Lee County Iowa Genealogy

1879 Lee County History, Biographical Sketches
Fort Madison, City
 

Fort Madison Biographies
Ehart thru Roberts
 

Ehart, John, cooper; was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, May 17, 1826; his parents emigrated to America in 1838, and settled in Pennsylvania, where he learned the cooper´s trade; during the Mexican War, he enlisted as drummer boy, and helped drill the volunteers, but was prevented by sickness from going in the field; while living in Pennsylvania his father died; John, with his mother and brothers, came to Iowa and settled in Fort Madison April 14, 1845, and he began working at his trade. He has been engaged in the coopering business here over thirty years - a longer time than any other cooper in Lee Co. He married Hannah Gebelein, from Bavaria, Germany, April 19, 1849; they have one adopted son - William A.

Ehart, Joseph, retired; was born in Darmstadt, Germany, Oct. 1, 1816; he learned the trade of wagon-maker and blacksmith; emigrated to America Nov. 1, 1838; lived two years in Somerset Co., Penn., and three years in Westmoreland Co.; he had made some money, and loaned out $1,200, and the man who borrowed it went into bankruptcy, and he lost all; he decided to come West, so he made several wagons, loaded them, and came to Pittsburgh, paying only $2 for each person to St. Louis, and $1 each from there to Fort Madison, and $3 for each wagon. The boat on which they came, burned bacon or side-meat for fuel; they arrived in Fort Madison Oct. 3, 1843; he engaged in wagon-making and blacksmithing, and continued it until 1860, and afterward kept tavern and farmed; one of the wagons that he made and brought with him from Pennsylvania, over thirty-five years ago, is still in use; he brought and still owns the first iron kettle ever brought here, and he has two doors taken from the old barracks, at Montrose. He has held office of City Alderman. When he began life he had nothing, and by his industry and good management, he now owns several buildings in the center of the city, and a farm adjoining it. There are few men here more thoughtful and practical than he. He married Josephine Ekhart, a native of Germany, in January, 1840; they have six children - Nancy (is married), Sophia, Johanna, Josephine, Lena, Joseph.

Eidson, Jeremiah S., Street Commissioner; was born in Preble Co., Ohio, Oct. 2, 1821; lived there until 1838; when he came with his parents to Iowa, they came by wagon; were five weeks on the way; arrived in this county in the spring of 1839; they bought a claim containing a section of land and entered it from Government when it came in market; Jeremiah was brought up on a farm. He married Miss Charlotte McGinley, a native of Ohio, in the spring of 1844. The following November, they moved into Fort Madison, built the house where he now lives in 1846 and has lived in it ever since. He was engaged in business for the St. Louis Packet Company for fourteen years, and was very successful; he owns the property where he now lives and other city property and a farm near the city. He was elected Street Commissioner in 1878 and again elected in1879. Mrs. Eidson carries on the dressmaking business on Pine street and does a good business. They have one adopted child - Addie.

Ellwanger, F. D., manufacturer and dealer in cigars and tobacco; born in Franklin Tp., Lee Co., Iowa, Oct.27, 1853; he was brought up in this county, and, in the fall of 1877, he engaged in his present business. He married Miss Lizzie Becker, of Fort Madison, June 20, 1878. Mr. Ellwanger´s father emigrated to Iowa at an early day, among the early settlers.

Ernst, Theodore, jeweler; was born in Saxony, Germany, Aug. 7, 1835; he learned the jewelry business; emigrated to the United States in 1858; came to Iowa and located in Fort Madison in 1861, and since then he has been engaged in his present business and has the largest trade in his line in the city. He married Miss Alvina Retter, from Germany, in 1861; they have five children - Clara, Hugo, Lena, Flora and Freda.

Froebel, Charles, proprietor saloon; was born in Saxony, Germany, Jan. 2, 1835; he lived there until 1862, when he emigrated to America; he came to Fort Madison in the fall of 1863; was steamboating for some years; has been engaged in his present business for ten years. He married Miss Lissette Dunhofft from Oldenberg, Germany, in April, 1861; she was born Feb. 27, 1841; they have nine children - Johanna, Emma, Clementine, Charlie, Caroline, Dorothea, Josephine, Lizzie and Louise.

Frow, J. W., dealer in groceries, provisions, and Postmaster; was born in Juniati Co., Penn., Jan. 20, 1828; when 21 years of age, he removed to Ohio. He married Miss Susan Davis, a native of Ohio, in 1852; they came to Iowa, and located in this county, in 1855, and he engaged in teaching; in 1864, he was elected Deputy County Treasurer; he was elected the first Recorder of the county in 1866, and has held the office of Secretary of the Agricultural Society; he engaged in mercantile business in 1868, and has been agent of the express company here since 1867; he was appointed Postmaster Dec. 17, 1874, and since has held that office; was re-appointed March 3, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Frow have four children - Libbie M. (now Mrs. Bonnell, living in Lincoln, Neb.), Emma L., Ott H. and Clara J.

Gilmer, Will. S., graindealer and loaning money; was born in Lee Co., Washington Tp., March 27, 1849; he was brought up and received his education in this county; since reaching manhood, he has been engaged in farming and in the grain business; his father, Dr. Campbell Gilmer, was the first practicing physician here, and one of the earliest settlers; he came here in 1835; died in 1865.

Grabosch, Mathias, retired; was born in Prussia Aug. 14, 1814; he was brought up and lived there until 1844, when he emigrated to America, and lived in Cincinnati and St. Louis; he came to Ottumwa, Iowa, when there were only seventeen houses there; he made a farm near there, lived six years there; removed to Missouri, and was engaged in farming there twenty years, when he sold out and came to Ft. Madison; since then has lived here; he owns Concordia Hall and several other buildings; he had nothing when he began life. He married Lovina Porter July 19, 1874; she came to this State in 1852; they have two children - Matthias M. (born May 2, 1875), August F. (born Oct. 24,1877).

Hale, Isaiah, of the firm of Hesser & Hale; born in Miami Co., Ohio, March 13, 1824; when 15 years of age, his parents came to Iowa; they arrived in Ft. Madison May 29, 1839; his father engaged in the tinning and grocery business; was the first tinner who started the business in Lee Co.; Isaiah learned the tinning business, and when 23 years of age, he engaged in business with his father; continued about three years, then formed a partnership with Mr. Hesser, his present partner, and they have been associated together for thirty years. Mr. Hale married Miss Amelia Cherry, a native of Franklin Co., Ohio in 1846; she died in 1851, leaving five children - Jennie (now Mrs. Woodworth), Amanda (now Mrs. Robinson), William, George W. and Ella; he married Mrs. Sarah M. Hamilton formerly Miss Sarah M. Miller, a niece of Hon. D. F. Miller, of Keokuk, in May, 1851; they have two children - Sallie and Isaiah.

Hale, Hiel, Deputy Warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Feb.23, 1842; when 8 years of age his parents emigrated to Iowa and settled at Springdale, Cedar Co., where he was brought up; they removed to Linn Co. in 1860, and upon the breaking-out of the rebellion, he was among the first to enlist, in April, 1861, in the 1st Regt. Iowa Infantry, Co. K, three-months service; after his time expired he enlisted in the 12th Regt. Iowa Infantry, and was unanimously chosen 2d Lieutenant of Co. D; there were twenty-three schoolteachers in the company; in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, he was taken prisoner, April 6, 1862, and was confined nine months; he was paroled from Libby Prison; upon his return home, he found his commission of 1st Lieutenant awaiting him, dated the day after he was taken prisoner; he returned to his regiment, was promoted and commissioned Captain of Co. D; he was in the battles of Wilson Creek, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, siege of Vicksburg, battle of Nashville, and a number of others; he was wounded in the battle of Wilson´s Creek; he resigned his commission during the latter part of 1864, on account of ill health, returned to Cedar Rapids and was elected Sheriff of Linn Co. in the fall of 1865; he afterward held the office of City Marshal of Cedar Rapids for six years, and resigned March 7, to accept the appointment of Deputy Warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary, March 8, 1878. He married Miss Sarah M. Dawley, of Indiana, in Cedar Rapids, in December, 1866. They have had four children; only two survive - Albert E. and Otis R. Mr. and Mrs. Hale are members of the Presbyterian church.

Hamilton, J. D. M., attorney, of the firm of Van Valkenburg & Hamilton; was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., July 18, 1850; when he was 6 years old, his parents removed to Iowa and located at Fort Madison; his father, John S. Hamilton, was an attorney; was member of the State Legislature in Pennsylvania, and in this State. He was killed by an accident; in the fall of 1856, the subject of this sketch attended school here, then entered Knox College, where he received his collegiate education; after graduation he studied law with Hon. J. Van Valkenburg, and attended the St. Louis Law School, where he completed his legal studies, and was admitted to the bar March 10, 1875, since when he has been associated with Mr. Van Valkenburg in the practice of his profession. He was elected to the State Legislature in the fall of 1877, his term of office expiring Jan. 1, 1880. He married Miss Mamie M. Rice of Keokuk, Feb. 18, 1878.

Heer, Frank, general merchant, dealer in dry goods and groceries; was born in Prussia, March 20, 1839; when 16 years of age, he emigrated to America in 1855; came to Iowa and settled in Fort Madison in June, the same year; he learned the trade of moulder and worked at it for seven years; he has been engaged in the mercantile business for the past eight years. He married Miss Wilmena Scholing, from Germany, in August, 1868; they have five children - Lawrence, George, Frank, Therese and Mary; they have lost two sons.

Henderson, James E., guard at the prison; was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Aug. 27, 1828; when 10 years of age, he came with his parents to Iowa; they came by wagon; were four weeks on the road, and arrived in this county Aug. 20, 1839, and were among the early settlers; when the war broke out, he enlisted in 1862 in the 19th Regiment I.V.I., Co. E, and was Sergeant of the company; he was in the battle of Prairie Grove, siege of Vicksburg, Mobile, and many other fights and skirmishes, he was wounded at the battle of Prairie Grove; at the close of the war he returned, and has occupied the position of guard at the prison for many years. He married Miss Margaret Hamilton, from Indiana, Dec. 25, 1854; they have three children - Thomas W., Charles and John I.

Hermann, Fred, merchant, dealer in groceries; was born in Germany May 26, 1850; emigrated to America when 18 years of age; came to Iowa, located in Burlington, and engaged in the boot and shoe business, and lived there until October, 1877, when he came to Fort Madison. He married Miss Minnie Sandvos, of this city, June 17, 1877.

Hermes, Frank, of the firm of Nordman & Hermes, coopers; born in Prussia in 1844; emigrated to America in January, 1853; came to Fort Madison the same year and learned the cooper´s trade, and has been engaged in business with Mr. Nordman over four years. He married Miss Elizabeth Kottenstette, a native of Germany, Jan. 10, 1871; they have three children - Frank, Felicitas and Mary A.

Hobbs, Wesley C., of the firm of Casey & Hobbs, attorneys and counselors at law; was born in Des Moines Co., Iowa, Feb. 3, 1842; he was brought up and attended school there, and then entered the University at Burlington, depending upon his own exertions; he engaged in teaching to enable him to complete his education. At the opening of the rebellion, in 1861, he left school and enlisted as a private, in Company K, 6th Regiment, I.V.I.; he remained with his regiment about six months, the most of the time in Missouri, where he participated in Fremont´s campaign against Price, marching through Missouri and over the Ozark Mountains, driving the rebel forces into Arkansas; being rendered unfit for service by the return of his old complaint, inflammatory rheumatism, he was discharged in January, 1862, and, returning home, engaged in teaching; three months later, upon the call of President Lincoln for 300,000 men, he discontinued his school and assisted in raising Company K, 25th I.V.I.; was elected Second Lieutenant of the same; he was afterward promoted to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of his Captain; he commanded his company during the three-days fight in the rear of Vicksburg, under Gen. Sherman in 1862; and also participated in the battle of Arkansas Post, on the 11th of January, 1863; at both of these battles, his uniform was pierced with balls, and at the latter his regiment sustained a heavy loss of men; among the many killed was Mr. George W. Wilson, a brother-in-law of Capt. Hobbs; resigning his commission soon after this, he returned home and began the study of law, and, in November, 1864, was admitted to the bar by the District Court of Henry Co., then sitting at Mt. Pleasant, Hon. Francis Springer, presiding Judge. He soon afterward established himself in practice at Ft. Madison, and in 1870, was elected City Attorney without opposition; during the succeeding two years, he was Deputy Clerk of the Courts; in 1873, he formed a partnership with Hon. Judge Casey, with whom he has since continued in practice, building up an extensive and prosperous business. Mr. Hobbs was also, in 1873, elected President of the School Board, and in the year following, County Superintendent of Public Schools; in 1875, he was elected, by a very large majority, to the General Assembly of Iowa; he united with the Baptist Church at the age of 17, and still continues a worthy member of that body; he is also a member of the Odd Fellows´ and Masonic fraternities; in 1876, he was Deputy Grand Master of the former, and at the present time is Master of the Masonic Lodge of Ft. Madison. Mr. Hobbs was married August 24, 1862, to Miss Sallie Estella Smith, a lady of fine native abilities and rare accomplishments; of the children who have been born to them, a daughter of 10, and a son, 8 years, are now living.

Holzberger, Fred, of the firm of Fred Holzberger & Sons, workers of iron and steel and manufacturers of carriages, buggies and wagons; born in Bavaria, Germany, May 8, 1826; he learned his business there, and emigrated to America in 1848; he came to Fort Madison May 5,1849; he first carried on a repair-shop, on Front street until July 4,1853, when he moved to his present location and engaged in making wagons, plows and all kinds of repair-work, and since then, he has carried on the business here, and is the oldest manufacturer of the kind in the city; his sons are engaged in business with him. He has held the office of City Alderman, serving many years, and has held school offices. He married Miss Anna B. Soell, of Germany, Sept. 26, 1850; they have six children - John F., Henry H., Anna J., Fred O., Ellen and Charlie L.

Hugel, Benedict, deceased; was born in Baden, Germany, Feb. 26, 1813. He grew up there and married Therese Zierlewagen April 3, 1840; she was born in Baden, Germany, Sept. 9, 1820. They emigrated to America in the spring of 1840, and settled in Ohio, and lived there until 1848, when they came to Iowa and located in Fort Madison, and he engaged in the grocery trade; in 1861, he was appointed Postmaster under President Lincoln, and held the office about five years; he also held the offices of Town Trustee, City Alderman, and member of the School Board, and was an honored, respected citizen. He died Feb. 17, 1874, leaving four children - John B. Hugel, born Sept. 12, 1841, died in November, 1876; Lewis P., born April 23, 1843; Joseph W., Sept . 12, 1845. Benedict D. Hugel was born in Fort Madison Sept. 28, 1848 and was brought up here; is a telegraph operator by profession. He was married in Iowa City, Oct. 17, 1874, to Miss Barbara Elizabeth Hotz, a native of Iowa City, daughter of Simeon Hotz; they have three children - Clara E., born Oct. 13, 1875; George T. B., March 5, 1877; Frank M. C., Nov. 26, 1878. Lewis lives in Chicago; is a commercial traveler. Joseph W. caries on business here. Benedict is a book-keeper in Iowa City. Joseph W. Hugel is engaged in the wholesale liquor business. He married Miss Lizzie Brown, from Muscatine, Iowa, Jan. 18, 1872; they have two children - Therese and Louis J. Joseph W., during the war, enlisted in the U. S. navy for one year, in the Mississippi squadron.

Huiskamp, H. J., of the firm of Hiuskamp Bros., manufacturers of boots and shoes, Fort Madison, and wholesale dealers in boots and shoes, Keokuk; was born in Amsterdam, Holland, June 16, 1839; when 9 years of age, he came to America, in 1847, and lived in St. Louis for six years; removed to Keokuk in 1854. He enlisted June 13, 1861, as private in Co. A, 1st I.V.C.; on the 27th of February, 1863, he was promoted and commissioned Captain of Co. D, 6th Mo. V.C., and served on staff duty; he was Inspector General on the staff of Gen. Ewing, and that of Gen. Pleasonton; he remained in the service until Jan. 1, 1865. After the war, he returned to Keokuk, and since then has been engaged in business; he has entire charge of the manufacturing department of the firm of Huiskamp Bros., Keokuk; they manufacture at the State Penitentiary, employ over one hundred men, make about three hundred pairs of boots and shoes daily, and are doing an extensive business; Capt. Huiskamp has held the office of Deputy U. S. Marshal under Col. Rogers. He married Miss Alice C. Britts, of Clinton, Henry Co., Mo., in1871; they have two sons - Herman J. and John B.

Johns, Charles, manufacturer of cigars and dealers in cigars, tobacco and pipes; was born in Fort Madison June 15, 1858; when 12 years of age, he began to learn the cigar and tobacco business; he engaged in business for himself Jan. 16, 1878, and is building up a good retail trade.

Kennedy, John G., retired; was born in Granville County, N.C., April 17, 1812; his father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was in the army at that time; John was brought up in Tennessee, and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner; he moved to Rushville, Schuyler Co., Ill., in 1833, and lived there until he came to Iowa; came to Fort Madison, April 12, 1836, and began working at his trade; he is one of the earliest settlers in Lee County, and the oldest resident of Fort Madison; has lived here forty-three years; he was engaged in the building business until 1854. He has held the office of Deputy Sheriff, Constable and City Marshal. He married Miss Mary C. Vance Jan. 16, 1837; she is a native of Kentucky, and was born July 20, 1817; they have had seven children - Lucretia M., born Sept. 16, 1838; Eliza J., Aug. 27, 1841; George J., Sept. 12, 1844; Emma A., Nov. 12, 1847; Katie E., June 22, 1850; Mary E., Oct. 22, 1853; Thomas B., July 29, 1855.

Kent, Josiah, retired; was born in York Co., Penn., March 30, 1805; he was brought up there and in Mifflin Co. until 18 years of age; he went to Ohio for a short time; returned to Pennsylvania, lived in Pittsburgh and learned the plasterer´s trade. He married Miss Anna Maria Rothrock, a native of Centre Co., Penn., Oct. 16, 1834. They came to Iowa, located in Lee County, in the spring of 1842, and engaged in farming, having bought a claim here while living in Pennsylvania; he continued living on his farm until about one year ago, when he gave up his farm to his sons, and came in the city to reside. Mr. Kent has always acted with the Democratic party; was a member of the convention, in 1847, when the State Constitution was formed; in 1848, he was elected Representative to the State Legislature, and has held town and school offices. They have had six children, only two survive - William G., Frank B. - both living on the farm, a short distance from the city.

Kiel, Ferd., rectifier and dealer in wines and liquors; born in Hanover, Germany, July 28, 1813; there learned the milling business; he emigrated to America, landed at Baltimore, in August, 1839; came to Iowa, and located in Fort Madison, March 15, 1840; he began working at the carpenter´s trade, and, in 1852, engaged in rectifying and liquor business, and has continued in it since; his is the oldest house in the business here; he holds office in the City Council and has done so for several terms. He married Mary Ann Erlbrodt, from Hanover, Germany, May 12, 1839; she died June 30, 1878, leaving four children - Louis, George, Adolph, Wilhelm; they lost four children - Wilhelmina, Adolph, Henry and Ferdinand, the two former died within twenty-four hours, of choler, in 1851; Ferdinand was in the army, enlisted in the 5th Reg. I.V.C., Co. F, and died of disease contracted in the army.

Koehler, Frank, tailor; was born in Hanover, Germany, Dec. 26, 1824; he was brought up there, and learned the tailor trade; he emigrated to America in 1846, and came to Iowa, and settled in Fort Madison in August, 1848, and began working at his trade; there is no tailor here now who was here when he came. Mr. Koehler is a member of the Board of Education. He married Adelheid Stempel, from Prussia, in 1855; she died in 1869, leaving six children - Rosa, Alma, Ilda, Oscar, Hugo and Emil. His eldest daughter, Rosa, has prepared herself for teaching, and is now assistant teacher of German in the schools of Fort Madison.

Kretsinger, William H., Superintendent and Manager of the Iowa Farming Tool Co.; one of the most enterprising and substantial business men of Lee Co.; he is a native of Herkimer Co., N.Y., and was brought up in that State; he came to Chicago in 1856, and was successfully engaged in business there for a number of years; in 1869, having purchased an interest in the firm of Soule, Davis & Co., manufacturers of agricultural implements, he removed to Fort Madison, and the firm became Soule, Kretsinger & Co. On the 1st of October, 1874, the Iowa Farming Tool Co. was organized by Mr. Kretsinger, he having the control and entire management of the Company; the Company employ convict labor in the different departments of their factory, employing about one hundred and twenty-five men; the farm implements manufactured by this Company have an established reputation, and under the present able management of the Company, have built up a large and extensive trade, and the demand for their goods is constantly increasing to such an extent that they are unable to fill their orders; they not only ship their goods over the West and California and Oregon, but they have a large demand from Eastern markets, New York and Boston; they are also having a foreign demand, and ship their goods to Liverpool, England, Switzerland and Germany. The quality and cheapness of their goods being unsurpassed. While living in Chicago, Mr. Kretsinger married Miss Maria A. Ramdsell, a native of Oneida Co., N.Y.; they have one daughter - Adele; Mr. Kretsinger has two sons by a former marriage.

Lentz, Z., machinist; was born in Little York Co., Penn., April 29, 1827; when about 7 years of age, his parents removed to Ohio, and he was brought up there; he came to Iowa in 1850, and settled in Fort Des Moines, and the following year came to Lee Co., and has lived here since then. He married Miss Elizabeth Mayhew, of Ohio, in October, 1854; they have one son - James M.

McFarland, Robert, retired; was born on the 19th of October, 1818, in Westmoreland Co., Penn.; was the youngest of eight children, whose parents were William McFarland and Elizabeth, nee Fishback. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Virginia; his father was a tanner, and in moderate circumstances; he gave his children a fair common-school education; his parents moved to Ohio in 1822, and settled in Williamsport, Pickaway Co., where they remained until their death. Nov. 4, 1839, Mr. McFarland came to Fort Madison, then in his 21st year; engaged as a tailor, and remained at that vocation for ten years. In 1849, he was elected Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, whose duties he faithfully and earnestly discharged for two years; in 1857, was elected Recorder, Treasurer and Collector of the county, and held various public offices until 1860. In 1862, after a vacation from active pursuits of about two years, he went into the drug business; March 1, 1872, he retired from practical duties of a mercantile nature. Mr. McFarland started in life poor, and well understood the value of self-acquired experience and property; in the battle of life, he has never been without good friends and good health. While his early education was somewhat limited, and his attention and efforts in life have been engrossed with the demands of active business, he has yet found time to read and reflect; he has always been a close reader and keen observer, and his memory is very retentive. In 1856, he was elected Mayor of Fort Madison, and re-elected after the expiration of his first term. In politics, he is a strong Democrat; voted for Gen. Cass, and for Judge Douglas, on account of his admiration for him as the proper exponent of Democracy at the commencement of the civil war; he thinks to-day that the issues of the hour demand the formation of a party whose action will be against monopolies and corruption. In religion, is disposed to take his stand with the Universalists, and believes that real Christianity will advance in the world in proportion as the real character of our Savior and His mission on earth are understood. Mr. McFarland may be rightly termed the shrewd businessman, whose public spirit is ready at all times to advance the interests of his fellow-beings. We find him to-day enjoying good health, and in that prosperity and contentment which those who have devoted a life-time to industry and integrity have a right to expect.

Malcolm, Eliza E. S., Mrs., (formerly Miss Eliza E. Sample), is a native of Washington, Washington Co., Penn.; her father was a printer; learned his trade in Pittsburgh; he established the Washington Reporter in Washington, Washington Co., Penn., in August, 1808, and published that paper for twenty-five years. He was a soldier and also an officer in the war of 1812. On account of ill-health, he disposed of his interests in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Iowa in 1840; after living in Van Buren Co. two years, he came to Lee Co. in 1842, where he lived until his death, Jan. 15, 1862; his wife is still living in this city, and in February, of the present year, she passed her 79th birthday. Her son, James B. Sample, upon the breaking out of the rebellion, enlisted in the 1st I.V.I., Co. D, and was commissioned First Lieutenant; he was successively promoted, and served as Captain and Major, and was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel by brevet for meritorious services in the field; at the battle of Belmont, he climbed the flag-staff and pulled down the flag in front of the enemy´s guns, and the flag is now in possession of the family. Mrs. Malcolm married, in 1856, Frank Malcolm, a native of Indiana; his parents were natives of Virginia; his father was in the war of 1812, and his mother is now receiving a pension. Mrs. Malcolm is an own cousin of the Hon. James G. Blaine; she is a lady of more than ordinary ability, and is foremost in every good word and work in the church and throughout the city.

Marr, J. F., carpenter and builder, of the firm of Marr & Creps; was born in Northumberland Co., Penn., Nov. 10, 1820; he lived there until 1842; then removed to Livingston Co., N.Y.; lived there three years; then went to Pittsburgh, where he learned his trade of carpenter and joiner; he came to Iowa; arrived in Fort Madison May 16, 1851; worked at his trade for two years; in 1853, he associated with R. Creps; they have been engaged in building for over twenty-five years, and are the oldest building firm in Lee Co. He has held the offices of City Alderman, Town Trustee and School Director. He married Miss Rosanna Haully, of Bath Co., Va., in 1855; they have had one child, which is not living.

Meis, Aloysius, Pastor of Saint Mary´s Catholic Church; was born in the Province of Westphalia, Prussia, in 1833; when 17 years of age, his father, mother and eight brothers of them emigrated to America in December, 1850; he received his education in Kentucky and Missouri; he was Pastor of the church in Lyons, Iowa, nearly two years, then removed to Dubuque and remained over six years; he built St. Mary´s Church in that city; he came here in 1871, and since then has been Pastor of St. Mary´s Church, and is greatly beloved by his people. His father died in January, 1878, and his mother died in 1863.

Meyer, J., of the firm Meyer Bros., was born in Westphalia, Prussia, in 1845; his parents emigrated to this country and settled in Ft. Madison in 1846; he was brought up and learned his trade and associated in business with his brother, in 1877. He married Miss Alida Stolwyk, of Keokuk, in November, 1878.

Meyer, S., of the firm Meyer Bros., manufacturers, dealers in harness and saddlery hardware; born in Province of Westphalia, Prussia, in 1840; when 6 years of age, his parents emigrated to America; came to Ft. Madison the same year, where he learned his trade; he engaged in business here with his brother in 1877. He married Mary E. Buford, a native of Virginia, in October, 1868; they have three children - Lawrence, Blanche and Rose.

Morrison, Dennis A., of the firm Morrison Brothers, manufacturer of plows, scrapers and agricultural implements; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 5, 1839; when 9 years of age, came with his parents to Iowa, and in 1853 they came to Ft. Madison; he went in his father´s shop and learned the trade of plow-making; they carried on the business, sparing no effort to make a superior plow; from this small beginning, their business has grown to the present magnitude. When the war broke out, he enlisted, in September, 1862, in the 7th I.V.I., Co. D, and served until the close of the war, nearly three years; since his return, he, with his father and brother, have carried on their extensive manufacturing business; he gives his attention to the iron and steel work, and has the practical management of this department. He married Miss Emma A. Kennedy in October, 1868; she is a daughter of John G. Kennedy, one of the oldest settlers of Lee Co.; they have three children - Maud E., Ed. K. and Don.

Morrison, Joseph B., of the firm Morrison Brothers, manufacturer of plows, scrapers and agricultural implements; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, Aug. 31, 1842; his father came to Iowa in 1847, located in Fort Madison in 1853; Joseph was brought up and attended school here; when only 18 years of age, he enlisted in 1861 as a private in the 7th Regiment I.V.I., Co. D; he was promoted to Second Lieutenant in 1862, and to First Lieutenant in 1863, and was afterward promoted and commissioned Captain of his company; he was in a number of battles, among them Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Iuka, Corinth and through Sherman´s campaign; he was slightly hurt at Corinth; he served on staff duty for two years, and was mustered out in September, 1864, with rank of Major and Lieutenant Colonel by brevet; after the war he returned, and since then has been connected with their manufacturing business; July 1, 1875, Mr. Morrison retired from the business, giving it up to his sons; Joseph has the financial management of the business. He married Miss Toma Espy, a native of this city, May 5, 1868; they have five children - Vincent, William, Genevieve, Mabel and Maria.

Mueller, George, stone-mason; born in Bavaria, Germany, July 18, 1827; he was brought up there and learned the trade of stone-mason; he emigrated to America in January, 1850; came to Iowa in June, 1856; settled in Fort Madison and began working at his trade; has worked at it every season for twenty-three years. He married Miss Barbara Schenermann, from Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 18, 1853; they have seven children - Barbara, Philippine, Elizabeth, George, Katie, Emma and Charlie. Philippine married August Ellerman Dec. 3, 1876; they have one son - George John (born May 18, 1878).

Mueller, Jacob, proprietor saloon; was born in Baden, Germany, Nov. 24, 1840; he lived there until 25 years of age, when he emigrated to America, lived in Cincinnati until he came to Fort Madison in 1867; he worked in a brewery for sometime; then engaged in his present business in 1872. He married Mary Banker from Baden, Germany, April 24, 1872; they have two children - Charles F. and Henry W.

Myers, Francis M., of the firm of Myers & Myers; was born in Fort Madison, Lee Co., Iowa, Dec. 13, 1852; he was brought up and attended school here and learned the drug business; in March, 1879, he engaged with his brother in the grocery and provision business.

Myers, M. M. M., of the firm of Myers & Myers, dealers in groceries and provisions; was born in Fort Madison Sept. 21, 1847; he was brought up and attended school here; entered a drug-store in 1861; afterward completed his education at the School of Pharmacy in Philadelphia; he continued in the drug business until 1877, when he sold out, and, in March, 1879, he engaged in his present business with his brother.

Nabers, Theodore, proprietor of the Metropolitan Hotel; born in Prussia April 15, 1821; he was brought up there and learned the tailor´s trade; he emigrated to America in 1844, and lived in Memphis and St. Louis until he came to this county, arriving in Fort Madison June 1, 1849, and began working at his trade, and was the first tailor to carry a stock of goods in this city; he carried on the tailoring business with the general mercantile business for fifteen years; built the Metropolitan Hotel in 1858, and was in the hotel business for nine years; rented it until 1875, when he again took charge of it. He married Catherine Pellts, from Holland, in September, 1847; she died in 1872; they had sixteen children, only four of whom survive - Amelia, Lette, Mary and Edward. He married Elizabeth Winkop, from Prussia, in August, 1873; they have one daughter - Josephine, and have lost one son.

Noble, J. R., Prof., Superintendent of Schools of Fort Madison; was born in Boone Co., Ky., in 1849; when quite young, he came to Iowa; was brought up in this State and received his education principally at Grinnell; then entered the Theological Seminary at Chicago; prepared himself for the ministry and began preaching when 19 years of age; he remained in the ministry of the M. E. Church and preached for nine years, then engaged in teaching; he was elected Superintendent of Schools of this city in June, 1878. He married Miss Sallie McMullen, daughter of Maj. McMullen, of Oskaloosa; they have two children - Willie McMullen and Carrie Belle.

Nunn, John A., insurance agent, was born in Highland Co., Ohio, Aug. 27, 1813; was brought up and lived there until 24 years of age; then removed to Indiana, and while living there married Miss Charity Edgel, from Indianapolis, Ind., Dec. 23, 1839. Himself and wife and son, his brother, sister, father and mother, all came by wagon to Iowa, crossing the river Nov. 11, 1842, and spent that night with Judge Casey´s mother; they located in Van Buren Tp., and engaged in farming; Mr. Nunn came to Ft. Madison Nov. 15, 1855, when he was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Courts; in 1857, he was elected Superintendent of Schools of Lee Co.; he was appointed Deputy Sheriff; held that office for seven years; he has held office of Mayor, Justice of the Peace, City Treasurer, and school offices. His wife died in 1864, leaving one son - Joseph A. In 1874, Mr. Nunn married Eliza J. Preston, of Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa.

Orm, Aaron, bricklayer; born in Hardin Co., Va., Feb. 11, 1806; when 8 years of age, his parents removed to Athens Co., Ohio, where he learned the trade of bricklayer. On the 26th of February, 1828, he married Miss Eleanor Simmons, a native of Athens Co., Ohio, born Sept. 27, 1809; they came to Iowa, arriving in Fort Madison, April 14, 1849, and he began working at his trade; he and his sons have helped to build most of the brick buildings in this city; Mr. Orm has laid brick every year for the past fifty-four years. They have had twelve children, nine survive - George, Franklin, Sarah, Robert, Ruth, Oliver, Martha E., Mary A., and Clara. Mr. Orm had five sons and two sons-in-law in the army; Christopher was killed in the battle of Atlanta, and Robert and Jonathan were both wounded at the same battle; Franklin was Captain of his company in the 17th I.V.I. Mr. and Mrs. Orm have been married and passed together fifty-one years; on the 26th of February, 1878, they celebrated their golden wedding; Mrs. Orm´s father was 100 years old when he married his third wife, and 101 years of age when he died; two of Mr. Orm´s uncles and one aunt are over 100 years of age.

Peters, Charles H., of the firm of Peters & Bernhard, proprietors of Potowonock Mills; was born in Fort Madison Sept. 13, 1849; he grew up here and received his education at Fulton, Whiteside Co., Ill.; then entered Commercial College at Chicago, and graduated; entered the wholesale drug house of Fuller & Fuller, in Chicago, and remained there three years; in 1870, he became connected with the mills, and he has the financial management of the business. He holds the office of Treasurer of the Construction Company for building the Fort Madison Narrow Gauge R.R. He married Miss Emma Howard, from Burlington, May 3, 1870; they have two children - Milton E., Florence M.

Peters, Jacob, of the firm of Peters & Bernhard, proprietors of the Potowonock Mills; born in Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 26, 1815; he came to America in 1834; lived in Ohio until 1841, when he came to Iowa; arrived in Lee Co. Nov. 11, 1841, and began improving a farm; in 1847, he came to Fort Madison and went to brick making, and was afterward selling and collecting for an agricultural implement house in Quincy, until 1852, when he went to California, crossed the plains, and remained there engaged in mining, store-keeping, hotel and brewing business, until he returned, in 1859. He engaged in the bakery business in 1863, with Mr. Bernhard; in 1868, they built their large mill, and since then have been engaged in the milling business, and they do the largest business of the kind done here. He married Elizabeth Schnieder from Germany, in 1843; they have two children - Charles H. and Katie Sophia, now Mrs. Diedrich; they have lost two sons.

Pollard, James, born in Spencer Co., Ind., Dec. 11, 1828; obtained a common-school education and commenced teaching in his 18th year. Was nominated by the Democratic party in his native county for the Legislature of 1852, but declined the nomination, as he had determined to emigrate to the State of Iowa, which he did in the fall of the same year, settling near Bloomfield, in Davis Co.; shortly afterward, went to Bloomfield and commenced the publication of the Bloomfield Democrat. In November, 1854, he married Miss Mary Ann Ellis, of Coshocton, Ohio; had four children - one son and three daughters - all now living; on March 25, 1861, his wife died; she was of fine personal appearance, well educated and possessing many traits of character. In September, 1856, he was appointed Register of the United Stated District Land Office at Council Bluffs, which office he held for two years, then resigned, returned to Bloomfield and engaged in the banking business in company with his brother-in-law, John W. Ellis. In 1861, he was elected to the State Senate, and, in March, 1862, was married to his present wife, who has, from her writings under the nom de plume of Kate Harrington, obtained a national reputation; four children have been born to them, three of whom are now living; one died in infancy. Mr. Pollard moved to Lee Co. in 1868. Was elected, in1871, Superintendent of the public schools of the county; he is a Democrat of the old Jefferson and Jackson school, always ready to take the stump for his party friends, but no office-seeker, only having been a candidate when nominations were thrust upon him by his party; he has, probably, since 1860, made more political speeches than any other man in the State.

Prichett, William, livery business and buying and selling stock; was born in Greene Co., Penn., May 8, 1837; his parents came to Iowa and located in Fort Madison in 1839; were early settlers here; William has lived here forty years; he has been engaged in the livery business since 1870, and is also engaged in buying and shipping stock. He married Miss Mary E. Garrison in 1861; they have five children - Richard, Alice, Albert, Frank and John. Mr. Prichett´s father died in 1876; his mother died in 1867.

Reader, L. B., manufacturer and dealer in cigars and tobacco; was born in Montgomery Co., Penn., April 5, 1846; he was brought up in Pennsylvania, and came to Iowa in 1868; lived in Clinton two years, then in Cedar Rapids; came here in 1872; in 1875, he engaged in the cigar and tobacco business, and has built up a good trade. He married Miss Matilda Gelander in October, 1872; she was born in Virginia and was raised here; they have one daughter - Lottie.

Richardson, A. J., farmer, Section 6; he owns 326 acres of land; he was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, in 1826; his parents, David and Jemima Richardson, came to Lee Co. in 1846; his father purchased the farm which A. J. now owns, the same year; his father died in April, 1862; his mother died in August, 1863. Mr. Richardson married, in 1856, Susan Bullard, a native of Illinois; they have five children - Edward, Ellen, Milton, Absalom and Theophilus; have lost two children - Emma, aged 14 years, and Caroline, who died at about the same age.

Rix, John, surgeon dentist; was born in Canada, Jan. 4, 1839; came to the States in infancy, and was brought up in Western New York, thence came to Michigan. During the war, he enlisted in Detroit Aug. 28, 1862, in the 4th Regt. Mich. V.C., Co. A; he was promoted and commissioned Lieutenant of Co. G March 19, 1863; his regiment was in seventy-five battles and skirmishes, and was the banner regiment of the State; it was the regiment which captured Jeff Davis; was mustered out at Nashville July 1, 1865. After the war, Lieut. Rix returned to Michigan, studied dentistry, and took a medical course at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor; he came to Iowa and located at Fort Madison in August, 1874, and since then has practiced here. He married Miss Maria E. Hazlit, from Cass Co., Mich., Jan. 1, 1867; they have one daughter - Lottie A.

Robers, George, manufacturer and dealer in harness and saddlery hardware; was born in Holland Aug. 25, 1833; his parents emigrated to the United States in 1837; they lived in St. Louis two years; went to Cincinnati in 1840, where George learned his trade of his father; the latter died in 1849, and George came to Fort Madison in July, 1850, and engaged in his present business, and has continued it twenty-nine years longer than any other harness house in Lee Co., except Leopold, of Keokuk. He married in October, 1857, Miss Catharine Shields, a native of Philadelphia; they have eight children - Gertrude, Henry, Emily, Katie, Minnie, Edward, Lewis and Pet.

Roberts, Abel Cummings, M.D., was born in Queensbury Tp., Warren Co., N.Y., Jan. 15, 1830; he was the fifth child of Jonathan and Melita (Cummings) Roberts, who had a family of fourteen; in his youth, he attended the winter district schools, and, in the summer, worked on his father´s farm; as he grew older and advanced in education, he attended the High School at Adrian, Mich., for one term, but most of his studies were pursued at odd times at home; he selected medicine as a profession, and bent all his energies to acquire a sufficient degree of knowledge to enable him to properly pursue it; after making such progress as he could with this end in view, he attended lectures during the winter of 1850 - 1851 at the University of Michigan; his means being too limited to complete his studies, he went to the Eldorado of America - California - where he spent two years; in 1853, having accumulated a considerable sum, he returned, again attended lectures at the University, and graduated as M.D. in 1854; the same year, he began to practice in Otsego, Mich.; in 1859, he removed to Fort Madison, and engaged actively in the practice of his profession; in 1862, he was appointed Contract Surgeon in the Government Hospital at Keokuk; in March, 1863, he was commissioned Surgeon to the 21st Missouri Regiment, and served with it until mustered out in April, 1866; returning home, he resumed practice; the doctor is a man of wide popularity, and, in 1869, was elected Treasurer of the county, holding the office for six successive years; in 1873, he was elected Mayor of Fort Madison. He was united in marriage, in 1854, to Emily A. Cole, of Ann Arbor, Mich., but a native of New York; they have three children - all sons - Frank, the oldest, is a physician, now a partner in practice with his father; Dr. Roberts is often called upon to perform important surgical operations on patients from a distance; this was particularly the case since his return from service in the army, when he found a number of cases waiting for him; he has, for instance, ligated successfully the left subclavian artery, and performed many other capital operations; he was in all the battles in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama; after each, the medical officers were kept busy operating for several days and nights without rest; when the army was disbanded, he returned home and was appointed Pension Surgeon; but being then, as now, owner and editor of the Fort Madison Democrat, he was deposed, for political reason, in 1876; he is a member of the Iowa Medical Society, and was a delegate from it to the American Medical Association, in 1871; he was Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, in 1862 - 1863, and delivered two courses of lectures; the doctor is a man of great mental activity and untiring industry and perseverance, and popular and successful in whatever he undertakes. He is a member of the Masonic order, and at present High Priest of the Chapter at Fort Madison, a member of the Fort Madison Medical Association, American Medical Association and an honorary member of the California State Medical Society.

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