcr in the Plain Dealer. In 1872 he sold out his law business and library, confining his time, and attention, solely to the newspaper business. He has never held any public office; never sought one, and has uniformly declined proffers of personal and political friends in that direction.

Hon. John McHugh, the subject of this sketch is the eldest son of P. McHugh and Anna Walker. He was born near Lindsay, Ontario-then Upper Canada-December 23, 1842. He was born on the farm upon which his mother grew to womanhood, and in the same neighborhood where his father spent his boyhood days. In early life, Mr. McHugh, shared all the toil and hardships incidental to farm life, and was equally at home at the handles of the plow, swinging an axe, grain cradle, or tending stock. In July, 1,863, he married Miss Margaret Falvey, and the November following he left the farm, to accept the position of governor of the county gaol, obtained through the influence of his father, who was then warden of the county. In 1866 he was smitten with the western fever, and resigned his position, to come west. In June, 1867, having rented his farm property, which he still owns, he bade good-bye to Canada, and started for Dubuque, where he remained a few months, an not finding a position to suit him, he moved up to McGregor, and soon after entered the employ of W. & J. Flemming, of lumber fame. He spent one year as foreman of their extensive yard, when the firm, recognizing his value, sent him to take charge of their interests at Lawler, in the adjoining county of Chickasaw. This was in the spring of 1870, and during the next five years Mr. McHugh filled the various offices of town-ship trustee, school director, recorder, and mayor. In the fall of 1875 the republican party of Chickasaw county, anxious to redeem the legislative wing of their ticket from the democrats, who had controlled it for the two preceeding terms, nominated Mr. McHugh, who was elected by over 400 majority, notwithstanding the rest of the republican ticket was defeated by an average majority of about 400. The same fall he started the bank of Lawler, in company with D. R. Kerby, who still conducts it. In November, 1877, he opened the Howard county bank, at Cresco, which he still continues to operate. He is also the proprietor of the celebrated Kendallville roller mills, where he keeps a herd of short horn cattle, that have a reputation among stock men throughout north-eastern Iowa. He is an enthusiastic stock man, and is credited with knowing much more about the business than men in his business usually do. In religion Mr. McHugh is a strict Roman Cathotic, though exceedingly liberal toward other denominations, as might be expected from a gentleman of culture and reading. In temperance he is a most exemplary follower of Father Mathew, and believes in the "taste not, touch not, handle not" doctrine, of the world renowned apostle, yet Mr. McHugh is not a "legal" temperance man, and took decided grounds against the constitutional amendment. In polities he is a firm believer in republican principles, and has voted with the party since he cast his first ballot. He is not so partizan a politician, however, as to close his eyes to the mistakes of his party, and takes strong ground against the evil tendencies of corporate power, under various forms, and disguises. He is an active and aggressive worker in politics, or business, and devotes nearly all his time to work or study of some sort. He has the reputation of being an accomplished speaker, and ever ready in debate. He is a warm friend, and a most enthusiastic enemy. His family consists of one daughter, a most accomplished young lady, in her eighteenth year, and two sons, aged five and nine years.

Aaron Kimball, banker, Cresco; was born in the city of New York, in 1836, and is the son of Thomas D. and Mary A. Young Kimball. His father was a native of the state of New Jersey, his mother of New York. While quite small, in 1837, his parents removed to Elkhart county, Indiana, where he resided until 1857. Here he was raised upon a farm, going to the usual district school, when the duties of home allowed it. But nature had implanted in his breast an ambition for nobler fields, and he, by assiduous study, fitted himself for and entered Ontario academy, at Ontario, Indiana. The talents developed by the young man, while here,. determined his future life, and to fit himself for it, he resolved upon a collegiate education. Entering the Michigan university, at Ann Arbor, he pursued the same course that had gained him so much credit in his academic career, and graduated with honor in the fullness of time. After his college days were ended, and previous to his coming west, he taught school for some little time. Feeling the want of a proper field, on which to display his talents, young Kimball determined upon going west, and accordingly, in 1857, came to Howard county, locating on a farm about one and a half miles from Cresco. Here he continued to reside, until 1864, when he was elected clerk of the courts, and afterwards as member of the board of supervisors of the county. These two position he held four years to the satisfaction of the people. In 1869, on his retirement from these offices, he removed to Cresco, and established the banking house of Kimball & Farnsworth, which has enjoyed the continued existence to the present time, merited by the strict integrity and financial ability, with which it is conducted. In 1877 Mr. Kimball was elected to the state senate, from the senatorial district composed of Howard, Chickasaw and Bremer counties. At the first session, at which he was present, he was placed on the most important committees of that body, viz : Ways and means, and retrenchment. The committees have the credit of accomplishing a direct reduction of the state expenses, about $100,000 per annum. In the second session he was appointed on several other committees, and chairman of committee for the supression of intemperance, and with several others, succeeded in the passage of the bill for the enactment of the prohibitory amendment to the constitution. Mr. Kimball was the chairman of the state temperance association for the three years past, and is at the present writing in that position. This association organized the temperance work in the state for the amendment, which culminated on June 27, 1882, in the overwhelming majority of 30,000, in favor of the prohibition. Mr. Kimball has been married twice, the first time, in August, 1858, to Miss Irene S. Kelley, of New Bedford, Mass. This lady died in August, 1870, leaving one daughter, Mary A. His second marriage was to Miss Emma W. Laird, of Indianapolis, Ind., and has been blessed by the advent of three children, Lois C., Ruth L., and Alice W. The Kimball family were from the puritan stock of Massachusetts, and of English decent, but on his mothers' side Mr. Kimball can lay claim to. part French blood, his maternal grandmother being Miss Julia De Kay, and of that nation.

FOREST CITY TOWNSHIP.

L. H. Van Niman, farmer; owns eighty acres in section twenty-two, Forest City township; was born in 1827, in Wayne county, Ohio; lived in Ohio until 1856; engaged the principal part of the time at Farmers Centee, as engineer. In 1856 he came to Iowa, settling where he now resides; he afterwards- bought one hundred and forty-eight acres of land, being a fractional quarter, which he sold soon after. He thoroughly improved the eighty; built a good substantial log house, which they still occupy. In the spring of 1857, he was employed by A. W. Rice & Co., in the erection of a saw mill, at Foreston. In the fall of 1879, he went to Lime Springs, and took charge of "Stones hotel," which he con-ducted until burnt out, September 15, 1880. Three stores, three barns, and a quantity of other property were destroyed. He re-turned to the farm, where he has remained ever since. He was married May 9, 1852, to Miss Angeline Durham, and they have six children, Orintha, Virgil K., Ella, Addie, John, and Angeline. He is a member of Howard lodge, No. 214, A. F. and A. M.

P. C. Howe, farmer; was born in 1838, in Kent, England, and came with his parents to the United States, in 1842. They settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, where they farmed until 1851; then came to Iowa, and located a claim of 120 acres, near the Old Mission, in Winnesheik county. In 1856 they sold out, and came to this county, bought 160 acres in Albion township, where they still reside. He enlisted in July, 1863, at Foreston, in the seventh Iowa cavalry, under Capt. O'Brien, and was discharged November 25, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa. Then returned to Albion township, and farmed until 1868. He then came to this township, where he has since resided. He has for some time been connected with Geo. Van Leuven, in the pension business. He has filled the office of justice of the peace, and trustee, several terms, and is at present township clerk, which office he has filled for the last eight years. He is a member of Howard lodge, No. 214, A. F. and A. M. He was married in 1860, at Granger, Minn., to Miss Mellisa Hawkins, and they have five children, Chas. W., Lillian C., Franklyn H., Jessie E. and Phillip S.

James D. Brown, agent for C., M. & St. P. railroad, Lime Springs, was born in Le Clair, Scott county, Iowa, in 1846. His parents came to this county, in 1857, and settled at Vernon Springs. His father is a minister of the Baptist denomination, and took charge of the church then. In 1869 he came to this place, where he has since resided. In 1867 Jas. D. was employed by the railroad company, in the engineering corps, and in 1873 took charge of this station. He lived one year in Owatonna, Minn., where he was engaged as operator; was married in this place, in 1874, to Miss Ella Dye; they have two children, Vinnie, and George. Is a member of A. F. and A. M., A. O. U. W., and I. L. of H.

James McGregor, farmer; owns about 500 acres near Lime Springs; was born in Rothshire, Scotland, in 1822; he farmed and was also engaged in blasting in the granite quarries. In 1849 he came to the United States, settling in Dodge county, Wis., remaining two years. In 1857 he came to Lime Springs, Iowa, and bought eighty acres of land, improved the same, and since that time has purchased the rest; he now owns something over 500 acres. In 1863 he met with a serious accident, while out gunning, by which he lost his right arm. He was married in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1856, to Miss Rebecca Ross.

Charles Gorst, M. D., Lime Springs, Iowa; was born in Dane county, Wis., in 1853; receiving his preparatory education at Mazo Manie, in that county. In 1876 he entered the medical college, at Keokuk, Iowa, and remained three years, graduating at the close of the session of 1879, when he came to this place and commenced practice; he opened his office over Brown & White's drug store, and established a successful And lucrative practice. In October, 1882, he formed a partnership with Dr. J. W. Read, the only other physician in the town. Dr. G. was married on the 12th day of January, '81, at Black Earth, Dane county, Wis., to Miss Mary E. Dockham.

O. A. Anderberg, proprietor of the billiard parlors and sample-rooms, Lime Springs, was born in Sweden, in 1845, and came to the United States in '70, residing in South Carolina for six months, then in Virginia four years. In 1874 he came to this place, and established his present business; owns and occupies a building on Main street; keeps choice brands of native wines, cigars, and beer. Has a well filled bar, and good billiard, table; was married in Sweden, in 1868, to Miss Annie Larson, and they have five children, three boys and two girls.

N. Thompson, dealer in groceries, Lime Springs, Iowa; was born in '37, in Norway; came to the United States in the summer of '53, and lived in Chicago for two years, then to Leelenaw county, Mich., working in the wood yards, supplying the steamers on the-lake, for fifteen years. In '72 be came to this place and established his present businees. He Owns and occupies a building in the center of town, and carries a large and well assorted stock of staple and fancy groceries. He also owns considerable real estate in this vicinity, 160 acres in this township and county, and eighty acres in Minnesota, across the line, the land all adjoining, and is well improved. He was married in '79, in Chicago, to Miss Oleson.

Hiram P. Marsh was born in Onandaga county, N. Y., March 15, '30; moved to McHenry county, Ill., in '49; he learned, the trade of machinist, and worked in Chicago several years; 1856 he came to this place and located; he erected the first dwelling here. In partnership with S. S. Lambert he conducted the first lumber yard in the town; sold out in '76, and conducted a hard-ware business, in partnership with Joseph Knowlton, two years. He owns considerable valuable real estate in this vicinity. Has been mayor of this city three terms; was married the fall of '60', at this place, to Anna Knowlton; they have one daughter, Dellie.

L. Hurley, farmer, Lime Springs; was born in Wabash county, Indiana, in 1844, and came to Winnesheik county, Iowa, in 1853, settling first at the Old Mission, where he remained one year, then came to this county with his father, who pre-empted 160 acres in Foreston township. With his brother, Robert, he enlisted in the ninth Iowa infantry, company I, September 2, 1861, at Dubuque, under Capt. J. H. Powers, and served in eighteen hard fought battles. His brother met his death at the storming of Vicksburg, and was buried in the same grave with Alonzo Van Leuven,. of company H, of the same regiment, and a former citizen of this. township. Chas. H. Hurley, father of L. and R., enlisted in company B, seventh Iowa infantry, and died at Galiton Station, Tex. L. H. was discharged September, 1864, at East Point, Ga., and returned to this county. Is a member of the A. F. and A. M., Howard lodge, No. 214.

M. L. McNally, grain dealer; agent for Bassett, Hunting & Co., of McGregor; was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1855; his parents camp to Chickasaw county, Ia., in '58, settling in Utica township, and were among the pioneers; he was in the grain business at Lawler, for several years, previous to coming to this place, and in '80, came to Lime Springs, and took charge of the above business. They run the Elliot elevator, near the depot, with a capacity of 20,000 bushels. Size 30x32, fitted with an eight horse power engine, and employ two men. He was married in 16, at Lawler to Miss Annie Farrell, and they have two children-Loretta, and Charles.

W. F. Daniels, mayor of Lime Springs, and proprietor of a restaurant and grocery, was born in Canada West, in 1826. His parents moved to Wayne county, Mich., in his childhood, and lived on a farm. In '44 he went to South Bend, Ind., remaining one year, and then spent two years in Beloit, Wis. Thence to Harrison Winnebago county, Ill., and engaged in milling; he erected a saw mill and grist mill, in partnership with his brothers; he sold the mill, and went to Freeport, Ill., and was engaged on rail-road work, having a grading contract, on the Ill. Cent'l. R. R.; he afterwards moved to Forreston, Ill., and later to Morrison, Ill., then a new town, and in '56, to this county and state, first settling at Forreston, and building a mill there, which was the first one put in operation, in the county, selling out in '71, he came to this place, and went into the furniture business, and in '73 established his present business. Mr. D. was elected coroner, in '58, and served one term. In March, '82, he was elected mayor of the city, and in the fall following, justice of the peace; he is a member of Howard lodge-A. F. & A. M.; was married in '48, at Harrison, Ill., to Miss Mary Preston and their children are, W. P., now conductor on B., C. R. & N. R. R., also secretary and. treasurer of railroad conductors association. Nelse E., conductor on Mexican Central railroad; Harry, conductor on N. P. R. R.; Helen J. and Kate.

A. P. Hewett, proprieter of the Hewett house, also carpenter and builder, Lime Springs; was born in Geauga county, Ohio, in 1830. In '44 his parents moved to Greenlake county, Wis.; he then learned the trade of carriage maker. In '53, he came to Iowa and marked a claim in section 20, this township and county, then newly surveyed, and as yet unorganized; he remained only six weeks, then returned to Wisconsin and two years later came here, and settled and commenced improving the land. He located the farm now owned by George Drake; he only remained one year, the winter being too severe, and the comforts of the west, too scarce to enable him to stand the pressure; he then returned with his family to Wisconsin, and worked at his trade, until '61, then enlisted at Fon du Lac, Wis., in the third Wisconsin regimental band, under Col. Hamilton, afterwards Gen. Hamilton; he was in the service thirteen months, and participated in several engagements; he was discharged at Madison, Wis., August 13, '62, being mustered out on account of physical disability; he then returned to Wisconsin, and worked at his trade, at Kingston, until April, '75, and again came to Iowa, locating in the new town of Lime Springs, and established business as carpenter and builder; he built a residence, at that time and in '79, added to it, completing what is now known as the Hewett house, which is the leading hotel in the city, and a first-class house in every particular. Mr. and Mrs. Hewett, having the pleasant faculty of making all guests comfortable and at home, doing away with the stiffness of hotel life. M. H. carries on an extensive business as carpenter and builder, and many of the best residences in the town and vicinity, and southern Minnesota, are standing mounments of his labor and skill. He is a member in good standing of Howard lodge, No. 214, A. F. & A. 117., also I. 0.0. F. He was married in January '62, at Kingston, Wis., to Kate Knowlton, and their, children are, Frank, Edith, Nellie and Charles. The oldest Frank, is a musician of great noteriety and is now traveling in the old world. He traveled several years with various first-class troupes, and in August, '79, organized a company in Melbourn, Australia, which he called the Hewett musettes, which met with great success, in Australia, New Zealend and the East Indies, and are now in Africa, filling an engagements in the colonies, and expect to reach America during the summer of 1883.

Rev. Richard Isaac, of the Welch Calvanistic Methodist church, Lime Springs, Iowa; was born in Wales, in 1821; and came to the United States in '43; settling first in Trenton, N. Y., working principaly at his trade-blacksmithing; he entered the ministry at Utica, N. Y., in '52, and took charge of the church at Collinsville, Lewis county, N. Y., in '57 remaining with that charge eleven years altogether. In '74 he came to Iowa, and settled first at Foreston, where he had charge of the Welch church one year, he now preaches at various places in the neighborhood, Lime Springs Saratoga and Foreston, in Iowa, and Bristol Grove in Minnesota; he resides one mile east of Lime Springs, where he owns forty acres of fine land, well improved having an elegant residence.. He has been twice married, the first in '41, in Wales, wife deceased; second time in '76, at Lime Springs to Mrs Ann Lewis.

S. A. Miller, of W. P. Miller & Son, hardware dealers, and proprietors of the Lime Springs livery; was born in Clinton county, N. Y., March 19, '40. His parents moved to McGregor, Ia., in '48, and settled on government land near that place. In August, '62, he enlisted at Farmersburg, Clinton county, Ia., in the 27th Ia. volunteer infantry, company E., under Capt. Dripps, was in engagements at Corinth, Little Rock, Red River, and Fort Blakely; he was discharged in August '65, and mustered out at Clinton, Ia.; he returned to McGregor and engaged in the grocery business, there for one year. Then came to this place and bought property and established the livery business and in '79, established the hardware business, with his father, W. P. Miller, occupying build-on Main street; they carry a large stock of hardware, tinware, stoves, etc. The livery stable is located on Willard street, and is 24x40 with additional stables on sides, it accomodates fourteen horses-they use ten horses, and rigs for livery purposes, and are doing a flourishing business. Mr. Miller has been deputy sheriff, for several years, and has been city marshal since the town was incorporated, in '76. He was married in '65 at McGregor, to Miss Mary Biffie, and have three children; he is a member of Howard lodge-A. F. & A. M., No. 214.

Henry C. Hawkins, farmer, P. O. Lime Springs; was born in Johnson co., Iowa, 1843; his parents moved to Michigan two years later, and returned to Iowa in the fall of 1855, locating in this township, and pre-empted land. Henry C. enlisted September, 1861, at Columbus City, Louisa county, Iowa, in the eleventh Iowa infantry, company C, served three years and nine months, and was discharged in July, 1865. He resides on a farm five miles from the village of Lime Springs; he was married in 1866, at New Oregon, to Miss Howe, and they have six children, four boys and two girls.

P. C. Sanborn, farmer, P. O. Lime Springs; owns 160 acres of land in sect. 27, Forest City township; was born in 1825, at Barnestown, Canada East. His parents came to the United States when he was seventeen years of age, and settled in Dodge county, Wis., where he remained twenty-four years. He then came to this county and township, and bought an improved farm, which he sold the following year, and bought the land he now owns, which is one of the finest farms in the township, being thoroughly improved, with a fine residence and extensive barns, good groves set out, and large quantities of stock. He was married, in 1850, in Dodge county, Wis., to Betsey A. White, of the same place; they have six children.

J. B. Williams, blacksmith; business established in 1869; was born in North Wales, in 1844; his parents came to the United States when he was a boy; they settled in Lehigh county, Penn., and resided there four years; then removed to Columbia county, Wis., learning his trade in Cambria, in that county, and remaining there about eighteen years. In 1869 he came to Iowa, located in this town, and established business. His shop is located in the center of town, employing a competent workman and doing a flourishing business, in shoeing and general repairing; was married in 1868, in Madison, Wis., to Miss Whiting; they have two. children.

W. R. Jones, miller; born in North Wales, in 1836; came to the United States with his parents in 1840, and settled first on Long Island, afterwards in New York city, and about 1850 went to Wisconsin, and engaged in farming. In 1866 he moved to Minnesota, and in 1876, to Lime Springs , Iowa. In February, 1880, he formed the present partnership, and conducts the feed store, in connection with the mill, on Main street. Married in 1861, in Wisconsin, to Miss Winifred Jones; they have three children, Levi, Gwylen, and Marianna. Is a member of Howard lodge, No. 214, A. F. and A. M.

H. R. Shumway, farmer, P. O. Lime Springs; born in Lewis co., N. Y., in 1840, where he resided until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the fifth New York artillery, company I, and was discharged, at Harpers Ferry, in June, 1865. In the following spring he came to Winnesheik county, Iowa, bought land, sold out and moved to this township, where he has since resided. He owns eighty acres of land near Cresco; was married, in 1864, in New York, to Miss Celia A. McCarty; they have four children, three boys and one girl.

A. E. Marsh, proprietor of the Central house, Lime Springs; born in Elgin, Ill., in 1845. In 1856 his parents came to this county and were among its earliest settlers. In 1868 he established a drug business in the old town of Lime Springs, and in 1872 moved to the new town; he sold out to Brown & White, in February, 1878, and then engaged in the machine business, and in October, 1881, took charge of the Central house, which he has since conducted. It is centrally located, thoroughly fitted, and well patronized. Mr. Marsh was married, in 1872, at Randolph, Wis., to Hattie Stalker; they have two children, E. S., and L. J.

A. M. Van Leuven, attorney at law; was born January 25, 1833, in Schoharie county, N. Y., and came to this county in September, 1858, where he farmed until 18'12; then engaged in the general merchandise business in the old town of Lime Springs, in which he continued three years; the store was burglarised one night in, September, 1873, to the amount of $1,200, by some men with two teams; they loaded the goods and decamped; no track ever being obtained of them. He suspended business shortly after; studied, law in New York, and was admitted there under Judge Wright. and practiced until coming west. After discontinuing business he; opened an office here, and is the only resident attorney in the. town. He was married, in 1861, at Lime Springs, to Georgian& Marsh; their children are, Stella, Edwin, Clarence, Helen, and. Albert.

White Bros., druggists, Lime Springs; business established Jan-nary, 1877, by Brown & White. Perry G. White, the senior member of the above firm, was born in Franklin county, N. Y., 1848; Ms parents came to Iowa, in 1855, settling in this county, and pre-empted land two and a half miles northwest of the present new town of Lime Springs. In 1871 he entered the employ of Read & Van Leuven, druggists, remaining with them untill Jan, wary, 1877; then formed partnership with J. D. and W. C. Brown, in his present business; Mr. W. taking charge of and conducting the same, until September, 1882, when in partnership with his brother, Emory O., they purchased the interest of the Browns. They occupy a room, 22x40 feet, with a ware room attached; carrying a Complete line of drugs, paints, oils, stationery, jewelry, watches, and clocks; also deal extensively in musical instruments. Mr. W. is a member of A. Q. U. W., A. F. and A. M., and I. L. of It, Lime Springs; was married April, 1877, at this place, to Kate, Daniels; they have one son, Harry Clyde.

Emory O. White, the junior member of the above firm, was born in 1857, in this county, and resided on a farm, with his parents, until he formed present partnership; was married, September 28, 1882, to Nellie Bishop.

Napoleon Bonaparte Moulton, merchant, Lime Springs, (old town), was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., 1815; removed with his parents to Grafton county, N. H., remaining one year, and in the spring of 1833, came west, and settled in Indiana, remaining two years. Thence to Henderson county, Ill., then the western frontier, remaining there twelve years. He came across the river, into Iowa, at the time of settling in Illinois, and found it a dense wilderness; Indians plentiful, and no settlement, except at rare intervals, along the Mississippi river. They crossed the river above Muscatine; at that place they found one white man, an Indian trader; they went to Burlington, and found only seven families in what is now a flourishing city. After exploring for some time, they returned to Henderson county, Illinois, where he lived twelve years. In July, 1861, he came to Iowa, settling at this place . At that time there was one hotel, two small stores, grist and saw mill, and blacksmith shop, in the place. In the following September he opened business, with a stock of general merchandise. Bought the stock and building of A. D. C. Knowlton; the building was very small. All goods were hauled from McGregor. He sold out in 1869, remaining out of business three years, and built a residence. Then bought building he now occupies, and reopened business. Carries a complete stock of general merchandise, and enjoys a good trade. He was married in 1837, in Illinois, to Miss Laura M. Brunson, and they have two children, J. N. Moulton, of Oswego, N. Y., and Fannie J.

A. Knowlton, dealer in groceries, Lime Springs; established business May 1882. He was born in Watertown, Wis., 1845; his parents moved the following year to Marquette county, Wis., farming there nine years; thence to this county, in 1855, and was a pioneer settler, his nearest neighbor being ten miles distant. They took up government land, by pre-emption. He enlisted in October, 1861, at this place, in the ninth Iowa volunteer infantry, company H, wider Capt. Moore, and was discharged in 1865, at Clinton, Iowa; he was with the Generals Curtis, Grant, and Hooker, and with Sherman in his march to the sea; was in sixty-five engagements; he returned to this place after being discharged, and farmed until 1874, then went in the hardware business. for two years, after which time he sold to W. P. Miller & Son. Then went into the agricultural business three years, and after remaining out of business two years, established his present business, on Main street. He carries groceries, exclusively, and enjoys a good business. He is a member of the Howard lodge, No. 214, A. F. and A. M.; was married, in 1868, at this place, to Miss Van Leuven; they have one son, Ralph R.

R. J. Roberts, farmer, P. O. Lime, Springs; owns 163 acres of land in Forest City township; was born in North Wales, in 1833, and came to the United States in 1843, with parents. They settled first in Lewis county, N. Y., where R. J. was in the mercantile business for several years. In 1868 he came to this county, having purchased the land two years previous. The land is thoroughly improved, and has a fine residence; is one of the finest stock farms in Howard county, and is well stocked. Mr. Roberts is a prominent citizen, and has filled many offices of trust in his township. He was married in December, 1859, to Margaret E. Lewis, also a native of North Wales, who came to the United States at the same time Mr. R. did. They had one child, R. Clinton Roberts, who died in December, 1874, aged fifteen years.

Oscar Chesebro, farmer, P. O. Lime Springs; owns 240 acres of land in northeast quarter and north half of southwest quarter section twenty, Forest City township, Howard county; was born in 1830, at Truxton, Courtland county, N. Y.; his parents moved to Kane county, Illinois, in 1836. In 1855 he came to Iowa, and selected a pre-emption of 160 acres, in this township. He since purchased the rest, and opened the first farm in the township; only four families settling earlier than he; at the time of his settlement there was no town west nearer than LeRoy, Minn. The land is mostly improved, and about fifty acres in young timber. He served as deputy under Sheriff Lowery, during '80 and '81, and has filled many offices in the township. Mr. Chesebro was married in Kane county, Illinois, in 1853, to Mary Knowton, and their children are, George, Lelia, Sarah, Emily (deceased), Ida, and Ralph.

James F. Borthwick, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Lime Springs; owns 320 acres in section ten, all thoroughly improved, and valued at $25 per acre. Mr. B. was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1829, and was married to Miss Sarah A. Crocker, in 1,853; their children are, Fred C., George A., and Frank A. He came to Iowa, and located in Howard county in the spring of 1866.

Denis Conery, farmer, P. O. Howard Center; is the son of William and Mary Conery, and was born in county Limerick, Ireland, in 1850. In 1853 his parents came to America, and located where he now resides. His father died in February, 1879, leaving the widow to the care of her son, with whom she still lives. Mr. C. owns 160 acres of land in Howard Center township.

Thomas Daws, farmer and dairyman, P. O. Davis Corners; is a native of Sussex, England, and was married in 1862, to Sarah Rogers, a native of New York; their children are Sarah J., Rettia L., Fred. C., Frank and Guy. Mr. D. served during the late rebellion as private in company G., forty-sixth Illinois volunteers. He now operates an extensive dairy farm, thoroughly stocked and well fitted for stock and dairy purposes.

John W. Dell, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born in New Jersey, in 1854, and came to this county in 1858, with his father, who resides now in Paris township. Mr. Dell owns a farm of eighty acres, valued at $20 per acre, in Howard Center township, where he now resides.

Wirt. G. Daws, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in,1858. His parents moved to this county in the following year; his father served in the northern ranks, during the late rebellion, and died at Houston, Texas, of disease contracted during service. Mr. Davis owns 180 acres in section 25.

Ira Eldridge, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 180 acres in section 36; was born in New Jersey, January 23, 1814; was married to Eliza A. Carleton, in 1840, and removed to Iowa in 1855; he resided in the village of Howard Center, one year, and then moved to the farm, on which he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge were among the earliest settlers in the township; their children are, Chas. H., Olive C., Mary A., Alice S., Irene E., Elton M., Edward C., and Mattie B., and two sons and one daughter deceased.

George J. Ferrie, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born in New York, in 1850, and was married in February, 1876, to Catherine Miller, a native of Pennsylvania; their children are, Alfred J. and Maggie E. He removed to Iowa, locating in this county, in 1868, and now owns eighty acres of land.

Thomas Grellier, farmer, P. O. Howard Center, is a native of England, and immigrated to the United States, in 1846; settled on his present farm, in Howard Center township, in '56, where he owns eighty acres of land.

Leo J. Glass, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 160 acres in section 88, valued at $20 per acre; all thoroughly improved and fitted for stock purposes. In the fall of '82 he suffered a severe loss by fire, losing seventy-five tons of hay, good stables, a large quantity of agricultural implements, one horse, and a granary with its con-tents, which were only partly insured. Mr. Glass is a native of Pennsylvania, and was married, in '76, to Mary Ferric; their children are, Wm. A., and Raymond.

David C. Garver, farmer and justice of the peace, P. O. Lime Springs; owns 160 acres in section 8, all thoroughly improved, and worth $20 per acre. He is the son of Anthony and Elizabeth Garver, and was married in 1867, to Elizabeth Thurber. He came to Iowa, in '53, and located in Winnesheik county; in '55 he removed to Howard county, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. He served during the late rebellion, in company I, ninth Iowa volunteers, having enlisted in 1861; was promoted to corporal, and served four years; his health being severely impaired during service, he receives a pension from the government. S. and. Adaline Thurber, the parents of Mrs. Garver, were among the earliest settlers of this county. Mr. Thurber is now a member of the prominent grocery firm of H. B. &. F. B. Thurber, of New York city. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Garver are, Addie E., Eugenia M., Charles T., Sarah J., and David C.

Mrs. Irene G. White, P. O. Lime Springs; owns 160 acres in section 3. Mrs. White is a native of New York, having been born, in Erie county, in 1842. She was married, in 1859, to E. A. Galloway, who served during the late rebellion, enlisting in company K, thirty-sixth Wisconsin volunteers; he was promoted to captain, and received his death wounds at Gettysburg, while leading his company. Mrs. White remained a widow, until '70, and was then married to Warren White, who is now interested in the mines of New Mexico. Mrs. W.'s maiden name was Drake, and she was educated at the "Seventh Day Baptist seminary," in Wisconsin; she is lady of fine literary talent, and is a regular correspondent to the Chicago Inter Ocean, Iowa Homestead, Dairy and Farm, of West Liberty, Iowa, and the Howard county Times, of Cresco, Iowa. She also wrote a history of Howard county, in which she displayed good talent, and a thorough acquaintance with the early history, and the general adaptability of the land, geological and agricultural resources of the county. The work was exhibited at the county fair, in the fall of '79, and was awarded the sum of $5. Mrs. W. has also written a number of poems, which have received deservedly flattering compliments from the press and public.

Eli Woodard, farmer, P. O. Lime Springs; was born in the state of New York, in 1825; he was married in '52, to Mary Escoat; there children are, Joseph W., Bellsora, Jane, Emma, lizabeth Hannah, and Julia, and one daughter, deceased. In '44 Mr. W . moved his family to Oconomowoc, Wis., where he resided until the fall of '82, when he sold out and moved to Howard county, and purchased land.

Oliver G. Wanless, farmer, P. O. Lime Springs; owns 160 acres in section 5, all thoroughly improved, and fitted for stock purposes. Mr. W. was born in Virginia, in 1855; he came to Iowa with his parents in 1856, and to Howard county, in 1874, and purchased, the land he now resides on; he was married to Ora M. Galloway, November 7, 1882. Mr. Wauless is a graduate of the Upper Iowa university, of Fayette.

Patrick Wood, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 240 acres in section 36, all improved. He was born in Ireland, in 1833; was married to Ann McPhillips, in 1845, and two years later they came to the United States, stopping two years in New York, and then moving west to La Fayette county, Wis. In 1870 he removed to Howard county, Iowa, and settled on the land he now owns. His children are, Maggie A., Richard, Frank, Thomas, Joseph, William, James, Julia, and Charles.

Hermann E. Marande, farmer and miller, P. O. Davis Corners; owns 120 acres in section 20, all improved, and valued at $15 per acre, was born in Prussia, in 1848, and came to the United States in 1868, settling first in Michigan; in 1878 he removed to Iowa, and settled on the land he now owns; was married in 1870, to Augusta Stormar, and their children are, Herman F., Lewis G. and Martha E.; have lost two, Louisa, and Charles.

J. W. Woodard, farmer, P. O. Lime Springs; owns 160 acres in sec. 29; was born in Grant county., Wis., in 1858, and is the son of Eli and Mary Woodard. He purchased his farm in the fall of 1882.

Perry A. Wanless, farmer, P. O. Lime Springs; owns 240 acres in section 4, which is thoroughly improved, and valued at $25 per acre. He was born in Virginia, in 1846; came to Iowa with his parents, in 1856, and to Howard county in 1874; was married to Cynthia M. Ryal, in July, 1877; their children are Edith and Mary.

Lawrence Shields, farmer, P. O. Lime Springs; owns eighty acres, in section 10; he pre-empted land, in section 15, in this county, in 1857, which he sold, and then purchased the land he now owns. He was married to Bridget Looby, in 1864; their children are, John, Thomas, Annie, Mary, and Lawrence; two children deceased.

William H. Thayer, farmer, P. O. Bonair; owns 160 acres in section 3, which is valued at $25 per acre. He was born in Illinois in '42, and removed to this county in '56; married Maggie Richards in '68; they have one child living, Lillie E., and one deceased, Bertie L. Mr. Thayer was one of the earliest settlers in this vicinity.

Newell S. Rowlee, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born on the 20th day of March, 1844, in Ohio, and is the son of William and Cornelia Rowlee. He was married in January, 1871, to Nellie C., daughter of Amos and Polly Harris, and a native of Vermont; came to Iowa in October, '54; located first in Winnesheik county, and in '71 they removed to Howard county. In '76 he purchased the farm he now owns.

William A. Smith, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Bonair; owns 213 acres, in section 2 and 3; is a native of Vermont; was born in 1851, and is the son of Asahel and Mary Smith, with whom he now resides. His farm is well improved and stocked, and is valued at $20 per acre.

Benjamin Offen, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Bonair; owns 160 acres in section 13, also eighty acres in Albion township; all thoroughly improved and valued at $25 per acre, Mr. Offen is the son of Benjamin and Mary Offen; he was born in Kent, England, in 1828, and came to this country in 1849; and farmed in the state of New York three years, and in 1852 removed to Illinois, thence, in 1856, to this county. He was married in July, 1854, to Elizabeth A. Gray; their children are: Benjamin E., Wilkin E., and Francis G.

Albion M. Parkhurst, farmer and proprietor of hotel, P. O. Howard Center; owns 50 acres in section 24; was born in Franklin county, New York, in 1822; was married in Jefferson county, New York, to Miss C. D. Fulton, in 1846; in 1856 they removed Bremer county, Iowa, and engaged in farming; in the fall of 1861 they removed to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and conducted a hotel, until in the fall of 1865, then went to Osage, Iowa, and embarked in the same business, remaining until '68, in the spring of which year they removed to their present location, where they have since resided. Mr. P. has filled the office of postmaster about fourteen years. Mr. and Mrs. P. have two children, Daniel J., now railroad station agent at Millbank, D. T., and Hattie, F., who still resides with her parents.

J. R. Baldwin, miller and manager of the Lime Spring Mills; was born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1852; his parents came to Iowa, and settled near Castalia, in Winnesheik county, in '54; they took up government land, under the pre-emption law, and re-sided there twelve years, then moved to Allamakee county remaing ten years; thence to Osage, Mitchell county, where they still reside; he had worked at milling since he was of age, first at Wearham's mill, on the Yellow river, in Allamkee county, and in '73, came to this place, and commenced work in this mill, which was then owned by D. W. Haven, who sold to H. W. Babcock, in '79. Since '80 he has had charge of the mill and business, Mr. Babcock having other interests to attend to. Mr. Baldwin was married at Preston, Minnesota, in '79, to Elizabeth Gilbert, and their childred are Rennie and Jerome.

George M. Van Leuven, farmer, Lime Springs, (old town); was born in Rensselaerville, Albany county, New York, November 7, 1811. His parents moved later to Schoharie county, New York, where they resided until April, '56. The earlier portion of his life was spent on the farm. In '43 he commenced the study of law, and was admitted to practice in the city of Albany, under Chief Justice Ira Harris, in '48, and remaned in practice, there until '56. Then came to Iowa, and located where he now resides. At the time he settled. there was only a log house and a small store, constituting the town of Lime Springs, and only six families in this township; he took a quarter section of land under pre-emption law, situated near the new town of Lime Springs, part of the town being platted thereon. His reasons for living in the village, was to obtain school facilities; his daughter Helen, is said to have taught the first school in the county, in 1856, at this place. The school building was built the following year. The immigration in summer of '56, was very heavy, and there were fifty-six votes cast for John C. Freemont, in this township. The winter of '56 and 7 was very severe; several person being frozen to death. Mr. Van L. has continued the practice of law, until the last few years. He was married in '32, at Conesville, New York, to Lucy A. Ryder, and they have seven. children-Albert, George, Henry C., Theodore, F., Homer S., Helen and Alice.

George M. Van Leuven, Jr., druggists, also United States military and naval claim attorney and solicitor of patents, Lime Springs; was born in Conesville, Schoharie county, N. Y., '42. His parents came to this county, in the spring of '56 and took up government land, and were among the pioneer settlers. In April '61, he enlisted at Decorah, Iowa, under Capt. George R. Willett, in company D, third Iowa volunteer infantry, and served until November 2, '65, when he was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky; he was in several of the important engagements of the rebellion, among them, Shiloh, Corinth, Jackson and Vicksburg, Mississippi. He returned to this place, and entered the store of H. Lick, dry goods, merchant for whom he clerked until '69, when in partnership with Dr. Read, he bought the drug business of Mr. Robinson, and conducted the business under the firm name of Read & Van Leuven. Dr. Read sold his interest to Mr. Raymond, in "76, and the business continued under that management until April '80, since which time Mr. Van Leuven has been sole proprietor. The store is 20x80 feet and is well stocked, and is doing an extensive business. Mr. Van L. is assisted by three competent clerks, one being a practical jeweler, then being a well fitted jewelry and watch department in connection. Mr. L. is operating a very successful pension agency, which he established in '65, and is credited with being the most successful pension agent in the state as testimonials which he has received, from the best of authorithy, would go to prove. References, Hons. Wm. B. Allison, U. S. senator; Thos. Updegraff, N. C. Deering, C. C. Carpenter, members of congress; John McHugh, S. S. Lambert, and Kimball & Farnsworth; he is also W. M. of Howard lodge - A. F. & A. M., and has been for eight years. He was married January 22, '74, at Dubuque, Iowa, to Miss Georgia Wood; they have two children - Kittie and Charles P.

Thomas Gates, stock dealer, Lime Springs; was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, in '34 his parents removed to Luke county, Illinois, in '37, and farmed there until '60. Then went to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and located a claim of 160 acres, front the government. Mr. Gates came to Lime Springs in '76, and dealt in agricultural implements three years, and then commenced dealing in stock. He is the only regular shipper from this point, and handles from 1,000 to 1,500 head of cattle, besides hogs, per year. He stills owns 250 acres of good farm land in Minnesota. He served, during the late rebellion in the fourth Minnesota infantry volunteers enlisted in 1864, at Rochester, Minnesota, under Capt. Beard, and served to the close of the war; was in engagements at Altoona Pass and Savanah, Georgia, besides many other battles. He was discharged in 1865 at Lousville, Kentucky. Has. filled the office of councilman, one year in the city, also constable one term. Is a member of the following societies: A. F. & A. M., Howard lodge, No. 214, and A. U. W., both of this place. Married Miss M. H. Munger, in '73, at Lime springs, and they have three children, Walter, Fred and Minnie.

C. C. Hewett; justice of the peace, Lime Springs; was born in Geauga county, Ohio, 1824. In '43 he moved to Kane county, Illinois, and engaged in farming, and then moved to Marquette county, Wisconsin, where he remained until '54; he then went to Elgin, Illinois, remaining there about six months, and in May '55, came to this county, and pre-empted 160 acres land, and farmed for twelve years, and then moved to the town of Lime Springs, and established himself in the hardware business, which he con-ducted six years; he sold his interests to C. P. Nash, in '76, hay-in two years previously formd a partnership with this gentleman. He was elected justice of the peace, in '68, which office he has filled ever since. Also served one term as member the of board of supervisors. And one years as mayor of the city of Lime Springs; a strong republican. Is also president of the Lime Springs manufacturing company, incorperated in '73; was married December 25, '46, in Kane county Illinois, to Miss Cheesbro, and they have four children-Mary Eellen, Clara P., Hattie L. and Charles P.

M. M. Marsh, farmer, owns 190 acres of land, Forest City town-ship, P. O. Lime Springs; he is one of the pioneers of Howard county; and was born in 1813, in Onondaga county, New York. In '36 he removed to Kane county Illinois, where he farmed until '56, in the fall of which year, he came to this state, settling in Forest City township. He pre empted 160 of land, which he afterwards sold, and purchased the land he now owns. In '57 he commenced the erection of the stone flouring mills, at the old town of Lime Springs, which he ran for several years, and was the third mill built in the county, the one at Vernon Springs being the oldest, and the Foreston mill, second. He sold to George R. Drake & Co. Mr. Mash was elected justice of the peace in '57, and has filled the office many times since, and at the present time, is filling the same office. He resides in the old town of Lime Springs, where he has a fine stone residence; was married in New York, in 1836 to Miss Mason, and their children are, Eugene and Georgiana.

Georgia R. Drake, farmer, Forest City township; born in Milton, Vermont, December, 1831; came to Iowa, in '67,.visiting in Clayton county, one year, then came to Howard county, locating at the old town of Lime Springs, and purchased the stone flouring mills, in partnership. with John M. White, of Clayton county, who sold later to Lyman Drake. The business was conducted by the Drake Bros., until '67, they then sold to D. W. Havens, taking land in part payment. Mr. Drake now owns eighty acres of fine land, well improved, and within a short distance of the railroad; the farm is thoroughly fitted for stock purposes. Mr. D. was married in '71, at Lime Springs,. to Nellie Craig, and they have three children-Chauncey Chauncey C., Mary Francis and Clara E.

William Halsveg, farmer, P. O. Davies Corners; owns eighty acres of land, in section 30; and is a native of Germany, and settled in this township in 1877; was married to Matilda Muller, January 15, '56, and their children are, Minnie, Ameal W., John and Lizzie. Mr. H. is a baker by trade, and followed the business ten years, in Germany. His land is valued at $20.00 per acre, and is well improved.

Thomas Kelly, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 400 acres in section 35; was born in the city of Waterford, Ireland, in October, 1835, and was married to Letitia Woods, also a native of Ireland, in February, '63. He immigrated to America in '52; spending three years in Wisconsin. and then six years in California; after which he came to Howard county, and settled on the farm he now resides on, which. is well improved, and thoroughly fitted for stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. K's. family consist of five children, John F., Michael J., Thomas R., William and Margaret E.

John Licktieg, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. Bonair; owns 160 acres of land in section 13; was born in Rhein Phalz, Germany, and is the son of Joseph and Barbara Licktieg; he married Barbara Dotsler in '76.

Nelson Lathrop, farmer, P. O. Howard Center; owns 240 acres in section 27; was born in Maine, in 1819, and moved west, locating in Howard county, on his present farm, in 1869. Mr. Nelson was married to his first wife, Angeline Bradley, in '41, by whom he had two children, George and James; Mrs. Nelson died, and he was again married in November, '54, to Jane C. Williams, and their children are, Lille E., Will N., Lettie S. and Loyd E., one daughter Julia G. (deceased).

Joseph Milward, farmer, P. O. Howard Center; was born in Worcestershire, Eng., 1821; was married to Elizabeth O. Chapman, also a native of England; their children are, William C., Joseph C. and Edward; one daughter, Mary J. (deceased). Mr. M. owns eighty acres of land, in section 34.

John S. Mackay, farmer, P. 0. Cresco; owns 300 acres in section 34; was born in Canada in February, 1835, and was married in '63, to Elizabeth Ross, a native of Scotland, their children are, Lexy and William. Mr. M. is an extensive farmer, and has thoroughly improved his land.

John G. Miller, farmer, P. 0. Cresco; owns eighty acres in section 36; was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and was married to Margaret Ferrel in '38. She died of consumption in '68, leaving five children-Francis A., Alfred, Celestine, Henry, Marcellus and Cattherine; also two sons (deceased,) John and Thomas.

Katharine Milz, famer, P. 0. Cresco; owns 280 acres, of land in section 26; was born in the city of Colm, Germany, in 1832, and was married to John Milz of the same place, in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Miltz, immigrated to America, in '54; they were engaged in mercantile business in Cresco, for eleven years, they then removed to the farm; their children are, Maggie, Henry J., Barbara M. L., Willie, John, Charles and Mary A., and one daughter deceased

Harvey H. Wells, farmer, Lime Springs; owns 320 acres in section 21, Forest City township; was born in Washington county, N. Y. in 1835; his parents moved to Fon du Lac, Wis., about 1845, living there, and in Marquette county, Wis., until the fall of 1854; he then came to Iowa, settling at this place; his parents coming soon after, and settled on a claim which he selected, being too young himself, at that time, to hold it. When of age he also took a claim, which he sold, now owning the original homestead. He was one of the first actual settlers, and endured all the hardships of pioneer life. He has thoroughly improved the farm, having a good residence thereon, and thoroughly stocked with a good grade of cattle, sheep etc., also having a fine lot of horses, Normans and Clydes; he is one of the most extensive farmers and stock raisers in the county, and employs several hands during the working season; he is deservidly popular and has filled many offices in the township; was married in 1856, in Marquette county, Wis., to Miss Levina A. Doolittle.

George Tibbals, farmer, Lime Springs, owns 140 acres of land, born June 1820, in Massachusetts. His parents moved in his childhood to New Haven county, Conn., and in 1840, to Green county, N. Y., where they farmed until 1859, then he purchased this place, and moved his family the following year. The land is situated in sections 16 and 17, and is improved; 120 being under plow. Good buildings, etc., and thoroughly fitted for stock. He was married in 1845, in New York to Miss Rachael Burhit, and their children are, George L., Edward Nelson, Elmer E., Lucinda, Caroline and Millie.

J. W. Owens, barber, and dealer in groceries, Lime Springs; born in Dodgeville, Wis., 1853; came to this place in August, 1878, following trade of shoe maker, until June, 1882, and since that time has conducted business as above. Is located on Main street, and carries a complete line of fancy and staple groceries, tobacco, and cigars. He also conducts a well fitted barber shop; was married, August '77, at Newton, Jasper county, Ia., to Miss Rhoda Allen, and they have two children, Roy and Glen.

C. P. Nash and Bro., dealers in hardware, tinware, etc., and agricultural impliments, Lime Springs. C. P. Nash, the senior member of the above firm, first entered the hardware business in 1870, in the employ of C. C. Hewett, with whom he formed a partnership four years later. The firm of Hewett & Nash existed two years, Hewett selling to A. R. Nash, the junior member of the present firm, who are both enterprising young men, energetic, and consequently successful. They own and occupy, a building 22x 92, two stories; the upper floor, being the lodge room of the masonic order; the lower is used as a store, which is well fitted, and filled with a complete stock of heavy and shelf hardware, stoves, tinware, etc., well equipped tin shop, is also in connection which is managed by A. R. Nash, who is a practical tinner. It is the largest hardware store is the city and probably in the county. They also do an extensive business in agricultural impliments, using a shed 24x60 feet for that purpose. C. P. Nash, is a member of A. F. A. M., I. L. of H. and A. O. U. W. A. R. Nash is also a member of I. L. of H.

OAKDALE TOWNSHIP.

S. L. Thomson, farmer, P. O. LeRoy, Minnesota; owns eighty-four acres of land in section 15, valued at $25.00 per acre; was born in Scotland, in '41; and is the second son of William and Ann L. Thomson; when he was quite young his parents left Scotland, and came to the U. S., settling in Racine county, Wisconsin; after a short stay there they removed to Beloit, Rock county, where they continued to reside until '56, when they came to Iowa, and located at Lime Springs, this county, but in '70 they settled in Oakdale township, where they now reside. He was married in '66 to Martha White, a native of Vermont, and they have five children, Gertie L., Ralph L., Frank E., Fred H., tiwns, and Allie A. Mr. Thomson was elected to the office of sheriff of Howard county, in '75, and was relected in '77. He enlisted in '62, in the' thirty-eighth Iowa volunteer, infantry, under Col. Hughes, and participated in the seige of Vicksburg, and at Fort Morgan, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, and was honorably discharged at Huston, Texas, in September, '65.

Gardiner G. How, farmer, P. O. LeRoy, Minnesota; owns 130 acres of land in section 9, valued at $40.00 per acre; was born in New Hampshire in 1809, and is the second son of Phinneas and Gemima How; when he was six years old he left New Hampshire, with his parents and located in the state of Maine, where they lived three years, then moved to New York, where they remained twenty-six years. After this he resided for a time in Illinois and Wisconsin, but finally in '55 settled in Howard county, Ia., where he resides at the present writing; was married in '38, to Laurena Rathburn, a native of New York, and their children are, Edmund D. and Sarah L. Mr. H. built the first log house in Oakdale township, and the first school was taught in his house.

E. D. How, P. O. Leroy Minn.; was born in the state of New York, in 1842; is the only son of Gardiner F. and Laurena How; when he was one and a half years of age, his parents left New York, and came west to Illinois, and after a brief stay in Marengo, he removed to Wisconsin, and stayed there four years, then went to Belvidere, Ill., and lived there, and at Maringo, several years. But in 1855, he removed to Howard county, Iowa, and stayed here till 1878, when he went to Dakota, where he rremained till '82. He then returned to Oakdale township and is living on the old homestead at present; was married in 1866, to Ann L. Thomson, a native of Wisonsin, and has six children, Carrie E., Anna L., Joy G., Estella U., Charles W. and Mable S.

F. Lincoln, farmer, P. O. LeRoy Minn., owns 120 acres; of land in sections 11 and 12 valued at $25.00 per acre; was born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1820, and is the second son of V. B. and Pheebe Lincoln; when he was twenty-four years of age he left Vermont, and went to Wisconsin, where he lived ten years, after which he removed to Howard county, Iowa, and has resided there since; was married in 1843, to Sybel R. Brown, a native of Vermont, and they have four children, Darlin B., Henry B., Elizabeth E. and Lettie. Mr. L. has held the office of justice of the piece for two terms, and that of township assessor for two terms, and has traveled for an insurance company for six years.

H. H. Bither, farmer P. O. LeRoy, Minn.; owns 1971 acres of land in section 16, valued at $25.00 per acre; was born in 1836 in the state of Maine, and is the ninth son of Benjamin and Anna Bither. At the age of twenty, the subject of this sketch left Maine and went to Wisconsin, but only remained there six months, when he removed to Elk River Minn., and lived there until 1870, when he came to Howard county, Iowa, and has been a resident of this county ever since. He was married in 1861, to Safrona Felch, a native of Maine, and they had three children, Edwin, Lucy and Willie. Mr. Bither lost his wife in 1870, and was married again in 1871, to Harriett Felch. He has been trustee and township treasurer. Mr. B. and his wife are both members of the Baptist church.

NEW OREGON.

Jacob Wollstein, farmer, P. O. Cresco;: owns 480, acres of land in section twenty-three, valued at twenty-five dollars per acre; was born in Germany in 1827; is the third son of Peter and Catherine Wollstein. He left Germany in '54, and came to America, and settled in Howard county, Iowa. He was married in '57, to Minnie Daubersmidt, of Germany, and they have five children, Fred, Jacob, William, Minnie and Emma. He has held thN offices of school director and road supervisor.

T. C. Soverign, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 191 acres of land in section 4, valued at $40 per acre; was born in Canada West, in '29, and is the 2d son of R. and Elizabeth Sovereign; he left Canada with his parents in '44, and came to the United States, and settled in Illinois; he remained there six years; thence to Indiana, where he stopped two years; thence to Clayton county, Iowa, stayed only six months, and from there removed to Grant county, Wisconsin. In '57 he went to Missouri, where he stayed but four months, and then commenced traveling, through Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Indian territory, Oregon, California and New Mexico; he went from New Mexico to San Pedro, stayed there nine months; then to San Francisco, where he stayed until '64, when he took a steamer for New York city. After a short stay in New York, he went to Elgin, Illinois; stayed there a few weeks, and then went to Fort Larime, Wyoming territory. In the fall of '65, he came to Howard county, Iowa, and settled; was married in '50, to Ruby Mitchell a native of New York, their children are Emeline and James R. Mr. Sovereign lost his wife in '57, but was married a second time in '65, to Harriett Mitchell a native of New York state, and by his second marriage has five children, Ruby H., Darius M., Carrie C., Rosey and Warren C.

F. Shafer, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 240 acres of land in sec. 10, valued at $30 per acre; was born in Germany in '34, and is the 2d on of Joseph and Mary A. Shafer, and left Germany in '54, came to America, and settled in Illinois, remaining only one month, then he came to New Oregon township, Howard county, Iowa. He was married in '65, to Barbara Fye, a native of Pennsylvania, they have nine children, Frank A., Will, Herman, Peter, Johnny, Susanna, Barbara, Mary and Gustie C.

J. T. Pecinovsky, farmer, P. O. Protivine; owns 550 acres of land in section 12, valued at $25 per acre; was born in Davenport in 1858; he is the eldest son of Joseph and Rosella Pecinovsky, he left Davenport, with his parents, in '62, and came to Howard county; was married in '80, to Theresa Mondre, a native of Bohemia, and has one child, Rosella; he has held a commission as notary public for the past three years, and has been postmaster of Protivine, for two and one-half years.

Thomas Novak, farmer, P. O. Protivine; owns 250 acres of land in section 4, valued at $25 per acre; was born in Bohemia, in '45, and is the third son of John and Mary Novak, who left Bohemia, in '52, and came to America, settling in Winnesheik county, Iowa; remaining then until '75, when he moved to Howard county; was married in '65, to Saphronia Phillips, a native of Bohemia, and has six children - Louis, Lizzie, Nellie, Jennie, Mamie and Saphronia.

John Miller, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 120 acres of land, in section 24; valued at $30 per acre; was born in New York state, in 1851, and is the fourth son of John and Magdalone Miller; left New York in '64, and came to Iowa, settled in Howard county; was married in '77, to Mary A. Hauber, a native of New York state, and they have have three children, George, Peter and Maggie E.

J. G. Hess farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 120 acres of land in section 11, valued at $30 per acre; was born in Switzerland in 1820, is the eldest son of Jacob and Elizabeth Hess; he left Switzerland in '55, and came to America, and settled in Ohio, where he remained seven years; thence to Indiana and stayed there two years; thence to Howard county; was married in '45 to Elizabeth Christen, a native of Switzerland; their children are, Charles Sophia, Fred, Albert, John, Frank and Edwin.

N. S. Durgin, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 95 acres of land, in section 24, valued at $30 per acre; was born in New Hampshire, in 1838, and is the fourth son of Nathan and Matilda Durgin. They left New Hampshire, in '72, and came to Iowa, and settled in Howard county; he was married in '60, to Lucy B. Bliss, a native of Vermont; he has held the office of justice of the peace four years; Mr. D. enlisted in '62 in company D, fifth New Hampshire infantry, and participated in twenty-six engagements. At the battle of Cold Harbor his regiment, consisting of 540 men, after a battle of seven minutes, came out 239 short of that number. He was discharged at Manchester, New Hampshire, in July, 1865.

S. A. Converse, farmer, section 15, P. O. Cresco; owns 900 acres of land valued at $25.00 per acre. He was corn in New Hampshire, in 1843, and is the oldest son of Willard and Hannah Converse. They left New Hampshire in 1848, and went. to Wisconsin, and settled new Janesville, where they remained until '56, when they came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where, lived until. '80, when he removed to New Oregon township, this county. In '67 he was married to Ellen Munson, a native of Norway, they have five children, Abbie, J., Willard L., Myron B., Charles C. and Clara M. Mr. C. has held the office of township trustee one term; he is an extensive stock raiser, owning at the present writing, 110 head of fine graded and blooded cattle, also 135 head of sheep.

John Blackburn, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 265 acres of land in section 23, valued at $15.00 per acre; was born in England, in 1836, and is the fifth son of Thomas and Mary Blackburn. He left England, with his parents, in '42; their first settlement was at Racine, Wisconsin, where they remained one year, then next went-to Dane county, Wisconsin, where they sojourned until '55, when the subject of this sketch came to Howard county, Iowa, where he has resided ever since. Mr. B. was married in '67, to Maria Kellow, a native of England, and they have six children-Charles R., William R., John, Frank Newt. A. and Ida M. Mr. Blackburn has held the office of justice of the peace for six years. He enlisted in company E, seventh Minnesota volunteer infantry, in '62, and was sent to northwestern Minnesota, under Col. Marshall, and took part in the Indian troubles, which then existed; in '63 he was sent to Dakota, under Gen. Sibley, and in October of the same year was sent to the south to help subdue the rebellion. He took part in several engagements, and was finally discharged at Ft. Snelling, Minn., August, '65.

M. Booth, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 259 acres of land in section 29, valued at $20.00 per acre. Mr. Booth was born in England in 1828, and is the second son of Thomas and Celia Booth, who left England in '28 coming to America, and locating first in the state of New York, where they remained thirteen years; thence to Pennsylvania, where they stopped fifteen years, from there they came to New Oregon township, Howard county, Iowa. He was married in '41 to Louisa Johnson, a native of New York state, and their children are, Isaac J., Charles E., Mary A., John W., Carrie A., Emma M., Hattie A., Henry M., Ella L., Alice S., Frank M. and Fred C.

CHESTER TOWNSHIP.

George M. Plummer, farmer, section 28, P. O. Chester; was born in McHenry county, Illinois, where he remained until six years of age, when he moved to Sauk county, Wisconsin, remaining ten years, and thence to Fillmore county Minnesota, remaining there fifteen years, thence to present place of residence. He owns 160 acres of land, 120 of which are under cultivation. The farm is stocked with horses, hogs and cattle. He enlisted during the late war and served during '54-5 and 6; is a member of good templars lodge, No. 175, "Star of the west; was married to Jennie Chrystal, in '78, and has four children, namely, Mable, Herbert, George and Laura.

A. G. Hubbard, farmer, P. O. Chester; owns 120 acres of land in section 8, valued at $30 per acre; was born in Madison county, New York, in 1830; is the fifth son of J. W. and Elects Hubbard; when he was twenty-one years old he left New York, and came west, to Columbia county, Wisconsin, living there but two years, when he immigrated to Howard county, Iowa, and settled on the farm where he now resides. He was married in '57 to Miss Frances M. Eaton, a native of Massachusetts; has two children, Fred E. and Fanny E. He was elected a member of the board of supervisors, in October, '75, and has held the office since and is now serving his third term, was elected township treasurer in '67, and has held that office since.

Joseph Cray, farmer, section 27, P. O. Lime Springs; was born in England in in 1825, and went to Canada, when twenty years of age, remaining there eleven years, and then moved to present place of residence. He owns 850 acres pf land, 600 of which are under cultivation; has four teams, and employes two men. The farm is stocked extensively with graded cattle and hogs, he being one of the largest stock raisers in the county. His land is scattered through Chester and Oakdale townships; was married in '45 to Matilda Combes, and has nine children, namely, Rhoda, Mary, George, John, Rosa, William, Eliza, Albert and Romeo.

George E. Loomis, farmer, section 9, Chester township; was born in Washington county, Vermont, in 1828, remained there twenty-four years, then moved to LaCrosse county, Wisconsin, where he lived sixteen years, thence to present place of residence, known as the Kingslee farm. The farm consists of 190 acres of cultivated land, and forty acres of timber. It is finely stocked with cattle and sheep, the latter being some of the best in the county; was married in Washington county, Vermont, to Elbira Cram, in '51.

L. E. Eaton, farmer, P. O. Chester; owns a fine farm in section 8; was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, in 1852, remained there until four years of age, then moved to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he lived one year, thence to Columbia county, where he lived two years, then to present place of residence. His father located the farm, and with the aid of his two sons, improved the farm until 1862, when he died.

A. G. Blair, postmaster, Chester, Howard county; was born in Kennebec county, Maine, in 1832, remaining there until the age of twenty-two, when he moved to Juneau county, Wisconsin; remaining there sixteen years, thence to present place of business, where he keeps a general grocery store, and has a large trade. He was married in Juneau county, Wisconsin, to Henriette E. Smith, in 1849; and has one child, Harry. Mr. B. served in the tenth batery, Wisconsin volunteers, during '61-2.

PARIS TOWNSHIP.

Mrs. Esther P. Merry, P. O. Cresco; widow of the late Hiram Merry; owns 160 acres in section 19, valued at $35 per acre. She is a native of New Hampshire, and her maiden name, was Willey, she was married to Mr. Merry in '38, he died in '78, leaving her three children living, namely George W., Emma J. and Edwin. Mr. and Mrs. Merry were among the earliest settlers of the county. The farm is conducted by her oldest son George W., who also owns 240 acres of land, in Howard township, and 160 acres in Dakota, and is also engaged in stock shipping, at Milbank D. T.

John Wessel, farmer, P. O. Cresco; was born in Germany, in 1823, and is the oldest son of John and Mary Wessel, and came to America, in '53; he settled first in Ohio, then moved to Wisconsin, and in '70 to Howard county, Iowa; he owns 320 acres of land in section 16, and 20. He was married in '53 to Mary Gream, and they have seven children.

Samuel Walters, farmer, section 32; was born in Pennsylvania, in 1834, and is the second son of John and Betsey Walters; lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, previous to coming, to Howard county, Iowa, which he did in 1882. Mr. Walters was married to Marrietta Rollins in '57, their children are, Betsey A., Earnest, Samuel, Nettie V., Charles G., John E., Edith, Josie and Mary. He enlisted in the forty-sixth Iowa infantry volunteers in '64, and was discharged the following year; he participated in battles at Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely and Baton Rouge, Lionsiana.

George W. Holster, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 480 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre, also proprietor of the Paris creamery; he was born in Connecticut, in '25, where he resided until twenty four years of age, then went to California, remaining but a short time, returned to Connecticut, a year later, he went to Rockton, Illinois, where he remained five years, being one of the proprietors of the paper mill of that place. He then came to Howard county, Iowa; was married in '56 to Miss Elizabeth W. Goldy, and has two children, May G. and Charles H.

John Dell, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 160 acres in section 1; is a native of New Jersey, and is the fifth son of Thomas and Mary Dell. He came to Howard county, Iowa, in '57; was married in '41, to Rachael Cole, their children are, Adeline, George, Elmer A. Margaret and John W.

E. I. Isbell, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 280 acres of land in section 10 and 11, valued at $24 per acre; was born in Oneida county, New York, in 1828. His parents removed to Ohio in '31, remaining untill '49, then stopped a short time in Wisconsin, New York and Michigan, they then came to Iowa, settling first in Tama county, where he remained ten years, then to Howard county, where he still resides. He was married in '58, to Isabel Brock, their children are Alice M., William, Arthur and Mary L.

SARATOGA TOWNSHIP.

Edgar Groat, farmer, P. O. Saratoga; owns 160 acres in section 21, all improved, and valued at $15.00 per acre. He is the son of Jesse and Elizabeth Groat; was born March 1830 in Canada; he removed to United States, settling in Wisconsin, when he was engaged in farming until 1866, he then came to Iowa, locating in Jones county, where he remained until 1877, then came to Howard county, and purchased the farm he now owns. He was married on the 28th., day of March, 1833, in Canada, to Almira Still, and their childred are, Wesley E., Delitt A., and Albert L.

William Henning farmer, P. O. Davis Corners; was born in Germany, in 1826, and was married to Miss R. Arnst, in Germany, in 1857; they came to the United States in 1869, and settled in Howard county. Their children are, Henry, August, Mamie, William, Fred, Lanie, Harman, Katie, Arthur, and Charles.

Tobias Weislock, farmer, P. O. Saratoga; owns J 60 acres in section 32 and 33, which is improved, and valued at $15.00 per acre; Mr. W. is the son of Sextes and Catherine Weislock, and was born in Germany, in 1832, and came to the United States in 1857, and to Howard county, in 1870, when he purchased the land he now owns; was married to Mary Macky, in 1858 and their children are, Anna, George W., Michael J., Christian, Emelia, Charles P., Harman A., Louis and Theodore H.

Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, proprietor of hotel, and postmistress, Saratoga; owns 160 acres in section, 20; Mrs. Miller, is a native of Columbia county, N. Y., and is the relict of the late Albert Miller, to whom she wag' married, in July, 1856, he died on the 30th of July, 1872, leaving the widow and three children, Estella, Deliuc and Minnie L; one child, Edgar W., died at the age of eight and a half months. Mr. and Mrs. Miller came to Iowa in 1856, and were among the early settlers. Mr. Miller was a much respected and influential citizen.

Newton McKay, stock and dairy farmer, P. O. Saratoga; owns 100 acres in section 22. He was born in Indiana in 1846, and was married to Mary E. Shaffer, in September 1875, and they have one child, Anna B.

ALBION TOWNSHIP.

John Bigalk, farmer, P. O. Florenceville; owns 320 acres in section 14, valued at $30 per acre; was born in Germany, in 1817, and is the son of Peter and Louisa Bigalk. He came to America in 1857, and settled in Wisconsin, and after residing there thirteen years, came to this county. He served three years in the military service of Germany, in a cavalry regiment; was married in 1848, to Mary F. Greenwald, a native of Germany, and their children are, Fred, Caroline, William, Mary, Ammel, Mena, Elvena, Ida, and John.

C. B. Ashley, farmer, P. O. Cresco; 'owns 160 acres, in section 85, valued at $30.00 per acre; was born in the state of New York, in 1841; he is the second son of C. C. and Helen Ashley who re-moved to Wisconsin, when he was fifteen years of age; after a residence there of two years, came to Iowa, settling where they now reside. Mr. Ashley has filled the offices of justice of the peace, town clerk and trustee. He served during the late rebellion, in the ninth Iowa infantry volunteers; was married in 1872, to Immogene Barber, a native of New York; their children are, Helen E., Silva B. Carlos C., William R. and one in infancy.

J. E. Wells, farmer, P. O. Cresco; owns 160 acres of land in section 26, valued at $35.00 per acre; was born in Vermont, in 1837, and is the second son of Jonathan and Prudence Wells. When eighteen years of age he left Vermont, and coming west settled in Clayton county, Iowa; remaining there until 1865, where he re-moved to Howard county; has held the offices of township trustee and school director; was married in 1861 to Mary Burgis, a native of Michigan, has two children, Charley A. and William J.

P. I. DeLange, farmer, section 33, P. O. Cresco; owns 310 acres of land, valued at 35 per acre; was born in Holland, in 1832; is the second son of Ambrose and Isabella DeLange. In 1858 he came to America, and his first location was in Milwaukee, where he remained but a short time, and was afterward employed in traveling through the south; he then returned to Milwaukee where he remained a few months, and thence to California; from there he went to the Carriboo mines, British Columbia, returning in a short time to San Francisco, where he remained until 1863, thence he went to the Nevada mines; four years later he went back to Wisconsin, and finally settled on his present farm in 1868; was married, in July, 1868, to Mary E. Geuth, a native of Pennsylvania; they have four children, Isabella M., Mary E. Frederick G. and Pauline A. Mr. D. has held different township offices, and is treasurer of the school board at the present time.

John Bronner, farmer, section 16, P. O. Florenceville; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; was born in Germany, in 1837, is the second son of Andrew and Mary Bronner. When he was eighteen years of age he came to America, and settled in this county; he was married to Mary Dempewolf, and they have eleven children, Sam, Dan, Frank, Caroline, Mary, Lizzie, Katie, Annie, Crole, Edward and Andrew A. Mr. B. and wife, are members of the M. E. church.

James Oakley, farmer, sections 11 and 15, P. O. Florenceville; owns 880 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; was born in Westchester county, N. Y., in 1827, and is the fifth son of Jacob and Susan Oakley. When he was twenty-two years of age he went to New York city, and was in charge of a ware house for a period of six years. In 1855 he went to Kane county, Ill., remaining a short time, and in 1856, he came to Howard county. In 1874 Mr Oakley was elected as a member of the board of supervisors, and has been chairman of the same since that time. He was married in 1856 to Mary A. Baird, a native of Schoharie county, N. Y.

Roger H. Owen, farmer, section 17, P. O. Lime Springs, owns 240 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; was born in Columbia county, Wisconsin, in 1856, and is the second son of David and Jane Owen. He came to Howard county in 1878, and located on the farm he now owns; was married in 1880 to Nellie H. Roberts, they have one child, Edith J. Mr. O. has been town clerk four years, school director three years, and is a member of the Calvenistic church.

John F. Dempewolf, farmer, section 17, P. O. Florenceville; owns 110 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; was born in Canada, in 1850, and is the eldest son of Frederick and Gertina Dempewolf. When he was seven years of age his parents came to this county, and he has been a resident ever since. He was married in 1874, to Mena Walter, a native of Germany, and they have two children, Herman B. and Anna M. They are members of the Evangelical association.

JAMESTOWN TOWNSHIP.

Thos McCook, farmer, section 30, P. O. Riceville; owns 630 acres of land, valued at $20 per acre; was born in County Derry, Ire-land, in 1828, is the third son of Thomas and Hannah McCook. When of age he came to the United States, locating in Philadelphia; in 1856 he came to this county ; was married in 1849 to Euphema Brown, and they have seven children, Thomas J., John, Bessie, Mathew, Edward, Robert, Nelson and James. Mr. McCook has been justice of. the peace two terms, and one term on the county board of supervisors.

C. D. Cutting, farmer, section 29, P. O. Riceville; owns 360 acres of land, valued at $20 per acre; was born in New Hampshire in 1838, is the fourth son of Abijah and Permelia Cutting, when twenty years of age he came to Scott county, Iowa, remaining one year; in 1855 he came to this county; was married in 1865, to Mary St. John, of New York, she died in 1871. They had one child, William C.; in 1872 he married again to Annie Bourne, a native of Massachusetts, they have three children, Frankie H., Charles B. and Theodore A. Mr. C. has been town trustee five years. He and wife are both members of the Congregational church.

MISCELLANEOUS BIOGRAPHIES.

Isaac Gregory, produce and provision merchant P. O. Cresco; was born in Windsor county, Vermont, 1814, and is the third son of Amasa and Lydia Gregory. In '52 he located at Stoughton, Wisconsin, and was engaged in the produce business until '66, when he came to Cresco, and established business; he has been mayor of the city four years, and councilman a number of years. He was married to Lodena Woodward, a native of Vermont, she died in '64, leaving two children, Herbert M. .and Henry W. He afterwards married Annie Burdick, a native of New York, and they have one child-Maurice C.

John Jackson, Sr., Cresco; was born in Ireland, March, 1813, is the second of son Robert and Elizabeth Jackson; when he was twenty-four years of age, he left Ireland, and came to America, settling in Canada, where he stayed five years, then came to the United States, and spent one year in the south, then went back to Canada, and remainingseven years, afterwards went to New York, and lived in different parts of the state untill '63, when he came west and settled in Fayette county, remaining two years; in '66 he removed to Howard county, and settled at Oresco, and with the exception of three years, spent in Colorado, he has been a resident of this place since; was married in '51, to Catherine McCraigh, a native of Canada, and has three children, John E., George H. and Mary J. He enlisted in '37, in the British service in Canada, and participated in the rebellion of that time, served six months in the ranks, and then was detailed as baker for six months.

Chester Township Library, established June 16, 1874. The total expenditure for books, to present writing, has reached the sum of $271.75, which amount was raised by taxation. Mr. A. C. Blair was chosen librarian at its inception and continues in the same position.