~ Wilbur F. Salmon ~

Wilbur F. Salmon, one of the leading teachers in the state, was born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, May 21, 1860. He is the youngest son born unto James and Mary (Robins) Salmon, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively. He is the only living son of this worthy couple. His ancestors came originally from Ireland.

Our subject received his early education in the common schools of his native county, and later, at the age of eighteen, he entered the Mitchellville Seminary, where he remained for two years, and then for a time attended school at Bloomfield, where he was graduated from the Southern Iowa Normal College at the age of twenty-three. Returning to his home, our subject taught school for some time in the country, and also in Poweshiek County. From here he was called to Phillips County, Kan., and was appointed Principal of the Marvin school, and acted in that capacity for three years. In 1887 he returned to his native county, and was chosen Principal of the Mitchellville schools, holding this position until 1890, when he resigned to assume charge as Principal of the schools of Colfax. These schools he conducted with great tact and success for two years, and in November of 1893 was nominated by his fellow-citizens as candidate for the office of County Superintendent of Public Instruction, but was not elected.

In 1884, he married Miss Minnie Hill, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of J. H. and Elizabeth Lint, of Oskaloosa, and by adoption a daughter of Mr. Hill. Mrs. Salmon was a graduate of the Quaker College of Oskaloosa, Iowa. She was for a time teacher in the public schools of Jasper County. One brother of Mrs. Salmon, M. F. Lint, was adopted by a Mr. Burkley, and took the name of Burkley. Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Salmon were the parents of two children, John J. and Florence M., who are at home with their father. July 2, 1892, the devoted mother and wife of our subject passed away, mourned by all who knew her. She was a consistent member of the Christian Church. In his political affiliations, Mr. Salmon is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in all the work of his party. Page 466.

~ Benjamin Sanderson ~

Benjamin Sanderson, a well-known farmer of Jasper County, has witnessed the development of this section of the state and has contributed to the development of Richland Township, where his estate is situated. Upon locating here, he purchased eighty acres of unimproved land, to which he added from time to time until his landed possessions aggregated three hundred and twenty acres. He has disposed of a portion of the tract, and now retains two hundred and eighty acres. He gives his personal supervision to his property, and devotes his land to mixed farming and stock raising.

Born in Waltham County, Mass., June 10,1832, our subject is the son of Abner and Sally (Sanderson) Sanderson. His father was born in the same county November 7, 1789, and was a farmer by occupation. He was never over twenty miles from his lifetime home, and there he died at the age of sixty-four years. Grandfather Abner Sanderson also spent his entire life in Waltham County. Of the union of the parents of our subject, which took place April 4, 1811, nine children were born, of whom three sons and three daughters are now living. The Sanderson family is of English descent, and some of its members served in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

The father of our subject was one of three children, two boys and a girl. The mother was one of eight children, six boys and two girls. So far as known, all were farmers. Mrs. Sally Sanderson was born in Waltham County October 9, 1789, and died in the same county at the age of sixty- seven years. Benjamin was reared upon a farm, and received his education in the district school, also attending the high school for a few terms. He remained at home until twenty-four years old, and then, going to astern Kansas, remained there for one and one-half years. Upon disposing of his interests in that state, he went to Minnesota, and, with a brother, purchased one hundred and eighty acres of wild land, which he cleared and improved.

In 1861, at the opening of the Civil War, Mr. Sanderson enlisted as a member of Company B, Third Minnesota Infantry, under Capt. J. B. Hoyt, and served for three years. Wounded in Arkansas, he was confined to a hospital for nearly three months, after which he went home on a furlough. He was honorably discharged at Ft. Snelling, October 3, 1864. After the war he returned to his farm in Minnesota. In the spring of 1866 he married Catharine McKay, who was born near London, Canada, May 23, 1845, and is a daughter of Alexander and Catharine McKay, natives respectively of New York and Scotland. Grandfather James McKay was born in Scotland, and was a tailor by trade; both he and his wife died in Canada. Alexander McKay died in Minnesota at fifty-two years of age; his widow still lives on the old Minnesota homestead. Four of their children still survive, three daughters and one son.

After his marriage, Mr. Sanderson continued to reside upon his farm in Minnesota for about two years, and then, disposing of that property, he came to Iowa and bought an eighty-acre tract of unimproved land in Jasper County. Here he has since lived, meanwhile cultivating the soil and improving the property with substantial buildings. He engages in mixed farming, and also makes a specialty of stock raising. In politics he is a Re- publican, and cast his first Presidential ballot for J. C. Fremont. For several years he has filled the office of Trustee. As a partial compensation for his services during the Rebellion, the Government has granted him a pension. He and his wife are attendants at the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have had two children: Sarah J., who was born March 9, 1871, and has received a good education; and Benjamin, who was born April 20, 1873, and died at the age of five months. Page 590.

~ Andrew J. Scarbro ~

Andrew J. Scarbro, the owner and occupant of a well-improved farm in Fairview Township, Jasper County, is numbered among the industrious and prosperous agriculturists of this productive county. Our subject was born in Fayette County, Pa., January 1, 1829, to Samuel and Elizabeth (Wells) Scarbro, natives of the same state. The grandfather was also born in the same state and followed farming as his life occupation. His father came from Germany to the United States in an early day and located in the Keystone State.

Our subject's father was married to Elizabeth Wells, the daughter of Joseph and Nancy Wells, also natives of Pennsylvania. To this union were born eleven children, to whom were given tile names of James, William, Eliza, Joseph, Samuel, Rebecca, John, Andrew J., Charlotte, Mary and Margaret. The mother of this large family received a fair education, and when young she united with the Presbyterian Church. She died in her seventieth year, beloved by her family and friends. Samuel Scarbro, soon after his marriage, moved to Ohio, and there purchased a small farm. In the year 1862 he sold out and came to Iowa, and made his home among his children until his death at the age of seventy-three. He was a stanch supporter of the Democracy.

The marriage of our subject was celebrated when he was twenty-four years of age, the lady of his choice bearing the maiden name of Emily Jackson, she was a daughter of Lucius and Mary (Middlebrook) Jackson, natives of Connecticut. To this union eight children were born, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are, Edgar S. and Orrin L. (twins), Clarence F., Charley W., Viola F. and Ella D. Mrs. Scarbro is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a lady well liked by all who know her.

The gentleman of whom we write obtained only a common-school education, but having an industrious and energetic disposition he has surmounted many obstacles, which lie in the road to prosperity. It was in 1856 that he decided to start for Iowa, and selecting Fairview Township as his future home he purchased eighty acres of wild land near the town of Colfax and commenced its cultivation. He was successful in his pursuit, and in 1861 was enabled to deposit in a Newton bank the sum of $800. At this time he went to Ohio on a visit, and while there the bank failed, and he thereby lost every dollar he had. This necessitated his commencing in life again. He immediately purchased the two hundred and thirty-three acres on which he now 1ives. He has so improve this property that it is now worth $80 per acre. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the Republican Party. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is at present holding the office of steward. He has been superintendent of the Sunday school for a great many years. Page 446.

~ Samuel Scarbrough ~

Samuel Scarbrough, a resident of Palo Alto Township, Jasper County, is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Fayette County, on the 28th of February 1826. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wells) Scarbrough, natives respectively of Germany and England, who were residents of the Keystone State during the larger part of their active lives. In the county of his birth he was reared to maturity, and in his childhood was a pupil in the subscription schools of that locality. They were held in log cabins of primitive construction, containing meager furnishing; instead of the comfortable desks now in vogue, there were slabs supported by wooden pins; a board was placed against the wall and supported by a pin fastened in the logs, this answering for a writing desk for the larger pupils. It may, therefore, be understood that ambitious lads in days gone by had few if any of the advantages now placed within the reach of all.

In his youth, Mr. Scarbrough became familiar with agriculture, and upon choosing an occupation in life it was natural that he should select the calling to which he had been reared. In Pennsylvania on the 16th of November 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Craft, who was born in Fayette County, Pa., being a daughter of John Craft, likewise a native of the Keystone State. Eight children were born of this union, five of whom are now living, namely: William K.; Charles F.; John C.; Emma, the wife of William Schenck, and Edward. The deceased are: Elizabeth, Belle and Newton.

Accompanied by his family, Mr. Scarbrough removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio in the spring of 1852, and settled in Knox County, where he resided until 1874. That year witnessed his arrival in Jasper County, where he first made settlement in Fairview Township, engaging in farming there until 1891. He then came to Palo Alto Township, and has since that time made his home with his son Charles F. In political opinions he is a supporter of Democratic principles, and is numbered among the most honored and upright of Jasper County citizens. He now owns ninety- one acres of land, from the rental of which he derives an income sufficient to support himself in comfort.

The deepest bereavement of Mr. Scarbrough's life was the loss of his faithful wife, who during the six and forty years of their wedded life was ever a true and efficient helpmate, and one of whom it may be truly said that she divided his sorrows and doubled his joys. At an advanced age, on the 3d of January 1889, she passed away. A lady of deeply religious nature, she was for many years active in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her memory is revered by her husband and children, to whose interests she was always so tenderly devoted.

Charles F. Scarbrough, with whom our subject makes his home, was born on the 16th of December 1854, and grew to manhood in Knox County, Ohio, whence he accompanied his parents to Jasper County, Iowa. On New Year's Day, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Debbie McCauley, who was born in Stephenson County, Ill., June 11, 1856, being a daughter of James R. and Rebecca (Corl) McCauley, natives respectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Her mother died in Illinois, and shortly afterward she accompanied her father to Iowa, where she has since resided. Mr. McCauley is still living and makes his home in Des Moines Township, Jasper County. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Scarbrough there have been born seven children, namely: Laura M., Mary B., Verdie D., Ida, Iden, Helen E. and Ruth.

The two brothers, Edward and Charles F. Scarbrough, own one hundred and sixty acres of land, under good cultivation, and in connection with farming they engage in raising Poland-China hogs and a good grade of horses and cattle. Charles F. is a warm adherent of Democratic principles, and is prominent in local affairs, but has never aspired to office, preferring to devote his attention to his personal affairs. He and his wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are highly esteemed in the community where they reside. Their home was formerly in Fairview Township, whence, in 1891, they removed to Palo Alto Township and settled upon the farm they now own and occupy. Page 581.

~ Joseph R. Sharp ~

Joseph R. Sharp, one of the best farmers of Poweshiek Township, Jasper County, has a history full of romance, the scene of which is laid in many lands. He was born in the town of Ardrie, in Scotland, in 1845. His parents were John and Mary (Russell) Sharp, and his father was a miner by profession. He died when Joseph was only four years old. His mother married William Todd for her second husband. Joseph had one own brother, Henry, who died some years ago, and one sister, Ellen, also deceased, who was the wife of Hugh Huston.

Joseph left home at the age of eight years, and resided with an uncle, thus losing sight of the second family reared by his mother. Of this family, however, he knows that George is now living in Pennsylvania, and that Margie married and resided for a time in Braidwood, Ill., where her husband, a miner, was drowned in 1880. While living with his uncle, Joseph attended the common schools of the neighborhood until he was twelve years of age, when he himself became a miner, and worked for two years in the mines about Ayrshire, Scotland, for thirty-six cents per day, out of which he was obliged to support himself. Thence, at the age of fifteen, he traveled to Australia and worked for four and a half years in the coal mines of that country, returning again to his native land, where he remained for a year, thence came to the United States, and landed in New York February 28, 1865.

Still adhering to his business of mining, he went first to the mining regions of Maryland and Virginia, and for about a year was employed in the Big Hampshire mines, where he cleared on the average $6 per day for his labor. For a year or two he moved back and forth between the mines of Maryland and those of Illinois, spending some time at both Morris and Lacon, Ill., and then went to Pittsburgh, where he remained for four years. He moved from Pittsburgh to Murphysborough, Ill., and remained there, working in the mines for ten years. In 1877 he came to Iowa and followed mining until 1890. Upon his first arrival in Iowa he purchased a farm of twenty acres, which he subsequently sold, and later on, purchased the property on which he now resides, a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, all under a high state of cultivation.

When he landed in New York he brought the accumulated savings of his years of labor in Scotland and Australia, amounting to $1,000, and this he has increased by his industry and economy to a handsome competency. He makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and fine hogs, but also raises wheat, corn and oats.

On the 24th of June 1869, in the city of Pittsburgh, Mr. Sharp married Miss Elizabeth Berkshire, a Scotch lady, and daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Berkshire, who were of English and Scotch ancestry. Mr. Berkshire died in Glasgow, Scotland. Mrs. Berkshire, at the age of seventy-five, resides in Colfax, Iowa. They were the parents of six children: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Joseph R. Sharp; William, John; Jennett, wife of David Wighton; George, and Agnes, wife of Archibald Wilson.

Joseph R. Sharp has never filled a county office, but has been either elected or appointed to nearly all the offices of the township, and is at this time, 1893, Treasurer of the township, and President of the Township Board of Health. He has been President of the Township School Board for several years, and Supervisor of the township a number of terms. He is a member of Murphysborough Lodge No. 498, A. F. & A. M., and of Colfax Lodge No. 476, I. O. O. F. He is also a Trustee of the Scotch or Free Presbyterian Church of Colfax, where he and his family worship. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp have five children: John living in Oklahoma; Richard; Elizabeth, wife of Silas Westfall; Joseph and George, and an adopted son, Henry.

~ Vincent Shelley ~

Vincent Shelley, a prominent and representative pioneer and well-known citizen of Palo Alto Township, Jasper County, follows farming on section 24, and claims North Carolina as the state of his nativity. He was born in Iredell County, April 1, 1818, and is a son of William and Prudence (Coudrey) Shelley, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Virginia. His maternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. When Vincent was a lad of ten years, he removed with his parents to Henry County, Ind., the family becoming early settlers of Henry Township. Their first home was a log cabin with a clapboard door and a puncheon floor, built in the midst of the forest.

There amidst the scenes of pioneer life our subject was reared to manhood. He early became inured to the arduous labor of developing a new farm, and at the age of eighteen he began learning the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for a number of years. Since that time his entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. He acquired the rudiments of an education in the old time subscription schools held in a log cabin. Its seats were made of split puncheons, resting on wooden legs, and a plank laid across wooden pins inserted in the wall served as a writing desk. The windows were of greased paper, and a huge fireplace occupied almost the entire end of the room. Mr. Shelley is truly familiar with all the scenes and experiences of frontier life.

On August 14, 1844, was celebrated the marriage of Vincent Shelley and Melinda Ware, a native of Ross County, Ohio. She was born March 7, 1818, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hizer) Ware. They were natives of Virginia, and became early settlers of Ross County, locating in the forest about sixteen miles west of Chillicothe. There Mrs. Shelley spent the days of her maidenhood, and at the age of twenty-six accompanied her parents to Des Moines County, Iowa, where the father and mother died. The members of the Ware family now living are Martha, the widow of Andrew Hemphill of Des Moines County, Melinda and John. To our subject and his wife have been born ten children: Louisa, wife of J. M. Carter, of Washington, Caleb, Harriet, wife of William Kimmer, Laura, wife of Nehemiah Hayes, Charles, John W., George W., Mary J., Martha and Ransom, the two latter now deceased.

In 1865, accompanied by his family, Mr. Shelley came to Iowa, spending a number of years in Iowa County. The year 1871 witnessed his arrival in Jasper County, where he rented land for a short time; he then purchased his present farm of eighty acres, all of which is now under a high state of cultivation. At that time not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, but it is now one of the most highly improved places in the neighborhood.

Although he has led a busy life, Mr. Shelley has found time to serve his fellow-townsmen in public offices, having been Trustee and Clerk of Palo Alto Township. He has been twice nominated for Sheriff on the ticket of the People's Party, with which he is identified. He gives his support to every enterprise calculated to improve and up build the community, and is a strong advocate of the cause of temperance. He and his wife are consistent members and faithful workers in Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Shelley bas led an honorable and upright life and has the confidence and regard of all who know him.

~ Daniel Shepherd ~

The agriculturists of Jasper County, as a rule, possess general intelligence thorough understanding of their calling and great energy, and they therefore rank well among the farmers of Iowa. Among those who have for years successfully pursued the peaceful occupation of tilling the soil is the gentleman above named, whose estate is located on section 25, Washington Township. His landed possessions in Jasper County aggregate four hundred and forty acres, including what is called Shepherd 's Addition to the city of Colfax, comprising eighteen acres laid out in town lots.

Born in Washington County, IN, August 21, 1823, the subject of this sketch is the son of John Shepherd, a native of Ohio, whose father, Charles, was supposed to be of Scotch descent. John Shepherd removed to Indiana in an early day and located in Washington County, where he engaged in farming. Subsequently, he settled in Greene County, the same state, where he continued to make his home until his death, at the age of sixty-six. Throughout his entire life he followed the occupation of a farmer, in which, through energy and perseverance, he met with success. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Brandenburg, was, it is thought, a native of Kentucky, and her father was of German birth and parentage.

In the parental family there were ten children, five sons and five daughters, and nine of the number grew to mature years, three are now living, namely: Mrs. Mary F, Rowe, of Colfax; Francis, who resides in Washington, and Daniel, who is the third son and the sixth child of the family. He was reared in Indiana, amid pioneer scenes and surroundings. So meager were his advantages that he was a lad of twelve when he first saw a schoolhouse. His entire schooling consisted of three weeks' attendance in a log building, where the mode of instruction and the furnishings were equally crude.

In Greene County, IN, in 1843, Mr. Shepherd married Miss Elizabeth Rickabaugh, a native of Indiana, and an estimable and refined lady. She died after her having become the mother of five children: Albert, Mary, Isabel and Arabelle (twins), and Josephine, who died in infancy. Mr. Shepherd was again married, in Jasper County, Iowa, in 1858, his wife being Elizabeth Elliott. They became the parents of two children (twins), who were born in 1862. One died at the ago of eight months, and the other, Malissa, is the wife of Albert Millsap.

In 1843 Mr. Shepherd located in Greene County, IN, where he remained until 1856, coming in that year to Iowa. After a short sojourn in Prairie City, Iowa, in 1858, he purchased a farm in Mound Prairie Township, upon which he placed first-class improvements, devoting his attention to its cultivation until 1869. He then disposed of the property and bought a farm in Washington Township, where he has since resided. In connection with tilling the soil, he engages extensively in the stock business, and for twenty-six years or more has raised and shipped cattle, an enterprise which has proved a profitable source of revenue. Upon locating here he had sufficient money to pay for one hundred and twenty acres, the price being $12 per acre. The success which has attended his efforts is well deserved, for in all his enterprises he has displayed excellent judgment and untiring industry.

The interest Mr. Shepherd has shown in the advancement of measures for the good of Washington Township since his residence here, and the zeal he has displayed in all projects worthy of support caused him long since to be classed as one of the leading citizens of Jasper County. All that be has gained or achieved has come as the result of his own efforts. In national affairs he supports the principles of the Republican Party, but in local elections gives his support to the man whom he deems beet qualified for the office irrespective of party ties. His first Presidential vote was cast for General Taylor. He has served in a number of local offices, including the position of Supervisor, which he held for many years. p. 211.

~ Dr. J. A. Shrader ~

Among those, who for many years have devoted their lives to the cause of suffering humanity, J. A. Shrader may be regarded as among the foremost, and in pursuing the noble calling of medicine he has won golden laurels for himself. The physician comes closer to the confidence of his patients than any other man is privileged to do with his fellowman. In the hour of agony, which comes to the household when a loved one is stricken with a dread disease, the doctor is the one stay and hope of the family. It is especially pleasing to reflect that it is a most rare exception that a medical man is false to his trust. An exalted sense of honor pervades the entire profession.

Dr. J. A. Shrader was born in Washington County, Ohio, May 27, 1842, and in tracing back his ancestry we find that be has Scotch, Irish, German and English blood in his veins. His grandfather, John Shrader, had a contract for furnishing the supplies to Perry's Army, on Lake Erie, daring the War of 1812. The Doctor's mother was the daughter of Charles Melvin, who was a noted sea captain. He was seven times ship wrecked, and was captured by the English during the War of 1812, and was held until the cessation of hostilities.

The Shrader family was among the earliest settlers of Ohio, and many of its members became men of note. Dr. Jackson Shrader, an uncle of our subject, who was a noted physician and surgeon in his day in Ohio, later in life turned his attention to the legal profession and was an orator of some note. Another uncle, Phillip Shrader, has been Postmaster in Washington County, Ohio, for more than sixty years, and although now eighty-eight years of ago still holds that position. A brother of the Doctor is one of the professors in the medical department of the Iowa State University and is a man of considerable prominence.

It was a lucky thing for Doctor Shrader, as it is for thousands of our best citizens at present, to have been reared on a farm in the country, away from the contaminating influences of the city. Part of his time was spent on the farm, and part in a flouring mill, and he was thoroughly educated, mastering Greek and Latin at an early age. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, Sixty-third Ohio Infantry, when not yet nineteen years of age, but he felt that he had a duty to perform. His first battles were at Island No. 10 and New Madrid. In 1863 he was severely wounded in the chest and was compelled to leave his regiment. He has suffered all through life from this wound. After his return, Governor Kirkwood gave him a special commission to go south on special duty for the State of Iowa.

After the war, our subject read medicine with his uncle, Dr. A. J. Shrader. He took lectures at the Iowa Medical College at Keokuk in 1865, and subsequently commenced practicing with his uncle. Later he spent three years in Kansas, and was then with his brother at Iowa City for a time. From there he went to Red Rock, Iowa, where he practiced his profession until 1883, when he came to Monroe, where he engaged in the drug business. This he has continued successfully ever since. He has ever been prominent in Grand Army circles, being Commander of the post at Monroe for several terms, and was a delegate to the National Convention at Washington. He organized the Knights Of Pythias lodge at Monroe. In politics he has been a life long Democrat, and was nominated for State Representative in Marion County while living there, but refused to run.

The Doctor has been twice married, the last time in 1881 to Miss Callie F. Lemon. He has five children. Fredrick L. is at home; Virgel C. is also at home; Grace, Lulu and Mary, aged respectively, fifteen, eleven and nine years, are at home. p. 162.

~ Thomas Sherman ~

Thomas Sherman is one of the shrewdest and most intelligent agriculturists of Lynn Grove Township, Jasper County, as is shown by the success which has crowned his efforts. His home is a comfortable one, and his real estate comprises over six hundred acres of the very best land, which furnishes him a field for very extensive operations in the crops best suited to the situation and the soil on which he works.

Mr. Sherman was born in Brimfield Township, Hampden County, Mass., September 6, 1828, to Harris and Sallie (Morgan) Sherman. The father was born in the same place as was his son, and there lived until about 1831, when, moving to Ohio, he settled in Portage County and died on a farm. He was eighty-seven years old at his death, and had always followed agricultural pursuits. His good wife died in the same place when past eighty years of age. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are yet surviving.

When reaching his twenty-third year, our subject left the family rooftree and came to Lynn Grove Township, in October 1854, engaging to work out by the month for John R. Sparks for sixteen months. April 10, 1856, he was married to his employer's daughter, Miss Peninah. A sketch of Mr. Sparks will be found in that of his son, John B. Sparks, on another page in this history. Purchasing two hundred and forty acres of wild land, the young couple located thereon and commenced life at the foot of the ladder, and by push, pluck and perseverance were enabled to purchase over nine hundred and thirty broad acres. He has disposed of three hundred and twenty acres of this to his four eldest sons, and now retains only six hundred acres. This is all kept in a perfect state of productiveness and is one of the finest estates in the county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Sherman a family of eight children was born, six boys and two girls, of whom seven survive. John is married and is the father of two children; Lewis is married and has one child; Edward is also married; Frederick is next; Frank is deceased; William is the sixth child; Sarah is the wife of H. M. Gove, and has one child; and Nettie, who is the wife of 'r. L. Gove, is the mother of three children. Mr. Sherman gave to his four eldest sons on their starting out in life for themselves a fine farm of eighty acres each. He is a stanch Republican in his political views, and he and his amiable wife are valued members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Page 579.

~ Robert S. Snook ~

Robert S. Snook, deceased, was for many years a well-known citizen of Palo Alto Township, Jasper County. A native of the Empire State, he was born November 27, 1832, and was a son of Isaiah and Phoebe Snook, who were natives of England. When be was a child, his parents returned to that country, and he was reared in Wiltshire until thirteen years of age, when he left home and went to Wales, where he engaged in coal mining until twenty years of age. At that time he left his home in England and with his parents crossed the Atlantic to Canada, where they remained for a short time. Mr. Snook then went to the Copper mines of Lake Superior, where he was employed until his removal to Vernon County, Wis. For several years he there carried on farming, but at length again changed his place of residence, and in the fall of 1863 we find him in Jasper County, Iowa. He here located upon the farm, which is now the home of his widow. He was connected with the mining of coal in various capacities until his death, and in connection with that work also carried on farming.

Mr. Snook was married in Wisconsin on Christmas Day of 1859, the lady of his choice being Miss Emma Earnshaw, a native of England, born in Yorkshire, December 16, 1840. Her parents were Jonathan and Esther (Whitehead) Earnshaw, and they too were born in England. The daughter there remained until a maiden of sixteen years, when she crossed the Atlantic with her parents, taking passage from Liverpool on a sailing-vessel, which after a voyage of eight weeks dropped anchor in the harbor of New York City. Landing at that place, they at once made their way to Chicago, where they spent one year, and then removed to Wisconsin, where her father died.

To Mr. and Mrs. Snook was born a family of eleven children, nine of whom are living, as follows: Hannah, wife of William Pierson; Eliza, wife Samuel Lister; James E., Charles H., Frank J., Robert S., Frederick, Esther and William T.

The father of this family was called to the home beyond August 26, 1881, and died respected by all who knew him. He was a kind and loving husband and father and an obliging neighbor, and his loss has been mourned throughout the community. In politics, he was a supporter of the Republican Party. He left an estate of one hundred and twenty acres of land under high cultivation and thus his family is comfortably provided for. He was a self-made man, just and honorable in all things, and his exemplary career commanded the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. Page 327.

~ Jeremiah S. Sparks ~

Jeremiah Sparks S. Among those to whom this county owes a debt of gratitude for their share in the development of great agricultural resources and in the various affairs through which the interests of society are advanced, the name of Jeremiah S. Sparks should not be passed unnoted. He is a resident of Lynn Grove Township, Jasper County, and was born in Morgan County, Ill., August 8,1830. The father, John R., and the mother, Elizabeth (Mathews) Sparks, were both natives of Kentucky, and were good and honest farmers. A more extended account of the father will be found in the sketch of a brother, John Sparks.

Our subject came to this state with his parents in 1836, and in 1845 came to this county. Attending the district school as opportunity afforded, our subject obtained but a limited education. He early learned the workings of the farm, and now is the possessor of a good estate.

Three of the brothers of our subject were soldiers in the late war, two of them, Mathew T. and William H., dying in Andersonville Prison. The first named was in Company K, Fifth Iowa Infantry, and died July 9, 1864. He was born November 5, 1838. William H. was born October 10, 1840, and enlisted with his brother. He died in 1864, the month not being exactly known. Samuel T., the third brother who fought bravely for his country, was born August 27, 1847, and enrolled his name in Company B, Fortieth Iowa Infantry. He is now residing near the farm of our subject, engaged in the same occupation. The other brothers and sisters of Mr. Sparks are as follows: John B., of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume; Peninah, wife of Thomas Sherman, who resides in this township; and Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Noble, who lives in Casey, Iowa.

October 2, 1851, Mr. Sparks was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Sims, a native of Logan County, Ky., her birth occurring September 30, 1829. She is a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Elstom) Sims, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. Mrs. Sparks is one of ten children born to her parents. To our subject and his wife were born the following children: Mary E., born July 7, 1852, is married and is the mother of two children; Martha P., born February 22, 1854, is the wife of Joseph B. Sylvester; David J., born April 1, 1857, is married and is the father of six children; Albert L., born October 7, 1859, is married and had three children; John H., born December 19, 1862, is married to Emma Andrews; Nellie, born April 24, 1867, is the wife of Perry O. Maxom; Benjamin M., born April 3, 1865, died at tile age of ten months.

After his marriage our subject settled on his present farm, then wild and uncultivated land, erected a log cabin 18x18 feet in dimensions, and made his home there until 1862, when the present substantial and comfortable abode was built. The original estate comprised eighty acres, and he now has in his possession three hundred and twenty broad and fertile acres. He at one time had over five hundred acres, but bas sold a little at a time until he has diminished it to its present acreage.

Mr. Sparks is a stalwart Republican. He cast his first Presidential vote in 1852. He has held local offices in his township, and is a man honored and respected by all. Mr. and Mrs. Sparks are connected with the Methodist Protestant Church, and are active and valued members, he holding office in the same. Our subject and his father were the principal builders of the church, and hence the family takes a great interest in it now.

~ John B. Sparks ~

John B. Sparks stands in the front rank with the farmers and stock-raisers of Lynn Grove Township, Jasper County. He was born May 29, 1842, in Lee County, this state, to John R. and Elizabeth (Matthews) Sparks. The father, who was born in Green County, Ky., March 16, 1806, was reared on a farm, and received but a limited education, until after growing to manhood, when he attended school with his two eldest children. He left home when about twenty years of age and went with a party overland to Illinois, settling first in Morgan County. He worked by the month on a farm until his marriage, about three years later. He then bought a farm in Illinois, and in 1836 came to Iowa with an ox-team and horse and wagon.

Locating on Government land in Lee County, John R. Sparks built a log house, where the family resided for six months. He tried several townships and counties for farming, and finally, in 1845, came to Jasper County, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of Government land in this township. The family lived in a log cabin for nine years, and at the end of this period was erected the house in which our subject lives. With the help of his boys and his wife, he became the owner of five hundred acres of choice farming land. During the days of the old-line Whig party, he was very active in politics, and on the birth or the Republican Party voted for Fremont. He was honored with different local offices, among them being that of County Commissioner. In the progress of education and religion he was greatly interested, and was always ready to support all laudable enterprises. He was one of the most highly respected and honored men in the county, and was widely known, the family being the second to locate in this part of the county. He died August 17, 1886.

The mother of our subject was born in Green County, Ky., to William and Mary Matthews, who were Kentucky people and who engaged in farming. The father died in Kentucky, and after his demise the widow, with her large family of children, went to Illinois, and later came to Iowa, in 1845, settling in Jasper County. She died at the home of our subject at the age of eighty-two years. Mrs. Elizabeth Sparks was born January 7, 1806, and died June 7, 1886. She had born to her eleven children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and five of whom are yet living, as follows: Jeremiah S., of whom a sketch will be found on another page of this volume. Peninah, the wife of Thomas Sherman (see sketch); our subject, Elizabeth and Samuel T. All of the children are engaged in farming, with the exception of the husband of Elizabeth, A. E. Noble, who is a banker in Casey, Guthrie County, this state.

Mathew W. Sparks, the grandfather, was united in marriage with Mary Robison. Both were natives of North Carolina. The husband was an early settler in Kentucky, and came to Iowa in 1856 with his two sons, spending his last days here. He was a son of William Sparks, Jr. The father of the last-named was William Sparks, Sr., and was a native of Maryland. The family originally came from Wales, and its members were among the early settlers in Maryland. Traditional history tells us that they were pioneers in no less than five different states.

The gentleman of whom we write, like many another farmer boy, received but a limited education, and has all his life followed agricultural pursuits. He was married November 22, 1877, to Miss Amanda M. Sylvester, who was born August 29, 1851, in the Prairie State. She is the daughter of Dickson and Ann Sylvester, who came from Delaware. In 1852, they located in Iowa, in this county and township, and the father still lives here, making his home with a son. The mother died a few years ago. Six children have come to bless the home of our subject and his amiable wife, and all are living, except Ernest T., and are as follows: Daisy A., born August 25, 1878; Ada E., August 28, 1880; Ralph S., August 27, 1881; Nancy W., December 27, 1882; and Orphia E., October 9, 1888. After his marriage, our subject rented the old home with his father, and lived there until 1880, at which time he moved to his own farm. In 1887, he bought out the heirs in the homestead and again located there. The land is devoted to mixed farming and stock raising. In his political views he is a stanch Republican, and polled his first vote for President Lincoln. He and his estimable wife have been valued members of the Methodist Protestant Church for many years. Page 666.