Mr. CARLEY, having been left an orphan before he was ten years of age, was reared by Harry KIMBALL, his great uncle, of Indiana. He was educated in the common schools and lived on a farm in Porter County, Indiana, until he reached his majority. At that time, he came to Mills County, Iowa. In 1882, as already stated at the beginning of this article, he came to Pottawattamie County and bought wild land upon which he now resides. He erected a good frame house on a desirable building site, planted a grove and orchard of three acres, build a barn 30 X 40 X 14 feet, put up a windmill and made many other improvements.

October 23, 1881, in Mills County, Iowa, Mr. CARLEY was married to Miss Olive A. SMITH, who was born in La Porte County, Indiana, daughter of James F. and Sarah J. SMITH, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this book. Mr. And Mrs. CARLEY have five children, viz.: James Harry, Fred S., Arthur L., Carrie J. and Flora C. Mr. CARLEY is a leading Democrat in Silver Creek Township. He is the present Justice of the Peace and dispenses justice in an impartial manner to all who are called before his court. Although but a young man, he has gained a position of responsibility among his fellow citizens.

Our subject was born in Jennings County, Indiana, February 5, 1841, and was reared on the farm, attended the public schools and an academy. In April 1861, he enlisted in the state militia and October 8, following, he enlisted in Company K, 12th Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served in General Banks' command on the upper Potomac near Sharpsburg, Maryland, until February 1862; was in two engagements during that period and was at the attack on Jackson at Winchester, March 1862. Shortly after the occupation of Winchester, his brigade was ordered to Warrenton Junction, Virginia, and remained there until the following May, when his term of service expired and he was mustered out of the service at Washington, May 20, 1862, as a Corporal. He returned home and remained until August 10, 1862, when he again enlisted in Company I, 68th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was made First Sergeant at the organization of the company, and was mustered into the service at Indianapolis August 19 and started south the same day; and in Kentucky was attached to General Dumont's command. In April 1863, the regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Fourth Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps, or the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battle of Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga on September 19 and 20, 1863, after which the regiment was transferred to the First Brigade, Third Division of the Fourth Army Corps. Was at the battle of Chattanooga, November 23, 24, and 26, 1863, and was severly wounded at the storming of Mission Ridge on November 25. He continued on duty and was in a forced march to Knoxville, to raise the siege on Burnside, and was engaged in the campaign in East Tennessee, until April 1864. April 3, 1863, he was promoted as Second Lieutenant, and July 1, 1864, First Lieutenant, in which capacity he remained until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis July 6, 1865.

After the war, he attended the Hartsville University for a time, and January 1, 1866, he began reading law under the preceptorship of Colonel J. S. Scoby of Greensburg, Indiana. He attended the Law Department of the University of Michigan, where he graduated in 1868, and the following year came to Council Bluffs and began the practice of his profession, which he followed successfully until he was elected, on the Republican ticket, as a Representative from Pottawattamie County in 1877 and re-elected in 1879. He was elected to the State Senate in 1883, for a term of four years. In 1886 he was elected Judge of the Fifteenth District for a term of four years and has served the full term.

Judge CARSON was married October 5, 1871, to Miss Rachel L. BOYCE of Ypsilanti, Michigan, a daughter of John and Priscilla (VINNING) BOYCE; her father is of Irish and her mother of English descent. By this union, there were seven children, six of whom still survive: Hannah L., Rachel B., George D., Grace S., Janette R., and Hiram J. Mary P. died when six months old. Judge CARSON is a member of the F.&A.M. Excelsior Lodge No. 259, and Union Veteran Legion Encampment No. 8. Mrs. CARSON is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican Party.

Carter, Amos Scott


AMOS SCOTT CARTER, proprietor of the Sunny Side Farm, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, October 7, 1837, a son of Samuel CARTER, who was born in Harford County, Maryland in 1806, and died in Guernsey County, Ohio. He was a farmer all his life and his political views were Republican. Religiously, he was a Friend or Quaker, and his children were also reared to that faith. Our subject's mother was Susan (BENSON) CARTER, a native of Harford County and a daughter of Amos BENSON. Mr. And Mrs. BENSON were the parents of three children: John, Mary Jane, and Doudney, one of whom died when seventeen years of age. The mother died when Mr. CARTER was but four years old.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in Guernsey County, Ohio, where he was taught to chop wood and grub and clear land, which was the foundation of his subsequent prosperous life. In 1867 he bid farewell to his father and birth place and went to Nodaway County, Missouri, near Maryville, where he remained two years and nine months. December 24, 1870, he came to Pottawattamie County where he was among the early settlers and where he has since remained. He became interested in the settlement and improvement of the county, and for several years acted as land agent and it was through his influence that many of Washington Township's best citizens were induced to locate here. Mr. CARTER now owns a fine farm of 250 acres, on which he has erected a beautiful home, a house 24 X 40 ½ feet, which is surrounded by shade and ornamental trees and a grove of eight acres. The house is situated near the public road which divides the farm east and west. Opposite the house is a bearing orchard of fine fruit, of about two acres, which yields good crops. Nearby is a five-ton wagon and stock scales; a barn 32 X 48 feet, twelve feet high to square, which is convenient for twenty head of horses, with corn and oats bin and good hay loft. There are also a cattle feed lot, a shed 16 X 112 feet, a wind mill and tank, a hog house adjoining, 18 X 48 feet; a hog pasture enclosed of thirty acres, which takes in the creek for the use of watering the stock. His farm is watered by the Middle Silver Creek, which flows through it. He is also engaged in stock raising, of which he has some very high grades, and the next year he intends to devote his whole time to this business.

Mr. CARTER was married in Guernsey County, Ohio, September 29, 1860, to Miss Melinda HARTLEY, daughter of Noah HARTLEY, a pioneer of Guernsey County and a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He was a son of Malone HARTLEY, of English ancestry. The mother of Mrs. CARTER was Millicent (HALL) HARTLEY, daughter of Isaac HALL. Mr. And Mrs. Noah HARTLEY reared thirteen children, eight of whom are now living, namely: William H., Phoebe, Arnold, Melinda, Sarah E. SMITH, Uriah, Caleb, Samuel and Noah P. The mother died August 5, 1866. Mr. And Mrs. CARTER are the parents of ten children, viz.: Millie Jane, born October 25, 1861, now the wife of James BOILEAU, an architect of South Omaha, Nebraska; Noah Elmer, foreman of planning-mill at South Omaha, born March 13, 1863; James Thomas Albert, born March 8, 1865, a wagon maker and blacksmith by trade; John William, born November 8, 1866, is now living on the old homestead; Phebe Adaletta, born July 9, 1869, is the wife of Henry H. CRAWMER, a railroad man of Kansas; Amos Edwin, born February 25, 1871, a mechanic, is at home; Arthur Elwood, born May 31, 1873, also at home; Charles Tilmon, born July 7, 1875; Ruth Minnie, November 18, 1878; and George Alfred, July 17, 1881. Politically Mr. CARTER is a Republican and also member of the Christian Science Church. (END)

Carter, Isaac G.


ISAAC G. CARTER, of Hancock, Valley Township, is one of our old soldiers who served his country in her time of need, and after her victory was secured returned to his home and resumed the peaceful pursuit of agriculture in Valley Township. Mr. Carter is from an old American family, who were among the early settlers of Virginia. His grandfather was born in Virginia, and moved to Ohio, settling in Muskingum County, as a pioneer, and became a successful farmer, owning 200 acres of land. He lived to the great age of eighty-two years, and died on his old homestead in Ohio. He was the father of eight children: Ezekiel, Marcus, John, Joseph, Matilda, Hulda, Jane and Alvin. The youngest son, Alvin, was the father of Isaac C., our subject. He was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, and married Nancy Clark, of the same county. To them were born six children: Isaac G., Henry B., Washington, William, Hugh and Mary A. Mr. Carter died very suddenly at the early age of thirty years from exposure. His wife died within two weeks from exposure in taking care of the stock on the farm.

Isaac, their oldest son, and the subject of this sketch, was born February 20, 1830, and was but twelve years of age when be was left an orphan, and the little family of six orphan children were scattered. Isaac was brought up by William Evans, a wealthy Irishman, who treated him kindly. He received a common-school education, and at eighteen years of age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, serving a four-years apprenticeship, the old-fashioned plan of thoroughly learning a trade, and followed his trade until after the close of the war.

He married Lucinda Dowell, daughter of George and Grace (Helms) Dowell. Mr. Dowell, an American of German descent, was a farmer of Muskingum County, Ohio, and the father of thirteen children: Mary, Harrison, Isabel, Amanda, George, Malinda, Lucinda, LaFayette, George W., Thomas, Henrietta, Mahala, and an infant who died unnamed. Mr. Dowell was born in Virginia. His father, George Dowell, moved to Muskingum County, Ohio. John Dowell, an uncle of Mrs. Carter, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. All her uncles were large men, weighing over 200 pounds.

After marriage Mr. Carter settled in Dresden, Ohio, for one year, and in 1853 went to Chicago with his family, where he followed his trade and became a contractor and builder. In 1859 he moved to McDonough County, Illinois, where he continued his business of contracting and building. Here he enlisted August 12, 1862, when Abraham Lincoln made his first call for 300,000 men to defend the Union. Joining Company C, Seventy-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry he went immediately to the front with his regiment, and was soon promoted Commissary Sergeant of his company. After three months he was transferred to the Engineers' Corps, Company A, Second Regiment, and worked at bridge building. His principal service was in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia. While with the Seventy-eighth Illinois, he was in the battle of Munfordville, Kentucky, and the whole regiment was captured except Mr. Carter and one boy. The Ninety-first Illinois and Seventy-sixth Indiana were captured at the same time, by the famous Confederate raider, John Morgan. Mr. Carter and the boy returned to the Union line. His regiment was paroled and exchanged. While connected with the Engineer Corps he was in the battles of Murfreesboro, Franklin, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Nashville, all in Tennessee. In the fall of 1863 he was injured by a falling bridge timber, and was in the hospital for nine months, part of which time he was Commissary Sergeant of the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky; and then was assigned to act as Commissary Sergeant by the Provost-Marshal at Lebanon, Kentucky, and remained there until the close of the war. He was sent to Clinton, Iowa, with supplies, and was mustered out and honorably discharged July 7, 1865, at Clinton, Iowa, having served his country during three years of the great civil war. The following is endorsed on Mr. Carter's discharge paper:

HEADQUARTERS Co. B, 23D V. R. C.
The bearer, Isaac G. Carter, was formerly a private of the Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry, and afterward transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, U. S. A., on account of disability incurred in the discharge of his duties. Since his connection with this company he has acted as Commissary Sergeant, and has proved himself in every way a good and faithful soldier, and a sober, reliable and intelligent man. Should he ever have occasion to use this endorsement I hope his application may be favorably considered.

J. W. BFEBEE,
1st Lieut. Commanding Co. B, 23d V. R. C.

After the war, like most of the surviving soldiers, Mr. Carter came to the West and settled in Iowa, which was then a new State. He lived on a farm in Jasper County for four years, and then went to Platte County, Nebraska, where he lived a year, and in 1872 came to Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and settled in Valley Township, where he still resides, an honored citizen. Mr. Carter owns a fine farm of 120 acres, which he has nicely improved. Both himself and Mrs. Carter are life-long devout members of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Carter has always taken an active interest in his church, has filled all its local offices, and has held them most of the time since the war. He is now class-leader, trustee, steward and Sunday-school superintendent. He enjoys the respect of his fellow-citizens in a marked degree. Has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Constable, filling one or the other for the past seventeen years. He is Chaplain of William Layton Post, No. 358, Oakland, Iowa; also Chaplain of the Anti-Horse-Thief Society at Hancock, Iowa. Mr. Carter has taken an active interest in the cause of education and the schools in his community, having been School Director. Two of his daughters have been teachers--Jennie and Florence. Mr. Carter is a man of honorable and upright character, whose word is taken for its full meaning. As a soldier and a citizen he has served his country, in war and in peace, by faithfully doing his duty to his country and his community. He is a man of strictly temperate habits and correct moral principles, and has striven to instill right principles in his family. His record as a soldier will descend to his children for generations, and as one who fought for the preservation of his country. The family descended on both sides from good, old American pioneer stock, than which there is no better.

Mr. and Mrs. Carter are the parents of ten children, seven of whom lived. Harry A., Charles, deceased; George W., Henrietta, Eva, Ida, deceased; Jennie, Howard, deceased; Flora and Hugh. Harry A., now an engineer at Hancock, married Miss Hale, and his children are Arthur, Charles, Blanche, Amy and Ruby M.; Henrietta married George Payne, now deceased, and has one child, Rollo; George, now on a cattle ranch at North Canyonville, Oregon, married Winnie Pickett, and has four children: Ida, Irmie, Hugh and Pattis; and Eva married William Tibbetts, a farmer of Hardin County, Iowa, and has one child, Minnie.

Cater, Edward H.


EDWARD H. CATER, of section 1, Carson Township, was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, August 7, 1855, son of James CATER, a native of the same place whose family were early settlers of that part of Ohio. They were formerly Quakers or Friends. Our subject's mother, nee Susan PERRY, was a daughter of Jesse and Malinda (POOLE) PERRY, the former a native of Ohio and a relative of Commodore Perry, and latter was a native of Virginia. The parents moved to Bureau Co. where they lived until their deaths. They reared 7 children.

Edward, the eldest of four sons and three daughters was about two years of age when his parents moved to Bureau County, Illinois, in the spring of 1857 settling northeast of Princeton, on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, near Malden. The father lived there until his death, which occurred in 1858 and the mother still lives on the same place where they first settled in 1857. The subject of this sketch resided in Bureau Co. until he came to Pottawattamie Co. and bought his present farm of 80 acres of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Company, which is located one and a half miles east of Carson. He built a good frame house in 1889 and everything about the place shows the thrift and energy of the proprietor.

He was married December 1877 to Miss Mary L. BELKNAP, who was born and educated in Bureau Co., Illinois, and the daughter of Eli and Mary BELKNAP; the father was a native of New York and the other of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. CATER have three children: Roy Austin, Claude Gaston, and Edna Mary. They lost their first born, Lena Leota, by death when an infant. Politically Mr. Cater is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a teacher and assistant superintendent of the Sabbath school in which he takes an active interest.

Chambers, H. J.


H.J. CHAMBERS, lawyer, is a resident of Council Bluffs, and has been identified with the interests of Pottawattamie County since the year 1878; is a native of Michigan, born at Utica, Macomb County; is the son of Rev. W.A. and Sarah M. (WRIGHT) CHAMBERS, natives of New York, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Mr. CHAMBERS came to Iowa in the fall of 1865 with his parents, who located at Osage, Mitchell County, at which place the father filled the position of clergyman to the Methodist denomination. A graduate of the State University at Iowa City, in both the classics and law, the former in 1876, and the latter in 1878; came to Avoca in the year 1878, engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, and continued the practice until the fall of 1884, at which date he was elected to the office of Recorder of Deeds and Mortgages for Pottawattamie County, in which he served one term; in the fall of 1888, Mr. CHAMBERS was elected to the office of Clerk of the District Court of his county, which office he now fills.

He was married December 2, 1880, to Miss Ida FITCH, a native of Newton, Iowa and daughter of Edward and Clara (SLOAN) FITCH, who were formerly from New York, and of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. CHAMBERS have two children: a daughter Claribel, aged five years, and Fred, a little boy aged three years; they have lost one child, Eddie W., aged four years. Mr. CHAMBERS is a member of several secret orders, and in politics affiliates with the Republican party.

Mr. CHAMP also has a half interest in the Bank of Minden, at Minden, this state; and he is also a member of the firm of KIMBALL, CHAMP & RYAN, bond brokers in Omaha. He is known as one of the leading young businessmen of the state. Unaided and alone, he has risen from a small beginning to an eminence in the social and business world that is rarely attained in a long and successful business life. The firm are indeed examples of what young men may accomplish by adhering to the principles of integrity when they have natural ability and untiring energy.

Chaney, C. H.


C. H. CHANEY, a representative citizen of Washington Township, and an ex-soldier of the late war, was born in Montgomery County, Missouri, October 12, 1845, a son of Samuel CHANEY, who was of Irish ancestry. The mother of our subject was Ellen (PARMER) CHANEY, a native of Germany. Our subject was but eight years old when his father died in Montgomery County, Missouri, and his widow and six children moved to Scott County, Iowa. The mother died when C. H. was but ten years of age, and he was then reared on a farm in Scott County, by Jerry HUBBARD. During the late war he enlisted, May 1, 1864, in the Forty-fourth Iowa infantry, Company I, Volunteers, and was out some four months. His regiment was stationed mostly at Memphis, Tennessee. After his discharge he enlisted in the Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company C, and was under fire at Spanish Fort, and was honorably discharged at Mobile, Alabama. He then returned to Scott County Iowa, where he resided until 1868, when he came to Western Iowa, first settling in Mills County. He remained in that county until 1883, when he came to Pottawattamie County and bought his present farm, which consisted of forty acres. It was partly broken, though there were no improvements of any kind on it; but it is now under a good state of cultivation and improvement.

Mr. CHANEY was married in Bartlett, Fremont County, Iowa, in March 1872, to Miss Helen AITKEN, who was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of David AITKEN, of Fremont County. Mr. and Mrs. CHANEY have four children: Walter Newton, Maggie Belle, Word and William Henry. Politically Mr. CHANEY is a Republican, and he and his wife are both members of the Evangelical Church, and both are workers in the Sabbath-school.

William CHARLES worked at milling in Grant County, Indiana, until 1876. In that year, he came to Iowa and purchased eighty acres of land in section 13, Wright Township, Pottawattamie County. Since that time, he has been identified with the best interest of this community. He has made many improvements on his farm, has built a good frame house and other out buildings, and has a grove of three acres and an orchard of two acres.

Mr. CHARLES has been twice married. At the age of twenty-six, he wedded Miss Mary WOOLMAN, a native of Grant County, Indiana, daughter of S. N. WOOLMAN. By her he had one daughter, Clara, now the wife of H. L. BALES of Wright Township, Pottawattamie County. Mrs. CHARLES was a worthy member of the United Brethren Church. Her death occurred in 1864. In 1866, Mr. CHARLES took for his second wife E. Jane WOOLMAN, a sister of his former companion. She was also born and reared in Grant County, Indiana. This union has been blessed with four children, three of whom are living: Salmon P., Jessie, and Willie. They lost one son, Burr, at the age of nine years.

In connection with his general farming, Mr. CHARLES carries on the manufacture of sorghum, having a local reputation as an expert manufacturer of that article. For ten years, he has been a faithful and zealous worker in the cause of his Master; is a deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lewis, and is also a local preacher, expounding the word of God every alternate Sabbath. He is an efficient worker in the Sunday school. Mr. CHARLES is well posted on all current topics and is a great reader of history and the Bible. He is broad and progressive in his views, is earnest in his labors for the advancement of religion, and is regarded by all who know him as an honorable and upright citizen and a true Christian.

In connection with the family history of his wife, it should be further stated that her father, S. N. WOOLMAN, was a native of New Jersey and her mother, Elizabeth (BOND) WOOLMAN, was born in Virginia, a descendant of an old family of that state. Both parents were members of the United Brethren Church.

M. J. CHENEY was reared in his native state until eleven years of age, when his parents moved to Stephenson County, Illinois. In 1854, he came to Mills County, Iowa, which he made his home until 1878, excepting ten months spent in Iowa County, Iowa. He then came to his present farm of 160 acres in Pottawattamie County, which he has since improved and on which he has erected a fine house.

Mr. CHENEY was married in Mills County to Mary M. DALPH, who was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, daughter of Aaron and Eveline (MILLER) DALPH, both natives of New York state. The mother died when Mrs. CHENEY was but ten years of age, and the father died in Cass County, Nebraska when seventy-six years of age. Mr. And Mrs. CHENEY have eight children, viz.: Milton H., a resident of Neola, Iowa, and a barber and jeweler by trade; Hiram E., who is married and lives in Colorado, engaged in the stock business; Amanda E., wife of M. O. INMAN, of Fremont County, Iowa; Charles O., of Colorado; Andrew M., at home; Otha C., Sadie May, and Rhoda Ellen. Politically, Mr. CHENEY is a Democrat, is intelligent and of broad and progressive views, and is regarded as one of the best informed men in Washington Township.

W.H. FREEMAN, the President, was born on a farm in the vicinity of Rockford, Illinois, October 11, 1844, son of Daniel and Mary (WALLER) FREEMAN, natives of St. Louis, Missouri, and Kentucky, and of English extraction. The father was a farmer by occupation and our subject was also reared to that calling. At the age of twenty-one year, he left home and came west. He was first engaged in taking contracts on the railroad until he came to Oakland, where he engaged in the lumber and grain business. He was the first Mayor of the town and was instrumental in all of the leading enterprises. Mr. Freeman started with nothing but pluck and ambition, which have won for him success.

L.F. POTTER, the cashier, was born on a farm near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, March 27, 1855, the son of L.B. and Hitty (WENZEL) POTTER, natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts and of Scotch-English extraction. Our subject was educated in the Wauwatosa village schools and completed his education in the Ripon and Beloit (Wisconsin) colleges. He taught school several terms and in 1879 came to Oakland, Iowa, and bought a one-half interest in a general store for $488 making the firm of CALDWELL & POTTER, which later became POTTER & DeGRAFF. This venture, though small, proved very successful and resulted in a rapidly increasing trade. In March 1884, Mr. POTTER sold his interest in the store to his partner, and became a partner and cashier in the Citizens Bank of Oakland, which position he still occupies. He has been the active manager of the business since his connection with it, and the prosperity of the institution is due to his untiring energy. Under his management the bank has never lost a dollar on discounts or in any other way, a record unequaled perhaps by any other bank in Iowa. He has been Mayor of the town and takes a great interest in her prosperity.

S.S. RUST, the Vice President of the Bank, was born in Henderson County, Illinois, February 23, 1848, son of Jacob and Eda (PALMER) RUST, natives of Kentucky and of South Carolina. He was reared to the profession of his father, a farmer and merchant. He came to Pottawattamie County with his parents in 1855, locating in Valley Township. He left home when he was 13 years old and was engaged in working by the month for several years. In 1865, he married Mary N. STRONG, to whom his success in life in a large measure is due. He purchased his first land in 1872 and in 1880 came to Oakland, and engaged in the grain and lumber business, in which he was very successful. Mr. RUST then started in the banking business, on his own responsibility, and has made different changes until he now occupies his present place. He also has a fine farm where he raises stock and to which he gives a great deal of attention. He is a live, energetic and self-made man, and is interested in the advancement of the county as well as community, and is esteemed and respected by his many friends, both in social and business relations.

These men have been residents, the principal bankers and identified with the best enterprises and improvements of the town since its beginning. The bank went through the disastrous fire of May 28, 1887, without loss and they immediately erected a brick block, sixty-six feet front, for the benefit of those who were burned out, and did not feel able to rebuild. They have also in various other ways aided the people to recover from their losses.

Julius C. HOFFMAYR was born in the eastern part of Prussia, February 17, 1834, the son of Charles J. and Emma (VON TRESKOW) HOFFMAYR. Both the parents are deceased. He was educated at home by private tutors until the age of ten years; then he attended schools in Frankfurt until his 14th year, when he entered the machine shop of Stoeckart & Co. at Landsberg, one year, and the locomotive works at Borsig, the largest works of the kind in that country, at Berlin. He was there six months. At the age of 16 years, he was employed by the Berlin & Stettin Railroad, learning the art of running locomotives; was also employed in the drafting office of the company six months. He then passed examination as locomotive engineer and was employed on the eastern division of the Government railroad system, between Berlin and St. Petersburg; was also employed in the location and erection of the railroad bridges over the delta of the Vistula River at Dirschau and Marienburg and surverying and locating the railroad to Koenigsberg. On the completion of the road to Koenigsberg, he was given control of the first engine over the road; and at the age of 17 years, a few days after that appointment, he was given the first train, the inauguration train, with the King of Prussia on board, who opened the road. After this he entered the Polytechnic School at Frankfurt; next the Royal Polytechnic Institute at Berlin; next in his 19th year he was sent by the Government to Manchester, England, and worked in the large locomotive works of Sharp Brothers, to gain a knowledge of the construction of the same by English makers. In a few months he was placed in the engineer corps of the Royal Navy and cruised along the Mediterranean coast subduing pirates on the north African coast and around Cape of Good Hope to the east Indies, when he returned home. His father then presented him a steam flouring and saw mill, which he operated some nine months, when in June 1855, he came to America, with the chief engineer of the eastern division of the Prussian railroads, Charles SEEGER, landing at St. Mary’s, Mills County, Iowa. He assisted him and erected mills in the timbered lands of the company, and attended to their management until Mr. Seeger’s return.

In 1857 he returned to Prussia, spent a year there, was married and in 1858 came again to this country, stopping at St. Mary’s, Mills County, Iowa. The mills which he had built before his departure for Europe had been sold to Colonel Peter A. SARPY, the old fur trader of the American Fur Company, and Mr. HOFFMAYR managed the mills for him. In 1859 he removed the mill to the left bank of the Missouri River, opposite Plattsmouth, Nebraska. At that period, 1855, the Indians, Pawnee and Omaha tribes, lived and were abundant in the vicinity. In 1867 while on the plans with the Pawnee scouts, he was made an honorary member of the Pawnee tribe and named Co-ka-tits-ta-kah. In 1862 he came to Council Bluffs where he took charge of the City Mills for OFFICER & PUSEY, for six months, then in 1863 he assumed full control, which he maintained until 1865, when he sold to Hon. J.T. BALDWIN and visited Europe again, returning the same year to Council Bluffs. In 1870 he bought back the city mills and ran it alone until 1882, when he took as partner Hon. J. T. BALDWIN, with whom he was associated until the death of the latter. Its present owner, Mr. HOFFMAYR, is the oldest miller in this part of the west, that is, has been the longest in the service, and is feeding the hungry yet.

Politically he is independent, but acting mostly with the Democratic party. He is an old member of Bluff City Lodge, No. 71, AF&AM, of Star Chapter No. 48, and of Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 17, K.T. and P.E. Commander, and as such a life member of the Grand Commandery of the State of Iowa. He is also a member of the Council Bluffs Rifle and Council Bluffs Gun Clubs. He won the state championship honors and the best aggregate score in all matches at the state tournament of the State Association for the Protection of Fish and Game, of 1880, held at Des Moines. He was the first president of the Turn Verein of Council Bluffs in 1863. During the war, in 1864, Gov. W.M. STONE called out three regiments of state troops to protect the southern border of the state, and commissioned him 1st Lieutenant of Company A, 1st Regiment, on April 1, 1865, he was promosed and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the same regiment the late Colonel W.F. SAPP commanding the same.

While on a visit to his native country, on the 21st of April 1858, he married Miss Antonia WOLFRAM, who died at Council Bluffs, July 8, 1876, leaving three children: Ellen H., who died July 23, 1876, and Harry J. and Arthur T., both now residing in Council Bluffs. He was married again February 7, 1878, to Miss Clara TZSCHUCK, daughter of Hon. Bruno TZSCHUCK, ex-Secretary of the State of Nebraska. She was born in St. Mary’s, Mills County, Iowa, and died February 8, 1883, leaving one child, Julia May.

DANIEL B. CLARK, of Council Bluffs, is numbered among the early settlers of Pottawattamie County, the date of his location being May 10, 1852. He at that time settled on a claim, which he purchased of a Mormon in Kane Township before the land was in market. A few improvements had been made, a log cabin having been built and a small part broken, but no essential improvements had been made. In 1853 the land came into market. Mr. Clark entered the land and resided on it about thirty-two years.

He was born near Batavia, Genesee County, New York, January 4, 1819. His parents were Eli K. and Eunice (Brown) Clark, both born in Connecticut. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was also a native of Connecticut, and of English origin. He was a shoemaker by trade. Our subject possesses a momento or heirloom, consisting of a shoe-hammer used by his grandfather, and by request was given to the father of our subject as the eldest son of his father, and for the same reason Daniel B. Clark, being the eldest son of his father, came into possession of this heirloom, and it will thus descend to the eldest son of our subject. The mother of Mr. Clark also descended from an early Connecticut family. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Clark was Daniel Brown, after whom he was named. Eli K. Clark and wife were married in their native State, in 1817, and the following year emigrated to Genesee County, New York, which was then regarded as the "far West." There he settled on a farm, where he continued to live until 1832 or 1833, when they removed to Ashtabula County, Ohio, and settled on a farm, where they remained until death. The father was born June 22, 1794, and died October 14, 1868, at the age of seventy-four years. The mother was born December 24, 1799, and died April 30, 1852. They were the parents of eleven children, ten of who attained mature years: a son, Jerome, died at the age of eight years. Six of their children are still living, at this writing. The subject of this sketch is the eldest. The second of the family, William H., died September 21, 1872; Piercy Ann is the wife of Thomas Lyman, and resides at Downer's Grove, Illinois; Huldah L. became the wife of Joseph Carpenter, and died March 29, 1864; Willard F. died April 6, 1860; Ora E. the second surviving brother, resides in Michigan; Jerome W. was next in order of birth; Phebe J. married, and died March 7, 1856; Altyn D., who resides in Iowa; Lois married Rev. Lyman Catlin, now of Waterloo, Iowa; Arista O., is married and resides in Michigan.

Daniel B. Clark, the subject of this notice, was reared to the occupation of farmer. He lived in Orleans County, New York, for about eight years, and then removed to Peoria County, Illinois, where he continued to reside until he came to Iowa in 1852, as already stated. Mr. Clark has long been one of the well-known citizens of Pottawattamie County. He enlarged the place where he first settled, and made of it a beautiful home, where he lived for many years. He became the owner of much valuable land elsewhere, and although he has sold the homestead he still owns a fine farm of 300 acres near the city of Council Bluffs. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Clark retired from the active duties of farm life and removed to this city, where he and his wife have a pleasant home. Politically he is a Republican, and is an esteemed and worthy citizen of Pottawattamie County. He served his country in the war of the Rebellion, entering the army in 1861. He raised a company of which he was commissioned Captain by Governor Kirkwood. His command became Company H, of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served his country faithfully until his health failed, and he was discharged for disability at Corinth, Mississippi, in June, 1862. His eldest son was a soldier in Company D, Forty-fourth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Three brothers of Mr. Clark also served in the war of the Rebellion, viz.: Ora E., who was a member of Battery G, First Michigan Artillery; Altyn D. Served in Company D. First Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry; Aresta D., a member of Company B, Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Mr. Clark was married at Ridgeway, Orleans County, New York, October 4, 1840, to Miss Eleanor Bates, who was born in Madison County, New York, December 22, 1819, and they have had ten children, four only of whom attained mature years. The eldest, Edwin J., died January 30, 1873, in the thirty-second year of his age; Ora is a farmer of Red Willow County, Nebraska; Emma J. is the wife of George W. Bartlett, of Red Willow County, Nebraska; and Samuel W. is a resident of the same county. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Clark, F. C., Dr.


Dr. F. C. CLARK, a dentist of Council Bluffs, has been identified with the interest of Pottawattamie County since 1865. He is a native of the State of Maine, born in Waldo County, January 31, 1829, the son of Amasa and Martha COMBS CLARK, natives of Maine, and of English and French descent. The paternal ancestors came to this country on the Mayflower. Dr. CLARK was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. He resided in Maine until 1849, when he was enticed by the accounts of the gold fields then discovered in California; previous to this he had worked at shipbuilding. He went as a passenger in the bark Mitas around Cape Horn, being 140 days from West Thornston, Maine, to San Francisco, at which place he worked for a time at $12 per day. He soon engaged in mining on Feather River, which he followed for six years, with varying success. He then studied dentistry, practicing in California and Idaho until he came to Pottawattamie County.

Dr. CLARK was married in Boise City, Idaho, June 11, 1865, to Mrs. Mary E. BABBIT nee Miss Mary E. PAGE, of Elgin, Illinois, a lady of Scotch descent. About a year after their marriage he came to Council Bluffs, where he has since practiced his profession. By her former marriage Mrs. CLARK had three children: Louisa Maria, William Newton and Albert Augustus; and by this marriage she has six, four of whom still survive: Mary Frances, Martha Ann, Marcia Lily, and Mittie Jane. Mrs. CLARK is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Dr. CLARK is a Master Mason of Excelsior Lodge, No. 259, A. F. & A. M. Politically he affiliates with the Republican Party.

Clark, John


JOHN CLARK, occupying 300 acres of land on section 18, Garner Township (No. 75, range 43), is one of the well-known influential pioneers of the county, coming here in May, 1853. He was born at Ansty, Leicestershire, England, October 29, 1821, the second son of James and Rachel (GOODMAN) CLARK, natives of the same shire. The parents were married in the house in which he (the father) was born, and there they resided all their days. The dwelling was built by Mr. CLARK, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch.

As he grew up, Mr. CLARK, our subject, became a mechanic and also learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for many years. He was married in the city of Leicester, England, July 7, 1845, to Rachel SMART, who was born in that city, April 2, 1827, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (BAYLIS) SMART. Her parents lived there at the time of the above marriage, but eventually, with most of their children, moved to Barrowden, Rutlandshire, and thence to Baltonsburg, Somersetshire, where Mr. SMART engaged in fancy dyeing, and resided until death. A number of years afterward Mrs. SMART, with all her children excepting one, emigrated to the United States, settling in Utah, and three weeks afterward Mrs. SMART died, as a result of the fatigue of the journey.
In January, 1851, Mr. CLARK, with his wife and two children, sailed from Liverpool to New Orleans, arriving there after a nine weeks' voyage. In two or three weeks he, with his family, went up to St. Louis, but returned to New Orleans to pass the following winter. In the spring of 1852 he went again to St. Louis and began work at his trade. In the spring of 1853 he moved with his family to Keokuk, and then across the State of Iowa, by ox team, having to ford many rivers and other streams, sometimes carrying his family, one at a time, upon his back across the streams. Coming to Pottawattamie County, he engaged in shoemaking in Council Bluffs. In 1867 he bought his present farm, which had been in cultivation some time, but had no permanent improvements; there were only the log cabin and a rail fence. Here Mr. CLARK has judiciously expended a vast amount of labor and money, with the result of making a fine residence and a splendid farm. The dwelling, built in January, 1874, cost $2,000.

Mr. CLARK has served as Justice of the Peace for several terms, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. He is a Democrat, although formerly a Republican, voting for LINCOLN for his first term. He has had seven children, of whom five are living, namely: Alam; Joseph, who was born in England, is married, has one child, and lives near his father; Rachel Elizabeth, wife of S. A. WINCHESTER, living on section 18, Garner Township, and has four children: she also was born in England; John Thomas, who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, lives in Mills County, near Henderson, Iowa, is married and has one child, a son; Henrietta, wife of William WRIGHT, lives in Boomer Township and has one son and three daughters; Henry James, who is married and lives near his father, on section 18. Mr. and Mrs. CLARK have lost two children by death: their third child, a babe, died in New Orleans when five days old; and Hezekiah Baylis, the youngest, died when three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. CLARK made a visit to their native country in December, 1881, returning the following May, being only thirteen days on the way from Liverpool to Council Bluffs.

Clark, J. H. E.


J.H.E. CLARK, general manager of the Caroon Coal Company of Council Bluffs, has had his present situation since the organization of the company in 1889. The senior member of the firm is George W. Wright. The office is at 10 Pearl Street. They do jobbing both in wholesale and retail, in both wood and coal and have an annual business of $35,000. Mr. CLARK is a native of Erie County, Pennsylvania, born in December, 1850, the son of Joel and Lucinda B. (BLISS) CLARK, of Puritan origin, he being the representative of the family in this part of the country. He was brought up as a tanner and currier, his father being the same; was educated in public schools and commenced to do for himself while in his youth, and has been doing the same ever since his twelfth year. Being a natural trader, he was usually successful. He remained in his native State until the fall of 1880, engaged in the fruit business, handling a vast amount of fruits and vegetables. His first venture in the line was instigated by being in Philadelphia and, seeing the vast amount of vegetables, especially cucumbers, that were being shipped at such cheap prices, he concluded at once that he could make a profitable investment by taking some of the articles to Erie, where he resided. Accordingly he had three barrels shipped to Erie, which he disposed of at retail, clearing $18.00 per barrel. This encouraged him to go on and he therefore gradually increased his stock in various articles until he did a thriving business. He was the first to sip the Jersey watermelon into Erie. He remained in that town until he came west.

In 1880 he went to Kansas, where he remained some time, thence to Southern California, and traveled about for six or seven years, when he returned to Kansas; and in the fall of 1888 he came to Council Bluffs, where he engaged in various speculations. In May, 1889, he entered his present business, which he now conducts, and devotes his entire attention to the same. He has always took an active part in the political work while in Erie; was chairman of Third Ward Republican Committee for some time, and was very active in the cause of his party. He still zealously adheres to Republican principles. He is a member of Tyrian Lodge No. 740, I.O.O.F. And also a charter member of Erie Lodge NO. 44 A.O.E.W., having passed the chairs o the same. He was married June 28, 1877 to Miss Adda W. WOODWORTH, daughter of William and Caroline (JEWELL) WOODWORTH, of Rushford, Allegany County, New York, of Puritan origin. The father was captain in the War of the Rebellion and was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, which resulted in his death. They have only one child, Gracie, and are associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

After having removed with his parent to Erie, Mr. Clark learned the machinists' trade, at which business worked some eight years. He is a self-made man, having taken care of himself from early childhood. His parents are both living in the city of Erie, father aged eighty years and mother aged seventy-eight. He followed the tanning and currier's business for thirty-five years and the latter part of his life he has retired form active pursuits. They had seven sons and two daughters, viz.: Charles, a resident of Detroit; George, a resident of River Forest, a suburb of Chicago; Richard, a resident of Chicago; James H.E. our subject; Morris, deceased; Joel, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; Joseph, a resident of Maywood, a suburb of Chicago; Marania, widow of S. L. GILLSON, a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, and Emma, wife of A. L. BACKUS, a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania. The family are associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. On the 20th of last August, 1890, the parents had been married fifty years.

HON. B.F. CLAYTON, of Macedonia, Iowa, is one of the prominent and favorably known men of Pottawattamie Co, his works having been of an extensive nature both in private and public life, and he has done much to build up the best interests of the community where he resides. He was born in Nicholas Co., Kentucky, January 10, 1839, son of William M. CLAYTON, who was born in Virginia in 1788. The father went to Kentucky when a boy and in 1812 enlisted as a soldier under Capt Metcalf, ex-Governor of Kentucky and served through the war. He died in 1852, in Robinson County. His wife, nee Mary ADAIR, was born in Nicholas Co, Kentucky. B.F. CLAYTON, our subject, went to Decatur Co, Indiana, when 16 years of age where he worked by the month until 1873, during which time he also served as County Supervisor for three years. In October 1873 he arrived in Pottawattamie co, where he bought 320 acres of partly improved land, and to which he has since added until he now owns 500 acres in one body. This farm, which is called "Sunnyside" is situated west and in sight of Macedonia and is one of the best ranches in this part of the county. He also owns several other farms and tracts of land in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, one of which consists of 8,000 acres.

Mr. CLAYTON has held most of the township offices and has served in the 17th, 18th, and 20th General Assemblies of the State of Iowa, being Chairman of the Agricultural Committee of the 18th General Assembly, and Speaker pro tem of the House in the 20th session. He has been connected with the National Farmer's Congress, and is one of its most active and zealous workers. He has been delegate to its conventions at Nashville, Tennessee; Montgomery, Alabama; Minneapolis, Minnesota; New Orleans; Topeka, Kansas; Washington DC; and Chicago Illinois and it was through his influence that it was secured for Council Bluffs in 1890. He has been Secretary of this Assembly for six years. He was one of the prime movers in having delegation go to Denver in 1890, and is one of its most active and efficient members. He is a Master Mason, is trustee of Simpson's Centenary College of Indianola and is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. CLAYTON is one of the prominent agriculturists of the state, and at this time is being strongly urged as the Republican candidate for Governor of Iowa, which will be elected in November of this year. Mr. CLAYTON has been twice married, first to Miss PRISCILLA MARTIN, who was born March 2, 1862 in Decatur Co, Indiana, and died in 1868; and he was then married September 22, 1869 to miss Nannie M. HAMILTON, who was born in Decatur Co, the daughter of D.N. HAMILTON, a native of Harrison Co, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton have one daughter, Mona Blanch. They lost their only son, William N., who was killed in the fall of 1890 by an accidental discharge of a gun. He was a young man of much promise and had received an excellent education at Simpson's College and was loved by all who knew him.

Coe, D. A.

W. T. COLE, proprietor of the Ogden Livery Stables, at No. 158 West Broad street, assumed control there in January, 1887, carrying now a stock of about $8,000. He also runs a line of carriages, and supplies hearses for funerals. The first business of the kind he had here in Council Bluffs was as manager of the St. Joe Barn, from 1883 to 1886; and next he had control of the Rink Barn, which he ran in conjunction with the Ogden establishment a year. He was born in Henry County, Iowa, in 1858, the son of Robert and Mary (HUTTON) COLE, and of English origin. His father is dead, and his mother is living at Mount Pleasant, this State. His school education was completed at the Wesleyan University in that town. In 1869 he went to Hamilton County, this State, and opened up a farm of eighty acres, and in 1881 he came to Council Bluffs, where he has since resided. He was also engaged as collector and in other pursuits until 1883, when he commenced in the livery business, as already stated. He possesses a valuable patent wire-stretcher, for stretching all kinds of wire. He is an energetic businessman.

He was married in November 1883, to Miss Anna MAXWELL, of this county, who was born in Rock Island, Illinois; and they have one son, Robert, who was born in March, 1885. Mr. Cole is a Republican on national questions, is a member of the Royal Arcanum and Modern Woodmen societies, while Mrs. Cole is a member of the Baptist Church.

FRANK COLEMAN is another one of the representative citizens of Washington Township, Pottawattamie County. He was born in Tolland County, Connecticut, twenty miles east of Hartford, in 1841, son of Timothy COLEMAN, a native of New England, and Laura (HUNT) COLEMAN, who was born in Connecticut, of an old family of that State.

When Frank was fourteen years old his father moved to Kansas and settled near Lawrence. That city then contained two shanties and one tent, the latter being 100 feet long and used as a hotel. Border ruffians were plenty in those days in Kansas, and when Mr. COLEMAN was ordered to leave or suffer the consequences he chose the former. Going East, he settled in Macoupin County, Illinois, near Bunker Hill. On a farm at that place Frank grew to manhood. Previous to their going West he had learned the hatter trade, at which he worked from the age of seven until he was fourteen. His mother died in Illinois, at the age of sixty-five years. His father passed away in St. Louis, at the age of seventy-five, while traveling in pursuit of health. He was a farmer the greater part of his life. In politics he was a Whig, and later, an Abolitionist. To him and his wife eleven sons were born, seven of whom grew to manhood. The subject of this sketch lived in Illinois until 1871, when he came to Mills County, Iowa, residing there two years. In 1873 he came to Pottawattamie County and for some time made his home in Macedonia Township. Then he moved to James Township, where he lived two years and improved two farms. His next move was to Washington Township. Here he purchased eighty acres of land in section 14, in 1881, and has made many improvements on the same. The whole farm is in a flourishing condition. His comfortable cottage home is surrounded by a grove and orchard of three acres, and all of his out-buildings show thrift and prosperity.

Mr. COLEMAN was married, March 14, 1876, at Macedonia, Iowa, to Miss Mary WILLSON, a lady of culture and refinement, who was born in Cass County, Iowa, near Lewis. Her father, Kirby WILLSON, who was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, and her mother, Julia A. (BARTLES) WILLSON, a native of Fulton County, Illinois, now reside near Charter Oak, Crawford County, Iowa. Mrs. COLEMAN was nine years old when they went to Mills County, Iowa, where she was reared and educated. To Mr. and Mrs. COLEMAN seven children have been born, namely: Ella Grace, Frederick H., Bertie and Gertrude (twins), Timothy, Hobert and Roy. Mr. COLEMAN's political views are in harmony with Republican principles. Mrs. COLEMAN is a worthy member of the Evangelical Church. A man in the prime of life, intelligent and well informed on all general topics, frank and cordial in his manner toward all with whom he comes in contact, Mr. COLEMAN is regarded as a desirable acquisition to his community. He has served the public as Township Trustee and as a member of the School Board.

W. J. COLEMAN was reared in Fulton County until 1870, when he came to Pottawattamie County, near Macedonia, and from here he returned to Mills County, near Henderson, where he bought a small farm. In 1880 he returned to this county and bought his present farm of 160 acres. He was married February 21, to Miss Cynthia E. ANDERSON, who was born, reared and educated in Fulton County, and was a successful teacher before her marriage. She was the daughter of Henry R. ANDERSON, a native of Madison County, Kentucky, near the old capitol, the son of John ANDERSON, who was the son of an old Revolutionary soldier, who, with five uncles and fourteen cousins, were killed at the battle of Cowpens, which nearly exterminated the whole ANDERSON race. His wife and aunts went to the battlefield and picked out their dead bodies and had them buried. The mother of Mrs. COLEMAN was Anna (WOLFE) ANDERSON, a native of Greene County, Ohio, the daughter of John WOLFE, the first white child born on the James River and her mother was Mary (McCOLEY) WOLFE. They had nine children, of whom Mrs. COLEMAN was the eldest of five sons and four daughters. They moved to Mills County, where the mother died in 1874, at the age of fifty-eight years and one month; the father died in May 1885, at the age of sixty-seven years and three months. Mr. And Mrs. COLEMAN have one son, Joseph F., who was born in Fulton County, Illinois, February 18, 1868, and resides at home. Politically, Mr. COLEMAN is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Pleasant View, of the Macedonia circuit and both are workers in the Sabbath school, of which Mrs. COLEMAN is a teacher.

FRANK COLLARD, one of the substantial farmers of Valley Township, was born at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, August 25, 1855, a son of Royal Collard, who came from England to America in 1848, and settled on a farm in Wisconsin. To Mr. and Mrs. Collard were born four children: Elizabeth, who was born in England; Walter, born in Wisconsin; Frank and Charles. Politically Mr. Collard was a Republican, and religiously a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died at the age of forty-two years, and was a hard-working and industrious man, respected by all who knew him.

Frank Collard, our subject, was reared to farm life, and in 1876 came to Iowa, settling on his present farm, then consisting of 240 acres, and on which his brother Walter had made some improvements three years before. He has since added to this place until he now owns 320 acres of fine farmland. He is a practical farmer and stock-raiser. He was married in the fall of 1880 to Lizzie Martin, and they have two children: Irvin R. and Zella L. Politically Mr. Collard is a Republican.

Collins, Nathan Smith


NATHAN SMITH COLLINS, section 35, Waveland Township, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, is one of the well known and successful citizens of the community. He has resided here since 1869. Mr. Collins was born in Washington Co, Vermont, October 25, 1858, son of Alfred and Cordelia (SMITH) COLLINS, the former a native of Clarendon, Vermont, and the latter of Addison, same State. His paternal grandfather was Nathan COLLINS, and his maternal grandparents were Amos and Barbara SMITH. Alfred COLLINS lived in his native state until 1869, when he came to Pottawattamie County, Iowa, being one of the early settlers in this neighborhood. Here he passed the remainder of his life. He was twice married. By his first wife, he had six children, five of whom are living, viz.: Mary A. WALL of Pilot Grove, Montgomery County, Iowa; Stukely Alden of Omaha, Nebraska; Edith Cordelia DeVOSS of Arkansas; Gertrude E. SIMPSON of Denver, Colorado, and Nathan Smith COLLINS. The last named was only two months old when his mother died. His father afterward wedded Harriet A. WICKWARE, and by her had two children, only one of whom is living. Mrs. Collins and her daughter, Eliza Bessie, reside at Elliot, Montgomery County, Iowa. Mr. Collins died October 28, 1878.

He was a farmer all his life and his political relations were with the Republican party. For four or five years he served as Justice of the Peace. He was a member of the Advent Church. The subject of our sketch was the youngest son of his father's family and was eleven years old when his parents came to this county. Here he grew to manhood and was educated in the district schools. After finishing his education, he engaged in teaching for a short time. At the death of his father, although only twenty years of age, Mr. COLLINS assumed the management of the home place, where he has since resided. The farm consists of 122 acres of rich bottom land, all under cultivation. Among the improvements on this farm are a frame house, which is surrounded by shade and ornamental trees, a good barn, cribs, windmill, stockyards, feed lots, orchard and grove. Mr. Collins was married February 28, 1883, in Montgomery County, Iowa, to Emma HULBERT who was born and reared in Iowa. Her parents, Orlando and Charlotte (BLISS) HULBERT, both natives of Vermont, are now residents of Wayne Co, Nebraska. Her father is a Republican and a farmer. Her mother is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. COLLINS have three children: Mary Emma, Valma Belle and Frank Huber. Like his father, Mr. Collins is a Republican. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church. He is numbered, socially, financially and politically, among the representative citizens of Waveland Township.

He was a soldier in Company A, 72nd Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in service in Kentucky and Tennessee, being in several battles. He returned home and died in 1866, his days being shortened by exposure. Mr. COMER was an industrious man and respected by all who knew him. He left Missouri on account of the war troubles and died at Delphi, Indiana. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a Democrat in politics.

Samuel R. COMER, the subject of this sketch, was left an orphan, being but sixteen years of age at his father's death, and the care of his mother devolved upon him. He had gone to Indiana in 1861 with his parents, and engaged on a farm by the month and thus supported his mother. This he continued until his marriage at the early age of nineteen years, in 1869, to Miss Amanda E. CAPPESS, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth CAPPESS, from Ohio and of American ancestry. They have two children: Henry A. and Hattie E. After marriage, Mr. COMER went to Cedar County, Iowa, and farmed until 1879 and then came to Walnut and engaged in the teaming and dray business, in which he succeeded well. In 1888, he engaged in his present business in which he has prospered and in which he still continues.

In society, Mr. COMER is an Odd Fellow. He is a self-made man, having by his own unaided efforts made his way from the condition of a poor boy to that of a representative American citizen, respected by his fellow townsmen and having a highly respectable family.

James F. was brought up on the farm, educated in the public schools and early in life was taught lessons of honesty and frugality. Having arrived at manhood, he was married at Lewis, Cass County, Iowa, to Nelly GRAHAM, daughter of Christie and Elizabeth GRAHAM, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Wisconsin. Mrs. CONKLIN was born in Wisconsin, and at the age of thirteen years came with her parents to Iowa, locating in Pottawattamie County where they still reside. Mr. And Mrs. CONKLIN have six children: Fanny, Laura, Roscoe, William, Elnora and Minnie. They lost two infant sons. In politics, Mr. CONKLIN is a Republican. He and his wife are consistent members of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has served as class leader. They are also Sabbath-school members. Mr. CONKLIN owns 145 acres of well-improved land and is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He is a man of broad and progressive views and is regarded as an upright and honorable citizen.

John CONFARR, a son of the above and the father of our subject, was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, and learned the blacksmith's trade. At the age of nineteen years, he was married clandestinely to Eve C. STIMMEL, daughter of Abraham STIMMEL. To Mr. And Mrs. CONFARR were born eight children, viz.: Eliza, William N., Mary C., John W., Sarah L., Isaac T., Charles E. and Susannah C. The father began business as a blacksmith near Winchester, Virginia, where he lived until about 1838, when he went to Clifton, Greene County, Ohio, where he still resides. He was very prosperous and began loaning money before the Civil War, and is now worth at least $25,000. He is greatly respected by his fellow townsmen and has been Treasurer of his township for twenty-five years and has also held the office of Township Trustee. Politically, he is a Democrat. His wife is still living; they have been married sixty years.

William N. CONFARR, our subject, was born March 5, 1833, near Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia, and in early life learned the trade of blacksmith from his father, and was also a clerk in a general store. He was then in the mercantile business at Clifton, Ohio, until 1883, when he came to James Township, Iowa, and settled on his present farm of 160 acres. Politically, he is a Republican. He has served in the Civil War and was called out when Cincinnati was threatened by the rebels. He also served in the National Guards for 100 days and is now a member and commander of the U.S. Grant Post, No. 123, G.A.R. at Avoca, Iowa. Socially, he is a member of the Mount Nebo Lodge and Rabboni Chapter of Masons at Avoca, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church in which he is an elder. Mr. CONFARR has served as Justice of the Peace and has also been a member of the Board of Education. He is an active man of wide experience and much practical information and stands deservedly high as a citizen. The family are from old Colonial stock, and they should take an honest pride in the sterling ancestry from which they sprang.

Mr. CONFAR was married to Eliza BICKMORE, daughter of Sedate BICKMORE, who was of English descent, and emigrated from Maine to Ohio. To Mr. And Mrs. CONFARR have been born one son, Herbert O., who is a well-read young man and has spent four years at Antioch College at Yellow Springs, Ohio. The Bickmores own St. George's Island off the coast of Maine, which has been in the family for many generations.

Antoine P. L. CONSIGNY, the second son of the above, and the father of Eugene A., was born on the old homestead near Montreal in 1811. He had but one brother, the remainder of the family being sisters. This brother, Louis, and himself were well educated, their father having liberal means. Antoine, having a taste for learning, at the early age of fourteen years entered the college of Montreal, receiving a thorough classical education, besides becoming a good French, Latin, Greek and English scholar, writing and speaking these languages with ease and fluency. Some of his letters are still extant, and the clear, old-fashioned hand looks like copper plate engraving, with so much skill and precision are the letters formed. He ranked at college as an able scholar, and graduated with honor. At the medical department of the same institution, he pursued his medical studies, and having a natural talent and love for his chosen profession, he attained as high a degree in medicine as he had in the languages. Soon after completing his medical studies, he began practice at St. Cesaire, Lower Canada, and with a slight interruption, he remained here all his life, enjoying an extensive practice and the confidence and respect of the community to an enviable degree. Possessing "the best gift of the gods," oratory, he took quite an active interest in politics and exerted a wide influence. His skill as an orator enabled him to hold an audience as if with a magic spell, and he molded their opinions. This enabled him to rank among the ablest orators of his day.

National scenery exerts a strong influence over the minds of the people. The Egyptians, born and nurtured in a land of dull and somber surroundings, possessed the melancholy character, which made it natural for them to pass years of time in erecting vast monuments to their dead. The Swiss, reared amid the grand scenery of their native Alps, and the soul-stirring music of their fierce winds, love liberty and cannot be enslaved. The magnificent natural scenery of Canada, its broad and mighty rivers, vast lakes, lofty mountains and almost impenetrable forests, gave Dr. Antoine CONSIGNY the love of native land and liberty, which broadened with his mind and strengthened with his manhood. Reared amidst a brave and fearless race, who have been voyagers, pioneers, and explorers from Montreal to Lake Michigan and New Orleans, and who were born soldiers, trappers and hunters, the early influences thrown around him strengthened his character and prepared him to take a part in that struggle for liberty made by the Canadians and known as the Patriot War, and which, although unsuccessful in its principal object, involved the best blood and vigor of the entire British Canadas, and was ultimately the means of a great modification of the severe and tyrannical rule of England.

In 1837 the gathering clouds of discontent in Canada darkened into the storms of civil war, and Dr. CONSIGNY was one of the first to respond to the call of patriotism. His countrymen, fellow patriots and companions in arms were such men as General PAPINEAU, and Dr. ALLARD, two of the most prominent men in this patriotic movement. After a short but severe struggle and some fighting, the patriots, deceived by traitors and overwhelmed by the mighty power of England, were obliged to fly for their lives. Dr. CONSIGNY fled to the neighboring and friendly state of Vermont, which indeed proved a haven of rest for his weary body as well as a solace for his heart, for here he met and won his wife, Miss Lucy L. GOODRICH, in 1840. She was the daughter of Ezekiel GOODRICH, of an old American family, and among the defenders of our country in the War of 1812. Captain Valentine GOODRICH, a brother of Mrs. CONSIGNY, gave his life to this country at the battle of Lundy's Lane, and the bullet by which he met his death is still in the possession of the family as a precious relic.

Dr. CONSIGNY practiced medicine at Swanton Falls, Vermont, for two years. A price of L10,000 cash was placed upon the heads of General PAPINEAU, Dr. ALLARD, and Dr. CONSIGNY, and it required a special pardon from the King of England before they could return to their native land. When this was effected, Dr. CONSIGNY returned to the peaceful pursuit of the practice of his profession at St. Cesaire, taking with him the young bride he had won in the States when a rebel exile with a price on his head. He was content to remain at peace with the Government the remainder of his life. His health was greatly shattered by the vicissitudes through which he passed while attempting his escape from his pursuer. His horse having given out, he was three days and nights in the dense Canadian forests in a rainstorm without shelter. Here he contracted rheumatism, which resulted in his death at the comparatively early age of forty-five years; and thus a man of brilliant parts and devoted to his family and his country, was sacrificed to the cause of liberty. On account of his health, he was obliged to relinquish his profession, and to accept from the Government the appointment of Superintendent of Instruction of Lower Canada. This office he held until his death, to the credit of himself and great satisfaction of the people. He was a man of great liberality and broad ideas, and while earning and possessing large means, he did not at his death leave more than a comfortable estate. Dr. and Mrs. CONSIGNY were the parents of ten children; four died in infancy, and six are now living: Eugene A., Lucy, George J., Napoleon B., John F., and Joseph E.

Dr. CONSIGNY was a man that the biographer delights to honor, possessing great nobleness of character. He was an honored citizen and liberal-minded patriot, a true Christian and indulgent father. To say that he was a dignified gentleman of the old school would be only to say that he was an educated and cultured Canadian gentleman. His memory is revered by his descendants, and this tribute springing from the heart and lips of his eldest son is but little in comparison with his great worth of character.

His widow is still living, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, in Avoca. She was born June 2, 1811, at Swanton Falls, Vermont, and after her marriage to Dr. CONSIGNY resided in Canada for about fifteen years. She had a natural taste for literature and was a good scholar in her girlhood days, and throughout her life has been a great reader, and to this day retains the memory and mental faculties unimpaired by time. She has been a consistent and life-long member of the church, and her strength of character has been a great influence in molding the minds of her children. Her father, Ezekiel GOODRICH, was a well-to-do Vermont farmer, and lived to the very great age of ninety-nine years, and retained to his last days his cheerful disposition and mental activity. He had all his life been a man of great energy and of very temperate habits. The CONSIGNY family thus blends with French stock and the sturdy solid characteristics of the Vermont pioneers and soldiers, who as "Green Mountain Boys" are famous in Revolutionary annals, and the good characteristics of the two races, who for generations were opponents in arms, were thus joined together.

General Eugene A. CONSIGNY, the oldest son, was born May 15, 1841, at St. Cesaire, Lower Canada, now Province of Quebec. He received the usual common school education, and then entered the College of St. Hyacinthe, and graduated with honor. His father died about this time, and young Eugene was appointed in his father's place as Superintendent of Instruction for Lower Canada to fill the unexpired term of three months, and though so young in years, he filled this important position so well at least that there was no cause for complaint. His father's choice had been that his eldest son should enter the legal profession, and his own inclinations were in the same direction. However, his father's liberality had so encroached upon his estate that the family, although not poor, found themselves in not the easiest circumstances, and upon Eugene, as the oldest son, devolved the task of assisting his brothers in acquiring an education. After a severe struggle, and actuated by a sense of duty to his mother and family, he gave up his cherished plans and entered a mercantile establishment, as a clerk, at Granby, Lower Canada.

He remained in the mercantile business as a clerk, engaged by different firms at St. Albans, Vermont, and at Montreal for more than four years, and then went to the old home of his mother's youth (Swanton Falls, Vermont), his mother having returned from Canada two years abefore. Here he was connected with the firm of Jewett & Barney, and represented the interests of Colonel BARNEY, who was at that time a soldier in our great Civil War. During this time, Eugene had contributed liberally of his earnings to assist his mother in educating her children, and had truly been a mainstay and support to his family. Young CONSIGNY, however, was fired with a feeling of patriotism, and although offered a commission by his cousin, Colonel BARNEY, of Vermont (a gallant Vermont soldier who fell at the battle of the Wilderness while bravely leading his brigade), preferred to enlist as a private in Company M, First Regiment Vermont Volunteer Cavalry, going to Burlington, that state, to enlist, and receiving no bounty. The regiment was immediately ordered to the front, and Mr. CONSIGNY was engaged in a good many battles and skirmishes, among them Fairfax, Dranesville, Winchester, Lynchburg, Gettysburg, Fisher's Hill, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Five Forks and Appomattox, where Lee surrendered; and here, on the morning of the 9th of April 1865, he then being Adjutant of the regiment, led the last charge made by cavalry in the Eastern army. He then received the commission of Second Lieutenant, and for gallant and meritorious service on the battlefield, he received his promotion of First Lieutenant and Adjutant of the regiment, an office much courted by the younger officers. From the battle of the Wilderness at Five Forks, he was detailed on general Hancock's staff, and while on duty was wounded at the battle of Spottsylvania, by a sharpshooter and was struck by a spent ball on the head. After the war, he served three months on the frontier and was honorably discharged at Burlington, Vermont.

Like the great majority of our soldiers who fought to preserve the Union and survived, Adjutant CONSIGNY returned to a life of active business, and seeing the great opportunity offered by the West, came to Dubuque, Iowa, by way of Chicago, and engaged in mercantile business for two years, and then went to Cascade, Iowa, and engaged in the same business. Here our soldier citizen was himself called upon (by Cupid) to surrender, which he gracefully did, September 2, 1869, to Miss Cassie BENHAM, daughter of Dr. Lucius BENHAM, formerly a surgeon in the United States Army, and an Ohio man. Her mother's name before marriage was Rebecca VAN HORN, and she was of an old Kentucky family. The family circle of General and Mrs. CONSIGNY has been made complete by the birth of two sons, Goodrich L. and Eugene F. After marriage, General CONSIGNY took his young wife to De Soto, Missouri, and for three years was a fruit farmer. In 1872 he came to Avoca, then a very small town, and engaged in the grain business, and ran the first elevator in Avoca. Since that time, General CONSIGNY has been identified with the leading business enterprises of Avoca; is a prominent member of the milling firm there, a stock company, and has done a prosperous business. The Centennial Mill Company also owns mills at Tracy, Missouri, and Avoca. General CONSIGNY is president and manager.

Socially, General CONSIGNY is a member of the Knights of Pythias, G.A.R., and Loyal Legion, and he holds the office of Department Commander of Iowa, to which he was elected by acclamation. At Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the encampment in 1888, by a rising vote of the convention, the delegates were instructed by resolution to nominate General CONSIGNY, as Commander in Chief of the G.A.R., an honor which an old soldier can always appreciate. By virtue of his rank as Department Commander of Iowa, the title of our subject is that of General, which is for life. At the Colonel Redfield Association, Dexter, Iowa, 8,000 soldiers being present, a resolution was ordered sent by wire to President Harrison for the appointment of General CONSIGNY as Commissioner of Pensions, in place of Corporal Tanner, Pension Agent, a compliment appreciated by our subject, as showing the esteem in which he was held by the old soldiers of this State. At Des Moines in April 1890, at the department encampment, he was presented by that body with an elegant jeweled gold badge representing his rank as General, as a slight token of their recognition of his services.

In his political views, General Consigny is a Republican, and he represented the Ninth Iowa Congressional District at the Republican National Convention at Chicago in 1884. He has filled the office of Mayor of his town, has taken an active interest in the cause of education, and was Trustee of Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa. Being mindful of the utility of our common schools, he served six years at President of the School Board at Avoca. Both General and Mrs. CONSIGNY are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The oldest son, Goodrich L., is Captain of the Camp Major E.A. Consigny, Sons of Veterans, which camp was named in honor of his father. He represents the Centennial Mill Company on the road as a traveling agent, and, although but twenty-one, and the youngest traveling man in the state, meets with assured success. General CONSIGNY is still a comparatively young man, not having reached fifty years, and while the frosts of winter have touched his head with silver, his erect military form and energetic bearing mark him for many years of active life. As a soldier and a citizen, he has been an example to younger men, not only in what he has accomplished in defense of his country in its hour of need, but in the bright example of temperance and morality. Neither the vicissitudes of camp nor the pleasures of the social reunions have tempted him to indulge in either intoxicating liquor or tobacco, and few there are, born and reared among a social and father bibulous people, and who have been accustomed through life to the ease and freedom of the west, can say as much. When the great roll of honor is called, while the achievements of the young soldier who fully offered himself to his country will be credited to him, his name will be more honored for his control of himself than for his victories in the field.

Mr. COOK came to Council Bluffs in December 1889, where the branch office was formed. Previous to his coming to Council Bluffs, he was located in Omaha, Nebraska, where he had been five years. He was a student of H. P. SEDDING of London, England, in architectural work. He also traveled through Italy and France, in the pursuit of his studies, after which he returned to London, England, where he remained but a short time. In 1875 he came to America, locating at Boston, Massachusetts, where he was engaged at his trade, and in 1884 he removed to Kansas City, where he spent one year. In 1885 he came to Omaha, Nebraska. His entire life has been devoted to his business, having entered the study of architecture at the age of fifteen.

He is native of Boston, Massachusetts, born in 1851, the son of Edward and Mary (HOWARD) COOK, of English ancestry. He was married in November 1874 to Miss Elizabeth FOUNTON, daughter of Joseph FOUNTON, a native of France. They are the parents of five children: Edward, William, Mary, John, Frank, all at home. Mr. COOK is a member of the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen and the A.F.&A.M. The family are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. COOK being President of the M.M.A., a society of the same church, and is one of the rising businessmen of the city of Council Bluffs.

JOHN COOL, one of the pioneer settlers of Avoca, was born in Coburg, Province of Ontario, April 2, 1824, son of Benjamin Cool, who was born in 1795 on the Mohawk River and was of Holland Dutch descent. His ancestors were among the old pioneer settlers of New York state and were called the Mohawk Dutch. Benjamin Cool participated in the War of 1812 on the American side and fought at the battle of Sackett's Harbor. He was a tanner, currier, and shoemaker by trade, and after emigrating to Canada was engaged at his trade in Coburg. He was married there to Phoenix, daughter of Adolphus HILLENBOLDT, who was from the same locality on the Mohawk. Mr. Hillenboldt was a farmer by occupation and cleared his place from the heavy timber. Mr and Mrs Cool were the parents of nine children: Lucinda, John, Richard, William, Ellizabeth, Albert, Charles, Seymour and one who died in infancy. The parents lived in Coburg about ten years, and then in 1833 or 1834, moved to New York state, settling near Buffalo on the canal at Shelby Basin, where he followed the business of shoemaking for some years. In 1844 he removed to Illinois and settled on a farm in Kane County, Hampshire Township. In 1868 he came to Avoca, Iowa, where he died in 1878 at the age of 83 years. Mrs. Cool is still living, at the age of 90 years, with her son Albert in Nebraska. Mr. Cool was an industrious, honorable and upright man.

John Cool, a son of the above and subject of this sketch, received a common-school education, and learned blacksmithing in early life. He was nine years of age when his father returned to New York state and at the age of 21, in 1845, he went to Elgin, Illinois, where he was engaged at his trade a short time. In 1846 he opened a shop in Hampshire Township, Kane County, which he conducted until the breaking out of the War. He enlisted in Company J, 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, being mustered in at St. Charles, Illinois, September 18, 1861. He was immediately promoted to be 2nd Lieutenant, was in the Army of the Potomac, and was in the battle of Mechanicsville, Virginia, the seven days' fight before Richmond, White Oak Swamp, Harrison's Landing, and at the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, and in several skirmishes. He was badly ruptured at Harrison's Landing by the fall of his horse. After the battle of Antietam, he returned home and resided at Hampshire, where he was Collector of the township, and Constable for 12 years, his time expiring while he was in the Army. In 1869 he came by wagon to Avoca, Iowa, in company with his brother-in-law, Isaac VANDEBORGART, and his family, and Thomas E. FOWLER and family. Mr. Cool is the pioneer blacksmith of this city, having built the first stop and struck the first blow as a blacksmith. He also started the first livery business, using a straw shed for his stable. He also began carrying the mail and express the same winter to Harlan.

Mr. Cool was a charter member of the first Masonic Lodge, Mount Nebo, the rooms of which was over his blacksmith shop, which was built for that purposes, being one of the first buildings of Avoca. He has held all the offices of this lodge. He has served as Deputy Sheriff three times, and is a member of the U.S. Post, of which he has held offices of Deputy Grand Master and Quarantine Master. Mr. Cool has erected seven dwelling houses, two shops, and a livery stable, the latter being destroyed by fire in 1880. He was married in 1847 to Sarah Carleton, daughter of James and Julia CARLETON, and by this marriage, there was one child, Mary, now the wife of Malcolm Howe, of Hampshire, Illinois. The mother died in 1865, and in 1867, Mr. Cool married Margaret FOWLER, daughter of Dr. Thomas E. and Marilla Fowler, and by this marriage there were two sons, Benton and Daniel.

Dr. Thomas Fowler was one of the pioneers of Hampshire, Illinois, settling there in 1846, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine many years. In 1869 he came to Avoca, where he became a well-known physician. He was one of the charter members of the Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 297. He died and was buried with Masonic honors. His wife died in 1889.

J.M. COONS, proprietor of the Willow Dale Farm on section 18, Macedonia Township, is one of the most enterprising and successful farmers in that community. He was born in Marion County, Iowa, January 20, 1853, a son of Lindsey Coons, a native of Highland County, Ohio, and of German ancestry. Mr. Lindsey Coons and wife were married in Highland County, Ohio, and in 1851 came to Marion County, Iowa, locating there as early settlers. The father resided in that county until his death in Ohio, while on a visit in 1867. He was a merchant for many years in Knoxville, Marion County, where his widow still resides.

Mr. Coons, our subject, received a good education at Knoxville, served in his father's store for a time, and in 1875 came West to Mills County, this State, and engaged in farming, as that vocation was better suited to his nature than in-door work or even an out-door trade. At first he was employed by the month; then he rented land and followed agriculture upon his own account for awhile, and in 1880 bought sixty-two acres of wild prairie. This he has improved, and he has also purchased more land until he now owns 300 acres, all well improved and furnished with the necessary and convenient building and enclosures. He is engaged in general farming and the rearing of livestock, and enjoys success in these callings.

Mr. Coons is a Democrat in his political principles. Has served as Township Trustee with acceptability. Is a member of Ruby Lodge, No. 415, of Macedonia. Both himself and wife are members of the Christian Church at Lone Star, in Silver Creek Township. He was married March 16, 1879, in Mills County, Iowa, to Miss C. E. Harbert, a lady of culture, who was born and reared in Mills County, and they have five children, viz.: Harbert Clive, Mary J., James Ray, Leona J. and Lindsey D. Mrs. Coons is a daughter of Parcus and Mary (Hulick) Harbert.

Mr. COOPER was born in Scott County, Iowa, near the Muscatine County line, October 6, 1855. His father, John Perry COOPER owned land in both counties. He was a native of Tennessee of Irish extraction. Mr. Cooper's mother, nee Jane PACE, was a native of Kentucky. His parents were married in Illinois, near Rock Island, and were among the early settlers of Iowa. The mother died in the fall of 1877, and the father, at this writing, aged seventy-eight years, resides in Muscatine County, Iowa. They reared a family of eleven children, ten of whom are now living, viz.: Robert, Mary, John P., Louisa, Catherine, Harriet, William A., Emma, Josephine, and Winona. Vilena, the second born is deceased. Robert, the eldest, served all through the late war and now lives in Adams County, Iowa.

The subject of our sketch passed his youth on a farm, eleven miles from Muscatine and attended the public schools in Muscatine and Scott counties. In 1877, he took up his abode in Montgomery County, Iowa, where he worked at farm work by the month. He was married in that county, March 24, 1880, to Miss Mary EVERETT, a native of Henry, Marshall County, Illinois. Her father, Charles EVERETT, a native of Ohio, born near Urbana, is now a resident of Cheltenham, Illinois. He was formerly a druggist, but is now engaged in the grocery business. Her mother, Sarah (JENKINS) EVERETT, a native of Virginia, is deceased. She was a Methodist, as also is Mr. EVERETT. Politically he is a Democrat.

In 1881, Mr. COOPER came to Pottawattamie County and bought eighty acres of improved land. He sold that property and in 1889 purchased his present farm of J. G. CRAMER. Mr. COOPER has a good frame residence situated on a natural building site and surrounded by shade and ornamental trees. He has barns, sheds, cribs, hog house, yards and orchard. His farm is well watered, and is considered one of the best improved in the neighborhood.

Mr. And Mrs. COOPER have four children: Earl, Edna, Howard and Ida. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church, of which he is a trustee. Mr. COOPER is a man yet in the prime of life. He is fair and honorable in all his dealings, and is regarded as one of the representative citizens of Waveland Township. Politically, he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM CONVERSE, a prominent farmer of Valley Township descended from an old American family of English descent, who settled in Vermont in early day. The grandfather of our subject, a farmer in Plattsburg, that state, was the father of 7 children, the sons being Erastus, William, Chase, Jesse and John, and the daughters, Polly and Jemima. Erastus, the father of William, went to Pennsylvania and was there married to ELIZABETH VAN WERMER, and they had six children: John, William, George B., Henry B., Erastus, and a daughter who died in infancy. George B. and Erastus served in the Union army four years and George died in the service. In 1842 the father brought his family to Iowa, settling on a claim where the land was not yet surveyed, in what is now Green Township, Iowa Co. This state was then an entirely new country, and he had to go 70 miles for his groceries, the family having to rely upon their own productions for most of their supplies, which consisted mainly of corn bread and buckwheat cakes, with wild game and fish. For five years they were without beef, pork, coffee, sugar and milk. Tea they made of "red root" (Ceanothus Americanus). The corn they ground with a hand mill. Their clothing was mostly made of buckskin. They lived in a log cabin with no sawed timber except the doors and window casings, which were made from their dry-goods boxes, that they had brought from Pennsylvania and their floors were of puncheon. But they had a comfortable home and were content. There were no schools, churches, roads, courts, lawyers or even a justice of the peace, and but one doctor who lived 9 miles distant. The people were healthy, happy and peaceable; their habits were simple and they were friendly and hospitable, helping each other for miles around.

Mr. CONVERSE lived to the age of 43 years, dying from exhaustion brought on by riding 70 miles on horseback without a saddle for a doctor for his sick son. His widow is still living, at the age of 80 years, with her son William. When she first came to Iowa, the Sac and Fox Indians were very numerous but friendly, and Keokuk, the celebrated Chief, used to come to their cabin and frequently partook of their hospitality.

WILLIAM CONVERSE, the subject of this sketch, was born in Rockdale Township, Crawford Co., Pennsylvania, and was but 9 years of age when his parents came to Iowa. He was brought up in the wilderness and received no education when a boy, as the nearest school at the time of his father's death was 22 miles, and he never had the benefit of but six months' schooling. When his father died, his brother, two years his senior, and himself were the support of the family, and at the age of 14 he did a man's work. He learned from his father and the Indians to hunt, and the meat for the family was procured in this way. He often, when hunting with the Indians, partook of their hospitality and describes their cooking as being clean and orderly. After his marriage, Mr. Converse settled in what is now Greene Township, Iowa Co., where he lived 29 years, and where he owned a farm of 226 acres. He sold this place and in 1871 came to Pottawattamie Co., settling on his present farm of 320 acres in Valley Township. It was wild land when he purchased it 19 years ago, but he has since converted it into a fine cultivated farm, to which he has added until he now owns 400 acres. Mr. Converse set out all his shade and fruit trees; also has many good buildings, and a splendid orchard of 300 bearing trees, and a good vineyard. Politically he is a Republican but is an independent thinker and liberal in all his views, voting for the man instead of the politician.

He is a member of the Farmers Alliance and president of the Anti-Horse Thief Society, which office he has held for 17 years. He has also been a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Good Templars orders. He is a strong temperance man, and has subscribed liberally for the cause. He has taken an active part in the cause of education and the good of the schools and has served as School Director for years and also President of the School Board. Mr. Converse stands high in his community as an upright and honorable man, is always found on the side of reform and in defense of the right. He has the honor of being one of the founders of the great and wealthy state of Iowa, as he has been with her from the beginning, endured all the hardships and privations allotted to her eldest sons, and has been equal to all the vicissitudes of life in her border. Mr. Converse was married at the age of 19 to Miss Jane C. HENRY, then aged 15 years, daughter of Williamson A. and Sarah (RICHARDSON) HENRY. The father was originally from Kentucky but went to Ohio and finally settled in Johnson Co., Iowa, between 1835 and 1842. They were the parents of 7 children: Nancy, Jane, Rebecca, Fannie, Mary A., William A., and Franklin P. Mr. Henry was a soldier in the Black Hawk war; was one of the pioneers of Iowa state and city and assisted in drawing the stone for the State University. He kept a tavern in Iowa City for many years, and lived to the age of 55 years. To Mr. and Mrs. William CONVERSE have been born six children: John, Charles, Mary, Ella, Emma and Clara. Mrs. Converse is a member of the Baptist Church. William Converse has practiced medicine for 40 years and for the last 25 years has had a large practice. He is now living on his own farm and is dealing in imported Clydesdale and French draft horses, high-grade mares, high-grade red polled cattle and pure bred Poland-China swine.

T.N. COPELAND, a prominent farmer of Rockford Township, was born in North Carolina, April 27, 1811, son of Hugh and Martha (Wilson) Copeland, natives also of North Carolina and of Irish ancestry. Hugh Copeland, left an orphan when young, was reared by a tanner, whose trade he learned. At the age of twenty-one years he was married, given a set of tools, bought a piece of property and commenced business for himself, which he followed for a number of years. He afterward moved to Jackson County, Indiana, where his wife died in 1820, leaving five children: T. N. (our subject), Tirzah, Sophronia, Elizabeth and Armstrong; all deceased excepting our subject. After the death of his wife Mr. Hugh Copeland resided at several places in Indiana, then settled in Buchanan County, Missouri, taking up claims. In the spring of 1853 he bought a farm in Fremont County, Iowa, and lived upon it several years. In the meantime he married his second wife, who died in 1875, leaving nine children: W. B., John F., Hiram, Hugh, Abner, Hester, Asenath, Martha and Amos. After her death Mr. Copeland sold the farm and made his home in Sidney, Iowa, where his daughter kept house for him until his death in 1880.

Mr. T. N. Copeland, the subject of this sketch, was brought up on a farm. From the age of twenty-two years he worked four years in a mill, in the meantime being married. He next bought a tract of heavy timberland, which he improved for fifteen years; and then, in 1852, he came to Pottawattamie County, and has ever since resided in Rockford Township. There he first bought a claim and entered 800 acres of the present place, which was then wild land, prairie and timber; but a few acres were cleared, and her he began anew, built a residence thirty-two feet square and two-stories high and making all the building necessary for a comfortable and convenient home, including an orchard of two acres, a fine grove of ornamental trees, etc. The premises denote prosperity and good judgment. At the present time he has 240 acres of fine land, on section 3, township 77 north and range 44 west, in the vicinity of Loveland. In actual cultivation there are 150 acres, while the remainder is in hay, pasture and timber. He gave the site for a gristmill, afterward bought a half interest in the mill and ran it for two years. He also dealt extensively in cattle, horses and hogs, but not recently. Also he was for a time an extensive dealer in grain, with considerable profit. Now, in his old age, he is enjoying the well-earned results of an industrious and honorable life.

Politically his first vote was cast for the old Whig leader, Henry Clay, for President of the United States, and he has been a reliable Republican since the organization of that party, having done much efficient work for the advancement of its primary principles. He has been treasurer of his township twenty years, and school director for a number of years.

October 15, 1835, Mr. Copeland married Miss Barbara, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Shafer) Frazier, parents natives of Tennessee and Pennsylvania, respectively, and of German and Irish ancestry. They had eight children, as follows: Chapman, who resides in Harrison County, this State; Levina; Lewis Christian, residing in Buchanan, Missouri; James, in this county; John, deceased; Sarah, wife of W. B. Copeland; and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Reuben Coffee. Mrs. Copeland, the third child in the above family, was born May 12, 1816, and was married when past nineteen years of age. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Copeland have been ten in number, namely: John Fletcher, who died in infancy; Mary Sophronia, now Mrs. John Goss, in Harrison County; James Armstrong, now deceased; Sarah, wife of David Henderson, in Harrison County; William Mead, deceased; Tirzah, married Jay Hutchinson and resides in Rockford Township; Henry Clay, a resident of this county; and Hugh and Martha, deceased. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal and Baptist churches. All the children are settled in the vicinity, and all the grandchildren attend the same school.

Mr. H. STEVENSON was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, December 24, 1859, the son of Hugh and Charlotte (SEELYE) STEVENSON, natives of Canada, and of Scotch descent. His father died in Nebraska in 1887, aged sixty-five years; and his mother is still living in Ansley, Custer County, Nebraska. In their family were eight children, all of whom are living excepting one.

Mr. STEVENSON, our subject, the third child in the above family, lived in his native state until he was nineteen years of age, and attended the normal school. In 1878, the family removed to Nebraska, where the boys engaged in the rearing of livestock, a business called "ranching." These sons were: Renfrew, now the president of the Council Bluffs Lumber Company; Robert, who is now engaged with the H. Stevenson Lumber Company of Ansley, Nebraska, and our subject, Henry. After two or three years ranching, they engaged in the lumber business at Riverton, Nebraska, a short time, when Robert went to Franklin, the same state, and opened a lumber yard there under the title of The H. & R. Stevenson Lumber Company. After following the business there for two or three years and establishing yards at Long Island and Almena, Kansas, he, with his brother Robert, consolidated with their father and formed the H. Stevenson Lumber Company at Fullerton, Nebraska, with yards at Genoa, Ansley and Berwin, same state, and this company still exists, now owned and controlled by six brothers: Renfrew, Henry, Robert, Brougham, Scotia and Stymert, Robert being the manager.

In 1887, Henry came to Council Bluffs and took charge of the Council Bluffs Lumber Company, which position he still maintains. Renfrew is vice president and manager of the Star Union Lumber Company at Omaha, with a capital of $50,000. He is therefore one of the most extensive lumber dealers in this part of the west.

Mr. Henry STEVENSON was married at Long Island, Kansas, July 15, 1885, to Miss Minerva WEBB, of Orleans, Nebraska, but a native of Michigan, born in April 1856, a daughter of George A. and (unknown) (NICHOL) WEBB and of English and Scotch origin. Mr. And Mrs. Stevenson have two children, Leal and Renfrew N. Mr. STEVENSON affiliates with the Republican Party. Is a member of St. Andrew's Society at Council Bluffs, and secretary of the same; also a member of the Board of Trade and of the Retail Merchants Association. He is president of the Board of the Iowa Savings and Loan Association of Des Moines. Mrs. STEVENSON is a member of the First Baptist Church.

Craft, William P.


William P. CRAFT, a wealthy and popular citizen of Pottawattamie County, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1839, a son of Peter and Tacy (DeGOOD) CRAFT, the former a native of Ohio, and a son of Samuel CRAFT, a native of Germany; the latter is the daughter of Joseph DeGOOD, of French parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Peter CRAFT were married in Millsborough, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and in 1854 moved to Wapello County, Iowa, where, in November, 1859, the mother died. The father now lives in Ottumwa, Iowa, at the age of seventy-two years. In the East he was a coal dealer and boat-builder by trade, but in Iowa he has been engaged in farming. Politically he is a Democrat, and religiously is an Atheist, or a believer in the rotation or progress of souls.

The subject of this sketch remained on a farm in Wapello County until 1873, when he went to Montgomery County, Iowa, and bought forty acres in wild land, which he afterward improved. In 1880 he sold this place and came to Pottawattamie County, where he bought 120 acres of land on section 19, Washington Township, and later bought 160 acres on section 18, and in 1888 eighty acres more, and he now owns a well-improved farm of 360 acres.

He was married February 5, 1867, in Wapello County, Iowa, to Miss Mary SILVERS, who was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, but was reared in Marysville, Iowa. She was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (PRICKETT) SILVERS. Mr. and Mrs. CRAFT have ten children, viz.: Ella M., now the wife of Ammi WOOLF, a worthy and honorable citizen of Washington Township; Emma E., Sadie, James, Jessie, Ida S., Otis, Carl, Daisy and Myrtle. Politically Mr. CRAFT is a Democrat, and both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. CRAFT is yet in the prime of life, is intelligent and well informed on general topics, and is one of the county's solid business men.

At the age of eighteen years he graduated at Bacon Academy at Colchester, Connecticut. Then he clerked in a general merchandise store until his was twenty-three years of age. In 1879 he came West with his uncle, locating upon a farm of 240 acres of wild prairie, which he had bought in Norwalk Township, this county. Here, owning half interest, he erected a frame house and began improvements of all kinds, remaining upon it for nine years, and raising grain principally and some livestock. Then they disposed of the farm, moved into Neola, erected a store building 20 x 50 feet, and filled it with a stock of clothing, boots and shoes. In 1880 Mr. CRIPPEN began business for himself. He now possesses a nice home, which he has earned by industry and economy, and a fine reputation, which he has won by promptness and honesty. He is a steadfast Democrat in his vote on national questions. He was the first Recorder of Neola after the town was incorporated; since then he has been Treasurer of the town. He is a member of lodge No 410, I.O.O.F., at Neola, lately elected Treasurer of the same; is also a member of Crystal Lodge, NO. 228, K. of P. of Neola, of which he was a charter member.

In society he is a live man, as well as in business. His children are: Bessie May, born July 10, 1881, and Carlton F., in April, 1883. April 22, 1880,during the year he began business for himself, he married Miss Mary A. BRECKENRIDGE, whose parents were natives of Illinois and of English ancestry. Her mother died and her father lives in Nebraska. In that family were four children: Lenora, wife of John GARRETT in Nebraska; Mary A., the second born, and Frank and Preston, both in Nebraska.

Joshua was reared in Cedar county, Iowa, on a farm, and when he grew up learned the harness-maker's trade at Wilton Junction, Muscatine County, same state. During the great Rebellion, he enlisted in 1864 in Company B, Second Iowa Infantry. The regiment was on its noted march to the sea under General Sherman. Mr. CROGHAN joined them at Atlanta, Georgia, and from there marched with them to Savannah, then up through the Carolinas and to Richmond. After the surrender of General Lee's army, they marched on to Washington and were present at the grand review. He was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and at Davenport, Iowa, received his final discharge and was paid off.

The war over, Mr. CROGHAN returned to Cedar County, Iowa, where he resided six years. He then removed to Clinton County, same state, and after remaining three years returned to Cedar County. Five years later in 1879, he came to Pottawattamie County. In 1880 he purchased forty acres of wild land, which he has since improved and brought under a high state of cultivation. He has a comfortable home, a good barn, modern wind pump, a grove and orchard of four acres, and other substantial improvements. Everything about the CROGHAN farm shows thrift and enterprise. At present, Mr. CROGHAN is cultivating 240 acres of land, and is feeding twenty-eight head of cattle and a large number of hogs.

February 25, 1868, and Clinton County, Iowa, are the date and place of Mr. Croghan's marriage to Miss Mary Jane DALE, a native of Crawford County, Ohio, daughter of Samuel and Mary Dale. Her father died in 1864, and her mother is a resident of Muscatine, Iowa, where she has three sons. Mr. CROGHAN and his wife have seven children: Mary C., the oldest, died in 1870; James F.; Phillip; Sina A.; Charles, Colbert, and Sherwood M. Mr. CROGHAN is a charter member of the Washington Post G.A.R. No. 9. In politics, he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church.

Currie, John Jr.


JOHN CURRIE JR., is an influential resident of Norwalk Township; was born near Edinburg, Fifeshire, Scotland, February 14, 1837, is thought to be the date of his birth, but on account of the records of the Currie family becoming lost when they came to the United States, the date is rather uncertain. He was the son of John and Tomema (BLYTHE) Currie, both of whom were born in Fifeshire, Scotland, where they were married and resided until coming to the United States in 1849. They landed in the port of New Orleans, after a perilous journey. They soon after came to Council Bluffs, then Kanesville, and commenced farming on the land where Streetsville now is, having entered the land from the government. In 1852 the family continued their trip to Utah, where they arrived after a long trip, in company with a large number of others. After a short stay in the Capitol of Utah, the family moved to Utah Valley, on the American fork. In 1863 they returned to Crescent City, which became their home, and where the father died in 1880, when seventy six years of age. His wife, our subject's mother, died at Kanesville the year after her arrival from Scotland. She was born in 1805.

John Currie, our subject's father, learned horse-shoeing and blacksmithing when yet a young man in Edinburg, at which he worked until coming to America. He was a farmer in Utah, a merchant at Crescent City, and was presiding Elder in the Latter Day Saints Church in Utah. He was justice of the peace a number of years and Postmaster of Crescent City from the beginning of his residence in that place to his death. After the death of his first wife, he married Amanda CHIPMAN, who died in Utah. By his first marriage, he had ten children, six of whom are now living: Agnes Toprith of Crescent City; James, a blacksmith by trade but at present is a commercial traveler; Ellen, for a time in business in Salt Lake City; John, our subject; Robert, a farmer of Norwalk Township; William, Deputy Sheriff of this county and residing at Crescent City; Euphemia, the wife of Robert Adams, a grain dealer at Underwood.. Thomas, Katherine, and Margaret are deceased, the latter when thirteen years of age, while preparing to start to Utah; she is buried at Fairview Cemetery.

Mr. Currie, our subject, spent his school days in Edinburg, Scotland, and when quite a young boy commenced to learn the blacksmith trade. After his arrival in Salt Lake, he and a brother worked in the Pacific shops, on Temple block, Salt Lake City. Soon after his arrival, he worked for Brigham Young on the Bee and Lyon house, and afterward turned his attention to farming and stock raising on the American fork. In 1866 he returned to Iowa, and with his father engaged in farming, first in Crescent Township, and afterward where he now lives. He owns a splendid farm of 200 acres. Mr. Currie, although not aspiring to public position, has held almost all the offices of Norwalk Township, and while in Utah was Constable two years.

In 1860 he married Miss Elizabeth A. FILCHBER who was born in England, in 1839, and died at Crescent City, April 13, 1881. She was the mother of eleven children, nine of whom are now living: Margaret Pratt, wife of Sylvester Pratt, a farmer of Crescent Township; John B., a rancher in California; Eliza, wife of Thomas Walton, deceased, who was killed in a railroad accident, and she resides in Underwood; Ann, the wife of Harry E. Fisher, a merchant of Underwood; Aggie, at home; Frank R. and Lorena May. The deceased are: Joseph A., at nine years and four months; Cora Jane, an infant.

August 20, 1887, Mr. Currie married Miss Jennie THOMPSON, who was born at Clermont, Ohio, near Williamsburg, January 29, 1843, the daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Wood) Thompson, natives of Virginia and Ohio. The father died in Ohio when sixty two years of age in 1875, and his wife two years later, when sixty five years of age. Mr. Thompson was a prominent citizen in his community, holding responsible positions of trust. Politically he was a Democrat.

Mrs. Currie was highly educated in Ohio at the State Normal School and at Terre Haute, Indiana, and taught school for a number of years. Mr. Currie is a Democrat in his political principles.

Currie, Robert


ROBERT CURRIE, a farmer of Norwalk Township, Pottawattamie County, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, October 7, 1837. He spent his school days at his native place, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. When a young man, he came with his parents to the United States, in 1849, and to Utah in 1852, working at his trade. In 1859 he went to Nevada and California where he remained until 1864 and then returned to Utah. In 1872 he again crossed the plains to Carson City, Nevada, working in the shops of the V. & T. Railroad until 1876 when he again came to this county and located in Crescent Township, being engaged with Robert Adams in mercantile pursuits, and then in Underwood for a time. In 1881 he came to Norwalk Township and located on the farm where he now lives, and of recent years he has turned his attention exclusively to farming and stock raising.

In 1861, March 24, he married Miss Elizabeth JONES, a daughter of David E. Jones. She was born in South Wales, September 7, 1839, and came with her parents to the United States when fifteen years of age. They immediately went to Utah, and afterward to Nevada and California, and in the latter State was married to Robert Currie. David Jones, her father, died in Nevada. He was a farmer by occupation.

Mr. And Mrs. Currie have eight children, viz.: John L., a farmer of Crescent Township; William C., residing in Salt Lake and in the employ of the Salt Lake & Rio Grande Railroad; James R., a farmer of this county; Thomas H., George W., Mary Elizabeth, and Orse, all at home. Raymond died in 1889, when nine years of age. Mr. And Mrs. Currie are members of the Latter Day Saints Church. Politically Mr. Currie is a Democrat and is a member of the Mutual Protective Society.