WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

CUMMINGS, H. M., carpenter, post-office, Russell. Born October 16, 1825, in Oneida county, New York. He resided in that state, and principally in Livingstone county, until he was twenty-one years of age. When but a small lad he commenced work on the Erie canal, and was thus occupied until 1846. He then commenced railroading, starting as a brakeman, but was soon promoted, and was employed on different roads as a conductor, for fourteen years. He was three and one half years on the Milwaukee & St. Paul, and the same length of time on the Central Branch of the Union Pacific. He learned the trade of a carpenter at Milwaukee, and after leaving the railroad, he began to work at his trade, at which he is still engaged. He came to Iowa in 1875, worked in Columbus Junction, Osceola and Chariton, and has worked in Russell, since 1880. He has been extensively engaged in contracting for and building school houses along the line of the C., B. & Q. railway in Iowa. He was married June 21, 1846, to Miss Julia E. Birdsall, of Lockport, New York. They are the parents of two children: Harry W. and Adelaide A., both married and living in Burlington, Iowa.

ELLIOTT, W. H., stock dealer, post-office, Russell. Born August 16, 1843, in Jackson county, Indiana, where he was educated in the common schools. Enlisted July 13, 1862, in company B, 54th Indiana volunteer infantry, for three months. A short time after enlisting he participated in a skirmish at Red River Bridge, where he was captured and soon after paroled. Was discharged September 2, 1862. He re-enlisted February 2, 1865, in company G, 145th Indiana volunteers, with which he served until Jaunary 21, 1866. While with this company, he was the greater portion of his time on detailed duty, serving as post-master at the post of Dalton, Georgia, and later, as special provost guard at Resaca, Georgia, and on general provost duty at various places. Was discharged at Macon, Georgia, and returned to his home in Indiana. In 1867, he came to Russell, in this county, and opened the first store ever conducted in this place, which he continued to operate until 1870. Mr. Elliott has been a successful business man. He now owns a fine brick store building and two residences in Russell, two farms near the same city, and another three miles west of Chariton. Was married in 1872, to Miss M. L. Kennedy, a lady of taste and refinement, who devotes her time to the care of her children, which are three in number: Jessie E, Maud B. and Edgar E.

FERGUSON, J. B., music teacher, post-office, Russell. Is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1836. He was raised and educated in the land of his nativity. Has been a successful teacher of music for twenty-five years. In 1845 he married Miss Carrie Woods, of Pennsylvania, by whom he has had ten children. J. W. is a practicing physician. Mr. F. enlisted in the 148th Pennsylvania, at Pittsburg, in 1862; was promoted from the ranks to first lieutenant. Took part in the battles of White Plains, Hay Market, and Gettysburg. Was discahrge in 1863, on account of disabilities. He then remained at home till 1864, when he re-enlisted, in the 206th Pennsylvania, getting the appointment of major. Was ordered to Bermuda Hundred, September 28, 1864, on provost duty, remaining till December 28th, then joining his regiment. His was the first white regiment in Richmond after its fall. In 1870 he came to Illinois, and in 1873 came to Lucas county, Iowa. He owns 170 acres of good land, well improved, and a fine home in Russell. He is the author of two music books, Song Garner and Normal Gems, both popular with musicians.

FOGG. R. R., lumber merchant, post-office, Russell. Born December 19, 1843, in Somerset county,Maine, where he grew to manhood. He received his education in the common and select schools of Cornville. When twenty-one years of age he commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter, and worked under instructions until 1869. He then came to Lucas county, located at Russell, and was engaged in contracting and building until March, 1879. At this time he opened a lumber yard at Russell, and now has the only business of this character in the city. He carries a full and complete stock of lumber and building material, and as a business man has the entire confidence of his customers. He was married December 25, 1869, to Miss Julia Woodman, Two children blessed this union, both of whom are now deceased.

GOODWIN, ALFRED, postmaster at Russell, Lucas county, Iowa. Born December 25, 1833, in Clinton, Kennebec county, Maine, where he grew to manhood. He was educated at the academy at Waterville, and when seventeen years of age, commenced teaching school, which occupation he continued until twenty-two years old. He then went to California and engaged in mining until 1857, when he returned to his native place. He remained but a short time, and then went to Urbana, Illinois, and taught school until 1859. He then went to Pike's Peak, where he remained nearly a year, and then returned to Illinois. In 1861, he enlisted in company D, 17th Illinois infantry volunteers, under Captain Henry H. Busk, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and the siege and capture of Vicksburg, at which place his regiment was the first to mount and cross the works of the enemy after the surrender. His regiment belonged to Logan's division of McPerson's corps. After the surrender of Vicksburg, Mr. Goodwin was detailed for the reconnoitering department, and thus continued until his term of service expired. Was mustered out June 4, 1864, at Springfield, Illinois. He came to Russell in 1869, where he has been engaged in various occupations; has twice been postmaster, has served the township in the capacity of justice of the peace abd township clerk, and is a present postmaster. Was married November 2, 1870, to Miss Ellen Sweet, of Buda, Illinois. They are the parents of three children: Olive E., Cyrus R., and Henry C.

GASTON, JOHN H., farmer and stock-raiser, post-office, Russell. Born October 31, 1839, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. He enlisted August 19, 1861, in company I, first Pennsylvania reserve cavalry, and was at the battles of Drumsville, Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, Bristol Station, and all other engagements in which his regiment participated. He was discharged at Fairfax Seminary, for general disability, and returned to his home in Pennsylvania. In 1867, He came to this county, locating near Russell, where he engaged in farming. He now owns a well-improved farm in Benton township. He was married September 24, 1863, to Miss Sarah A. Fry. They are the parents of three children: Mera, West F., and Ella (deceased).