Jasper Co. IAGenWeb
Atlas Table of Contents

Standard Historical Atlas of Jasper County, Iowa

The Huebenger Survey and Map Publishing Co.,
Davenport, Iowa, 1901.

Biographical Sketches

Page 2

~ Smith, Francis M. ~

Francis M. Smith, proprietor of the Silver Creek Stock Farm, is a farmer and a shipper of livestock, residing on Section 7, Clear Creek Township, and has been a resident of Jasper County since 1865. He came here with his parents, Philip and Lucinda (Fudge) Smith, natives of Virginia. His mother is deceased and his father is in Oklahoma City. There were four brothers and two sisters in this family; one brother is deceased. Our subject was born in Sangamon County, Illinois, January 8, 1857. June 19, 1889, he married Julia A. Long. She was born in Jasper County October 6, 1862. They have two children, Marie Irene and Floyd F. Mr. Smith received a liberal school education. Has always taken an active interest in school matters, and has acted as school director of his township. He started in life with limited means, but has proven himself a good manager, and now possesses 475 acres of land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. Page 32


~ Smith, G. L. ~

G. L. Smith was born in Wisconsin October 26, 1860, and came to Jasper County with his parents in 1862. His farm is located on Section 20, Independence Township. Mr. Smith has been successful in his business enterprises, although he never received anything but a common school education. Yet he is considered a successful businessman. Page 20


~ Smith, Ira ~

Ira Smith, proprietor of the Maple Grove Stock Farm. Section 9, Fairview Township, was born in Mahaska County, Iowa, March 7, 1854, and came to Jasper County in the spring of 1891. He is the son of John and Polly (Bennett) Smith, natives of Germany and America, respectively. Kate Weigand became his wife October 3, 1877. She was the daughter of Adam and Mary (Lind) Weigand. They are the parents of the following children: Clara E., Mary Gail, Logan, Charles I., Ralph C., Frank A., Raymond and Leo V. Mr. Smith is a successful farmer and breeder of Chester White hogs. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the M. E. Church. Page 16


~ Smith, John J. ~Photo

John J. Smith, a farmer residing on Section 6, Elk Creek Township, was born in Knox County, Ohio, May 9, 1830, and dates his settlement in Jasper County from the fall of 1864. He was reared in Putnam County, western Ohio, and is the son of Azariah and Chartry (Jewel) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania. There were nine children in his father's family, our subject being the third. He started in life empty-handed, and received his start by working out at day's labor, making rails. When he arrived in Jasper County he purchased 60 acres of land, which forms a part of his present farm. He now owns 140 acres, which is free from encumbrance. Page 35


~ Smith, Sarah J. ~Photo

Sarah J. Smith, residing on Section 31, Hickory Grove Township, was born in Hocking County, Ohio, October 6, 1845, and dates her settlement in Jasper County from July 1873. Her parents were Benjamin F. and Christena (Beougher) Zeller, natives of Ohio. There were fourteen children in her father's family, of which Sarah J. was the third born. November 1, 1866, she was united in marriage to Elias Smith. He was the son of John and Sarah Ann (Bolts) Smith, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. October 9, 1861, Mr. Smith enlisted at Camp Madill, Ohio, in Company H, 68th Ohio Volunteers, and received his discharge at Vicksburg September 16, 1865. During his service he participated in eleven different engagements, the principal ones being the battle of Shiloh and the siege of Vicksburg. During his service he acted for six months as corporal. He was born in the Buckeye State February 17, 1838, came to Jasper County in 1873, and died January 7, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters: Benjamin F., John W., Mary J., Christena C., Joseph D., Chas. Z., Sarah E. Ada M., and Allie A. Benjamin F., the older of the family, is now taking charge of the old homestead, which he is operating successfully. Page 31

~ Snodgrass, Henry J. ~Photo

Henry J. Snodgrass, Section 13, Elk Creek Township, is a son of Garret and Luticia B. Snodgrass. He was born July 20, 1838, in Indiana, where he grew to manhood, receiving a common school education. In coming west with his parents in 1854, he became one of the pioneers in Jasper County. The date of his marriage was in 1859, to Mary J. Cating, daughter of Morris and Melissa (Woodward) Cating. They are the parents of sixteen children, nine sons and seven daughters, twelve of whom are living. Ten are married, and, like their parents, are prosperous. Two sons reside on the old homestead. As a matter of history, it should be mentioned that our subject's grandfather on the maternal side, was in the war of 1812. Page 16


~ Sparks, Jeremiah S. ~Photo

Jeremiah S. Sparks, residing on Section 9, Lynn Grove Township, is one of the early pioneers of Jasper County, and was born in Morgan County, Illinois, August 8, 1829. He is the son at John R. and Elizabeth (Matthews) Sparks, and was 16 years of age when his parents came to this County, and has been identified with both the social and business interests since that early date. Nancy M. Sims was born in Logan County, Kentucky, September 30, 1828, moved to Logan County, Illinois, with her parents when one year old, and to Jasper County in 1849. She became the wife of our subject October 2, 1851, and October 2, 1901, they celebrated their golden wedding. They are the parents of seven children: Mary E., born July 7, 1852, now Mrs. Roten; Martha P., born February 28, 1854, now Mrs. J. B. Sylvester; David J., born April 1, 1857, is now a resident of Osborne County, Kansas; Albert L., born October 7, 1859; John H., born December 19, 1862, and now a resident of Lead City, South Dakota; Benjamin M., born April 3, 1865, died January 18, 1866; and Nellie L., now Mrs. Maxon, born April 24, 1867. After our subject was united in marriage, he remained at the old homestead for about two years, after which he purchased 80 acres of land, which he still owns, and to which he has added until he now possesses a valuable tract of 315 acres. Socially, Mr. and Mrs. Sparks have been devoted members of the Methodist Protestant Church since 1855. Page 35


~ Sparks, John B. ~

John B. Sparks, residing on Section 10, Lynn Grove Township, is one of the very early pioneers of Jasper County, coming here with his parents, John R. and Elizabeth (Mathews) Sparks, in the spring of 1845. His parents were natives of Kentucky. The Sparks, originally, were from Wales, and as near as can be learned, came to America early in the 17th century, and located in Maryland. Later they migrated to North Carolina. The great-great-grandfather of our subject was named William, as was the great-grandfather. Mathew Sparks, grandfather of our subject, migrated to Kentucky in the latter part of the 17th century. He was born January 14, 1783, married Polly Robertson August 21, 1802. Their son, John R. Sparks, was the second son and the third child of a family of thirteen children, five sons and eight daughters. John R. Sparks, father of our subject, became a resident of Illinois in 1826. He was united in marriage October 6, 1828, in Morgan County, Illinois, to Elizabeth Mathews. They came to Lee County, Iowa, in 1836, and to Jasper County in 1845, arriving here March 22, with a family of seven children, the trip being made with one ox and one horse team. John R. Sparks became one of Jasper County's most prominent citizens, and until his death figured extensively in the growth and development of the County, his name appearing in nearly all branches of the county history. John B. Sparks was born in Henry County, Iowa, May 29, 1842, and now resides on the original homestead on which the family located in 1845. The house in which he lives has been remodeled, but the original frame was built by his father in 1853. In November 1859, his father, in order to give his children better school advantages, removed to Newton, and removed until March 1861. In January 1871, our subject removed to Mitchell County, Kansas, and remained one year. With the exception of the two removals just referred to, he has been a resident of the old homestead since their first settlement here. Amanda M. Sylvester, daughter of Dixon and Ann Sylvester, became the wife of our subject November 22, 1877. She was born August 29, 1851, in Logan County, Illinois. They are the parents of six children: Daisy A., born August 25, 1878, now Mrs. Jos. Burnham, residing in Richland Township; Ada E., born August 28, 1880, Mrs. A. H. Howell, lives on part of the old homestead; Ralph S., born August 27, 1881, residing on the old homestead: N. Willimina, born December 27, 1882, at home; Ernest T., born August 25, 1887, and died February 22,1889; Orpha E., born October 9, 1888, at home. Mr. Sparks is now the possessor of 185 acres of Jasper County soil. The buildings are situated near the timber, and are well protected, the choice of a building spot denoting not only good judgment, but an eye for the beautiful. Socially, our subject is a member of Lebanon Lodge No. 227, A. F. & A. M., of Lynnville. Page 44


~ Sparks, John R. ~Photo

John R. Sparks, deceased, was born in Adair County, Kentucky, March 16, 1806, and became a resident of Jasper County in 1845. His father was Mathew Sparks. The Sparks family originated in Wales, and came to America in the colony days, and located in Maryland. We next find them in North Carolina, later in Kentucky, and then in Illinois. John R. Sparks and family came to Lee County, Iowa, in 1836, where they resided until coming to Jasper County. His father, Mathew Sparks, died in Jasper County, having come here in 1856, and made his home with him until his death. On his arrival here he had never seen a match up to that time, and when one of the children shuck one, he remarked: "Save that one; that's a good one; that will go every time." When John R. Sparks came to Jasper County his cash capital was $25.00. He had one span of horses, two yoke of oxen and two yoke of steers and two wagons. They located on Section 10, in what is now Lynn Grove Township, and all along from that time until his death, we find him prominently identified with the business, social and political history of Jasper County. He built a sawmill at Lynnville in 1846, and later added a gristmill, which was the first and also one of the best mills in this section of the state. He died here August 17, 1886. His wife, Elizabeth Matthews, was born January 7, 1806, became the wife of our subject October 6, 1828, and died June 7, 1886. They reared a family of 10 children, five of whom are living. Two sons, William Henry and Mathew T., died in that den of horrors known as Andersonville. Page 35


~ Squires, Samuel ~Photo

Samuel Squires, a prominent landowner and substantial farmer, residing on Section 7, Buena Vista Township, has been a resident of Jasper County since 1867. Our subject was born in Indiana, June 5, 1845. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, 44th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He was in several engagements, including Perryville and Stone River. At the latter battle he received a gunshot wound in the hand, and was in the hospitals of Nashville, Louisville, Cincinnati and Camp Dennison, Ohio. November 16, 1865, Emma Richie became his wife. She was a native of Ohio. They are the parents of five children, all of whom are living, three sons and two daughters: Mirtie I., married Harry Turck, and lives in Palo Alto Township; Birt M., married Sadie Rhodes, and lives on the home farm; William, married Nellie Russell, also a resident of the old homestead; S. Eugene and Mabel, at home. Mr. Squires is considered one of the substantial farmers of Palo Alto Township. He came to the County, however, in as humble a conveyance as many of the early pioneers, coming all the way overland with a horse team. His first purchase of land in this County was a tract of 47 acres. He now owns 280 acres, on which are located three substantial dwelling houses, two of which are occupied by his sons. Page 16


~ Stark, J. O. ~Photo

J. O. Stark, a Loan Agent and Live Stock dealer, residing in Mingo, was born in Sycamore, Illinois, April 4, 1847. He is a progressive businessman and a veteran of the Civil War. Part III, page 4


~ Starr, Benson ~Photo

Benson Starr, whose comfortable home is situated on Section 13, Lynn Grove Township, was born in Ohio May 2, 1842. In the spring of 1843 the family removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, and in 1847, to Jasper County, settling in Lynn Grove Township, where his father entered land. His parents were Jabez and Jane (Gregory) Starr; and were the parents of thirteen children. Our subject's grandfather, on the paternal side, was born in England, and came to America and settled in Ohio. He was the father of seven sons, all of whom became Methodist ministers. Jabez Starr, the father of our subject, was born December 25, 1803, and died in February 1885. His wife was born in Pennsylvania March 20, 1809, and died in the fall of 1878. Benson Starr served 18 months in the Civil War, but participated in as many hard fought battles as many of those serving three years. He was in the battle of Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Raymond, Edwards' Station, Black River Bridge, and the siege of Vicksburg, and was on an expedition up White River to Duvall's Bluff and encountered one of the most severe snowstorms ever known in that section. After the close of the war, in 1865, he married Ellen Squires, and five children were born to them, none of whom reside in Jasper County. He was married the second time February 24, 1897, to Ella R. Hixson, a native of Ohio. Mr. Starr is a prominent and respected citizen of the County in which he has lived for so many years, and although not a candidate for any office, has held numerous township offices, and at present is township trustee. Page 19


~ Stevens, Joseph ~Photo

Joseph Stevens, an ex-Mayor, now engaged in the grocery business in Newton, at which business he has been engaged since 1899, will form the subject of this biographical notice. Mr. Stevens was born in County Berkshire, England, February 21, 1836. He is the son of Joseph and Louise (Ward) Stevens, who died when he was a small boy. After the death of his parents, he lived with an older brother. In 1854 he came to America on a sailing vessel, the voyage taking about 34 days, the vessel being the American Congress. When about 12 years of age, it should be stated, that our subject started as a shop boy in a carpenter shop of Wm. Cubitt, the celebrated contractor and builder of London, who died worth $5,000,000.00. On his arrival in New York, for a time he was engaged by John Johnson, an Irishman, who did all the repairing on Vanderbilt's ships, and several times made repairs on the ship known as "Star of the West," the first ship fired on when the Civil War broke out. In 1855 Mr. Stevens left New York and proceeded to Joliet, Illinois, and worked in a sash and blind factory. While here he met Miss Eliza Cross, a native of England, and in March 1856, she became his wife. Six children were born to them: Mary Ellen, Mrs. W. T. Ocan, of Seattle, Washington; Robert Ward, was accidentally shot at Coeur d'Alene mines, Murray, Idaho; Eliza Caroline, Mrs. J. L. Kennedy, of Seattle Washington; J. Frank Murray, Idaho; William Alfred, in Hump, Idaho, and Margaret Anna Louise, Madge, at home. Our subject left Illinois in 1857, and went to St. Anthony Falls, Minnesota. In 1859 we find him in Columbia County, Wisconsin, engaged in farming. In 1866 he came to Newton, and followed contracting and building for about 32 years. Part of this time he was also engaged in the pump and windmill business, and his pump wagons became well known all over Jasper County. He has been alderman six years, during which time he took an active interest in the fire department, which was very much improved during his service. As a mark of appreciation, the firemen presented him with a gold-headed cane. He has served two years as chief of that department. In 1889 he was elected mayor, and served four years. Socially, he is a member of Newton Lodge No. 59, A. F. & A. M., Gebal Chapter No. 12, Oriental Commandery No. 22, and the Mystic Shrine. Is master workman Jasper Lodge No. 68. Page 31


~ Stier, James H. ~Photo

James H. Stier, proprietor of the livery and feed and sale stable at Mingo, was born in Jasper County in 1877. His parents, Jacob and Charlotte (Gleason) Stier, are natives of Michigan and Wisconsin, respectively. Our subject was united in marriage to Marie Fisher August 13, 1898. She 'was born in Guthrie county, Iowa. April 15, 1878. They have one child, Charles R. Mr. Stier has been reasonably successful in all his business ventures, takes an active interest in the affairs of his state and county, votes the Republican ticket and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. Page 11


~ Stoner, James P. ~Photo

James P. Stoner, a prominent and industrious young farmer residing on Section 30, Mound Prairie Township, was born in Pennsylvania April 13, 1864, and with his parents came to Jasper County in 1869. His parents were Joseph B. and Rebecca (Harwood) Stoner. His father was a native of Maryland. When James P. was 11 years of age his mother died, and he was thrown upon his own resources. For a time he was engaged upon a farm, and later with his brother, Thomas I., followed the painter's trade for about three years. His first purchase of land was in 1891, the northwest quarter of Section 31, Mound Prairie Township. He now owns 322 ½ acres, which is well improved. Starting in life empty-handed, and finally securing the property he now owns, our subject can well be termed a self-made man. Mary E Shorten became his wife July 7, 1887. She was born in Grinnell. Six children have been born to them: R. Mae, Clifton E., Harold, John W., Nellie, and William. Socially, our subject is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Page 20


~ Strater, H. C. ~Photo

H. C. Strater and F. C. Strater, sons of John William and Reka (Andreas) Strater, carry on breeding of purebred stock and farming on the Fairview Stock Farm, in Fairview Township. Our subjects' parents were early pioneers in Jasper County. Their father, who became a highly respected and well-to-do farmer of this county, was born in Nassau, Germany, September 22, 1830, and with his parents emigrated to America when but 12 years of age, the family settling in Ohio, where he resided and received his education, until 1855, when he came to Jasper County, arriving here in the fall. Here he resided until his death, December 18, 1897. The family were prominent members of the German Lutheran Church. Page 12


~ Streeter, Edwin M. ~Photo

Edwin Streeter, a farmer of Clear Creek Township, residing on Section 22, was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, November 2, 1842. His parents were Henry and Lydia (Faulkner) Streeter, natives of New York State. In 1858 the family pushed west and became residents of Jasper County. August 10, 1862, our subject enlisted in Company E, 40th Iowa Infantry, and served three years and 15 days. He was at the siege of Vicksburg, capture of Little Rock, Arkansas, Satartia, Arkansas, Okolona, Arkansas, Prairie de Ann, Camden, Arkansas, Morrow Creek, and Jenkins Ferry, Arkansas. Mr. Streeter was united in marriage, March 1, 1866, to Sarah A. Stock. She was born in Summit County, Ohio, July 7, 1844. They are the parents of nine children, five of whom are living: Florence, Mrs. A. Couch; James H., at home; Andrew J., County Recorder of Jasper County; Ruth A., Mrs. Angelo, and Winifred, a trained nurse, now residing at Sioux City. Part III, Page 3


~ Streeter, James H. ~Photo

James H. Streeter was born in Jasper County, February 18, 1869, and has received a liberal school education, attending both the common schools of Clear Creek Township and Hazel Dell Academy of Newton. He takes an active interest in all public enterprises, and has filled the office of Township clerk three years. Politically, he supports the principles of the Republican Party. Part III, Page 4


~ Sulser, Garrison ~

Garrison Sulser, a retired farmer, living in a comfortable home in Newton, came to Jasper County in April 1881. He had been in the county, however, seven years previous, and purchased about 240 acres of land in Kellogg Township, part of which he now owns. Our subject was born in Wayne County, Indiana, January 19, 1821. Son of James and Lydia (Rambo) Sulser, who were both natives of Virginia. In 1844 Garrison started for himself, and came to Henry County, Iowa. Here he engaged with Newton Lamb, and drove a team through to Des Moines, arriving there New Year's day. Here he remained until the following June, and while there split over 15,000 rails, besides doing other odd jobs. He then returned to Indiana, and engaged in farming, and became a well-to-do citizen of the Hoosier State, possessing at one time about 350 acres of land. Jane Bicknell became his wife in 1846. She was a native of North Carolina and came to Indiana when but eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Sulser are the parents of two children, Maddison and Melvina. Page 39


~ Sulser, Madison ~

Madison Sulser, whose comfortable and picturesque home is located on Section 34, Kellogg Township, was born in Wayne County, Indiana, in 1848. Martha J. Shumate became his wife in 1873. In 1875 they came to Jasper County and located on his present farm gift of his father. His cash capital at that time amounted to about $200.00. He is a shrewd and careful businessman, and today possesses one of the most comfortable homes in Kellogg Township. His wife is a native of Tennessee. Her parents were also natives of that state. Five children have been born to them, three of whom are living, two residing at home. In 1893 Mr. Sulser had the misfortune of losing his right eye by the blowing out of a breech pin of a gun. Page 16


~ Swalwell, Thomas ~

Thomas Swalwell, a farmer and stock dealer residing on Section 5, Clear Creek Township, was born in England March 19, 1844, came to the United States in 1867, and in 1868 became a resident of Jasper County. His parents were Thomas and Harriett Swalwell. Jane Richardson became his wife in February 1870. She was born in England in 1846, and died in 1871. They had one child, Thomas V., born in 1870. Harriet Kimberley became his wife in May 1872. She was born in the state of New York, in June 1852. By this union twelve children were born: Harriet F., Mrs. Andrew Oswalt; Nellie J., Mrs. J. Oswalt; Ruth E., now Mrs. Vilas; James Weaver, Jay B., Belva Ann L., Iva J., Eva L., Chas. D., Christopher C., Ada E., and Geo. Dewey. By a former marriage to Jane Richardson in 1870, one child was born, in 1871, Thomas. She was a native of England, born in 1846. When our subject came to the United States he had limited means, but had taken advantage of the opportunities offered him under our form of government, and has been reasonably successful in his business ventures. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his township, has acted as township trustee for several years, and also as treasurer of his school district. Page 40


~ Swan, J. W. ~Photo

J. W. Swan, the first treasurer of Jasper County, became a resident in April 1845, at which date he located on the site of his present home. He was born in North Carolina November 17, 1815. When Mr. Swan first made settlement in this County, it was yet unorganized, but on its organization in 1846, he was elected treasurer and served two years, receiving for his pay half a quire of paper. Many of the early settlers were buried in coffins made by our subject, and in the cemetery now situated on his farm. His mother, Elizabeth Swan, was the first person buried there. She died May 6, 1853, at the advanced age of 80 years. Part III, page 4


~ Swihart, Isaac ~

Isaac Swihart, residing on Section 30, Kellogg Township, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, February 23, 1822. He is the son of Frederick and Mary M. Swihart, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. His father was married twice. By the first marriage there were four sons and one daughter. His first wife was Saloma Ginter, their marriage taking place in 1804. Their children were George, John, Andrew, Susanna and David, all of whom are deceased. His second marriage was to Mary M. Reidenour. She was born May 21, 1787, and died December 13, 1876. The date of their marriage was January 27, 1814. They became the parents of eight children: Sarah, Elizabeth, Eva, Isaac, Mary, Frederick, Anna, and Jacob, three of whom are living. Isaac Swihart was united in marriage in 1853 to Martha Foster. In 1883 he became a resident of Jasper County, and moved on his present farm in 1886. Page 23


~ Swihart, J. W. ~Photo

J. W. Swihart, whose comfortable farm residence is located on Section 29, Malaka Township, is among Jasper County's most well to do citizens. He was born in Holmes County, Ohio, February 21, 1847, where he resided until 1866, when he came to Jasper County and located on his present farm. December 24, 1884, he was united in marriage to Nevada F. Munn, a native of Cedar County, this state, where she was born April 9, 1867. They are the parents of three children, Raymond, Maurice H. and Patience. Mr. Swihart now owns 250 acres of Jasper County soil, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, and on which he has erected a comfortable house and suitable outbuildings. He and his estimable wife are members of the Congregational Church. Politically, our subject supports the principles of the Democratic Party. Besides doing a general farming business, it should be mentioned that our subject is turning his attention quite extensively to the breeding of Short Horn cattle, which is called the Ideal Farm herd, a business card of which appears elsewhere in this work. Part III, page 7


~ Swihart, Wilson ~

Wilson Swihart, a progressive farmer of Newton Township, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, August 3, 1854, and with his parents came to Iowa in 1867, locating in Malaka Township, Jasper County. He received his education in the common schools of this County, and August 17, 1881, married Alice Armstrong, who was born in Jasper County July 22, 1862. September 15, 1883, they located on the present farm, which they have well improved, and which yields them a good income. Mr. and Mrs. Swihart are the parents of two children: Sarah Augusta, born January 22, 1886, and Stella May, born October 27, 1888. Mr. Swihart supports the principles of the Republican Party, and both he and his estimable wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Page 39


~ Sylvester, Joseph B. ~Photo

Joseph B. Sylvester, residing on Section 15, Lynn Grove Township, was born in Logan County, Illinois, April 6, 1850, and with his parents came to Jasper County in 1852. He is the son of Dixon and Ann (Johnson) Sylvester, natives of Delaware. His father was born November 24, 1808, and his mother May 10, 1814. They became pioneers in Jasper County, locating on Section 15. Here our subject grew to his majority, receiving his education in the district schools of his Township. Martha B. Sparks was born in Lynn Grove Township February 28, 1854. Her parents were J. S. and Nany A. Sparks, pioneers in Jasper County, who have been prominently identified with its growth and development. She commenced her education in the district schools and completed it at the Friends' College at Lynnville. She then taught thirteen terms in Jasper County, after which she became the wife of our subject, the marriage ceremony taking place December 9, 1880. They live in one of the most comfortable and best-appointed houses in the township, Mr. Sylvester being one of its well- to-do agriculturalists, possessing 241 acres, which is well improved. Part of this farm is the old W. T. Mayfield homestead, who made his claim in 1844. Page 28


~ Sylvester, Lanham T. ~Photo

Lanham T. Sylvester, residing on Section 15, Lynn Grove Township, possesses the old Sylvester homestead, on which the family located in 1852, and on which he has been a constant resident since that early date. Vast is the difference, however, between the early log cabin of that pioneer family and the spacious, well appointed farm residence now occupied by our subject and family. Mr. Sylvester is the son of Dixon and Ann (Johnson) Sylvester, natives of Delaware, born in 1808 and 1814, respectively, and was born in Illinois in 1848, and came to Jasper County with his parents. He was reared and educated in the district schools of Lynn Grove Township, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He now possesses 400 acres of land, which is unsurpassed in the County. Rosa Gardner is a native of Illinois, and the daughter of John J. and Hannah (Gardner) Gardner, natives of Indiana and New Brunswick, respectively, born in July 1832, and February 1829. There are four children in her father's family, she being the second child, and was born December 4, 1861, and became the wife of our subject November 7, 1889. They are the parents of one son, Leslie G., born September 24, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester have been devoted members of the Christian Church for a number of years. Page 36

~ Sylvester, W. Henry ~Photo

W. Henry Sylvester, who is now living a retired life in Lynnville, was born in Millford, Hamilton County, Ohio, September 26, 1836 add dates his settlement in Jasper County from 1852. He is the son of Dixon and Ann (Johnson) Sylvester, natives of the state of Delaware, and were born in 1808 and 1814, respectively. The family tame to Jasper County in 1852 and located on Section 15, where his parents spent the remainder of their lives. Our subject received his education in the district schools of Lynn Grove Township, and remained on the old homestead until 24 years of age. May 16, 1861, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Mayfield, daughter of William T. and Nancy Mayfield, pioneers of Lynn Grove Township of 1844. After his marriage he engaged in farming on his own account. In 1864 he became a member of Company A, 11th Iowa Infantry, going out in September. During his service he was at the battle of Bentonville, and was through with Sherman to the sea, after which he returned to Washington, and May 24, 1865, participated in the Grand Review. Mr. Sylvester, on his return from the service, again engaged in farming, at which he was a marked success, and became one of Jasper County's most prosperous business men, and has owned as high as 900 acres of Jasper County soil at one time, most of which has since been deeded to his two sons, Charles F. and John A., the former now owning about 300 acres of land, and the latter 420. Of his father, Dixon Sylvester, it should be stated that he never knew the care of a parent. His father died when he was young, and he was bound out to an uncle, Calop Stradley. When he arrived at his majority he married Ann Johnson and they became the parents of 15 children, ten of whom grew to maturity, five sons and five daughters. Eight are still living; four are residents of Jasper County. Page 32

Transcribed by Ernie Braida
Copyright © 2002 by Ernie Braida