CHARLES BAGLEY, attorney at law, and dealer in real estate and loans,
Audubon, Iowa, was born near West Liberty, Iowa, May 29, 1854. He
is the fourth of ten children, all of whom are living and residents
of the State of Iowa. His father, William A. Bagley, was a native
of Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation, and is now a resident of
Cass County, Iowa, living on the farm to which he came in 1873. His
mother, Lucretia Burgan Bagley, was also a native of Ohio.After their
marriage his parents settled on a farm in Muscatine County, Iowa;
thence they removed to Cass County.Charles Bagley was a mere lad when
his parents went to Muscatine County, where he grew to manhood.His
primary education was received in the district school; he afterward
attended a select school, and then entered the State University at
Iowa City, where he pursued his studies for two years. He then entered
the law department of the same school, from which he was graduated
in 1881.In 1882 he came to Audubon, and opened a law office, devoting
his time to his profession in connection with real estate, loans,
collections and insurance. Mr. Bagley was united in marriage in October,
1888, to Miss Amanda Williams, of Audubon, Iowa, a daughter of Sarah
Williams.Her father died when she was a little girl; she was born
in the State of Indiana. Charles Bagley was elected mayor of Audubon,
Iowa, in March, 1886, and re-elected in 1887, and has served two terms.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 728-729.
LUKE BAKER, a farmer of Greeley Township, has been a resident of
the State of Iowa since he was twelve years of age. He is a native
of Stephenson County, Illinois, and was born January 23, 1859. His
parents are Richard and Fannie (Shoesmith) Baker, natives of England,
who emigrated to America, and now reside in Guthrie County, Iowa.Mr.
Baker was married February 25, 1885, to Miss Laura A. Giles, a daughter
of Salemand Sophlana Giles. Mrs. Baker was born in Henry County, Illinois,
April 27, 1858. One child has been born of this marriage Ada R.In
1884 Mr. Baker came to Audubon County and settled on his farm. In
1882 he had purchased 120 acres of wild land in Greeley Township,
upon which he has made many valuable improvements. He has a good two story
frame residence, and all his surroundings are indicative of prosperity.
Although a young man Mr. Baker has a good foothold in the county,
and we anticipate for him a successful future. In politics he supports
the issues of the Republican party.He is the present trustee of the
township, and has served as road supervisor. He devotes himself to
farming and stockraising, and is numbered with the foremost farmers
of Greeley Township.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 716.
ROBERT BAKER, farmer and stockraiser of Viola Township, is a native of England, born in Carlton Scrook, August 3, 1817. He is the eldest son of Charles and Mary Baker. His father was a tamer and breaker of horses, Robert Baker was reared to the life of a farmer, but his education was entirely neglected, as he was never sent to school. He worked by the year until his marriage, which occurred May 20, 1844, to Eliza Ower, the youngest of eleven children of Thomas and Mary (Clay) Ower. In 1851 Mr. Baker and his family emigrated from England to America, landing in the city of New York. From that city they went to Davenport, Iowa, making part of the journey by the lakes, and the rest by teams. They located and bought property in Davenport, and Mr. Baker cultivated a farm in Scott County. In 1870 the Baker family came to Audubon County, Iowa, and settled on section 16, Melville Township, and the following year he removed to his present farm, which contains 280 acres of fine land, well improved. He is extensively engaged in feeding stock, making large shipments annually. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of seven children Mary J., wife of Charles Hoffman; William, at home; Anna, wife of C. L. Hotchkiss; John T., married Minerva Hooton; Sarah J., wife of John Oliver; James K., married Ella Hooton; Nellie, wife of E. J. Smith. They have twenty-two grandchildren. When Mr. Baker moved from Rock Island to Davenport he had but 75 cents in money, a wife and three children; but his energy, industry and good management have brought their reward. He has accumulated a handsome competency for himself and wife in their declining years. They are both hale and hearty and active in mind and body, the hardships they endured in the infancy of the county seeming to give strength and vigor to both.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 795.
HORACE M. BARTLETT, operator and station agent for the Chicago,Rock
Island & Pacific Railroad, at Brayton, Iowa, is the youngest son
of W. and Martha E. (Cuppy) Bartlett, who were early settlers of Audubon
County, Iowa. He was born at the old homestead, on the hill overlooking
the villages of Brayton and Oakfield, November 9, 1865. His boyhood
was passed on his father's farm, and his first lessons were learned
in the district school. He was taught the details of farm work, but
did not continue the occupation. After spending three months in the
Exira High School Mr. Bartlett began the study of telegraphy, February
14, 1882, under the direction of J. M. Reynolds, then agent for the
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad at Brayton. He continued
his studies for six weeks; at the expiration of that time he was promoted
to acting agent by Superintendent Royce, which position beheld for
two years, Mr. Reynolds desiring to retire. Mr. Bartlett was the youngest
agent ever appointed on the Rock Island Railroad, he being but sixteen
years old. Mr. Bartlett proving himself an efficient man, he has filled
this position acceptably ever since, with the exception of a short
time spent in the west. He took a trip to the mountains, through Colorado,
and on his return assisted in different stations as extra agent, in
which such help was required. After taking a second trip through the
west he returned to Brayton, and in 1886 he was made permanent agent,
a position which he still fills with much credit to himself and the
entire satisfaction of the railroad company. March 31, 1887, Mr. Bartlett
was united in marriage to Jeanette Jenkins, daughter of John T. and
Darthula Jenkins. They have had born to them one daughter Mildred.
Mr. Bartlett owns some farm land,which is well stocked with cattle
and hogs. June 4, 1889, he received the appointment as postmaster at
Brayton.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 736-737.
WASHINGTON BARTLETT,a prominent citizen of the south part of Audubon
County, died at 4 A. M., May 21, 18--, at his homestead, near Brayton,
Iowa. His death occurred after a brief illness of only four days,
in the beautiful home which his own hands had reared, attended by
his faithful wife, and surrounded by his children and grandchildren,
a fitting end for a useful and honorable citizen and man. The funeral
services were held at the residence on the 22d and were of a most solemn
and impressive nature. Seats had been provided on the beautiful lawn
adjoining the parlor where the dead pioneer lay encased in a rich
casket, surrounded by a bank of fragrant flowers, the tribute of friends
from far and near.Wreaths, crosses, and anchors, emblems of immortality,
faith and hope, spoke the thoughts of tender hearts and loving friends
of the deceased. A large number of leading families of this valley
were present.There were few dry eyes among them when, after the Rev.
E. S. Hill had spoken feelingly of his acquaintance of twenty odd
years with the deceased, he asked the choir to sing that dear old
hymn, "Nearer, My God to Thee," and explained that grandpa
had often asked his little five year old grandchild, Beatrice Reynolds,
to sing it for him when weary with toil or care. After the sermon the
people took a last look at their dead friend, and six prominent citizens
and pioneers, Oliver Smith, Mark Heath, Edson Herrick, Christopher
Smith, J. C. Cannon, Sr., and C. H. Vail bore the deceased to the
funeral cortege, and thence, followed by a long line of carriages,
to the Oakfield Cemetery, where they laid him to rest with tender
and reverent hands.
Green be the turf above thee, friend of our better days,
None knew thee but to love thee, nor named thee but to praise.
Washington Bartlett came of illustrious blood. The Bartletts trace
their lineage back to Thomas Bartlett, of Mayflower fame, and his
own mother, Sabrina (Hill) Bartlett, was a niece of Thomas Jefferson,
the celebrated statesman, of Virginia, in which State the subject
of this sketch was born September 19, 1820. At the early age of eleven
years Thomas Bartlett emigrated to Warren County, Indiana; there the
boy grew to manhood through all the privations and hardships of pioneer
days.There, too, he married Miss Margaret Brier.One child, David Milton
Bartlett, a well to do citizen of that county and State, is still living.
About the year 1852 Wash, as he was familiarly called, went to the
gold fields of California, via New Orleans and the Isthmus, returning
eighteen months later. He came to the then new State of Iowa in 1855,
and in 1856 located on the estate where he lived so many years, respected
and liked by those who knew him best. Here he married Martha E. Cuppy.
Three children are the fruit of this union E. G. Bartlett, Esq., Lillie
BartlettReynolds, wife of J. M. Reynolds, the Brayton merchant, and
H. M. Bartlett, agent of the C., R. I. & P. R. R., at Brayton.
All are married, and living near the old home. Of the character of
the dead it need only be said that he held offices of trust and honor
among his fellow men all his life. As justice of the peace, secretary
of the school board, and as a member of the board of supervisors,
he discharged his duty faithfully and well. With malice toward none
and charity for all he lived a useful and honorable life. The world
will be poorer for his going, yet richer in memories of kindly deeds
and honest worth. The elements were so mixed in him that nature might
stand up and say--this is a man.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 805-806.
JOEL H. BASHAM, an active farmer and stockraiser of Exira Township,
was born in the State of Kentucky, Breckenridge County, March 24,
1838. He is a son of Frank and Theresa (Hardin) Basham; the father
was born in Virginia, and was the son of Obediah Basham, who removed
from Virginia to Kentucky when Frank Basham was a child. Joel H. was
the sixth in a family of ten children; he spent his youth in his native
county, attending school and assisting his father; at the age of twenty
years he went to Gentry County, Missouri; from this point he went
to the mines of Central City, and remained there until 1863, when
he came to Iowa, and settled on a farm. He spent two years freighting
across the State from Grinnell to Council Bluffs. Mr. Basham was married
in 1866 to Miss Sarah M. Hallock, of Audubon County, a daughter of
Isaac P. and Abigail Hallock. After his marriage Mr. Basham resided
in Oakfield for a time, and then removed to a farm west of the village,
which he rented for three years. He then bought a farm in Cass County,
Iowa, on which he lived for one year, and then sold, returning to
Oakfield. He afterward purchased a farm in Greeley Township, and made
his residence there until he sold the place, when he bought his present
farm in the spring of 1881. Mr. Basham owns twenty acres of timber besides
the land which he has under cultivation; the farm was unimproved in
the way of buildings, so all the work in this direction has been done
by the present owner of the place. Mr. and Mrs. Basham are the parents
of four children Frank H., Lester W., Gertrude H. and Robert Burns;
two children died in infancy. Mr. Basham has served as road supervisor
for the past four years;in National and State elections he votes the
Democratic ticket, but in local politics he votes for the best fitted in his estimation to fill the office.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 757.
VALENTINE BAUER, of Viola Township, was born on a farm in Germany,
February 14, 1840, and is a son of Michael and Mary (Matias) Bauer,
who died in their native country. Valentine started to school at the
age of six years, and continued to attend until he was fourteen years
old. He then went to work on his father's farm, and remained there
until he was twenty two years old. Wishing to see the new world and
try what fortune it might yield to him, he sailed from the harbor
at Bremen for the United States, the voyage lasting eight weeks. He
arrived in the city of New York and remained there two months, visiting
two sisters who were living in that city. On leaving New York he went
to Madison County, Illinois, and went to work on a farm for 60 cents
per day; at the end of two years he came to Lyons, Clinton County,
Iowa, and worked on a farm by the month until 1871,when he rented
a farm and worked it six years on his own account. In the spring of
1879 he removed to Audubon County, having bought eighty acres of land
there the previous fall at the rate of $9 per acre. He built a house
and set out a grove, and a year later he purchased an additional eighty
acres; he sowed most of it in wheat, upon which he realized very handsomely.
He has since bought eighty acres more, making 240 acres, most of which
is under cultivation and well fenced.He devotes some attention to
livestock, breeding common stock. Mr. Bauer was married in October,
1873, to Elizabeth, the oldest daughter of Levi and Anna (Whitney)
Shadduck, natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively. She was
born and reared in Clinton County, Iowa, her parents having come to
the Territory of Iowa in 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are the parents
of two children Frank and Mary.By a former marriage to John Hill,
Mrs. Bauer had five children Addie, Arthur, George, Gertrude and Grant.
Mr. Bauer has served as township trustee and as assessor, also as
a school director.He is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 197, A. F. &
A. M., at Coon Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are members of the church
at Viola Centre; Mrs. Bauer teaches in the Sabbath school, and Mr. Bauer is treasurer of the same.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 771-772.
SILAS BEASON, one of Melville Township's prominent farmers and stockraisers,
was a native of the State of Ohio, having been born in Greene County,
near Xenia, January 28, 1836. He was the son of John and Elizabeth
Beason, the father being one of Greene County's most prosperous farmers,
of English ancestry.The early boyhood of Silas Beason was passed on
the farm near Xenia, Ohio, and his first lessons were learned in the
district schools.When a mere lad Mr. Beason moved with his parents
to a farm near Atlanta, Logan County, Illinois, where he continued
to assist on the farm until about nineteen years of age.He then attended
Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, a few months, and returning
to Illinois he began the study of law at Lincoln, Illinois, under
Judge Lacy. In the meantime Mr. Beason was married October 9, 1856,
to Miss Olive Ash, daughter of James and Ruth Ash, of Scotch ancestry.Mrs.
Beason was born in Indiana, and was brought with her parents to Illinois
when a child. Mr. Beason moved to Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois,
in 1860, and continued the study of law under difficulties.He was
admitted to the bar at. Springfield, Illinois, before the Supreme
Court of the State, in March, 1859. He was elected mayor of Lincoln,
and served five consecutive terms; after an interval of two years
he was again elected mayor, and served two terms. He was elected a
member of the Legislature in 1868, serving one term, and taking part
in the introduction and passage of several important bills. Having
retired from his legislative honors, Mr. Beason resumed the work of
his profession, in which he had built up a large and lucrative practice.
He held many offices but was not an office seeker, his disposition
being retiring and modest. He took a lively interest in politics,
affiliating with the Democratic party. He was a candidate for circuit
judge in 1877 on the Democratic ticket; the circuit was composed of
eight counties, and notwithstanding it was strongly Republican he was
defeated by a small majority. Mr. Beason was a member of the I. O.
O. F., and of the Knights of Honor, of Lincoln, Illinois. The pressure
of business drew too heavily upon his physical strength and he was
at last compelled to go in search of health.Having previously purchased
many valuable acres of land in Audubon County, Iowa, in 1882 he retired
from the practice of law, and removed with his family to the farm
in Iowa, hoping to receive benefit in health by the change. He engaged
in general farming and the breeding of fine livestock, including shorthorn
cattle, horses, and hogs. Under his management these industries were
a success, and his health was greatly improved. The farm is traversed
by the east fork of the Nishnabotna River, and the land is of superior
quality, well adapted to the growth of grain and the raising of livestock.
Mr. Beason planted many trees on his place, which serve as a protection
from the heat and winds, and also add greatly to the beauty of the
place.He displayed much judgment in the management of his farm, as
well as great ability when acting as legal counsellor. He was cut
off in the prime of life, in the midst of his daily pursuits, by accidentally
falling from a loaded wagon which passed over his body and inflicted
injuries from which he died in a few hours, November 9, 1884. He was
a devoted husband, a kind father, always generous toward public enterprises,
and his untimely death was deplored by all who knew him. He left a
large estate to his wife and children. Mr. and Mrs. Beason are the
parents of the following named children Omar, a graduate of Lincoln
University, died December 12, 1881, much lamented, at the age of twenty four
years; Ida, a graduate of Monticello Seminary, is the wife of William
S. Blair, of Aurora, Illinois; Ella, a graduate of Monticello Seminary,
Godfrey, Illinois, is at home; John, who accidentally shot himself
in crossing a barbed wire fence September 26, 1886, was a promising
youth of many excellent qualities of head and heart; Lewis assists
his mother on the farm; Rose and Olive are at home. Mrs. Beason, with
the assistance of her son, is managing the farm of 1,700 acres, which
is well stocked. She has shown much ability and skill in the care
of the farm, which is one of the best improved in Melville Township,
being furnished with all the modern conveniences and having most attractive surroundings.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 802-803.
BRADLEY BEERS and his worthy wife were among the early pioneers of
Audubon County. Mr. Beers came to the county in 1857, and in 1859
he purchased a tract of 320 acres of land in Hamlin Township.The land
was wild, unbroken prairie, and there was no human habitation in sight.
The country teemed with wild animals, such as the wolf, deer and elk.
Mr. Bradley erected a house composed of black walnut lumber, and made
other necessary improvements. He also planted a grove of walnut trees
covering ten acres, which is now one of the prettiest groves in the
county. He placed the farm under good cultivation and continued to
reside there for eleven years, when he sold the place and removed
to Exira. In six months he removed to his home on David's Creek, Greeley
Township, where he had purchased 120 acres of land, and where Mrs.
Beers now resides. In 1880 he erected a large frame residence, which
is one of the finest homes in that part of the county. Mr. Beers was
a staunch Democrat, always taking an active part in political affairs,
and at one time held the office of justice of the peace.He was born
in Walton, Delaware County, New York, and was there reared to the
occupation of a farmer, which he followed through life. He died March
12, 1879, aged about fifty eight years. He was married February 17,
1857, to Hannah G. Eells, daughter of Samuel and Clarina (Gray) Eells,
who was born in Walton, Delaware County, New York, January 11, 1832.
They were the parents of four children Frank, residing in Greeley
Township; Samuel, at home; Clara A., wife of Edgar Young, and Charles,
deceased.Samuel, the second child, was born March 24, 1860, and was
married September 11, 1880, to Miss Ora Herrick, daughter of Urbane
and Charlotte (Spirling) Herrick. Mrs. Beers was born in Exira, October
28, 1862. They are the parents of one child Homer L., born October
4, 1884. Mr. Beers affiliates with the Democratic party.During his
earlier life he followed cattle herding for eight years, but is now
engaged in farming.He is an enterprising young man, and enjoys the
esteem of a wide circle of friends.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 779.
LAWRENCE A. BEERS, physician and surgeon, Gray, Iowa, is a native
of the State of Ohio, born in Fredericktown, Knox County, November
12, 1856. He is a son of Asher and Ella (Coleman) Beers. His grandparents
were among the early settlers of Knox County, and often had to resort
to the fort for protection. They still reside in Knox County, and
have had born to them two children Clio, the wife of Jacob Clow, a
resident of Marshall County, Iowa, and Lawrence A. Beers, M. D. Our subject
spent his youth in his native county, obtaining his early education
in the common school. He took up the study of medicine with Dr. S.
B. Potter, of Fredericktown, Ohio; he took a course of lectures at
the Columbus Medical College under Professor Hamilton, and later a
course in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Beers then came west,
and began the practice of his profession in Mitchellville, Iowa, remaining
there four years.He was then obliged to abandon his practice for a
time on account of failing health. In 1886 he located in Gray, Iowa,
and there resumed his practice, in which he has been very successful.
Dr. Beers was united in marriage in 1881 to Miss Eva J. Talmage, of
Monroe, Jasper County, Iowa; she is the daughter of JonathanTalmage,
Esq. Three children have been born of this union Edna, Charles and
Clio. The Doctor is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Manning, Iowa.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 771.
JAMES T. BELL, one of Audubon County's pioneer teachers, has devoted
twenty years to his chosen profession, and many a youth owes his success
in life to the early impressions made by the zeal and energy which
Mr. Bell manifested in his noble calling. This venerable teacher was
born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, August 8, 1827, and is the
oldest son and second child of William and Martha L. (Shannon) Bell,
natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared in his native county and received
a common school education. He began his career by teaching one term
in his own county. He then drifted west, and in 1855 stopped in Garnavillo,
Clayton County, Iowa. He continued to reside there until 1874, when
he removed to Audubon County, and soon after began teaching.He closed
his last term in March, of the present year, 1889. On May 4, 1861,
he entered the Union army, joining the Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry.He
was assigned to Hannibal, Missouri, and there guarded the Hanibal
& St. Joseph Railroad during the first summer. The following fall
he was sent to St. Louis, Missouri, and was ordered from that point
to St. Charles, where he guarded the North Missouri Railway at different
points for one winter. His regiment was then sent to make up the expedition
of the Tennessee River, General Grant commanding. He took part in
the engagement at Blue Mills, Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, and was
ordered to Moscow, Tennessee; and was then ordered to Moscow, Missouri,
guarding there the Memphis & St. Charles Railroad.In the following
spring he went to Memphis, and from that place passed to Vicksburg,
and was in the siege from May 18 to July 4.Thence the regiment was
ordered to Natchez, after which he was sent to Keokuk, Iowa, where
he was honorably discharged in June, 1864.Returning to Clayton County
he remained there until 1874, when he went to Audubon County, as before
stated. Soon after coming to the county Mr. Bell bought eighty acres
of land to which he has added until he now owns 240 acres, all fenced
and under good cultivation. Mr. Bell was married in March, 1888, to
Mrs. Irving, a native of the State of New York. She came to this county
in 1883, having previous to this time lost her former husband, James
F. Irving, by whom she had one son, Frank F. Irving. Mr. Bell has
served as township clerk three terms, and as trustee one term.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 715-716.
PHILIP BICKELHAUPT, an active farmer of Viola Township, was born in Germany, near Berlin, June 15, 1844. He is the fifth of a family
of six children, five of whom lived to be grown. His parents were
Jacob and Martha (Kereman) Bickelhaupt, who were born in Germany,
and lived and died in their native country. Philip attended school
until he was fourteen years old, and at that early age he was desirous
of trying his fortunes in the new west.He embarked on a sailing vessel
for the United States, and made the voyage in fifty-four days, the
first part of the journey being attended with very severe storms.He
landed in New Orleans, arid from that city went to St. Louis by water;
from St. Louis he went to Chicago, Illinois, and remained there one
week;his finances were by this time quite reduced, so that he pawned
his clothesfor $5 in order to get money to go to Fulton, Illinois.
There he secured work in a cigar factory, and afterward went to work
on a farm where he staid two years.He then went to Morrison, Illinois,
and worked on a farm until the breaking out of the late civil war.
He enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, Company C, and was assigned
to the Army of the Potomac, skirmishing and scouting the greater part
of Virginia. He participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, and
also of Gettysburg, after which he was taken prisoner, held three
days, and then paroled. He was wounded in the left knee, and so was
disabled for four months, after which he joined his regiment in Maryland,
and was afterward sent to St.Louis, Missouri, thence to Chicago, where
he was finally discharged.He then returned to Morrison, Illinois,
and iii 1865 he was married to Mary Tyson, a daughter of John Tyson,
Esq., of Morrison, Illinois.The two years following he was engaged
in farming in Whiteside County, Illinois, and in the fall of 1868
he removed to Jasper County, Iowa, locating in the town of Monroe,
where he opened a meat market; he remained there one year, and then
moved hack to Whiteside County, Illinois, and remained there three
years. In 1872, Mr. Bickelhaupt removed to Audubon County and purchased
eighty acres of new land in section 6; this he broke out and improved,
and two years later he bought eighty acres more, and he now has a
half section of land in a high state of cultivation. He also has town
property in Coon Rapids, Iowa.He is extensively engaged in the feeding,
buying and shipping of livestock.All of his own produce is consumed
on his farm, and he buys largely of his neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Bickelhaupt
have had nine children born to them Margaret, Elizabeth, Peter, Mamie,
Alice, George, Albert, Odessa and Rena. Eight of the children are
living. The confidence reposed in Mr. Bickelhaupt by the people of
the community is shown by the fact that he has served as township
trustee for thirteen years, and has been president of the school board
for fourteen years.He was elected township treasurer in 1888, and
is the present incumbent of the office. He is a member of Charity
Lodge, No. 197, A. F. & A. M., at Coon Rapids, Iowa. He strongly
adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. He is a member of the G. A. R. post at Dedham.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 776-777.
EMIL BILHARZ, an active business man of Audubon, has been identified
with the town since the spring of 1879. He was born inBaden, Germany,
October 20, 1845, and emigrated to America when he was nine years
of age; his parents came to this country at the same time; they were
on the water thirty days, and landed at the city of New York; from
New York they went to Ottawa, Illinois, where they settled; here the
father died two years later; he was a harnessmaker by trade.The mother,
Maria (Speas) Bilharz, died in Ottawa in her forty-third year; she
was also a native of Baden, Germany. There were ten children in the
family, six of whom survive.Emil was the fourth child. After coming
to this country he spent his youth in Ottawa, Illinois. At the age
of nineteen years he entered a store in Seneca, Illinois, as clerk;
here he remained several years, and acquired a very thorough knowledge
of the business.He then removed to Audubon, Iowa, where he established
himself in business, first in a general store, and later he kept a
restaurant for several years. In 1886 he opened a grocery store with
a large and well selected stock, and he is now firmly fixed in Audubon
business circles. Mr. Bilharz was married in 1871 to Miss Emma Moore,
of La Salle County, Illinois, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to
Illinois with her parents at an early day.At her death she left two
children Edward F. and Hattie May. Mr. Bilharz married his present wife
in 1887; she was Miss Mary Dawson, of Audubon, a native of Canada.
No children have been born by this marriage. Mr. Bilharz owns a farm
in Leroy Township, one in Melville Township, and one in Cameron Township;
he also owns three good business houses which he rents. He began his
career without means, and by industry and wise management he has accumulated
a good property.He is a member of Seneca Lodge, A. F. & A. M.;
Amity Chapter, No. 93, Audubon, and of Godfrey Commandery, No. 44,
Audubon. Mr. Bilharz's son is a student at Grinnell College, Iowa.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 713.
JOHN C. BONWELL, retired farmer of Viola Township, now
a resident of Audubon, Iowa, was born in Highland County, Ohio, near
Hillsborough, November 16, 1842. He is a son of Nathaniel and Charity
(Lowman) Bonwell. The father was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia,
in 1792, but passed most of his youth in Kentucky, whither his parents
removed when he was a child,he removed to Ohio and was there married,
and settled in Highland County.There he carried on farming until his
death, which occurred in 1865. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania.
Late in life she came to Audubon County, where her death occurred
in 1881. She was in her seventy second year. Arthur Bonwell, grandfather
of our subject, was a native of Scotland. He emigrated to America
and took part in the war of 1812. He removed from Virginia to Kentucky
in 1797, and at one time owned a number of slaves, whom he afterward
set free. John C. Bonwell was reared in his native county, receiving
a common school education and acquiring a knowledge of all the details
of practical farming. At the age of nineteen years he left the plow
and volunteered in the defense of his country. He enlisted in the
Sixtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company F, and was assigned to the
Army of the Potomac. He participated in several battles and skirmishes,
the most noted being the second battle of Bull Run.After this battle
he was taken prisoner and held for three days, when he was paroled,
sent to Annapolis, thence to Baltimore, and thence to Chicago, where
he was discharged in December, 1863. In August, 1864, Mr. Bonwell
re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy fifth Ohio, and was sent
to Camp Denison, near Cincinnati. He remained there two months, and
from that time until June, 1865, he was guarding bridges and railroads
in Tennessee and Kentucky. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865,
and then returned to Highland County, Ohio. He then started a store
in Lebanon, Ohio, whichhe managed three years. During this time he
was married to Miss Mary E. Miller, the oldest daughter of Jacob and
Eliza Miller. In the fall of 1869 Mr. Bonwell removed with his family
to Marion County, Iowa, and during the first winter taught school
at Wheeling. The following summer he removed to the town of Monroe,
and there he dealt in real estate and taught school.In 1874 he purchased
an interest in the First National Bank of Monroe, and was bookkeeper
for that institution for some time. Disposing of his interest in the
bank, he went to Exira, Audubon County, Iowa, in 1875, when he engaged
in the drug trade. Selling out this business, he bought 400 acres
of land in Viola Township, which he has improved by erecting a substantial
residence and good buildings for stock and grain. Mr.Bonwell devotes
his time to feeding and raising hogs and cattle, in which he has been
very successful. He has added to his farm until it now contains 720
acres, in a high state of cultivation.In the spring of 1889 he removed
his family to the town of Audubon, in order to give his children better
educational advantages. Mr. and Mrs. Bonwell have three daughters
Pauline V., Gertrude C. and Leora May. Mr. Bonwell has served several
terms as justice of the peace in Viola Township. In politics he is
a staunch Republican, taking an active interest in the party, often
serving as a delegate to county, judicial, congressional and State
conventions. Mr. Bonwell is a member of Veritas Lodge, No. 392, A.
F. & A. M., and of Amity Chapter, No. 93, R. A. M. He is a member
of Allison Post, G. A. R., and of the Red Men. He commenced life on
a small capital, but by industry, good judgment and careful investments
he has accumulated a large estate.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 807-808.
FRANK P. BRADLEY, dealer in livestock, Audubon, Iowa, was born in
the State of Illinois, in Caldwell County, in the town of Oswego,
October 3, 1862. His father, E. D. Bradley, was a prominent merchant
and speculator, who was born in the State of New York; he was reared
in his native State, and there married Miss Julia Hallock, who was
born and brought up in the same State; soon after their marriage they
removed to Caldwell County, Illinois. When Frank P. was seven years
old his parents removed to Aurora, Illinois, where he was educated
in the public schools; after leaving school he taught for one term.
The tide of emigration being westward, young Bradley drifted in the
same direction, and in 1874 came to Audubon County, stopping at the
county seat, which was then Exira. In 18 he was elected clerk of the
court of Audubon County, being nominated on the Democratic ticket;
he held this office for three consecutive terms, six years.During
his term of office the county seat was moved from Exira to Audubon;
the details of this exciting contest will be found in the general
history of AudubonCounty.When the court was moved Mr. Bradley moved
also. On retiring from office he at once engaged in the livestock
and real estate business. He purchased a large tract of land in Guthrie
County, Iowa, where he has established a cattle ranch, associating
himself with A. L. Campbell, the former clerk of the court, and cashier
of the Citizens' Bank of Audubon.Mr. Bradley was one of the originators
and stockholders of this bank, but sold his interest in the business
some time ago.He now devotes considerable time to buying stock which
he sells to parties for feeding, both in this county and adjoining
counties. Mr. Bradley was married in 1878 to Miss Fannie Atkinson,
of Exira, a daughter of George Atkinson, Esq. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley
are the parents of two children. Mr. Bradley began at the bottom of
the ladder, but he has not remained there, having by his own exertions
acquired a large property.E. D. Bradley died in October, 1888; he
opened the first store at Oakfield, Audubon County, one of the old
landmarks of the county; he had purchased land in the county as early
as 1854. The mother of our subject is still living, making her home
with him. Isaac P. Hallock, Sr., the grandfather of Frank P. Bradley,
was among the first settlers at Oakfield, and served many years as
postmaster of the place. Mr. I. P. Hallock's biography appears upon
another page of this volume.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 804-805.
BENJAMIN C. BROOKFIELD, a prominent farmer and dealer in real estate,
of Lincoln Township, is a native of the State of Michigan, born in
Berrien County, near Niles, July 19,1842. He is the youngest of five
children of Noah and Mary (Collins) Brookfield, natives of Canada.
The father died when Benjamin C. was seven years old. At the early
age of fifteen years the tide of emigration carried him to Iowa. He
settled in Jackson County and remained there until he enlisted in
1861 in the Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company L, giving his
aid to perpetuate this nation. He was sent to St. Paul, Minnesota,
and was mustered out of the service in 1862. Returning from the army,
he engaged in the milling business in Jackson County, but as this
proved unprofitable he abandoned it and entered the employ of Henry
& Company as a collector. After two years of service to this firm
he secured a position on the Burlington & Missouri Railroad, grading
and preparing road bed through Iowa and other States, his services
being retained by the company for a period of nearly twenty years.
After leaving the railroad company he came to Iowa, and soon after
rented a farm in Audubon County which belonged to George Gray. In
later years he bought this land, and from time to time he has added
to it, and now owns a fine tract of 280 acres, which he has improved
and brought to a high state of cultivation. He has erected a good,
comfortable residence, barns and cribs for stock and grain, and many
other conveniences. The farm is well stocked with hogs and cattle,
both of which he handles in considerable numbers. In connection with
his farm and livestock interests he buys and sells real estate for
eastern parties, and loans money in different parts of the State.In
1870 Mr. Brookfield was married to Miss Rose Lowry,of Dowagiac, Michigan,
in which State she was born and reared to womanhood. Her father, Thomas
Lowry, was an old resident of Michigan, and a citizen held in high
esteem.Mr. and Mrs. Brookfield are the parents of four children Maud,
Flora, Benjamin M.and Lois. Mr. Brookfield has served his township
as trustee with credit to himself and the satisfaction ofhis party.
Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He is an active
member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 166.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 814-815.
ISAAC N. BROWN has been a resident of Audubon County since the year
1876. He was born in Morgan County, Ohio, September 7, 1834, and is
the son of Samuel and Margaret (Brannon) Brown, natives of Ohio, who
removed to Union County, Ohio, when Isaac N. was a small child. There
he was reared to the life of a farmer, and received his education
in the common schools. When he had attained his eighteenth year he
went to Washington County, Iowa, and there remained until 1858, when
he took a trip to Kansas and took up his residence there. In 1860
he returned to Washington County, and August 8, 1861, he was married
to Miss Isabelle C. McNulty, daughter of William and Amadella (Adams)
McNulty. She was born in Boone County, Indiana, July 29, 1840. Nine
children have been born of this marriage Isaac N., residing in Audubon
County; Amadella (deceased), Lenetta H., wife of Henry Engleking,
of Audubon County; Maryetta E., Willie and Wilber, twins (deceased);
Carrie H., Lee (deceased) and Charlie A.Mr. Brown enlisted August
9, 1862, in the State's service, and August 22, 1862, he was mustered
into the United States' service, Nineteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry,
Company C. He participated in many hard fought battles; among them are
Prairie Grove, Vicksburg, Spanish Fort and Mobile. He was honorably
discharged July 26, 1865, and returned to Washington County.After
two years he took his family to Coffee County, Kansas, and they resided
there seven years. They then came back to Washington County, and at
the end of two years they came to Audubon County and settled on the
George B. Russell farm, north of Exira, remaining there one year.
They rented another farm the next year, and in 1872 Mr.Brown purchased
eighty acres of wild land, which he has improved and increased until
he has a farm of 200 acres, as fine as there is in the county. He
has a good residence, buildings for stock and grain, three and a half
acres of grove, and an equal tract planted to fruit trees. He devotes
himself to farming and stockraising, and has been very successful
in his chosen calling. He started with nothing but strength of purpose,
and has acquired his property through his own efforts.He affiliates
with the Republican party, and has represented his township in its various
offices. Mrs. Brown and two eldest daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 780-781.
WILSON BURNSIDE, one of Audubon's prosperous business men, and one
of its pioneer grain dealers, established his business in the county
seat in 1878.He was the first to start the business in which he has
been actively engaged ever since. He is a man who has contributed
his full share to the business interests of his adopted town, and
who has added very materially to its financial standing, as well as
its good name.Wilson Burnside was born in McHenry County, Illinois,
near Woodstock, the county seat, September 7, 1848, and is theson
of Wilson and Celestia (Wayne) Burnside; the mother was a daughter
of AnthonyWayne, Esq., and a native of New York; the father was of
ScotchIrish descent. Wilson Burnside passed his early boyhood in McHenry
County, attending the common school in the winter time, and assisting
his father on the farm during the summer. At the age of twenty two
he went to Kansas, and embarked in the mercantile business in the
town of Florence; here he remained four years, and at the expiration
of that time, he disposed of the business and removed to Carroll County,
Iowa.There he engaged in time grain trade and general merchandising
for three and a half years, and then sold out, coining to Audubon;
here he established himself in the grain trade, handling livestock,
principally hogs and cattle, in connection with the grain. He built
the first warehouse near the Northwestern Railroad, and also one near
the Rock Island Railroad, thus affording the best shipping facilities.
The first three years of his residence in Audubon, he had a store
containing a general stock of merchandise, in connection with his
grain business,in August, 1888, Mr. Burnside formed a partnership
with C. A. Francis, under time firm name of Burnside & Francis;
during the years 1888 and 1889 they shipped 200,000 bushels of corn
and oats. Mr. Burnside was elected a member of the school board in
1888, and still holds that position. He is a member or Veritas Lodge,
No. 392, A. F. & A. M.; Amity Chapter, No. 93, R. A. M.; and of
Godfrey Commandery, No. 44, K. T. In political matters he is rather
conservative. Mr. Burnside began his business career on small capital,
but by industry and close attention to business he has acquired a
handsome property.He has a fine residence which is situated on the
summit of a hill, affording a view of Audubon and the surrounding
country.Mr. Burnside was married in 1871 to Miss Mary E. Ary, of Linn
County,Iowa, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Sinclair Ary, Esq.They
are the parents of five children Grace B., Mary Belle, Charles, Wellington
and Ned, the last two named being deceased.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 722-723.
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