Mills County IAGenWeb Biography Directory

Osborn, John F., P.O. Malvern, farmer and stock raiser, section 14, born August 11, 1815, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. His youth was passed in working on a farm and attending the private schools of his native county. When eighteen years of age he was apprenticed to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. He followed that occupation exclusively for fifteen years, and has worked at his trade in connection with farming, all his life. He went to Saline county, Illinois in 1837, and remained there about eight years, and then moved to Fayette county, Wisconsin. Came to Iowa in 1865, and purchased the farm where he now lives, which consists of two hundred and forty acres of good land, which is well improved. Was married March 10th, 1841 to Miss Eliza J., daughter of James and Mary Dunlap. She was born in Dearborn county, Indiana. They are the parents of four children: Sylvester C., Clara, Cora L. and Jennie L. They are members of the Congregational church, and have been closely identified with the interests of that denomination.
p. 613 Rawles Township

Osborn, S. C., county auditor, Glenwood; was born in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, July 7, 1847, and resided there until 1864, when he came to Mills county, Iowa. His early life was passed on the farm. He received his education at the common school and Tabor college. In 1872 he went to Jackson, Mississippi, where he was superintendent of the state normal school until 1876, when he returned to Mills county and followed the occupation of farming until 1879, when he was elected auditor. He was married to Annie C. Gates, of Tabor, Iowa, November 30, 1868. They have four children: Walter G., Fred F., Bessie F., and Annie. Mr. Osborn is the owner of a beautiful farm of 120 acres, the result of his own labors.
p. 682 Glenwood Township

Otis, George T., blacksmith and liveryman; P.O. Glenwood, born June 2, 1842 in Washington county, Ohio, where he remained until eight years of age, and then moved with his parents to Parkersburg, West Virginia. When fifteen years old he came to Iowa, first locating at Burlington, and came to Glenwood in 1857. In 1858, in company with his father, he went to Colorado and took up a homestead, but soon became dissatisfied and returned to this county. Three years later he went to Montana territory, where he remained about three years engaged in mining, and returned again to Glenwood. In 1860 he began wagon making and blacksmithing, at which trades he had worked with his father from childhood. In 1878 he purchased the livery barn he now owns, and since then has successfully conducted both enterprises. Was married December 1, 1869, to Miss Florence Yockey, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of three children: Carl H., Donelland and Linedell. The parents of Mr. Otis were among the early settlers of Mills county. His father was successfully engaged in business in Glenwood for several years, where he resided until his death, which occurred in August, 1879. Mr. Otis is a courteous and affable gentleman, and as a business man contributes materially to the advancement of the community in which he resides.
p. 681/681 Glenwood Township

Owens, James R., farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Henderson, section 11; was born December 16, 1840, in Henderson county, Illinois, where he remained working on a farm until May 24, 1861, when he enlisted in the Sixteenth Illinois infantry, veteranzed December 23, 1863, and was discharged July 8, 1865, was in all the engagements in which his regiment participated, and with Sherman on his march to the sea. He entered the army as a private, and came out as a first lieutenant. His education was limited to the common school. He was married November 7, 1867, to Nancy J. Kemp, who was born in Henderson county, Illinois, December 9, 1843. In 1875 he moved to where he now resides. He is the father of six children, four living: Alvin J., Charles E., Mary E. and Fred E.
p. 704 Anderson Township

Paddock, Charles H., first saw the hills of his native county of Steuben, New York, March 18, 1846. The same year of his advent in life he moved with his parents to Henry county, Illinois, where he remained until 1861, when he went out with the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, as orderly for his father, who was captain of company F. Returning home in the fall of that year, he remained until 1863, when he enlisted in Company I, of the Ninety-fifth Illinois infantry, with which he remained until the autumn of 1865, when he was transferred to company K, of the Forty-seventh Illinois infantry, with which he was mustered out in the spring of 1866, at Springfield. He was at the battle of Durassey, also in most of the engagements on the Red river expedition. He was in the battle of Guntown, and was one of the seven who were left of the company; the rest of it being either killed or taken prisoners. He was also in the raid which pursued Gen. Rice through Missouri; also in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee; Spanish Fort, Fort Blakely and the capture of Mobile. January 4, 1874, Miss Minnie McBride, of Malvern, took Mr. Paddock "for better or for worse," and thus barring the "Mc," she became his bride. Little Sarah is the seal, the only seal, of that marital bond which makes it stronger and more sacred. Mr. Paddock was the second male settler in the town. He was educated in the common school. He, with his brother, John D., opened the first store in Malvern, and are both still engaged in the same pursuit.
p. 639 Malvern Township

Paddock, John D., a native of Steuben county, New York; was born June 17, 1842. At the age of two years he removed with his parents to Michigan, where they made a short stay, then moved to McHenry county, Illinois. Here John D. remained until eighteen summers had ripened him for active life, when he went out into the central part of the state and taught school, which work he continued for some three years. In 1863 he graduated from a commercial school in Chicago. However, while in the college, he enlisted in the 134th Illinois hundred-day infantry. He returned to Chicago and engaged in book-keeping for about six years. From Chicago Mr. Paddock came to Malvern - then known as Milton - in August 1869, where he built the first building ever erected in that place, from lumber brought from Chicago, and wagoned from Pacific City. He was also the first postmaster and the first express agent of the town. In connection with his brother he opened the first store for the sale of general merchandise, and is still engaged in the same mercantile line in the same building. He has been the recipient of several official positions from the citizens of the town since its organization. March 1, 1869, he married Miss Helen L. McRae, of Woodstock, McHenry county, Illinois. He has an adopted son, the child of the Rev. J. W. Rae, late pastor of the Baptist church of that place, now deceased.
p. 640 Malvern Township

Painter, J. A., Pacific Junction; is a native of Green county, Pennsylvania, where he was born July 27, 1815. He moved to Ohio at an early age, and there reached his majority, In 1842 he moved to Andrew county, Missouri, and remained until 1851, when he came to Mills county. He first located in Glenwood, and in 1857 went to Pacific City. He came to Pacific Junction in 1873 and engaged in the hotel business, keeping the house known as the Painter House. He was married March 22, 1838, to Miss Nancy Graham, also a native of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of nine children, four now living; John, Martha J., Libbie and Andy.
p. 664 Plattville Township

Parker, George, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Henderson; was born in England September 28, 1835. Came to America in 1854, locating in Wyandotte county, Ohio, where he hired out as a farm laborer. Was married February 14, 1861, to Lydia A., daughter of Hosmer and Sarah Richmond of Ohio. In March, 1867, he came to Mills county and worked a rented farm until 1871, when he bought the one now occupied by him, which contains 200 acres of good land, all under cultivation, with good dwelling and out buildings. During the past six years he has held various township offices and taken an active part in school matters. They have been the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are living, named, respectively : Sarah I., Ella E., Joseph H., George H., John F., Amos M., Adda L., Effa M. Those deceased are James E., Nora and an infant. Mr. Parker is self-educated, having had no opportunity to attend school since seven years of age.
p. 704 Anderson Township

Parker, John, section 20, P.O. Silver City; a native of Lincolnshire, England, and was born in December, 1837, and lived at the place of his nativity for twenty years. Although he attended school but a short time he has, by application and observation, obtained a good practical education, and has a good, improved farm, of one hundred and twenty-five acres. In 1857, he immigrated to America, locating in Morrison county, Ohio, where he remained ten years, when he came to Mills county. In September 1861, he was married to Mary L. Johnston, of Ohio, who was born in December, 1841. By this union they have nine children, Libby W., Alice J., Cora, Emma L., Ida J., Harry G., Rosa M., Howard R. and Sanford J. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Parker is a kind father and an agreeable neighbor.
p. 698 Ingraham Township

Parks, Sarah, P. O. Randolph; born April 13, 1828, in Derbyshire, England. Immigrated to America when about twenty-one years of age, first locating in Jonesville, Wisconsin, where she remained about five years, and then went to Dane county, same state, locating on a farm and residing there until 1867. She then came to Mills county, Iowa, and settled on the farm where she now resides. Her maiden name was Sims. Was married April 11, 1849, to Alfred Parks, a native of England. Mr. Parks died January 10, 1864. They were the parents of seven children: William T., Emma H. L., Minnie A., James F., John F., Sarah E., and Henry O. Her daughter, Minnie A., is now the wife of Elias Antrim. Mrs. Parks has been a member of the Methodist church since she was fifteen years of age.
p. 653 White Cloud Township

Parrish, A. G., son of Gould and Mary Parrish, editor and publisher of the Emerson Chronicle; was born near St. Joseph, in Berrian county, Michigan, October 23, 1845. He lived in Michigan as a farmer's boy until his nineteenth year, when he sought a better education by attending school two years at South Bend, Indiana, and subsequently for four years at Evanston, Illinois, near Chicago, completing a thorough academic course of study at the latter place. Leaving school at this time, he engaged in the work of the ministry in the M. E. Church, continuing in that work for six years, and until failing health made it necessary for him to cease regular public speaking, and engaged in other pursuits. In December of 1878, he purchased a half interest in the Mills County Republican, published at Malvern, Iowa, and began editorial work. Disposing of this interest to his brother, E. B. Parish, he purchased the Emerson Chronicle and began his present labors on that paper March 1, 1880. He is instinctively and by education a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for honest Abraham Lincoln at his second election. Was united in marriage April 22, 1877, to Miss Belle B., daughter of Alexander and Rachel Blacklock, of Frankfort, Michigan. To this union was born Grace E, December 13, 1878.
p. 717 Indian Creek Township

Parsons, W. H., homeopathic physician and surgeon, Glenwood; was born in St. Clair county, Michigan, October 22, 1842. When he was about eighteen years of age he began the study of medicine with Doctor Padfield of that county, as his preceptor, and continued it until the breaking out of the rebellion. He enlisted October, 1861, in company E, Tenth Michigan infantry, and served to the close of the war. He was engaged with his company at the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Rome, Battle in front of Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and many others. He was mustered out August 1, 1865; having served his country faithfully for upwards of four years. Was on the medical staff about three years of his time of service. He then returned to his home, but owing to sickness contracted during his service was prevented from pursuing his medical studies for about three years which he spent in traveling as a commercial salesman. In 1868 he entered the Homeopathic Medical College of Chicago, graduating from that institution in the spring of 1871. He soon located at Atchison, Kansas, where he practiced until the autumn of 1874, when he came to Burlington, Iowa, and in 1878 came to Glenwood, where he now enjoys a large and successful practice. He is a member of the State Medical Society, and president of the Western Association of Homeopathic Physicians. He was married at DeKalb, Illinois, September 15, 1869, to Miss Lizzie C. Hubbard, daughter of L. Hubbard. She is a native of Massachusetts. They have three children living: Fred, Willie T. and Lula K.
p. 682/683 Glenwood Township

Patrick, G. W., farmer, P.O. Malvern, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in April, 1833, where he resided until 1855, when he came to Mills county. In the following year he was married to Miss Roxana Lewis; born in October, 1832, in Delaware county, Ohio. He has held various township offices, among them justice of the peace and township trustee. His farm numbers one hundred and twenty acres. Adjoining it he owns a grist mill, and these two industries keep him an active, energetic man.
p. 600 Center Township

Patrick, Robert, farmer and stock raiser, section 14, P.O. Emerson; born October 12, 1823 in Glasgow, Scotland; emigrated with his parents to America in 1828, and first located in New York City. After remaining in the city a short time he went to Rutland county, Vermont, residing there about three years. He then went to Washington county, New York. When about nine years of age he entered a woolen factory, and continued in that business until twenty-five years old. was married August 14, 1845, to Mary McDonald, who was born September 4, 1825, in Warren county, New York. They are the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are now living: Ann, Charles, Alexander, Josephine, Arthur E., Mary A., Jessie May, Robert E., Frank M., Oscar R. and Willis. Came to Mills county in 1874, and located on the farm where he now resides. His farm consists of 240 acres, a good dwelling house, orchard and other substantial improvements. Mr. Patrick is a live, energetic man, and takes a great interest in the development of the schools, and in the improvement of stock.
p. 718 Indian Creek Township

Patterson, Lee, section 29, P.O. Silver City; is a native of Huron county, Ohio, born September 4, 1835, where he remained nineteen years, attending school at Norwalk, and a portion of the time engaged as a clerk in a store and a hotel In 1854, he went to Michigan, engaging in the wood and lumber trade. After residing in McLean county, Illinois, about three years, he came to Mills county and engaged in farming and milling a few years and then moved to Holt county, Missouri, and after a time returned to Mills county and again engaged in milling. In 1874, he located on the farm now owned by him, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. In December, 1860, he married Miss Sarah A. Queen. By this union they have five living children: Delfina, Mary E., Rutha, John R., Lula M. - four deceased. Mr. Patterson has, by integrity and industry, through many vicissitudes, acquired a competence.
p. 698 Ingraham Township

Perry, H. E., shipper and dealer in live stock, P.O. Hastings; born December 14, 1836, in Wyoming county, New York, where he grew to manhood and was raised on a farm. His education was received in the common school, in part, and finished in the Middleburg academy. He was married September 6, 1859, to Cornelia A. DeWolf, a native of Wyoming county, New York born February 27, 1840. He followed the farming occupation until 1867, when he came to Mills county and located on a farm in Anderson township. In 1874 he moved to Hastings and kept the hotel at that place for one year. He then built a beautiful residence on the skirts of that town. He is the father of two children, both deceased, Augustus L. and Fannie Iowa.
p. 718 Indian Creek Township

Pitzer, E. W., farmer and apiarist, P.O. Glenwood; is a native of Macoupin county, Illinois, where he was born March 28, 1838. He there resided nine years, when his parents came to Iowa and located in Madison county. In the fall of 1853 he came to Mills, where he has resided the major portion of the time since. In 1859, however, he went to Colorado, to remain only some six months, but again visited that then territory, to remain a year and a half. He was a member of the 29th Iowa Infantry, Company B, and was in all the engagements where his regiment served. In August, 1870, he was married to Miss Sarah L. Wright, of Glenwood, Iowa, born in Putnam county, Indiana, in 1833. They have six children: Walter W., Eva J., Nellie G., Archie H., Phebe and Lalie. Owns a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres. His apiary is known as "Pleasant Hill Apiary."
p. 599/ 600 Center Township

Pitzer, S. C., farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Hillsdale, is a native of Macoupin county, Illinois, born in 1841. In 1845 he came to Iowa with his parents and settled in Madison county. In the fall of 1852, they came to this county, one year after its organization. He has resided on the farm he now occupies thirteen years. Being thus an old resident of the county he has noted its prosperity and growth in numbers, and enjoys the satisfaction of knowing that he has personally contributed to the same. He was married December 3, 1867, to Miss Alice Kelly, of Adams county, Ohio, who was born in December 1848. This union brought them four children: Grant, Clara D., Charley Lee and Russell K. Mr. P. and lady are zealous and consistent Christians, whose membership is in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. P. came to Mills county with her father in 1854.
p. 599 Center Township

Plumb, Robert, section 20, P.O. Silver City; a prominent farmer and stock raiser, who has held the offices of assessor and trustee of his township with credit. He was born in England in April, 1834. His youth was spent on a farm and in attending school. He immigrated to America in 1853, and located in Wyandotte county, Ohio, remaining there about twelve years, and then moving to Mills county. In 1860 he was married to Miss Jane S. Kenett , of Ohio. They have four intelligent girls: Sarah Alice, Iva Ann, Rose and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Plumb are members of the M. E. church. They live on a fine farm of 280 acres and enjoy the luxuries of a beautiful home. Mr. Plumb is extensively engaged in stock raising.
p. 697 Ingraham Township

Plumb, Valentine, farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Hastings; born February 14, 1820, in Lincolnshire, England. He was raised on a farm, and received only a twelve months' schooling. He came to America in 1843, and located in Richland county, Ohio. In 1845 he moved to Wyandotte county, in the same state. Five years later in 1850, he went to California, engaging in the mining and merchandise business. He returned to Ohio in 1855. He married Miss Frances L. Bland, April 14, 1856, and in the same month came to Iowa to purchase land. He bought 200 acres, being the farm on which he now resides, and returned home by way of Cincinnati, to find his wife in declining health; she died December 25, 1856. He came to Iowa in 1857, and established a permanent residence. He married Lucinda A. Gonser, March 14, 1861. Since the purchase of the original farm of 200 acres, he has added to it a total of 1,000 acres of land. In 1876 he suffered a heavy loss by fire, in which a valuable barn and eleven horses, with a large amount of farm produce and implements were burned, in the amount of some $6,000. He has been a member of the board of supervisors for four years, and chairman of that body for two terms. He is a man of great energy, full of public spirit and enterprise, generous to a fault, and influential. In church matters he has aided with customary generosity all worthy enterprises. By his second marriage he is the father of nine children, all living but one - Georgiana. They are: Hettie Ann, Fanny Jane, Francis Joel, Valentine W., Emma C., Ezra P., Edward J. and William A.
p. 704/705 Anderson Township

Powell, F. M., physician and surgeon, P.O. Hastings; born November 12, 1849, in Morgan county, Ohio. In 1857 his parents moved to Wisconsin. There young Powell grew to man's estate, and received his preliminary education, which he finished at the Ohio Wesleyan University. Following his graduation he taught school a number of years, during which time he began and successfully pursued the study of medicine. He then read with Dr. Priest, of Oakfield, Ohio and attended the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, from which institution he graduated in February, 1875. He came to Iowa in March of the same year, and located in Hastings. He has built up an extensive practice, which sufficiently attests his ability as a medical adviser. He was married September 15, 1872, to Miss Louisa Newton, a native of Ohio. They have three children: Ida M., Velura and Orrin W.
p. 717/718 Indian Creek Township

Powles, Thomas, farmer, section 33, P.O. Bartlett; born August 9, 1849, in Monmouthshire, England. When he was three years of age he immigrated with his parents to America, and located in Hancock county, Illinois, where he lived two years. He then moved to Wapello county, Iowa, and there grew to manhood, working at farm labor and attending the district schools. Was married in 1863, to Miss Rachel A., daughter of Matthias and Nancy Engle of Fayette county, Ohio. They have one son, William H. Mr. Powles served with credit in the state militia. His parents, Thomas and Sarah Powles, were natives of England, and died at an advanced age in Wapello county, Iowa. He came to Mills county in 1866, and since that time has been a very successful farmer. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
p. 627 Lyons Township

Pratt, S. A., farmer and stock raiser, who was born in Cumberland county, Maine, in February, 1834, is a most exemplary citizen and an example of what merit and strict integrity will accomplish for men. The first seventeen years of his life were passed in the state of his nativity, when he became a resident of Lawrence, Massachusetts. He then learned the trade of a bricklayer and plasterer. In 1855 he went to Kewanee, Illinois, and in 1866 came to this county. In 1861 he enlisted in the 57th Illinois Infantry, and was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and others. For a year and a half he was a member of the Signal corps, under Captain Howard. He was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky. In December of 1867 he was married to Miss Nancy McCoy, of this county. His farm contains one hundred and sixty acres.
p. 600 Center Township

Prindle, Lyman D., farmer, P.O. Glenwood; was born in Massachusetts, May 4, 1823. His education was received in the common schools of the old bay state. From that state he moved to Indiana, thence to Kentucky, and finally to Mills county in 1856. Subsequently to his coming he was married to Miss Mary J. Grant, a native of Ohio, by whom he has four children: Cornelia S., Charles D., Henry A. and Mary J. Mr. Prindle is another of Mills county's self-made men, having come without means, and gained a competence. His farm has four hundred and thirty-three acres.
p. 669 Oak Township

Pruden, S., farmer and brick-mason, P.O. Henderson; was born August 30, 1830, in the state of Ohio. He moved with his parents to Kentucky at a very early age. He labored at his trade with his father, and also at marble cutting. From Kentucky he went to Rock Island county, Illinois, following his trade until 1862, when he went to St. Louis and entered upon the service of the government as a teamster, in which service he continued one year. He came to this county in 1865. Was married to Phebe, daughter of Peter and Annie M. Eckley, January 17, 1869. In 1874 he built a grist millner Macedonia. In 1878 moved to his present farm of 160 acres, having disposed of his mill. He has one child, A. S.
p. 704 Anderson Township

Purcell, Andrew, farmer, P.O. Hastings; was born May 24, 1818, in Nelson county, Kentucky, where he was educated, and passed his youth on a farm. When sixteen years of age he engaged in flat boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, which occupation he followed four years. He then followed the business of a pilot the ensuing two years. In 1842 he moved to Henderson county, Illinois, and engaged in farming, which profession he has since followed. In the spring of 1857 he came to Iowa, and located in Indian Creek township, Mills county, on the farm he now owns. In 1864 he was elected a justice of the peace, which office he has retained all the years since. Thus is evidenced the high esteem in which he is held by his neighbors and citizen friends. He is a man of great business ability, of strict honesty and sterling integrity. He was married June 28, 1838, to Miss Ellen Brown, a native of the state of Kentucky. They are the parents of fourteen children; Theresa, now Mrs. Samuel Scott; Samuel, Charles, Elizabeth, now Mrs. David Henderson; Ellen, now Mrs. George Boles; Dennis W., and eight deceased. Mr. Purcell entered a farm of 170 acres from the government when first he came to the county, and now has the same under excellent cultivation.
p. 716/717 Indian Creek Township

Purcell, Samuel, furniture dealer, P.O. Hastings; was born August 20, 1846, in Henderson county, Illinois. At the age of ten years he came with his parents to Mills county, and has since resided here. December 25, 1863, he enlisted in the 29th Iowa infantry, and followed the fortunes of that regiment as narrated elsewhere in this volume. He was mustered out August 10, 1865, at New Orleans, Louisiana. He was married August 28, 1870, to Miss Sarah A. Cary, born August 5, 1850, in Delaware county, Maryland. They are the parents of three children: Marion E., Flora and Everett. Mr. P. is a member of the I. O. O. F.
p. 718 Indian Creek Township

Quimby, H. H., farmer and stock raiser, P.O. Benton; was born March 26, 1847, in Cass county, Michigan. He was educated in the common school, and passed a number of the years of his life in labor on a farm and as a railroad laborer. He was married June 7, 1868, to Miss Louisa Krupp. In 1870 he came to Mills county, and has since been occupied in farming. His family consists of four children living: Blanche, Lee P., Harriet and Lottie. He owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
p. 706 Anderson Township

Rains, Lawrence, farmer and stock raiser, section 9, P.O. Hillsdale; born March 23, 1812, in Jackson county, Ohio. At the age of fourteen he moved with his parents to Warren county, Indiana, where he worked on a farm until he grew to manhood. He received his education in the common schools of his native county. In 1837 he went to Cedar county, (at that time Polk,) Missouri, where he remained until the spring of 1850, and then came to Iowa, arriving June 3rd, and locating in Rawles township, Mills county, and in the same year entered a claim in section 18, and in 1868 settled on the farm where he now resides. Was married January 20, 1839 to Miss Mary, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Troth. She was born in Highland county, Ohio, October 22, 1820. They are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living: Francis M., William J., Mary J., Allen T., H. Charlotte, Sarah M. and Lawrence W. The family are members of the M. E. church. Mrs. Rains died September 2, 1876, of typhoid fever. She was a most excellent lady, loved and esteemed by all who knew her. Mr. Rains owns a fine farm of 180 acres, which is well improved and has many facilities for the raising of stock in which he is largely engaged. He has lived longer in Rawles township than any other person, and has watched the marvelous growth of his township and county with a deep interest.
p. 614/15 Rawles Township
Ranne, Henry, stock dealer, P.O. Malvern; was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in March 1819. At an early age he was taken to Pennsylvania, remaining five years, and thence to Stark county, Ohio. In 1837 he went to Pike county in the last named state, and in October, 1844, came to Muscatine, Iowa. In 1855 he became a resident of Harrison county, Missouri, and in 1864 of this county, where he purchased his present farm. He moved to it in 1869. The farm contains 618 acres, and is a model one in arrangement and care. In May, 1842, he married Miss Margaret Brown, of Piketon, Ohio; born in 1818. They have ten children, six living; William, Catharine, Ella, Jasper, Henry and Alice. He has been identified with the interests of the county ever since coming here.
p. 600/601 Center Township

Reasoner, James P., farmer, section 1, P.O. Hillsdale; born in Coshocton county, Ohio, November 2, 1839; moved with his parents when very young to Muskingum county, where he grew to manhood. working on his father's farm and attending the common schools. Came with his parents to this county in 1863, locating near Glenwood, and settled on the farm where he now lives in 1872. Was married to Miss Mary S., daughter of Dr. John S. and Abigail W. Haldeman, of Hamilton county, Ohio, October 20, 1870. They have had six children, four of whom are now living: Lucy A., Abby E., Florence J. and Olive A. He is a member of the M. E. church; has held the office of justice of the peace, and enjoys the fullest respect and confidence of his neighbors. He owns an improved farm of two hundred and fifty-five acres, which is the result of his indomitable will and patient toil.
p.613 Rawles Township
Reasoner, W. B., farmer, P.O. Glenwood; born February 9, 1834 in Muskingum county, Ohio. He received the principal portion of his education in the city schools of Adamsille, Ohio. He came to Mills county in the spring of 1862. He now lives on a farm of 220 acres, about two miles east of Glenwood. He also owns a well improved farm of 240 acres in Shelby county, Iowa. He was married in February, 1857, to Miss Mary Vernon, of Muskingum county, Ohio. By this happy union they are the parents of nine children: Mary Alice, Charles M., James H., Laura Ellen, Newton C., George T., Gracie Elizabeth and Freddy E. Mr. and Mrs. Reasoner are zealous members of the M. E. church of Glenwood. He is in every way a self-made man; coming to Mills county with nothing but a team of horses, he has, by industry and economy, succeeded in amassing a neat little fortune.
p. 601 Center Township
Ringland, I. B., is a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and his birth was December 9, 1827. At the age of twenty-seven, 1854, he was elected auditor of his native county, and in 1856, resigned and moved to Marshall county, Iowa. April 16, 1857, he married Mary A. Evans, and remained in that county until 1863. In 1869 he came to Malvern where he engaged in the lumber business. Was mayor of the town; a member of Silver Urn Masonic order, and of the Christian church. He died December 8, 1880.
p. 640 Malvern Township

Rist, Henry, farmer and stock raiser, section 21, P.O. Tabor; born May 7 1822, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he lived until sixteen years of age. He then moved with his parents to Fulton county, Illinois, and remained there, working on a farm and attending school until he grew to manhood. He arrived in Iowa in October 1853, and located on the farm where he now resides, in 1854. Was married December 24, 1846, to Miss Eliza Boyd, a native of Highland county, Ohio, daughter of Spencer and Nancy Boyd. They are the parents of five children: James I., Jacob S., Henry H., Mary J., and Louisa N. Mr. Rist is a member of the M.E. church, with which he has been identified as class leader, trustee, and church steward. He has held various township offices, and was for fifteen years justice of the peace. He owns a farm of 160 acres in Rawles township, 40 acres of timber in Lyons township and a farm of 160 acres in Nebraska. He is one of the oldest settlers, coming to this county with nothing, but by good management and hard work has acquired a competence.
p. 615 Rawles Township
Roberts, Benjamin C., farmer, P.O. White Cloud; born August 16, 1831, in Howard county, Missouri. When one year old his parents moved to Adams county, Illinois. Mr. Roberts remained in this county until he became of age and then engaged in the harness business, which he followed for about two years and then engaged in farming until 1860, when he made a trip to Pike's Peak, mining there one year. He then returned to Hancock county, Illinois. In 1865 he came to Mills county and located on section 2, White Cloud township, where he now resides. Was married October 26, 1853, to Miss Sarah A. Butler, who was born in Tennessee June 27, 1838. They are the parents of seven children: John W., Sabra E., George H., Uriah T., Frank P., Eunice F. and Jasper C. Mr. Roberts laid out the town of Lawrence, the junction of the Wabash railway with the Sidney branch of the C. B. & Q. He owns a farm of one hundred and twenty acres which is well cultivated.
p. 653 White Cloud Township

Robinson, J. E., county clerk, Glenwood; was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, March 15, 1853. In 1854 he came with his parents to Marion county, Iowa, leaving there in 1855 for Union county, where he resided until 1871, when he came to Mills county; he obtained his education in the common schools. After coming to this county he acted as clerk in a store in Malvern for five years, at the same time being deputy postmaster. In 1878 he was elected county clerk, and in 1880 was re-elected. He was married May 19, 1878, to Lizzie Kemmer of Union county, Iowa. They have one child, John R.
p. 683 Glenwood Township

Roennan, Henry, farmer, section 36, P.O. Henton; born July 3, 1804, in Hollenstine, Germany, where he was educated in the state national schools. When quite a young man he commenced keeping a hotel, which he conducted twenty-four years. His building was then burned and he immigrated to America. He arrived at Davenport in 1855, and two years later came to Mills county, locating at St. Mary's. Here he purchased a farm of eighty acres, on the banks of the Missouri river, which was soon engulfed in that turbulent stream. He then purchased another farm, which was destroyed in like manner, together with some valuable property in the town of St. Mary's. In 1867 he located on the farm where he now resides, which consists of 160 acres, a good dwelling house, commodious barn, and other substantial buildings. His extensive feed yards are well filled with horses, cattle, sheep and swine. He is one of the oldest and most successful farmers in Mills county, and is honored by the people of his community for the interest he has shown in the advancement of the county. Was married in 1834 to Miss Christina Shreader, by whom he is the father of three children: Dora, John and Emma. The family are members of the Lutheran church.
p. 645 St. Mary Township

Roennan, John, farmer, section 31, P.O. Henton; born January 26, 1847 in Germany. He immigrated with his parents to America, when he was eight years of age. He was educated in the German language in his native country, and received a good English education in the common schools of this country. Was married December 13, 1871, to Eliza Glemann, a native of Germany. They have five children: Henry, Emma, Dora, Mollie and Rudolph. His farm consists of 160 acres, on which is an excellent dwelling house, commodious barn, and good orchard. He is largely interested in live stock, to the raising of which his farm is well adapted.
p. 645 St. Mary Township

Rogers, Jacob, farmer, section 23, P.O. Emerson; was born in the state of New York, in the year 1828. He was there educated, grew to manhood, and passed his youth in agricultural pursuits. In this business Mr. Rogers has passed his life. He owned several fine farms at one time or another in his native state; and like the most of men has experienced reverses as well as the favoring smiles of fortune. He became a resident of this county in 1878, and purchased his present farm of 190 acres. The land is valuable in itself but is becoming more so under his judicious management. He was married in the year 1850 to Miss Levina Bellinger, a native of New York. They are the parents of three children: Gulice A., wife of H. P. Ladd; Mary E., wife of William Crawford; and Myron E., now at home. Mr. Rogers is representative of several insurance companies of this state.
p. 718/719 Indian Creek Township

Rowe, Philip, P.O. Glenwood, farmer and stock raiser, is a native of Bergen, New Jersey, where he was born in the year 1815. When quite young he went with his parents to the city of New York, and subsequently to Ontario county, New York. In 1827 he went to Monroe county, in 1836 to Michigan, and in 1842 to northeastern Indiana. In the fall of 1862 he came to Mills and purchased the farm he now occupies. He was married in February of 1848, to Eliza Noyes, of Ontario county, New York. She was born in April 1823. They are the parents of two children, Harvey C., born in March, 1862, and Alice A., born in November, 1864.
p. 600 Center Township

Russell, A. J., merchant, Glenwood; was born in Maine in 1837, where he was raised until he attained his eighteenth year. His early youth was spent in acquiring an education, and in mercantile pursuits as a clerk. In 1855 he moved to Parkville, Missouri, where he spent about six months when he came to Glenwood, and soon engaged in mercantile business as a clerk. In 1863 he embarked in trade for himself in the grocery line. In 1864 he added a line of dry goods. In the spring of 1870 he moved to his present store where he carries a large stock of dry goods, clothing, groceries, jewelry, etc. He was married in Glenwood in 1860 to Miss Sarah Hibbs. She is a native of Indiana. Their family consists of seven children: Lucy, Charles, Frank, Fred, Archer, Edward and a son A. J., junior.
p. 683 Glenwood Township

Russell, Henry, farmer, section 26, P.O. Tabor; born December 5, 1853, in Fulton county, Illinois. Came with his parents when four years old to Iowa, and immediately located in Rawles township, where he has since continuously resided. His youth was passed in attending the public schools and working on the farm. Was married July 4, 1875, to Miss Margaret, daughter of James and Jane Bannister, of Hamilton county, Ohio. They have one child, Nettie E. Mr. Russell is one of the oldest settlers, the greater portion of his life being passed in the township where he now lives. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres, well improved with a good orchard and an abundance of small fruit.
p. 614 Rawles Township

Russell, Hiram, farmer and stock raiser, section 23, P.O. Tabor; born August 30, 1832 in New York, where he remained until thirteen years of age, when he went with his parents to Fulton county, Illinois, and there grew to manhood. His youth was passed in farming, which occupation he has followed continuously to the present time. He attended the public schools of his place, and received an education commensurate with his surroundings. He came to Iowa in 1856, arriving October 25, and shortly after entered eighty acres of the farm he now owns, and purchased the remainder from time to time as his hard earned accumulations would permit; amounting at the present time to 256 acres, making one of the finest farms in the township. Was married August 21, 1851 to Miss Harriett E., daughter of Elias and Arpha Prosser of Albany county, New York. They are the parents of eight children: Henry E., Emma A., Lucy A., Mary E., Jennette O., Harriett B., Hiram E. and Elizabeth. Mr. Russell is an old and worthy citizen, and has been several times elected to the various township offices.
p. 614 Rawles Township

Russell, L. L., merchant, P.O. Glenwood; is a native of Franklin county, Maine, where he was born April 4, 1848. In 1855 he came to Mills county and has since made it his home. His business life began as a clerk at the age of twelve years. In 1868, just twenty years from his birth, he began business for himself, and has been remarkably successful. In 1871 he was married to Miss Alice M. Jackson of Glenwood, by whom he has three children: Mary S., Neva D. and Levi W. He stands foremost among the most enterprising business men of the county, and his business interests are second to no other firm.
p. 683 Glenwood Township

Russell, Orlonzo B., farmer and stock raiser, section 25, P.O. Tabor; born January 21, 1838, in Hastings, Oswego county, New York, where he remained until eleven years of age, and then moved with his parents to Fulton county, Illinois. He received his education in the common schools of his native state, and in the graded schools of Farmington, Illinois. He came to Iowa in 1855, arriving in this county June 6, and camped on Elm Creek, near where Hillsdale now stands. He shortly after entered eighty acres of the farm where he now lives, and purchased the remainder as his means would admit. Was married July 3, 1862, to Miss Josephine Hammond, a native of Fulton county, Illinois. They are the parents of five children: Edward S., Juanita, Robert B., Julia and John. Mr. Russell is a member of the Northwestern Mutual Life Association, and has held the office of township trustee and other local offices. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, all suitable for cultivation, and forty acres of timber land adjoining. His parents, John and Lucy Russell, were natives of New York, where his mother died. His father died shortly after locating in Illinois.
p. 613/614 Rawles Township
Russell, Samuel S., farmer section 25, P.O. East Plattsmouth; was born May 29, 1826, in Guilford county, North Carolina. At an early age he moved to Orange county, Indiana, with his father's family, where was passed his youth, and received his education. At the age of eighteen he moved to Boone county, Missouri, and after a residence of six years came to Iowa, locating in Monroe county. In 1865 he came to Mills county and has since resided here. He has been thrice married; he first married Miss Mary Gleason, a native of Henry county, Kentucky, by whom he is the father of three children, all now deceased. He married Miss Mary A. Little, a native of Henry county, Indiana. They are the parents of four children: William T., Andrew J., John A. and Julius F. Mr. Russell is an active member of the United Brethren Church, to the interests of which he has devoted much time and energy.
P. 665 Plattville Township

Mills County, Iowa Biography Directory

1881 MILLS COUNTY HISTORY Biographical Sketches O-R

1881 MILLS COUNTY HISTORY