Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 446
SAMUEL E. HALLOCK, a prominent farmer and pioneer settler, residing on section 34, Goshen Township,was born in Suffolk County, N. Y., on the 12th of May, 1834, and is a son of Nathaniel and Ann ( Edwards ) Hallock, who were also natives of the Empire State. His father was a sailor, and for many years coasted along the eastern shores of the United States engaged in merchandising. In 1837 the family came to Muscatine County, Iowa, where the father entered a claim, which he immediately began to improve and cultivate. His mother was only permitted to enjoy her new home for a short time, being called to her final rest in the winter of 1840. Soon afterward his father removed to Muscatine, and was elected to the office of County Clerk, whch he held two terms, serving with ability. He then returned to Goshen Township, where his death occurred in 1874. He took quite an active part in the political affairs of the community, and was one of the prominent and influential citizens of the county.

In 1837, when but three years of age, our subject came with his parents to Muscatine County, where he has resided almost continuously since. He was reared to manhood upon his father's farm, receiving his education in the district schools, and in 1857 left the parental roof, being united in marriage on the 18th of January, with Miss Lucinda Miller, their union being celebrated in Muscatine. This lady was born in Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of John B. and Susanna ( Lowry ) Miller, who were also natives of the same State. Her father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1854, following the tide of human emigration westward, landed in Goshen Township and located upon the farm where our subject now resides. His death occurred in 1873, and Mrs. Miller died in October,1887, at the ripe old age of ninety-one years.

After his mariage Mr. Hallock engaged in farming in Goshen Township until December, 1858, when he removed to Johnson County, Neb., where he followed the avocation until 1862. His patriotic nature being aroused, he responded to his country's call for troops, and was mustered into service at Omaha City in the month of October. He was then ordered to North Dakota, where he was engaged in warfare with the Indians for fourteen months, after which he was honorably discharged at Omaha, in January, 1863. Returning to his farm in Johnson County, Neb., he there remained until the following winter, when he resolved to return to his old home, and since that time has engaged in farming and blacksmithing in this county. In his political sentiments he is a supporter of the Republican party, while socially, he is a member of Charles Michener Post No.362, G.A.R., of Atalissa. He assisted in the organization of Goshen Township, aided in the organization of the school districts, and has always done all in his power to advance the interests of the community. For over half a century he has been identified with the history of Muscatine County. In the early days he endured the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, living in a rude log cabin, going many miles to market, and clearing the land with rude machinery. The meal was often ground in a coffee-mill, and other inconveniences of which the present generation would never dream were the common lot of the early settlers. As time advanced and the country became more settled, improvements were rapidly made, the wild land was transformed into rich and beautiful farms, churches,and school-houses were built, and towns and villages sprang into existence, but to the pioneers who bore the hard labor of development Muscatine County owes a debt of gratitude which will never be repaid.

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