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P. M. AXTELL, tile and brick manufacturer, of Port Louisa township, was born in Knox County, Ohio, Dec. 15, 1834, and is a son of Bennoni and Amanda (Bonham) Axtell, the father a native of Pennsylvania, born of German descent, and the mother a native of Ohio, of Irish parentage. His father was a carpenter, and our subject learning the trade, worked for him. His parents came to Iowa in the fall of 1852, settling in Iowa City, where they lived until the father’s death, which occurred in 1871. His wife survived him about eleven years, her death occurring in 1882. They were both devoted members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Our subject resided with his parents until his marriage, which occurred on the 27th of August, 1854, Miss Ester A. Ross, a daughter of Robert Ross, becoming his wife. Mrs. Axtell is a native of Franklin County, Ohio, and was born Jan. 12, 1836. Nine children grace the union of this worthy couple: Martin E., whose residence is unknown; Amanda, the deceased wife of Jasper Pantzens: Elizabeth, who wedded James Shannon, of Republic County, Kan.; Alice O., wife of Peter Wilson, of Wapello, Iowa; Filetus R., Perry E., Minnie B., Lottie and Electa (twins) are all residing at home.
On the 14th day of August, 1861, Mr. Axtell responded to his country’s call for troops, and enlisted in the war for the Union, becoming a member of Company H, 2d Iowa Cavalry, and serving until the month of September, 1865. He participated in the following battles: Farmington, Iuka, Corinth, Nashville, and about thirty others of less importance. He held the rank of Sergeant, and during his four years of service did his duty nobly and well. After his discharge he returned to his home in Iowa.
In 1871 Mr. Axtell became a resident of Louisa County, locating at Clifton, where he engaged at blacksmithing. He afterward became a resident of Morning Sun, where he worked in a planing-mill until his removal to Linton, Des Moines County, where he again worked at his regular trade. In the year 1880 Mr. A. returned to Louisa County, taking up his residence in Wapello, where he engaged at his trade until he established his present business of manufacturing tile and brick, in 1885. He makes all sizes of drain tile, from three to eight inches in diameter, which is red in color, and a good quality. He uses steam power, employs five hands, and has a capacity of $5,000 worth per year. His sales are in the immediate neighborhood, and the demand for the brick is also constantly increasing, he having more during 1887 than any year previous. In the fall of 1888 he erected a sawmill, and added machinery for the manufacture of barrel hoops. The capacity of the sawmill is 5,000 feet per day, while he turns out in the same time 3,000 to 5,000 hoops.
Mr. Axtell is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and of the G. A. R. Post. He takes an active interest in political affairs, and is a strong supporter of the Republican party.
