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CHAPTER IV.
TROY TOWNSHIP.
STATISTICAL.
This is one of the four central townships of Iowa county. It is bounded north by Hilton, east by York, south by Fillmore and west by Pilot, and exactly corresponds to the congressional township No. 79, range 10. There are therefore just thirty-six square miles or 23,040 acres of area in this township. The population according to the census of 1880, was 955, in 1870, 862, having increased during the last decade 93 souls. The number of polls in 1880, was 193, and the number of votes polled at the election for President of the United States, November 2, 1880. was 186, James A. Gar- field receiving 131 votes, W. S. Hancock 52 votes and James B. Weaver 3. There are cattle to the number of 1,918, horses, 607; mules, 17; sheep, 347; swine, 4,376. This is a large stock raising township. The value of real estate amounts to $205,939. Personalty [sic] $60,269.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Old Man's Creek is the principal water-course, it runs completely through the township from the northwest to the southeast corner. This historical stream rises in Pilot township and flows east and south passing Williamsburg, through the southern tier of sections in York township, thence into Johnson county and discharges its waters into Iowa River about eight miles below Iowa City. It was on the banks of this creek that the first settlements in this part of Iowa county were made, and in fact only a short distance south of the stream, in what is now Greene township, Mr. Edward Ricord settled in March, 1840, the first settlement made in Iowa count}7. The surface of Troy is rolling, mostly good prairie, but some rough land and timber along Old Man's Creek.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Evan D. Evans, Richard Pugh and William Evans were the first white settlers in Troy township. They all came from the same State and settled at the same time. They all settled in section fifteen in the late fall of 1844. They were of Welsh descent, coming from Wales to America in the year 1840. Evan and William were brothers, and by marriage Richard Pugh became their brother-in-law. These three young men were married near Cincinnati, and very soon thereafter started west to the then wild and sparsely populated Territory of Iowa. They came by boat from Cincinnati to Burlington, then hired an ox-team to bring them on, arriving at the aforesaid place, in
608HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
what is now Troy township, in the cold weather of the fall of 1844. They hastily constructed a rude hut just south of the road at the center, near the east line of section 15, township 79, range 10 west of the 5th principal meridian. In this primitive habitation the three families lived during the winter 1844-5. This was the first house in Troy township. The next spring Richard Pugh's house was built of logs just east of the center of section fifteen, this was the second house built in Troy township. Then William Evans built a log house near Old Man's Creek, a little west of the other two in section fifteen, this was the third house in Troy township.
Richard Pugh had a family of three children, all of whom are still living. Mr. Pugh died about twenty-two years ago and was buried in the cemetery in section fifteen, which was afterward called "Oak Hill Cemetery." His widow still lives. William Evans reared a family of ten children, and died in the spring of 1870, and was buried near the remains of Richard Pugh. His widow lives in Williamsburg.
Evan D. Evans reared a family of five, four of whom are still living, three sons and two daughters, one daughter is dead. The head of the family died in 1873, and was buried in the cemetery, in section fifteen. His widow, three sons and a daughter yet live in Troy township. Jane, David E., John R., William R. and Jane E. are the names of the children.
Jane Evans was the first white child born in the township. She was born in 1845, and died in 1848. David E. Evans, the eldest son, was the first white boy born in Troy township. He was born December 31, 1847.
NATURALIZATION.
The following will be found of interest to those who knew Mr. Evans: “And now; to-wit., the 24th day of May, 1847, came Evan Evans into open court, and thereupon the court being satisfied that the said Evans has resided within the limits of and under the jurisdiction of the United States for the terms of five years; and also appeared in open court, Thomas Hanson, who being duly sworn, testified that Evan Evans has resided for more than one year in the Territory of Iowa, and that he has during that time behaved as a man of good moral character, attached to the principles of the constitution of the United States, and disposed to the good order of the same and the said Evans having declared on oath that he does absolutely renounce all allegiance to every foreign prince, potentate and sovereignty, and particularly the Queen of Great Britain whereof he was a subject, was thereupon declared by the court duly naturalized and admitted to all the rights and privileges of a citizen of the United States of America.”
Thomas Hanson and Stephen Hanson were the next settlers in Troy. They settled in the spring of 1845 on section twenty-three. Thomas Hanson was born in Ireland in the year 1809, and in the year 1831 came to America, landing in the United States; he soon engaged at work in a stone quarry near Troy, New York. Here he worked three years, then spent one winter in Charleston, South Carolina. He lived in Ohio from 1837 to 1845, then came to Iowa and settled on southeast quarter of section 23, township 79, range 10. Thomas Hanson married before he came to Iowa Territory and has here reared a family of six boys.
These sons are all married except the youngest, and all are an honor to an honorable and upright father. Their names are Michael, John, Hugh, Stephen, Thomas and Edward.
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Mr. Hanson when his sons in succession married gave each eighty acres of land and now each is in good circumstances. Thomas Hanson has been one of the leading citizens of Iowa county, since its organization in 1845. He took an active and reliable interest in the rapid growth of Iowa county. He still lives on his old farm, and though bereft of his wife, the faithful partner of his youthful days and sharer in all the hardships incident to a new and unsubdued country, the light of his joy, the solace of his grief, he has remarkably preserved his mental vigor and genial Irish character. He is a remarkable man for his retentive memory—the store of practical information he possess. May his days yet be many and his final reward be among the blessed. Some say that his son Hugh Hanson was the first white boy in Troy township, being born July 2, 1846.
Joseph Hanson came to the township in 1849, John Hanson came in the fall of 1846, Edward Hanson in the spring of 1846, John Watkins, Richard Williams, and many others were also settlers in the years which followed the Evans and Hanson's arrival.
ORGANIZATION.
An order from court, dated February 26, 1856, described township 79, range 10, and named it Troy, and further ordered that the election be held in the school-house near the house of William, Evans, on the first Monday of April, 1856. At this first election the following officers were elected: trustees, Henry Cook, Wm. Evans, Thomas Hanson; clerk, William Rowland; assessor, O. M. Kilbourne.
The first meeting of the board of trustees was at the house of William Evans.
PRESENT OFFICERS.
Trustees—H. C. Evans, E. Boland, M. S. Anderson.
Clerk—Thomas J. Evans.
Justices—George Fletcher, A. B. Ogden.
Constables—O. A. Taylor, M. W. Lyon.
Assessor—Thomas Ellis.
The Iowa county poor-farm is located in section 6. A large building and 327 acres of land are owned by the county.
CHURCHES.
Any community provided with good churches in which are well conducted services, is remarkably fortunate. A good Christian church is a bulwark that the influences of evil are unable to overthrow. Troy township is provided with good churches and good schools.
American Congregational—This church was organized in 1857, with seventeen members, by the Rev. W. P. Gale, who was its first pastor, and who remained such to 1862. The church edifice was built at Williamsburg in the year 1871, at a cost of $1,200. The following named pastors have served the church: After Rev. W. P. Gale, came B. T. Jones, in 1862; Rev. Jones was succeeded by Rev. W. A. Patten in 1865; Rev. H. S. Clarke in January, 1869, who remained pastor till the time of his death, which occurred May 26, 1873. Rev. M. D. Archer was pastor in the
610HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
church for one year, from March, 1874; Rev. George Richie from July 7, 1876, to some time in 1879. The church was without regular religious services from this time to the last of June, 1880, when they employed W. R Stewart, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Marengo, to preach for them in the afternoon of each Sunday, in the summer, and each alternate Sunday in the winter. The church has been particularly fortunate in securing the services of such an eloquent and able preacher and exemplary Christian gentleman. The number of the present membership is forty- four.
The Welsh Congregational—This church was organized on October 26, 1856, at the house of William Evans near Williamsburg, The names of the original members were: Evan D. Evans and wife, William Evans and wife, Richard Williams and wife, Levi H. Williams and wife, William Rowlands and wife, Mrs. John Watkins, Hugh C. Evans and David H. Williams, thirteen in all. The church was built in 1859, at a cost of about $1,000. This was a frame structure, and received an addition in 1871 which cost $800. The original structure was dedicated late in the fall of 1859 by Rev. Evan J. Evans. The church has enjoyed the pastorate of the following reverend gentlemen: Evan J. Evans, David Price, Morris E. Davis, James Velindre Jones, the present pastor. The present membership is 152. They held prayer meeting and sabbath-school from house to house. They were for four years without hearing a Welsh sermon. The first Welsh preacher who visited them was Rev. David Knowles of Long Creek, then Rev. George Lewis of Old Man's Creek, and Rev. Morris Jones.
The M. E. Circuit—Williamsburg is made the headquarters of a circuit embracing Zion Chapel, with a membership of forty, Champion Hills with fifty-three, Pilot Grove school-house, sixteen, South Ridge school-house nine, Hickory Grove school house, ten. The five charges are at present supplied by Rev. H. V. Tull as their pastor. They embrace a membership of 118. Champion Hills church is about five miles southeast from Lytle City, and was built about the year 1860. Zion Chapel is about eight miles southeast of Victor, and it was built in the year 1875.
SCHOOLS.
What has been said in reference to churches as a defense against evil, may also be said about schools. No community possessing good schools can long remain in ignorance, and it is an established fact that where we find intelligence, there we find, also, good society. Troy is noted for its good schools. The moral, religions and educational sentiment of the people is good. The township furnishes more teachers than any other in Iowa county. Several young men have graduated from Iowa State University; one, Mr. W. D. Evans, now practicing law in Hampton, Iowa, took the honors of his class. There are at present eight school-houses and nine schools, the one at Stellapolis having two rooms, schools in this township are in session on an average, seven months during the year. During the past year, ending September, 1880, five gentlemen and eleven lady teachers have been employed in the several schools as teachers, the gentlemen receiving an average salary of $28, and the ladies $25 per month. Of school age there are 200 males and 172 females, and the total enrollment for the year ending September, 1880, was 334, with an
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average daily attendance of 192. The average cost of tuition per month for each pupil is $1.37. The school property is valued at $4,500. The present teachers are as follows: No. 1, Williamsburg, Mrs. Bevie A. Clark, Miss Leora Taylor; No. 2, J. R. Miller; No. 3, Katie Tiernan; No. 4, Hattie Talbott; No. 5, Ida M. Hughes: No. 6, D. M. Evans; No. 7, Katie Frawley; No. 8, Sarah Whitehill.
The first school was kept in the log house of Wm. Evans after he had removed to his new log house, in the winter of 1850-1.
WILLIAMSBURG.
This little village, situated on the west bank of Old Man's Creek, is also called Stellapolis. The post-office is known by the latter name. It was laid out by Richard Williams, May 20, 1856, in the southwest quarter of section 10, and southeast quarter of section 9, township 79, range 10, and was named Williamsburg in honor of its founder. Mr. Williams died in the year 1860. The present population is 130. It contains several stores, churches and private residences.
Post-office—W. R Evans, P. M.
Drugs and groceries—J. E. Jones.
Groceries—George Fletcher.
General store—Roger Jones.
Blacksmiths—W. E. Evans, C. R. King.
Wagon repair shop—W. W. Hastings.
Shoemaker—W. M. Davis.
Milliners—Mrs. A. E. Hall, Mrs. T. H. Watkins.
The following have acted as postmasters at Stellapolis: John Hughes, appointed under Frank Pierce, W. G. Fletcher, three years, 1877-80, W. R. Evans, appointed April 1, 1880.
MASONIC.
Organized November, 1878, with sixteen charter members. Their hall is above W. R. Evans & Co's store and is 24x44. James A. Wilson was the first W. M. Meetings are held on Saturday evening of each month, on or before the full moon. The present membership is twenty-six. The order is in a flourishing condition. Present officers: J. E. Jones, W. M.; Perry McAllister, S. W.; Thomas Ellis, J. W.; D. E. Evans, secretary; Frank McDermot, treasurer; Charles Fletcher, S. D.; James Cashman, J. D.
LEGION OF HONOR.
This society was organized in 1880, with twenty-four charter members. They now number over thirty. W. H. Chase is commander and J. M. Williams, secretary.
CEMETERIES.
There is an old Indian burying ground in section fifteen. It was used
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by the aborigines in an early day, and as far as can be judged there were at least thirty braves buried there.
Oak Hill Cemetery—Is also in section fifteen. Reference has already been made to this burial place, and some of those interred there have been mentioned. There are at least fifty graves. West Troy is the name of a post-office kept by Ed. Dill at his house in section nineteen, near the Pilot township line.
In an early day there was a saw-mill in Williams' Grove, on section ten, run by Richard Williams and William Rowlands. Mr. Rowlands is now practicing law in Missouri. In April, 1862, a severe wind swept across sections thirty-four and thirty-five uprooting and carrying everything before it. It completely demolished a house, and although the family were at the time within, none of them were hurt.
THE LAW OF BORROWING.
Among other valuable information which Mr. Thomas Hanson has furnished your historian, we give the following in his own words, showing one feature of his early experience:
“ My brother Stephen and myself traveled from Ohio by wagon. I had a wife and two children. Stephen was lately married and this was his wedding tour west. We arrived on the 1st of May, 1845, on section 23, township 79 north, range 10 west, now Troy township. We had no houses, but encamped in wagons until we could put up a log cabin. We cut and hauled logs, but to make clap-boards we needed a cross-cut saw. We did not know where to find one. I saddled a horse and started to hunt a saw. The first man I met was Charles Gillin. I asked him if he could tell where I could find a saw. He replied that the man breaking prairie for him had a saw. That man's name was Charles Jones. I went to him and asked him if he had a saw, and he answered he ought to have one, but did not know where it was, if I would find the last house that was raised I might get the saw. ‘ Well,’ said I, ‘ I am as bad off as ever; where will I find that house?’ He said the last raising he was at was a stable for Erastus Converse. I then inquired how far that was and he replied that it was only a little way, four or five miles, and gave the directions. Meeting Charles Jones and not knowing where he lived, I asked him where I should return the saw when I was through with it. He said: ‘ Keep it till the next man wants it.’ ‘ Look here,’ he continued, ‘everything in this country is public property; you must loan anything yon have and never carry back anything you borrow.’ I replied, ‘ You are a man after my own heart. I shall observe that law.’ In this neighborhood this law is kept to this day. To show how well that law has been kept, I will state the following fact: Seventeen years after the above law of borrowing and lending was passed, I loaned a fanning mill to a neighbor. When I wanted to use it I was compelled to go six miles for it. The borrower excused himself for not bringing it home, but I immediately told him that it was all right, that if he had returned it he would have broken the law. That law was made by Charles Jones and approved by Thos. Hanson May 7, 1845, on the land where Jones was breaking in section 31, township 79, range 9, now York township.”
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TERRIBLE PRAIRIE FIRE.
The following account of being overtaken by a furious prairie fire is well authenticated by all the early settlers and many others who have often seen the scars made upon the persons of Evan D. Evans and his wife, Jane Evans.
Mrs. Evans having occasion to go to the house of her nearest neighbor then eight miles away, had it understood by her husband that he should, on the next day, meet her at a certain place on her return. The neighbor to whose house she went for butter and some other articles was the family of Edward Ricord, then living near the Johnson county line, in Green township. The distance was too great to return the same day, so having made the visit and obtained the articles, among which was a cat given her by Mrs. Ricord, on the second day met her husband near the present Green township line. They were cheerfully returning together, carrying the butter, cat and other articles, when, in the distance, beheld a prairie fire. The smoke rolled up in clouds, and as the brisk wind swept across the ridges, they could see the red-tongued fire leaping across the tops of the tall wild grass. They thought there was nothing serious for them to experience in the near future and nothing to fear. Neither of them had seen a prairie fire, for it was the next fall after their arrival here. They did not understand the terrible fury with which fire sweeps across the prairie when the tall grass is dry and the fire agitated by a fierce wind. They observed that the fire came nearer and they hastened their footsteps, as if by premonition of the fate that awaited them. The fire gained upon them, leaping across slough and footpath with equal facility. Mr. Evans lighted a fire to burn a little spot in which they might take refuge, for before he left Cincinnati and even in England he had heard of this mode of procedure when in danger from fire on the plains. This afforded them no relief, for before their set fire had sufficiently cooled down, the awful deluge came upon them. They ran to the first tree, which fortunately had boughs near the ground, and Mr. Evans, after aiding his wife to climb, passed up the articles they were taking home, including the cat. Scarcely had he time to grasp the first limb to ascend the tree when the fire struck them. It blazed many feet high in the air, as if an angry beast leaping up to devour them. For a few moments they were completely enveloped in the flames, whose angry billows reached far above their heads. They were suffocated and crazed by the blistering heat, and as if with the grasp of death, still clung to the tree. In a few minutes the raging, crackling monster had passed and left the choking smoke which was driven before the wind. They descended the tree and made haste to reach their hut and obtain relief, for cold night was coming on and they were fearfully burned. Finally, with great difficulty, they reached their cabin and received such attention as could be given them by William Evans and family. Mr. Evan D. Evans wore severe scars on both sides of his face, and carried a deformed hand to his death, which were only slight marks compared with the intense suffering he experienced in that terrible fire. Mrs. Evans was badly burned and although it was thirty-five years ago when this happened, she still bears marks of these burns. The woolen clothing which they wore somewhat protected their flesh, except hands and face, and was the means of saving their lives. It may be remarked that the butter was melted, and the cat, never after heard of, doubtless became a “singed cat.”
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BIOGRAHICAL.
Index
ANDERSON, M. S.—Farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 8, P. O. Stellapolis. Prominent among the business men of Troy township is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, January 4, 1850. When about five years of age his parents brought him to Lexington. Richland county, same State and there he spent his days until the autumn of 1864, when he again moved with his parents and settled in Iowa county, in his present location. His father, Rev. James Anderson, died in 1869. Our subject has since conducted the business of the farm and is now in possession of 160 acres of well improved land, and is numbered among the prominent stock-dealers of the county, having built up a large and profitable business in that line. He was married in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1871, to Miss M. M. Duncan, a native of that county. They lost their only child. Mr. Anderson is a man who is closely identified with the growth and prosperity of Iowa county and is numbered among its successful, energetic business men. He has been township trustee for the past six years and has always taken a warm interest in promoting the social well-being of the county.
IndexBRIGHAM, J.—Farmer, Sec. 20, P. O. Stellapolis. One of the early settlers of Iowa. Was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1829. There he was educated and raised until he attained his twentieth year, when he went to Cincinnati, where he remained until the spring of 1849. He came to Johnson county and settled about six miles west of Iowa City and after about two years returned to Ohio and remained about one year and six months. Then came again to Johnson county and after about one year he moved to Iowa county and settled in his present location, where he has since made his home. His success in life has been very marked, as he is virtually a self-made man. He is in possession of a well cultivated farm of 120 acres. Has been township trustee for three terms; member of school board for several terms and has held other township offices. He was married in Johnson county, in 1852, to Miss S. J. Gilliand, who was born in Pennsylvania. She died in 1854, leaving one child, Myron, who resides with his father. He was again married in Williamsburg, in 1856, to Miss Mary V. Remley, a native of West Virginia. By this union they have six children living: William, Mary E., Alice, Clara, Annie and Elsie. They lost two, one an infant and Cora.
IndexDAVIES, JOHN—Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 16, P. O. Stellapolis. Was born in South Wales in 1828, and there spent his early youth in the pursuits of agriculture. In 1852 he came to America, and remained in New York State, in different counties, until the autumn of 1854, when he made a trip through the Western States, coming to Iowa county in 1864. He settled upon his present location, where he owns a well improved farm of 120 acres, a very beautiful location. He was married in Bureau county, Illinois, in 1859, to a widow Jones. By this union they have four children: Thomas E., Sarah, Margaret and Samuel. They lost one, Ida Ann. Mr. Davies is a warm friend to all churches. He is of the Congregational faith; has been trustee of the church for eight years, and is a liberal contributor.
IndexEVANS, W. E.—Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 15, P. O. Stellapolis. Prominent among the early settlers of Troy township is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Wales January 23, 1833. There he spent
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his days until about seventeen years of age, and there learned the blacksmith trade. In the summer of 1850 he came to America, locating first in Rome, New York, where his avocation was blacksmithing for about four years. He then came to Chicago, Illinois, where he followed his trade until 1858, when he moved to La Porte, Indiana, and there resided about one year and five months; then came to Iowa county and settled in Troy township. He was married in Rome, New York, January 24,1855, to Miss Ann Williams, a native of Wales. Their family consists of four children living: William H., Edward W., Martha and Annie. They lost three: Mary Ann (wife of W. G. Fletcher), Cornelius A. and Cornelius A. Mr. Evans is closely identified with the development of Troy township, and is considered among its most successful men. He is now in possession of three farms - 404 acres in all. His buildings are fine and comfortable. His animal stock sales will average more than $3,000; and he has accumulated all by his own industry and persistent efforts.
Index
EVANS, W. R.—Merchant and postmaster, Williamsburg. Was born in Williamsburg on the 8th of October, 1854. He is the son of Evan D. Evans, one of the first settlers of Troy township. The most of his early youth was spent in acquiring an education and teaching school. He attended the Iowa College at Grinnell three terms and in March, 1880, embarked in the mercantile business, in company with his brother-in law, Dr. Joseph E. Jones. The firm is known as W. R. Evans & Co. They are carrying on a drug and general merchandise business. Mr. Evans was appointed postmaster in April. 1880, and is the present incumbent.
IndexEVANS, THOMAS J.—Teacher. One of the noble sons of Troy township. Was born in Williamsburg in 1854. He was educated in the common schools of the county, principally at Williamsburg. Has been engaged in teaching since he was about eighteen years of age. His early youth was spent in the pursuits of agriculture. In 1879 he was elected township clerk and is the present incumbent. He is now principal of the Williamsburg school and is an able and efficient instructor.
IndexFLETCHER, GEORGE—Justice of the peace and merchant. Resides at Williamsburg, P. O. Stellapolis. Was born in the town of Western, Oneida county, New York, September 13, 1808, and there was educated and raised. His father, Charles Fletcher, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. His mother's name was Barbara Swan and she was born in Hillsborough county, New Hampshire. Our subject was brought up on a farm and received a liberal education in the common schools. He was married in his native county, in 1834, to Miss Mary Grems, a native of Oneida county. She died in 1841, leaving two children: Emily and George. George is now deceased. Mr. F. was again married in 1842, to Miss Helen Jane McAlpin, a native of Boonville, Oneida county, New York, born September 8, 1821. By this union they have two children living: Charles and Willard G. Lost one, Cynthia. In the autumn of 1857 he came to Iowa City, where he remained until the following April, when he came to Iowa county and has since made it his home. He has been justice of the peace for eighteen years during his residence here and six years in Oneida comity, New York. He was also postmaster in his native county six years and is a man who is very popular with the citizens of Iowa county.
IndexGALE FAMILY, THE-Came to Iowa, August 10, 1855. Their ancestors came from England. Bartholomew Gale came from England to Boston. He had two sons: Jacob and Daniel. Captain Daniel Gale,
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son of Jacob Gale, Esq., of Kingston, New Hampshire, born September 2, 1739. One of his sons, Stephen Gale, born April 10, 1774, was the father of Rev. W. P. GALE, who was born in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, February 24, 1806, and graduated at Gilmanton Theological Seminary, August, 1841. He married Louisa Patten, of Kingston, New Hampshire, whose ancestors also came from England. After preaching three years in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, he was ordained in Thornton, New Hampshire, January 1, 1845. He preached in Deering and Nelson, New Hampshire, coming to Iowa county in 1855, where he labored under the auspices of the A. H. M. Society for some fifteen years. He was the first home missionary in Iowa county, organizing the first American Congretional Church [sic] in the county in Williamsburg. He was from the first a strong Abolitionist and an active agent of the underground railroad and lived until he saw the consummation of the principles which he so ardently desired, in the emancipation proclamation of President Lincoln. He took a deep interest in all educational matters and by his exertions succeeded in having a school building erected in Williamsburg, where for many years a larger part of the school teachers of Iowa county were educated. He died on Sunday, April 14. 1872, aged 65 years. W. A. GALE, only son of Rev. W. P. Gale and Louisa Patten, was born in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, September 26, 1838. He came to Iowa county, August 10, 1855. Was appointed A. A. Paymaster U. S. Navy in 1865 and assigned to duty in the Mississippi Squadron, where he served until after the fleet was disbanded. He was married October 4, 1868, to Cynthia Fletcher, daughter of George Fletcher, Esq., of Williamsburg, in this county. They had three children: Annie Louisa (born October 19, 1869), Mary Ellen (born June 8, 1871,) and Willie (born January 30, 1873, who died August 30, same year). His wife, Cynthia Fletcher, died January 30, 1873, aged 25 years, 1 month and 27 days. The following tribute to her memory was written by her pastor, Rev. H.S.Clarke: “ As a faithful wife, a devoted and tender mother, a kind and affectionate daughter and sister and a genial, unselfish friend, she had a warm place in the hearts of all who knew her; ever pleasant and kind, ever forgetful of self and thoughtful of others, we may truly and heartily say of her, none knew her but to love her, none named her but to praise.”
IndexHANSON, THOMAS—Farmer, Sec. 23, P. O. Lytle City. One of the oldest living settlers in Troy township. Was born in Westmeath county, Ireland, May 25, 1809. He there followed the pursuit of agriculture until the spring of 1831, when he came to America and made his first settlement in Ross county, Ohio, which was in 1837. In 1845 he came to Iowa county, by team, and settled upon his present location; was among the first settlers in his neighborhood and has witnessed nearly its entire growth and development. He is now in possession of a good farm of 350 acres. Was married in Troy, New York, in 1837, to Miss Bridget Meagher, a native of Killkenny, Ireland. She died in 1878, leaving a family of six children: Michael, John, Hugh D., Stephen B., Thomas M. and Edward.
IndexHASTING, W. W.—Carpenter and wagon-maker. Was born in London, England, in 1827. His parents brought him to America when a mere infant and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. There he attained his tenth year and then moved to Stark county, Ohio, where he reached his nineteenth year. At that age he enlisted in company K, Third Ohio infantry
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for the Mexican War and served until June 1847, when he was honorably. discharged. He received two slight wounds during his service. In 1848 he came to Linn county, Iowa, and made his home there until 1854, then moved to Iowa county, where he has since made his home. In the summer of 1862 he enlisted in company G, Twenty-eighth Iowa infantry and was in the battles of Champion's Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, Sabine Crossroads, Alexandria and others. Was mustered out in the autumn of 1865. He is now carrying on a wagon and general repair shop, as well as doing general carpentering and building. He has been twice married, but is now a widower. He is in possession of some desirable town property in Williamsburg.
IndexHUGHES, JOHN, Sr.—Farmer and plasterer, residence Williamsburg, P. O. Stellapolis. This pioneer of Troy township was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, March 4, 1821. He was married in his native place February 11, 1840, to Miss Susannah Price, a native of Montgomeryshire. April 7th of that year he emigrated with his young wife to America. They made their first settlement in Columbus, Ohio, where he made his home until 1857. In 1856 he visited Iowa county, remained a few months and returned to Ohio, and in the spring of 1857 he brought his family to his present location. He is in possession of a farm of 120 acres of cultivated land. Is also engaged in the plastering trade. Has been postmaster here for seventeen years; was county supervisor four years; justice of the peace two years; and has held other township offices. His family consists of seven children: John, Jennie (wife of Charles Fletcher), David, Mary A. (now Mrs. Frank Lyon), Ida, Edward B. and George H.; they have lost two, Mary A. and Edward.
IndexJONES, JOHN, J.—Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 5, P. O. Stellapolis. Prominent among the business men of Troy township, is the subject of this sketch, who-is commonly known as Delaware Jones. He was born in Wales, August, 27, 1818, and was married in his native country in 1842, to Miss Gwenllean Jones, a native of Wales. In July, 1856, he came to America and settled in Delaware county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming until 1864, when he came to his present location. Here he owns a nicely improved farm of 196 acres, and is extensively engaged in the stock business. His family consists of four children: John T., Ann, David J. and Sarah.
IndexJONES, JOHN W.—Farmer, Sec. 18, P. O. Stellapolis. Was born in Wales, in September, 1827, and here his early youth was spent on a farm. In 1850 he came to America and made his first settlement in Oneida county, New York, and in 1857 moved to Iowa county, settling upon his present location. Here he is in possession of a nice farm of 140 acres of well improved land, with a handsome dwelling which cost about $1,300, and is surrounded with everything which should make his latter days comfortable. He was married June 25, 1851, in Oneida county, New York, to Miss Martha Owens, a native of Wales. They have one child, Mary (now Mrs. David A. Jones, of Troy township).
IndexJONES, THOMAS J.—Farmer, Sec. 4, P. O. Stellapolis. Was born in Wales, January 27, 1831, and there spent his days until the spring of 1861. He then came to America and settled in Delaware county, Ohio, where lie made his home seven years. Then moved to his present location, where he has since lived. Owns a valuable farm of 240 acres. Was married in Wales, August 1, 1857, to Miss Ann Jones, a native of Wales. Mr. Jones
618HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
is a man who is considered among the successful business men of Troy township.
IndexJONES, Rev. JAMES V.—Williamsburg. Was born in Carmarthenshire, Wales, January 16, 1840. He learned the trade of a weaver when quite young, but in 1857 began his theological studies, and was ordained in 1864. He came to America in 1868. His first field of labor was at Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he remained until the autumn of 1869. He returned to Wales, and in the spring of 1870 came again to America and located at Summit Hill, Pennsylvania. In October, 1872, he went to Big Rock, Kane county, Illinois, where he remained about eleven months and then went to Rosendale, Wisconsin, remaining until 1879, when he came to his present location. He was married in Oneida county, New York, in 1871, to Miss Candace Laura Jones, a native of that county. They have one adopted child, Kate. Mr. Jones is of the Congregational faith, and is a zealous worker for the cause of Christianity.
IndexJONES, W. R.—Farmer, Sec. 18, P. O. Stellapolis. This pioneer was born in Wales in 1844, and when about eight years of age his parents brought him to America. They settled in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, where they resided until 1858, then coming to Iowa county. They settled in Troy township and here our subject has since made his home. He was married in this county in 1866, to Miss Mary Evans, daughter of William and Sarah Evans, who were among the first settlers of this township. He is now in possession of a valuable farm of 160 acres of cultivated land. His family consists of five children living: William Henry, Sarah Edith, David Aubrey, Mary Ellen and Albert T. Mr. Jones is now giving his attention to the raising of fine stock, and has been very successful.
IndexJONES, J. E.—Physician and surgeon, Williamsburg. Prominent among the medical practitioners of Iowa county is the subject of this brief sketch, who was born in Manchester, England, on the twenty seventh of September, 1846. When about four years old his parents brought him to America and first settled in New York City, where they remained about four years; they then moved to Racine, Wisconsin, where he spent his days until 1859, then coining to Manchester, Iowa, with his parents. In 1863 he went to Chicago, Illinois, and engaged in the drug business as a clerk, in which line he continued until the spring of 1864. He then enlisted in company B, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois infantry; was honorably discharged in the autumn of that year, and re-enlisted in company I, Second Iowa cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He was acting hospital steward during his service. Was mustered out in the autumn of 1865, and came to the home of his parents which was in Williamsburg, they having moved here in the autumn of 1863. In the autumn of 1866 he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and entered the medical department of the State University, and at the close of the session was appointed hospital steward for the Dakota department of the United States army. He was quartered at Fort Stevenson, Dakota. This position he held until the spring of 1870, when he again returned to Williamsburg, and after a stay of a few months entered the Rush Medical College of Chicago. He received a degree in the spring of 1871, and returned to Williamsburg, where he has since practiced. In the spring of 1880 he engaged in the drug and general merchandise trade, in company with Mr. Evans. The doctor has enjoyed a liberal patronage from the people, and has been very successful. He it of the regular persuasion; is secretary of the Iowa County Medical Society,
619TROY TOWNSHIP.
and also a member of the State Medical Society. He has been frequently appointed delegate to State and county Republican conventions; was a candidate for county clerk in 1875, and lacked but twenty-three votes of being elected. He was married in Iowa county, January 20, 1875, to Miss Jennie Evans, the only daughter of Evan D. and Jane Evans, one of the first settlers of Troy township. She was born in Troy township. They have two children living: Susie Grace and Roscoe Blaine. The doctor is very popular, and is possessed of that public spiritedness which is characteristic of the man of enterprise. He is always willing to lend his influence to all commendable enterprises, and is a zealous worker for the benefit of his fellow beings. He well deserves the esteem in which he is held by the people.
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LONG, WILLIAM R.—Carpenter. Was born in Columbus, Ohio, September 1, 1856, and when about six years of age his parents brought him to Iowa county. They settled in Troy township, where our subject has since made his home. When about fourteen years of age he commenced the carpenter trade, and has since made it his business, except about two years, when he was engaged in farming. He was married in Iowa county, August 9, 1876, to Miss Clara S. Harber, a native of Newark, New Jersey. By this union they have two children living: Albert Lewis and Carrie.
IndexLYON, ISRAEL—Carpenter and builder, Williamsburg. Among the business men of Troy township is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Essex county, New Jersey, May 3, 1814, and there was educated and raised. When about sixteen years of age he began the carpenter trade and has since made it his principal occupation, although he has been interested in other lines of business. He was married in Rochester, New York, in 1836, to Miss Theodesa Van Dyne. She was born in New York City, October 3, 1819. He returned to Newark, New Jersey, and after about one year went to New York City, residing there until 1843, when he moved to Newark, Ohio. There he remained about two years, when he moved to Columbus, same State, and made that his home about nineteen years. Then, in the spring of 1864, he came to Iowa county, settling in Troy township and has since made it his home. He purchased a farm of 80 acres which he still retains. Mr. Lyon is a workman of more than average capacity, and has constructed many fine buildings in his time. He was identified with the building of the Ohio State capitol, several fine churches in New York City, the palatial residence of the Hon. B. F. Allen of Des Moines, Iowa, and many others. He has given architecture considerable of his attention, and is fully competent to superintend any class of work in his line. He was also concerned in the erection of Stover's Opera House, Marengo. His family consists of three children living: Mortimer W., Frederick A. and Frank T. Lost two: Theodore Augustus (died when about three years and five months old) and Ida Virginia (now Mrs. David E. Evans. She died September 30, 1877).
IndexOGDEN, H. T.—Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 30. P.O. West Troy. Was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1842. His parents brought him to Dubuque county, Iowa, when about seven years of age, and there he made his home until the breaking out of the Rebellion. He enlisted in the autumn of 1861 in company A, Ninth Iowa infantry. Was in the battle of Arkansas Post, and Siege of Vicksburg, and there he was wounded by a bulletin the right shoulder. He was kept in hospitals there and at
620HISTORY OF IOWA COUNTY.
Memphis, and St. Louis until January, 1863 when he was discharged. He returned to his home in Dubuque county, and in 1864 moved to Jones county, where he remained until 1868, then moved to his present location. He is in possession of a well cultivated farm of 210 acres. Is extensively engaged in stock-raising, and everything about his place marks the man of industry and enterprise. He was married in Dubuque county in 1864, to Miss Augusta J. Smith, of Muscatine county, Iowa. Their family consists of five children: Addison Lee, Edward Elmer, Vernon L., Florence L. and Alice Leon. Mr. Ogden has held the office of county supervisor one term and justice of the peace for several years.
IndexOGDEN, A. B.—Farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 30, P. O. West Troy. Is a prominent farmer, who came to Iowa county in the spring of 1868. Was born in Harrison county, Ohio, February 4, 1845, and when about four years of age his parents brought him to Iowa, locating in Dubuque county. There he spent his days until the spring of 1864, when they moved to Jones county, residing there until he came to Iowa county. His occupation has been that of a farmer, although he has taught school for several terms. In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace, and has since held the office, always discharging its duties to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He is now in possession of a well improved farm of 150 acres. His stock sales for the past year will exceed $2,500. Mr. O. was married in Iowa county, in 1871, to Miss Mary A. Davis, a native of Wales. Their family consists of four children: Minor B., Edna M., Raymond D., and Henry A. They lost one.
IndexTHRASH, D. B.—Carpenter and farmer, Sec. 2, P. O. Stellapolis. Was born in the town of Liberty Hill, Dallas county, Alabama, in the year 1834. His early youth was spent on a plantation. In 1855 he engaged in the mercantile business and followed it until 1874, when he came to Iowa county and engaged in his present line. He is now conducting a farm of 80 acres, and is engaged in building in connection with his farm duties. He was married in Oneida county, New York, in the year 1856, to Miss Jennie Thompson, a native of that county. His family consists of three children: Charles W., Ed. M. and Caro Madge. They lost four: George Fletcher, Frank, Jennie and an infant.
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