~ Daft, William H. ~Photo

William H. Daft, son of Thomas and Milecent (Penystone) Daft, a progressive and conservative farmer, residing on Section 22, Washington Township, was born in Nottingham, England, February 24, 1843. In 1846 his father came to America, the family following in 1847, and locating at Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. For some years his father worked out at day's work in the town of Canton, but in 1852 commenced farming, on his own account, on rented land. In 1836 he purchased 120 acres, moving onto the same the following year, where he resided until his death in 1865. There were seven children in his father's family, our subject being the third born. William H. remained at home until the breaking out of the Civil War, and enlisted September 4, 1861, in Company I, 47th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until September 4, 1864, and participated in the following battles: Farmington, Mississippi; the first and second battles of Corinth; Iuka, Holly Springs, Jackson, Mississippi, and siege of Vicksburg. Returning home, he located on the farm, where he remained for three years, during which time his father died. In 1868 he came to Jasper County. Mr. Daft was united in marriage in Illinois, January 4, 1865, to Ann Brewin, a native of England. Her parents were John and Alice (Powdrell) Brewin, who came to America when she was seven years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Daft are the parents of six children: Clifton C., Clara M., Mrs. C. V. Robinson, Lucy A., Mrs. Remsburg, Estella M., Jessie N., deceased, and Jossie V. Our subject has always taken an active part in the affairs of his township and county. He was a member of the County board of supervisors from January 6, 1890, to December 31, 1896. Has held all the local township offices, including justice of the peace. Socially, he is a member of the Grand Army Post No. 27, and Preston Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 218, at Prairie City. Page 23

~Dammeier, Bernard ~

Bernard Dammeier, residing on Section 32, Mariposa Township, is a native of Germany, born December 29, 1829. In 1850 he came to America and located near Freeport, Illinois. When he arrived in that locality his cash capital amounted to about 100 cents. He was a mason by trade, and followed that during his residence in Illinois. He became a resident of Jasper County in 1872. Mary Pahl became his wife May 9, 1856. She is the daughter of Herman and Dora (Klass) Pahl, and came to America in 1852, and experienced pioneer life in Illinois. Nine children have been born to them: Caroline; S. H., deceased; Charles, residing near Newton; Henry, deceased; Mary, married Jacob Orns, and resides in Newton Township; William F., married Mary E. Burke, and resides in Omaha, Nebraska; Fred H.; Herman, deceased; Emma D., married Henry Prasse, and resides near Freeport, Illinois, and Benjamin C. Mr. Dammeier is living in one of the most comfortable homes in Mariposa Township, and possesses over 300 acres of Jasper County soil. He has given his children liberal school education. They are considered among the well-to-do and enterprising citizens of the county. Page 19

~ Dammeier, Charles ~Photo

Charles Dammeier, an agriculturalist residing on Section 23, Newton Township, was born in Freeport, Illinois, July 9, 1859, and became a resident of Jasper County in 1872. His parents are Berhard and Mary (Pahl) Dammeier, natives of Germany, who are now living in a comfortable home in Mariposa Township. His parents came to the United States in 1850, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. February 14, 1886, marked an important period in this man's life, for it was at that date he married Carrie Klaus. She was born in Greene County, Wisconsin, July 9, 1861. Eight children have been born to them, five of whom are living; Lillie, born December 13, 1886; Rosa, born April 23, 1888; David, born June 3, 1893; Walter, born October 23 1896, and May, born March 8, 1901. Mr. Dammeier started in life with limited means. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age, after which we find him gathering cream and buying poultry through the county. He then became a partner in the creamery business, the partnership lasting for one year. He then removed to Kellogg Township and engaged in farming on rented land. After renting two years, he purchased his present farm on Section 23, Newton Township, but was only able to make a small payment. He succeeded in raising abundant crops, keeping up the interest for three years, and agreed to pay, thereafter, $500.00 per year until the farm was paid for. In due time, the last note and mortgage was paid, the final payment being made in 1894, although he had severe reverses, having had the misfortune in 1893, to have his house struck by lightning, which burned up both house and contents. Our subject has been more than ordinarily successful in his business ventures, and bas proven himself a good financier. He has taken an active interest in the affairs of his township. Has held the offices of road supervisor and school director, and been president of the school board, and is at present president of the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery Co. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican Party. Socially, he and his family are members of the Evangelical Church at Horne, and is at present a director. Page 44

~ Danley, Cyrus ~

Cyrus Danley, residing on Section 4, Des Moines Township, was born ion Jasper County August 2, 1861. His parents were William and Harriet (Totton) Danley, natives of Ohio, and settled in Jasper County in the spring of 1856. Viola Kuhns, daughter of Philip and Dora (Battles) Kuhns, was born in 1867 and became the wife of our subject September 4, 1883. By this union ten children have been born: Bertha, born February 19, 1885; Williard, born October 22, 1886; Curtis, born April 21, 1888; Rennie, born March 21, 1890; Edith, born December 29, 1901; Nora, born September 6, 1893; Ivan, born September 7, 1895; Burnice, born August 31, 1897; Ruby, born April 10, 1899; and Carrie, born April 19, 1901. Politically, our subject affiliates with the Democratic Party. Page 28

~ Davis, Alexander C. ~

Alexander C. Davis, who resides on the old Davis homestead, Section 7, Buena Vista Township, came to Jasper County with his parents in 1851. Our subject was born in Indiana December 26, 1849; married Almina Sanders April 23, 1871. They are the parents of one child, William Arthur. Page 20

~ Davis, John S. ~Photo

John S. Davis, whose comfortable farm residence is located on Section 16, Buena Vista Township, has been a resident of Jasper County since 1861. He is the son of Charles M. and Mary (Frame) Davis, natives of Kentucky. Charles M. Davis was born in the Blue Grass State, September 8, 1815, where he resided until 1828, and removed to Indiana. In July 1833, he was united in marriage to Mary Frame. In 1850 Mr. Davis fitted out two wagons, consisting of one horse and one ox team, and started for the west. They crossed the Mississippi, and remained in Monroe County, Iowa, during the winter. The following spring they again took up their westward march, and located in Jasper County, taking land on Section 7, Buena Vista Township. Mr. Davis was a man of small means, and for the next eight years the family endured all the hardships of pioneer life. He represented the County and State Legislature in 1860 and 1861, and at the time of his death, November 4, 1892, was considered one of the most well-to-do and enterprising farmers of the county. In his sixteenth year he united with the Christian Church, and was a consistent member for 61 years. John S. Davis, in 1861, responding to his country's call, attempted to enlist in the 10th Iowa Infantry, but was rejected. In the spring of 1864 he enlisted in the 1st Iowa Cavalry, and served until the spring of 1866, and was mustered out at Austin, Texas, receiving his discharge at Davenport. December 24, 1868,he was united in marriage to Jennie Squires, a native of Indiana, who had come to Jasper County with her mother in1868. Three children have been born to them, two of whom are living: Nellie M., Mrs. T. G. Russell; Mary I., deceased; Narcissa B., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are both members of the Christian Church. His foster son, Roy L., September 8, 1899, enlisted in Company C, 44th U.S. Volunteer Infantry, and served until June 30, 1901, in the Philippine War. August 30, 1900, he participated, with 27 others, in an engagement at Carmen, Bohol Island. Three hundred Filipinos were killed. One U. S. soldier was killed and six wounded. The Filipinos were armed with bolo knives. At Gagna, on the same island, March 8, 1901, 50 U. S. troops engaged 500 Filipinos, and killed 308, with no loss to the U. S. troops. This is considered one of the most successful battles in the Philippine War. While there he secured a valuable collection of Filipino and Chinese relics, among them quite a collection of bowie knives. Part III, page 4

~ Davis, Pennington ~Photo

Pennington Davis, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania November 26, 1814. In 1838 he removed to Indiana, where he resided until 1856, and fitted out a canvas top wagon, to which was attached a yoke of oxen, and started for Iowa, and located in Jasper County. He became a well-known man throughout the County. Friend Davis, as he was commonly known, was a man of strong convictions, and had the ability and courage to express them. He was a Hicksite Quaker, and died in Kellogg, where he was living a retired life, March 26, 1893. Page 23

~ Dearinger, E. ~

E. Dearinger, a successful farmer of Elk Creek Township, whose farm residence is located on Section 1, was born in this township June 14, 1859. His parents were Jacob and Hannah (Loucks) Dearinger, pioneers of Jasper County. He was united in marriage December 9, 1882, to Ann Van Horn, daughter of Henry and Eliza Jane (Trimble) Van Horn. Their children are Arthur I., Bessie May, and Curtis L. Page 15

~ Dennis, Willmer L. ~Photo

Willmer L. Dennis, one of the heavy stock feeders and dealers in Jasper County, is a resident of Section 25, Buena Vista Township. Mr. Dennis was born in Wapello County, Iowa, in 1857, and came to Jasper County with his parents in 1865. His father, B. H. Dennis, had traded 40 acres in Wapello County, sight unseen, for 240 in Jasper County. The family came here, bringing with them a horse team, four head of cattle and 25 sheep, and commenced operations on the 240-acre tract he had traded for. He was a good businessman, and became an extensive stock feeder, and was well known throughout Jasper County. In 1878 he removed to Newton, where he died January 31, 1900. Our subject, W. L. Dennis, commenced feeding cattle with his father, and therefore received an early education in that line of work. He is among the heavy stock feeders of the County, feeding from 200 to 250 head of cattle each year. He was married May 20, 1880, to Anna M. Emmert. Page 12

~ Denniston, J. L. ~Photo

J. L. Denniston resides on Section 32, Buena Vista Township, was born in Ohio in 1856. In 1861 his mother, three brothers and two sisters, started west, locating in Jasper County on the site of the present home of our subject. His parents were Joseph L. and Harriet S. Denniston. The father died in Ohio. The mother is still living at the advanced age of 77 years. J. L. Denniston was united in marriage in 1884 to Laura McIntire. Page 16

~ DePenning, Peter ~Photo

Peter DePenning, Section 6, Elk Creek Township, was born in Marion County July 11, 1858. His parents, Leonard and Nellie DePenning, were natives of Holland. Our subject has been a resident of Jasper County since the fall of 1879. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and is located upon a good farm, supplied with comfortable buildings. Josena Dunick, daughter of Arnold and Maggie Dunick, became his wife November 14, 1879. Five sons and two daughters have been born to them: Leonard, born May 15,1880; Maggie, born January 29, 1883; Nellie, born August 25, 1885; Eddie, born February 24, 1888; Arie, born March 28, 1891; Freddie, born December 11, 1894, and Harry, born August 29, 1896. Page 8

~ Deutsch, William ~Photo

William Deutsch, farmer and stock breeder, residing on Section 1, Sherman Township, was born in Richland County, Wisconsin, February 17, 1859, and in November 1872, accompanied by his parents, Daniel and Catherine (Lewis) Deutsch, made settlement in Jasper County, and has been identified with the affairs of the County since that date. Has held numerous township offices. Was assessor for four years, school director at different times, and in the fall of 1901 received the nomination on the Republican ticket for member of board of supervisors. He has been a successful businessman. Besides doing general farming, he turns his attention quite extensively to stock raising. April 17, 1890, he was united in marriage to Ioae I. Hickman. She was born in Jasper County, Iowa, March 11, 1862. Her parents are George W. Hickman, Sr., and Tamar (Moffitt) Hickman, who still live in Jasper County. She taught school several years previous to her marriage, teaching in California and Nebraska, as well as in Jasper County. She is a graduate of the Newton public school. They are the parents of three children: Roy H., born September 25, 1892, died October 6, 1892; Arthur W., born August 29, 1894, and Esther I., born December 3, 1899. Part III, page 7

~ Dieleman (Dielman), William ~Photo

William Dieleman, now acting as Township Clerk of Elk Creek Township, is an enterprising and industrious young farmer residing on Section 33. He was born in Marion County, May 21, 1873. His parents were both natives of Holland. His father William Dielman, came to Iowa in 1852, and located in Marion County, and was therefore one of the early pioneers of this section of the state. His mother, whose maiden name was Adriana Stek, became a resident of Marion County in 1871. There were ten children in his father's family, five sons and five daughters, all of whom are living, and are yet single, except Cornelius, who is the second child. The children were William, Cornelius, Susanna, John, Daniel, Gertie, Renier, Kate, Johanna and Jennie. Our subject takes an active interest in all affairs of his state and County, and votes with the Democratic Party. Part III, page 4

~ Dodd, F. J. ~Photo

F. J. Dodd, proprietor of the Clear Creek Farm, on Section 19, Independence Township, was born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, April 28, 1858. His parents were Joseph and Amelia Dodd, who came from Illinois to this section and became pioneers in Jasper County. They were natives of Kentucky. Our subject was united in marriage in 1885 to Mary A. Altman, who was born in Jasper County August 7, 1859. They are the parents of two children: Arthur J., born September 15, 1887, and Tharies, born February 18, 1895. When our subject started for himself, he had but limited means, but has succeeded well. Besides doing a general farming business, he devotes a great deal of his time to the buying of stock, principally cattle and horses, either of which he has for sale in quantities at most any time. Page 27

~ Dodge, Joel ~Photo

Joel Dodge, a veteran of the Civil War, now residing on Section 34, Malaka Township, was born in Sullivan County, New York, November 27, 1840, and with his parents came to Jasper County in 1858, the family locating on the same section on which our subject now resides. In 1861 Mr. Dodge became a member of the 10th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served 15 months. Was at the capture of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Iuka, and the battle of Corinth, where he was wounded the second day, for which he received his discharge. Returning to Jasper County in 1867, he was united in marriage to Sarah Gage, in Sullivan County, New York. They became the parents of three children: Anna, now Mrs. Chas. Kerr; Flora, now Mrs. R. Smith; and Arthur. In 1882 he was again united in marriage to Asenath Kerr. Their children are Edith, Bessie, Mabel, Imogene, Wallace, and Dorothy. Page 15

~ Donahey, Edwin S. ~Photo

Edwin S. Donahey, proprietor of the Oak Ridge Stock Farm in Newton Township, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, March 29,1862. He is the son of John C. and Eliza (Uhl) Donahey, and was the third child of a family of five children. This family came to Iowa in 1856, and located in Muscatine County. In 1884 they came to Jasper County and became residents of Buena Vista Township, and ever since that date the family has been prominently identified with the business interests of the county. Our subject was 27 years of age when he started on his own account. He married Louella Ervin, a native of Ohio, and went to Adair County, Iowa, and engaged in the stock business, remaining there about eight months. We next find him in Newton, where for the next two and one-half years, he was engaged in the butcher business, which he concluded was not his calling. In 1891 he returned to farm life on the old homestead in Buena Vista. Seven years later he purchased his first piece of real estate, and commenced farming on his own land in Kellogg Township. In 1898 he engaged extensively in the breeding of fine Short Horn cattle, and has been remarkably successful in this line, which is evidenced by the fact that in the fall of 1901, on a draft sale, he sold $26,690.00 worth of stock in three hours. His present farm is situated one mile west of Newton. It is a tract of 255 acres, on which he moved in the spring of 1901, and where he will carry on an extensive business in fancy stock raising, and today has one of the best-appointed farms in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Donahey are the parents of three children: Fred W., Dell L., and Pearl. Page 36

~ Dotson, Charles A. ~Photo

Charles A. Dotson, living a retired life in the city of Colfax, is a pioneer in this section of the state. He located on Section 25, in what is now Poweshiek Township, in 1848. His cash capital at that time amounted to $15.00, besides $50.00 that was due him from parties in Illinois. He soon took a claim of 160 acres of prairie and 87 acres of timber, later paying for the same with land warrants. His property is now valued at between $25,000 and $30,000. Our subject was born in Tennessee, January 23, 1821. His parents were Henry and Saluda (Shelton) Dotson, natives of Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. When Charles was about six years of age the family left Tennessee and located in Morgan County, Indiana. Here our subject grew to manhood, receiving his education in the old subscription schools. When about thirteen he bound himself to learn the tanner's trade, serving an apprenticeship of five years. He then went to Kentucky and engaged as a farm hand, and worked out by the month until his marriage in 1842 to Mariam York. After his marriage he located on public land in Jasper County, Illinois, and there resided until coming west in 1848. The trip to this county was made in a canvas-topped wagon with one yoke of oxen and one span of horses and two cows. His first market was Oskaloosa, nearly 60 miles away, and later at Old Ft. Des Moines or "Raccoon Forks." Coming to the county at that early date, Mr. Dotson has seen Jasper County transformed from a bleak prairie to a land of pleasant homes, beautiful buildings and modern conveniences. He lived on the homestead farm forty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Dotson were the parents of eleven children, six of whom grew to maturity: Eli E., Mary I., Elizabeth A., Charles, Sarah J., and Julia E. They celebrated their golden wedding March 21, 1892. Mrs. Dotson departed this life in April 1898, aged 77 years, and 4 months. She was the third of a family of twelve children; born in Randolph County, North Carolina, November 30, 1820; was a member of the Christian Church more than fifty years. Mr. Dotson has always been a man of strong constitution, and is yet well preserved, and although eighty years of age, enjoys shouldering his gun and going out with the boys for a day's hunt. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Christian Church. Mr. Dotson enjoys the fruits of a life of industry, thrift and probity, faithful to duty, family and friends. Part III, Page 3

~ Downing, W. James ~Photo

W. James Downing, residing on Section 8, Mound Prairie Township, was born near Wheeling, West Virginia, April 1, 1833. At the age of seven years he moved with his parents, Samuel and Prudence (Bounds) Downing, who were natives of Maryland, and located in Muskingum County, Ohio. In 1856 our subject left Ohio and proceeded to California, going by way of the Isthmus of Panama in search of gold. He remained in the gold region about three years, working most of the time as a day laborer at $4.00 per day. In 1859 he went to Nevada and engaged in the wood business, supplying the mills and the town with wood. During his stay in Nevada he was out one summer fighting the Indians. Returning east he came by the way or Nicaragua, and came to Marion County in 1867. February 1, 1869, he married Julia A. Jarnagin, who was born in Adams County, Ohio, January 21, 1849. She was a daughter of Isaac W. and Matilda Gaul Jarnagin, who were of Welsh and German descent and had come to Marion County in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Downing are the parents of five children: Florence I., Mrs. J. C. Vermilyea; Cortie, deceased; Georgia, deceased; Florida J., and Daisy M. V., Mrs. W. S. McCracken. Page 16

~ Draper, J. J. ~Photo

J. J. Draper, a substantial farmer, residing on Section 19, Des Moines Township, is the son of William H. and Nancy (Means) Draper. His father was a native of Kentucky, and the mother of North Carolina. Our subject was born in Indiana June 20, 1844. In the fall of 1850 the family came to Warren County, and in February 1851, located in Jasper County. The trip from Indiana was made with horse team. Coming to the county at that early date, our subject has watched the growth and development of the County, in which he has taken an active part. August 15, 1862, he enlisted at Des Moines in Company G, 23rd Iowa Volunteer Infantry, participating in the battles of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, April 25, 1863; Milligan's Bend, Louisiana, June 7, 1863; siege of Vicksburg, June and July, 1863; Spanish Fort, March and April 1865, lasting 13 days and nights; receiving his discharge in August 1865. June 28, 1866, he was united in marriage to Sarah R. Keating, daughter of John and Sarah Aikin, natives of Pennsylvania. Six children have been born to them: Edgar E., Frankie M., William H., Annie C., Roscoe C., and Corwin L. Mrs. Draper departed this life March 13, 1897. Page 20

~ Draper, O. W. ~

O. W. Draper, son of Ira E. and Maggie (Pope) Draper, was born in Des Moines Township October 9, 1864. His father, Ira E. Draper, was born in Indiana, and his mother in Ohio. They were early pioneers in this section of the state, Mr. Draper becoming one of the wealthiest agriculturalists in Jasper County. Jessie V. Porter was the daughter of Dr. J. N. and Nettie (Wyckoff) Porter, and became the wife of our subject July 13, 1886. Her father is a native of Kentucky, and her mother of Illinois. Dr. Porter is now a practicing physician in Prairie City. Page 20

~ Duncan, Edward L. ~Photo of Residence

Edward L. Duncan was born in Jasper County, Iowa, December 24, 1858, and is now a successful farmer residing on Section 23, Poweshiek Township. His parents, Erasmus D. and Lucetta Whitney Duncan, were natives of Kentucky and Illinois, respectively, and were pioneers in Jasper County. His father was second lieutenant of Company B, 13th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. Our subject was united in marriage to Mary Gardner January 29, 1891. She was born in Ontario, Canada, November 27, 1865. They have four children, Harry G., Donald W., Ruth, and Agnes. Mr. Duncan is a stanch supporter of the Republican Party, has acted as school director and president of the school board. Socially, the family are members of the Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch is what may be termed a self-made man. He started in life with limited means, and by careful management and shrewd business tact has become one of the substantial farmers of Poweshiek Township. He now possesses 360 acres of valuable land, which he has under a high state of cultivation. Page 44