Herman Magdefrau

Each community has a few citizens who are recognized as leaders in business and public life, whose opinions are a potent influence in public affairs and whose labors are effective and beneficial in advancing general good. Of this class of citizens Mr. Magdefrau is a representative and Wayland owes much to his efforts in its behalf. He is there successfully engaged in general merchandising, and thereby contributes to the commercial prosperity of the village. He has also given tangible support to all plans and movements instituted for the welfare of the county and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability have frequently called him to public office. At the present time he is serving for the second term as a member of the city council.

Mr. Magdefrau was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 25 th of September, 1845, a son of John and Hannah ( Fleichman ) Magdefrau, both of whom were natives of Germany, in which country the birth of Christian Fleichman, the maternal grandfather, also occurred. In the schools of his native country Herman Magdefrau pursued his education and remained in his parents' home until about twenty-one years of age, when attracted by the opportunities of the new world, he resolved to try his fortune in the United States. Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for New York city in May, 1866, accompanied by his brother Charles.

In Germany he had learned the shoemaker's trade and he remained in the eastern metropolis from May until September, 1866, working at that occupation. On leaving New York he came direct to Henry county, settling in Mount Pleasant, where his brother John was employed at cabinet making. Mr. Magdefrau worked at shoemaking for two different men in Mount Pleasant for a brief period and then went to Trenton, Iowa, where he was employed for six weeks. He then returned to Mount Pleasant, where he worked from Christmas until the following April, when he came to Wayland, arriving here on the 19 th of April, 1867. Here he embarked in business on his own account, establishing a shoe shop, which he conducted for two years. He then purchased a small stock of ready made shoes and gradually developed a business in that line.

In 1890 he retired altogether from the business of manufacturing shoes, concentrating his energies upon the sale of ready made goods. He now carries a large and well selected line of boots and shoes and has a good trade. When he ceased to make shoes he added to his business a stock of groceries and queensware and he further extended the field of his operations in August, 1901, by the purchase of a good line of dry goods. He has since conducted a general store and has a large patronage, so that the amount of business which he transacts annually reaches an extensive figure.

On the 5 th of February, 1873, Mr. Magdefrau was married to Miss Elizabeth Rinner, who was born in Germany, and with her parents went to Canada when about eight years of age. Her father was Conrad Rinner. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Magdefrau were born seven children: Harry, who died at the age of a year and a half; two sons, who died in infancy; a daughter who died when two and a half years old; Elmer, who died in 1901, at the age of nineteen years; and Albert and Frank, who are in business with their farther. The wife and mother died January 26, 1894, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family.

On the 1 st of October, 1897, Mr. Magdefrau was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Anna Gustin, a native of Alsace, France, and a daughter of Jacob Schaad. Mr. and Mrs. Magdefrau occupy an enviable position in social circles and their own home is a very hospitable one. Mr. Magdefrau is a republican in his political views, recognized as one of the stalwart advocates and leaders of his party in this section of the county. He has served for three terms as justice of the peace, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. He has also been town assessor for two terms and mayor for two terms, and is now serving for the second term as councilman. No higher testimonial of capability and loyalty could be given than the fact that he has been re-elected to each office to which he has been chosen, showing that his service has been all that is exemplary.

He belongs to the Methodist church, in which he is filling the office of trustee. He is a man of broad sympathies and the poor and needy have found in him a friend. He stands as a splendid type of our German-American citizenship. By perseverance, determination and honorable effort he has overthrown the obstacles which barred his path to success and reached the goal of prosperity, while his genuine worth, broad mind and public spirit have made him a director of public thought and action.

(Biographical Review of Henry County, Iowa; .Chicago: Hobart Publishing Company, 1906. p. 167)(PE)

Louis Milton Magers

Louis Milton Magers, who lived during his mature and prosperous years in New London, passed away in that village and left to lament his untimely death one son grown to manhood and his wife, who now resides in the handsome modern residence which he built in 1898. Mr. Magers was born September 18, 1848, being the son of Thomas and Elvira ( Shopbell ) Magers. When a youth he went with his parents to live in Henry county, Iowa. He attended the public schools of his county and after finishing his education went into business with his father, from whom he learned the trade of a blacksmith and wagonmaker. After becoming well skilled in these trades he entered into business upon his own responsibility in New London, where he spent all of his mature years of activity and labor. He purchased the brick business block of Perry Frank and later another upon Main street. These he owned at the time of his death.

In 1873 he wedded Miss Ellen Fowler, a daughter of William E. and Jane ( Lyons ) Fowler. In her childhood she lived in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and in 1859 went with her parents to live in Burlington, Iowa. They remained there several years, and in 1866 moved to New London, where the father soon became engaged in his trade of tinsmith, a business which he had followed all his life. The family continued to live in New London, where the daughter was married and where she is still living. The father died in 1894, and the mother in 1898.

Mr. and Mrs. Magers became the parents of one child, whom they reared to manhood, Thomas Frederick, now a dentist living in St. Louis, Missouri. He is married, his wife formerly being Miss Lillian Humes. They have no children.

Louis Milton Magers was a progressive business man. He early learned the lesson of industry and frugality and applied himself with diligence to his life duties. He was, at the time of his death, still a comparatively young man, but he had mastered the true principles of a successful business life and won for himself the distinction of being a self-made man. Mr. Magers had many friends in New London, and is missed by them as well as at his own fireside.

(Biographical Review of Henry County, Iowa; .Chicago: Hobart Publishing Company, 1906. p. 315)(PE)

A. C. MARTIN, a farmer residing on section 10, Jefferson Township, Henry Co., Iowa, was born in Greene County, Pa., April 8, 1834, and is a son of Bonham and Phoebe (Conkling) Martin, both natives of Greene County, Pa., where they were reared and married. The origin of the family is presumably German, as the grandparents spoke the German language. Louis Martin was the grandfather of our subject, and both himself and wife lived and died in Greene County, they each being over ninety years of age. They reared a family consisting on James, Daniel, William, John, Bonham, Hannah, Mary and Bettie. All of these were married except Mary, but Bonham, the father of our subject, is the only one who came to Iowa. Perhaps none of these children are living, at least no obtainable facts can be secured. All the children of Bonham Martin and wife were born in Greene County, Pa., and with the exception of the two eldest, came with their parents to this State in the spring of 1845. All finally became residents, however, of Henry County, of whom A. C. Martin is the only representative in this State. Bonham Martin entered the southeast quarter of the section 1, in Jefferson Township, this county, but really began making a farm and home on the east half of section 11, but this was entered after his settlement by another man, and Bonham had to purchase it of the man, although by right its real possessor. The tract on section 1, and an 80-acre tract in Washington County, were entered with a soldier's warrant, which two of his sons improved, the father making his home during the remainder of his lifetime on section 11. For almost thirty years Bonham Martin resided on that tract. His wife died in 1865, aged sixty-eight years. Ten children graced the union. Susannah, now deceased, the eldest daughter, married Henry Rop in Pennsylvania; they removed to this county and later to Schuyler County, Mo., where he death occurred. Louis died in Pennsylvania unmarried; Ananias also married in Pennsylvania, Margaret McCormick becoming his wife; her death occurred in Oregon, where he yet resides, and is the husband of Mrs. E. T. Mitchell. Daniel wedded Rachel Pechover, and resides in Schuyler County, Mo., then comes our subject, followed by Simon, who wedded Adeline Mathew; Elizabeth wedded Amos Adams of Jefferson Township; two children, Samuel and David, died in Pennsylvania, which completes the family. After the death of his wife, Bonham Martin married Miss Ester Meyer of Washington, in Washington County, who became the m other of two children: Ella, wife of Silas B. White, of Keokuk County; and Frank, now a lad of twelve years. The death of Bonham Martin occurred in 1876, being then in his seventy-seventh year. His widow yet resides in Washington, Iowa.

A. C. Martin, our subject, was married, Dec. 25, 1856, to Miss Sadie M. Matthews, whose parents, Madison and Lanah (Coleman) Matthews, came from Gallias, Ohio, to this county in 1849, locating on section 2, Jefferson Township, bringing two children, Sadie M. and Ester C. After their coming four other children were born - Charlotte, Brazilla, Catherine E. and Emma R.  The parents are yet living on the same section, where for thirty-seven years everything which brings joy and happiness to a home has been theirs. All their children are married: Ester is the wife of W. W. Woods, of Jefferson Township; Charlotte became the wife of Harvey Leeper; Catherine is the wife of Andrew Johnson; and Emma is the wife of Harvey Johnson, no relation to Andrew.

Our subject and his young wife began their domestic life on section 12 in Jefferson Township, remaining there until 1873, when his present home farm was purchased. The history of the family is that of a successful one. The eldest child of A. C. and Mrs. Martin is Mary L., wife of William Nichols, of Yam Hill County, Ore.; Elmer wedded Mary Johnson, a sister of Andrew, and lives with our subject near Wayland; Cora completes those of the children living. Madison B., named in honor of his two grandsires, died in infancy. We need only add that this family have always been foremost in enterprise, in moral and social life, and that their home near Wayland is one of the most commodious and pleasant ones in the neighborhood. In 1884 Mr. Martin served his township as Trustee, and his official acts were such as made him the choice of his party in 1887 for the same position. In Jefferson Township there is a large Republican majority, but he was only defeated by eight votes. He was for several years a member of the School Board, and his only son completed his education at Howe's Academy in 1880. This son is the father of two children - Edwin Richard and Maxie G.  The daughter, Mary L., is the mother of Martin M., Wellman D. and Blanche M.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p.305-6.)

ISRAEL W. MARTIN, a farmer of Canaan Township, Henry Co., Iowa, residing on section 28, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, July 21, 1837, and is a son of Israel and Sarah P. (Welker) Martin, both natives of Ohio, he of Columbiana, she of Stark County. Simeon Martin was the grandfather of our subject, and his great-grandfather was also named Simeon. the latter resided in Columbiana County, Ohio, and was there once visited by our subject. Simeon Martin, Sr., was a sailor during his earlier years and was a man of great information and of a very retentive memory. His second wife was a Blackburn. He died in Columbiana County in his eighty-fifth year. Simeon Martin, Jr., the grandfather, was a son of the second marriage. He was a farmer, and married Aschsah Dye, most likely in Meigs County, Ohio, as her people resided there. They later removed to Carroll County, Ohio, from Columbiana County, and there resided during their lifetime. He was a farmer in that county and died in 1847, at the age of fifty-three. His wife reached the extreme age of ninety. Their children were: Israel, the father of our subject, who married Sarah P. Welker; Wesley died unmarried; Harrison A. wedded Elizabeth Dolvin; Albert S. became the husband of Mary A. Downs; Matilda wedded Amasa Shaffer; Eli L. married Catherine Wheador; Achsah A. first married George W. Worley, and is now the wife of Robert Jackman, and Elinor A., wife of Adam H. Erskine. After the marriage of Israel Martin, and also prior to that time, he taught school and had acquired a fine practical as well as a technical education. He had mastered surveying, and was spoken of for the future surveyor of Carroll County at the time of his demise, which came most unexpectedly about six months after his marriage. His son, Israel W., was never seen by his father, who died several months prior to his birth. Of Israel Martin, Sr., we may say that his was a life full of promise, which was cut off ere his twenty-first birthday was reached. His widow, true to his memory, never married again, but gave to her son a wealth of love and care. His education was carefully attended to, and at the age of eighteen he began teaching. His first school was in the winter of 1855-56 in Stark County, Ohio, which was followed by a three years' continuous service in Carroll County, Ohio.

At the expiration of that time Mr. Martin's marriage was celebrated, that event occurring June 17, 1859, when Miss Sarah E. Bonbrake became his wife. She was a daughter of Henry and Sarah Bonbrake, of Carroll County, Ohio. She was of American birth but of German origin, and at the time of her marriage could speak the German or English languages with equal fluency. Her parents resided on the farm until the death of the father. His widow yet lives in Stark County with her daughter, Letitia Hawkins. Mrs. Bonbrake is the mother of a large family of children, namely: Urich, who married Eliza J. Hardin, is a merchant of Eureka Springs, Ark.; Isaac, who was the husband of Elizabeth McDowell, died during the war, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., at which time he was a Lieutenant in an Ohio regiment of sharpshooters, and prior to his enlistment was a merchant of Waynesburg, Ohio; Lewis had charge of a store at Waynesburg, Ohio, but died at the age of twenty; Samuel, a farmer in Indiana, wedded Carrie Sillanders; Hannah married William Dunlap, and after his death John Woy, of Decatur, Ind.; Lydia is the wife of George W. Jackman, of Whiting, Kan.; Lovina wedded George A. Bowman, of Alliance, Ohio; Amanda J. died at the age of eighteen; Cora C. resides with her mother; Ella wedded Harry Kinzie; both were expert telegraph operators, and she died at their home in La Otto, Ind., in 1880; Letitia C. is the wife of Alvin Hawkins, a farmer of Stark County, Ohio.

In 1859 Israel W. Martin and his young wife left their native county, their wedding tour being a trip to the West. They stopped in Illinois and located in Fulton County, near Lewistown, on a farm, remaining there until the spring of 1866. During the winter season Mr. Martin engaged in teaching, and spent the summer in farm work. All their children were born in Fulton County. They are: Cora A., wife of D. M. Holland, a farmer of Canaan Township, who has one son, Clayton M., now in his fifth year; Olive M. attended Howe's Academy, and is now engaged in teaching in this county, and is an artist of merit; she was a pupil of Miss Pet Walton, of Mt. Pleasant. Lewis W. finds a home with his parents on the farm, which is the one first occupied by them on their arrival in Henry County. He has received a fine business education at Elliott's Business College in Burlington, but prefers the farm to all other occupations.

In 1866, Mr. Martin with his family removed to Henry County and purchased the northeast quarter of section 28, at that time unimproved. To this he has added eighty acres, and has made many improvements. His mother found a home with him after his marriage, and her death occurred beneath his roof in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also a member of New London Lodge No. 28, A. F. & A. M., and an ardent Republican, and cast his first vote for President Lincoln. After coming to Henry County, the first ten winters were spent by Mr. Martin in teaching. He was elected Township Clerk in Illinois, and served in the same position a number of years after coming to Henry County. He was the trusted Assessor of Canaan Township for six consecutive years, prior to which he served as District Township Secretary for a number of years.

Since becoming residents of this county the family have become endeared to all who know them, and are highly respected in the community. 

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 614-16.)

JOSEPH McDOWELL, residing in Center Township, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1822, and is the son of John and Susanna (Vaughn) McDowell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio in 1812, and were among the pioneer settlers of Tuscarawas County, where he transformed the wild land into a fine farm. In the year 1854 they removed to Henry County, Iowa, locating on section 31, Center Township, where he bought ninety-two acres of partially improved land, living there until his death, which occurred in 1861 at the ripe age of seventy-seven years, being born in 1784. Mr. McDowell served during the War of 1812 as a non-commissioned officer, He was a conscientious man, and was an earnest Christian. He held the political views of the Republican party. Mrs. McDowell was called to her final home Nov. 16, 1876. She was born on the 26th of February, 1792. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are yet living: Martha is now the wife of Daniel Richey, of Corning, Iowa; Joseph, our subject; Elizabeth, the wife of Silas Thomas, residing in Mt. Pleasant, and Agnes, the wife of Alford Wilson, a minister in Page County, Iowa.

Joseph McDowell lived upon his father's farm in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, until the age of twenty-one, at which time he went to Holmes County, Ohio, working as a farm hand until the fall of 1846. Mr. McDowell then went back to his native county, where he was united in marriage, on the 6th of September, 1846, to Rebecca Swope, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of James and Rachel (Frazier) Swope, both of whom were natives of Huntingdon County, Pa. After his marriage, Mr. McDowell engaged in farming until the spring of 1848, when he emigrated to Henry County, Iowa, settling near Mt. Pleasant. Here he rented a farm until the spring of 1851, when lie moved to section 29 of Center Township, where he rented a farm for sixteen years. Mr. McDowell afterward moved to section 6, Jackson Township, where he bought a farm of eighty acres in 1865. He resided upon this latter farm for four years, when he bought the ninety-two acres on section 31, Center Township, which his father bought in 1854 on coming to Iowa, where lie now lives. He now owns 213 acres of land, mostly under cultivation.

Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have had a family of thirteen children: William, who died when but nineteen months old: David, now residing in Jackson Township; Henry, a resident of Center Township; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Columbus Watson, of Jefferson County, Iowa; Iowa, the wife of Robert Jemmeson, a harness-maker of Mt. Pleasant, who served as a soldier during the Rebellion; James now resides in Jefferson County, Iowa; Clara is at home; Mary is the wife of Zachariah Doan, a resident of Salem Township; Albert, John and Margaret reside with their parents. Those deceased are William, Ellen and Sarah.

In politics, Mr. McDowell sympathies with the Labor Union party. Mrs. McDowell is a member of the Holiness Church, while Mr. McDowell believes in universal salvation. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have gained all that they have by their own thrift and economy. They are highly esteemed throughout the community in which they reside.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p 288) (JC)

THOMAS W. McMILLAN

The death of Thomas W. McMillan loses this writer a long and valued friendship. By his death this community has lost an institution. For Thomas W. McMillan, while a man of character, a citizen of good repute, bearing a name honored in this community for a century, a public servant of rare fidelity and integrity, of clear vision, of sound judgment, and of notable achievement and while vested with all of these estimable and fully acknowledged values, he, in his relations to the community, as a whole, WAS an institution.

The municipal utilities of this town, the public parks of Mt. Pleasant, especially Saunders Grove, will long remain as memorials to his genius. His devotion and his jealous affection for these, his wards, for whom he gave the fullest measure of his ability.

How well we remember the old days of the water works down on Big Creek, and Engineer Walsh. Here McMillan, then a youth, spent every possible spare hour, day or night, working without pay, hauling out ashes, wiping and cleaning, helping with zest anything of a mechanical turn. Here he laid the footing course for his later career, and unconsciously laid the foundation for the present splendid municipal water system.

Then, too, we well remember how at the first and primitive electric light plant, down at the present Gas works, McMillan spent many hours, without pay, cleaning, doing odd jobs, helping with the work and storing up information and experience, which was to equip him for his later sphere of influence and constructive opportunities.

Then the town took over the light plant, and it was natural that McMillan should be employed, first as night engineer, then as day engineer, and little more than thirty-five years ago, upon the resignation of Superintendent Green, the council appointed McMillan to the vacancy.

What he accomplished, with the advice and assent of his town council, and the loyal assistance of his men, can only be appreciated by those of us, who recall the insignificance of the municipal plant of thirty-five years ago, and understand its commanding position today, among the municipal plants of the middle west.

As councilmen became more and more aware of the ability, the genius, the sound judgment of Mr. McMillan, they placed on his shoulders added burdens and responsibility: the street department, the public parks department, the water department, until he was made city manager, and enjoying the fullest confidence of his council in his loyalty, his integrity and his consummate management.

There is not a rod of water main, there is not a fire hydrant, there is not a part or parcel of the water department and its equipment, that has not been placed, or erected, under the personal or directed supervision of Mr. McMillan. There is not, in our electric light and power system, a pole, or a line or a transformer, not a boiler or a motive unit that has not been erected or builded under his personal or directed supervision. The same with our admirable sewer system, with our municipal ice plant, with our stone quarry and equipment, all stamped with the genius of Mr. McMillan.

But perhaps nowhere is more fully recognized the touch of Mr. McMillan's affection and devotion to the community than down in the Grove. The whole area mirrors the little understood poetical and artistic side of Mr. McMillan's make-up. While one hand was busy and calloused with the mechanical demands of machinery and equipment, the other hand was sketching new vistas, new nooks and attractions for the Grove. Most of the shrubbery is native and moved into the Grove. The flowers, the playgrounds, the fire places, the drives, the paths, reflect his genius and his little suspected or understood appreciation of the quiet beauty and music of nature.

And now Thomas W. McMillan has come to the close of his stewardship with vision still keen, judgment still sound, integrity unsullied. He has closed the book and they balance. He has folded his hands in eternal rest and they are clean.

We pay this tribute to a friend and a friendship covering nearly half a century. In his life, and by his life, the McMillan name, contemporaneous with the hundred year life of the community, remains untarnished and honored. Our municipal utilities and our parks and pleasure grounds are the living memorial of a rare public service.

Turning from Thomas Woodworth McMillan as a public institution, to him as a personality, we find he was born of excellent stock on July 3, 1874 and on a farm just outside the northwest corner of the city of Mt. Pleasant limits, the son of Charles and Mary Woodworth McMillan. And as we have often driven out by the old place together, he would locate the old homestead, the old schoolhouse and the boyhood scenes which always remain green in the mature years.

Mr. McMillan was one of five children of the family. His sister, Mary McMillan Schaffner, and his brother, George McMillan, died some years ago, and his sister, Mrs. Sara McKean of Jackson, Wyoming, and his brother, Warren of Aurora, are still living.

The McMillan family was among the first to settle about Mt. Pleasant and during the century the name has been held in the highest respect. Mr. McMillan's grandfather was a general officer in the war of 1812, and his uncle, Henry McMillan, was the first city clerk of Mt. Pleasant. The Samples, and Davis families of Rome were relatives and they financed and operated the old Pork Packing works on what is now part of Saunders Grove. A marker now designating the site was placed there by Mr. McMillan.

Mr. McMillan lost his father on Feb. 7, 1905, and from that time he and his widowed mother were constant companions, until her death in April, 1920. Left alone, his sister, Mrs. Sara McKean, came here to make a home for him and he educated her son, Sidney, who is making for himself a big mark in the world of today.

On October 14, 1924, Mr. McMillan was married at Monmouth, Ill., to Miss Orpha Morrow, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Morrow, who operated the well-remember grocery store, of which the Taylor grocery is the continuing store, of many years on the same location.

The marriage was pre-eminently a happy one and their sixteen years of companionship will, in retrospect, be a great solace and comfort, to the bereaved wife. Memories, refreshed by hundreds of photographs, hundreds of books, hundreds of incidents that have punctuated and phrased and interrogated and illumined, will be kept green as long as memories last.

Mr. and Mrs. McMillan loved to travel, not only to move over long distances and to far and important places, but to explore together in perfect pleasure, not only the highways, but the byways of the country, and their many long trips together covering every state in the Union, Canada and Mexico to all the great scenic areas, to most of the great historic places, to most of the more romantic places of the north and the south, and the east and the west.

Few people, of this community at least, have so comprehensively surveyed the high places and the low places, the wide spaces and the restricted places, the plains and the mountains, the hills and the valleys, the great cities and the remote communities, as have Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McMillan. They were companions and walked along the pleasant paths of life hand in hand, happy, content and secure.

Mrs. McMillan will remain where she has lived, and lend her life bravely to what the future has in store for her. She will devote much of her time to literary work, short stories and verse. Few realize, among her acquaintances, that her talent has in a sense turned into gold, for of recent years her contributions to the literary press, have resulted in a substantial financial return. Mrs. McMillan's heart throbs in these dark hours are to be shared with her friends in this simple verse from her pen:

Life's beautiful race is ended; Victorious, The runner, and his little white dog Have reached the crest of the hill, and over; A deep impenetrable fog Envelopes the hill, and vision is lost. Men call it Death, for mists obscure The sun in its risings and settings, and hide The Glory beyond. A light too bright For eyes of mortals to endure!

(Mt. Pleasant News, November 20, 1940, Page 2, "The Bystanders Notes" by Publisher C. S. Rogers)(PW)

Thomas McMillen

THOMAS McMILLEN, one of the early settlers of Henry County, Iowa, resides on section 5, Center Township. He is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born Nov. 11, 1832, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Hoagland) McMillen. When Thomas was but eight years old the family came to Henry County, Iowa, and settled on section 5, Center Township, where his father purchased a claim of John H. Randolph, on which was a small building in the course of erection. Here our subject remained until 1852, working on the farm in the summer and attending school during the winter months, the school-house being situated a mile and half from his home. It was a primitive log cabin with puncheon floor, shakes for roof, slab seats, and lighted by means of a hole cut out from one of the logs, over which paper was pasted. An old-fashioned fireplace which extended almost over one side of the room afforded warmth for those attending the school. In the spring of 1852, in company with C. B. Dart, Mr. McMillen left for Oregon Territory with an ox-team. Leaving the Missouri River on the 5th of May, they arrived at Portland, Ore., August 10 of the same year. The journey was a long and toilsome one, much unlike that which is made to-day in one of Pullman's palace cars. From Portland Mr. McMillen went to Ault House Creek, near Jacksonville, where he engaged in mining and where he remained four years. In 1856 he returned home by water, the first part of the journey being on the "Golden Age" to Panama, thence by the "Northern Star" to New York. He arrived at his home in Henry County July 3, 1856; His experience in the gold regions served but to intensify his desire once more to engage in mining, and therefore after remaining at home a period of. three years, he once more started across the plains, California being his destination. With ox-teams he traveled as far as Salt Lake, when the oxen were exchanged for pack ponies and the remainder of the journey was made in that way. He located at Coloma where gold was first discovered. Here he once more embarked in mining, and followed that occupation until 1866, when he again returned home, arriving here sometime in May of that year. Since his return home Mr. McMillen has been engaged in superintending the farm. With the exception of the time spent on the Pacific Coast Mr. McMillen has been identified with this county a period of forty-seven years, during which time most wonderful changes have been made. When the family first settled in Henry County it was six years before Iowa's admission as a State, and fifteen years before a railroad was started. The changes that he has witnessed and of which he has been an active participant can scarcely be realized. Wherever known, Thomas McMillen is universally respected.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p 191.)

ROBERT McMURREN, deceased, one of the pioneer settlers of Henry County, Iowa, was born in Pennsylvania, May 17, 1826, and was the son of Alexander and Eliza McMurren, both of whom were natives of the Green Isle. They left their native land about the year 1826, coming to America, and lived in Pennsylvania until 1837, then removed to Iowa, settling in Center Township, Henry County, where they continued to make their home until the time of their death. The early life of Robert McMurren was spent upon a farm in this county; he was reared on its virgin soil and he can truly be called one of its pioneers. In 1862 he went across the plains to Idaho with an ox-team, remaining there eighteen months engaged in mining, after which he again returned to Iowa and resumed his occupation of farming. He was married, in 1865, to Miss Naomi Ann Jay, a native of Henry County, and a daughter of Layton Jay, a native of North Carolina, who was also one of the early settlers of Henry County, but is now residing in Oregon.

Mr. and Mrs. McMurren had a family of nine children: Samuel, born Jan. 30, 1866, is still residing at home; Emma, born April 5, 1868; William, Nov. 2, 1871; Alice, April 7, 1873; Pernina, Nov. 15, 1875; Thomas, April 26, 1877; Anna, Nov. 25, 1881, and Mary Belle, who was born Nov. 29, 1867, and died Feb. 14, 1868. Mr. McMurren settled in Tippecanoe Township in 1837, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 3, 1882. He was the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres, situated on section 16 in that township. He was a first-class business man and a very successful farmer. Commencing life a poor boy, by habits of industry and economy he gained a competence. He was well known, and respected alike by young and old, rich and poor. At his death the township lost one of its best citizens, the family a kind father and loving husband, and his acquaintances a noble friend.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 424.)

FRANK C. MEHLER, M. D., a practicing physician of New London, Iowa, since 1871, was born in Westphalia, Prussia, May 15, 1845, and is the son of Casper and Louisa (Droege) Mehler. Our subject emigrated from Germany to America with his parents in 1858. They landed in New York and went direct to Chicago, where they made their home. Frank C. received his literary education in the public schools of that city, and then engaged in the study of medicine. He entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, as a student in 1861, but was appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon in the United States Army before graduating, which he did in the class of 1863. he was assigned to duty at Camp Douglas, Mound City, and Paducah, Ky., and Nashville, Tenn.  He continued in the service until after the close of the war (July 4, 1865.) He then returned to Chicago and entered upon the practice of his profession. He continued to practice in that city until 1871, when he came to New London, and has been in constant practice here ever since.

Dr. Mehler was married at New London, May 23, 1873, to Miss Laura E. Bristor, a daughter of Thomas Bristor, one of the early settlers of Henry County. Mrs. Mehler was born near Danville, Des Moines Co., Iowa. Two children were born of their union, a son and daughter: Frank R., born May 22, 1874, and Grace Agnes, born Nov. 4, 1883. Dr. and Mrs. Mehler are members of the Presbyterian Church. The Doctor is a Republican in politics. He is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of New London Lodge No. 28, A. F. & A. M., of Henry Chapter No. 8, R. A. M., and of Jerusalem Commandery No. 7, K. T., the two latter bodies of Mt. Pleasant.

Dr. Mehler has now been in practice in Henry County for sixteen years, and by skill in his profession, and prompt attention to the demands of his patients, has built up an extensive and lucrative practice.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p.451-52)

JOHN MELTON, one of the early and honored settlers of Henry County, was born in Virginia, and was a son of Allen Melton.. His mother died when he was only five years old. He was reared upon a farm, being bound out to a farmer until he grew to manhood. When about twenty-one years of age, John Melton led to the marriage altar Miss Phoebe Heston, who was born in Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Phineas and Sarah Heston. Shortly after his marriage, he with his young wife emigrated to Ohio, where they lived for a number of years. Thence he went to Warren County, Ind., where he staid several years. In 1839 Mr. Melton removed to Henry County, which place he made his home until his death. He took up his residence on a farm in Center Township, remaining there until 1853, when he removed to section 36, Tippecanoe Township. Twelve children graced the union of John Melton and Phoebe Heston, only three of whom are yet living: John, a miner, residing in California; Mrs. Alfred Doan; and Isaac, a farmer, now living in Republic County, Kan. When the Republican party came into existence, Mr. Melton found the principles enunciated by its leaders were in accordance with those he had held, and therefore acted with it until he departed this life in October, 1870, his wife also dying in the same month of the same year. She was a member of the Society of Friends, and though Mr. Melton was not a church member, his integrity and uprightness were undoubted. He was a large landholder in this county, and one of its best citizens. Having a heart overflowing with love for humanity, to the poor he was ever kind and considerate, and no man ever stood higher in the community than Mr. Melton, his high character and many good deeds endearing him to all classes.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 322-323) (JC)

JOHN T. MESSER, residing on section 17, Trenton Township, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1834, and is the son of Hiram and Barbara (Miller) Messer. His father was a native of Fayette County, Pa., and was the son of Job and Sarah (Green) Messer. He was one of a family of eight children, five boys and three girls-Israel, Hiram, James, John, Reason, Mariam, Harriet and Jane, and was reared on a farm. With the exception of a few years, when he was engaged in running a still for Andy Craig in his native State, he spent his entire life in farming. In 1839 he emigrated with his family to Henry County, Iowa, settling on section 17, Trenton Township, where he resided till his death, which occurred April 12, 1871. His farm originally consisted of 371 acres.

John T. Messer was reared on the farm on which he now resides. He was married, Jan. 28, 1855, to Senith Black, a native of Champaign, Ohio. Her father was Samuel Black, one of the pioneers of Henry County. By this union six children have been born: Samuel Hiram, a farmer of Trenton Township; Albert Mitchell, also a farmer residing in Trenton Township; Anna Bell married George Black and lives in Trenton Township; James W., at home; Geneva Frances, born July 8, 1871, died at the age of three; and an infant. Assisted by his good wife Mr. Messer has made all he possesses. By good management and close attention to business he has gained a competence, and now owns 200 acres of finely improved land. He is a practical farmer, and everything on the farm denotes thrift and enterprise. Mrs. Messer's father, Samuel Black, departed this life July 22, 1865.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 332-333) (JC) 

James F. Miller

JAMES F. MILLER, farmer and stock-raiser, resides upon section 11, Jackson Township, and as one of the typical farmers of the township, we are pleased to present a sketch of his family history. In his township, and in the county as well, he hears an enviable reputation as a gentleman and citizen. He was horn in Scott County, Ill., March 21, 1833, and is the son of Alfred and Nancy (New) Miller. Alfred Miller was born in North Carolina and his wife in Tennessee. They were married in Illinois and all their children were born in that State. Alfred died in 1853, and his widow afterward married John B. Abbey, who was a resident of this county, and one of the first settlers in Baltimore township. Upon the land that he entered in 1840 his widow now resides. He took the claim, made some improvements, and entered the lands at the first land sale held in Burlington. By her second marriage Mrs. Miller had no heirs, but to her first husband she bore Lucinda, now deceased, who was the wife of James Six; Francis M., who became the husband of Mary Steelman; James F., who married Matilda Kirkpatrick in 1853; Lorenzo J., husband of Minerva Blaney; Adam, married to Margaret, a sister of Matilda, wife of our subject; Nancy, deceased, became the wife of Addison McGavick; William wedded Caroline Welsh, while Alfred remains a bachelor.

In 1852 our subject came to Iowa and first located in Lee County. While there the acquaintance was first formed with Miss Matilda Kirkpatrick, and her parents removing to this county in 1853, the wedding was celebrated in Henry County, where they have since resided. Her parents, William and Mary (Pratt) Kirkpatrick, were among the very first settlers of Clark's Point, Lee Co., Iowa, locating there in 1834, and entering over a half section of land. They came from Sangamon County, Ill., where they were married. Miss Kirkpatrick was a native of Ohio, born July 2, 1835, leaving that State when a girl ten years of age. William Kirkpatrick was a soldier during the Black Hawk War, after which he was married, and during his residence in Illinois engaged in farming. They were the parents of ten children, all born in Iowa, except the two eldest, Jane and Charles. Jane, who lives in Missouri, was twice wedded, first to John Thompson, then to Grandville Arnold, both now deceased; Charles married Sarah Stephenson, and resides near Lowell, in this county. In Iowa were born Matilda, wife of our subject; Lucinda, wife of William Tull; Martha, who became the wife of Thomas Dilts; Margaret, the wife of A. Miller, a brother of our subject; Emma, wedded to Marion Daggs; Sarah, who became the wife of Joseph Masters; William, who is the husband of Libbie Rank; and Joseph, wedded to Ella Marsh. All are now living.

The first land owned by Mr. Miller was his present farm. He began domestic and agricultural life in this county on a rented farm in Baltimore Township, and succeeded so well that in a few years he had a farm of his own. All the nice improvements of this farm have been made since 1866, and they are of that substantial character which betokens thrift and energy. He has always enjoyed the confidence of his fellowmen, and although a Democrat from his first vote, has been repeatedly elected to positions of trust in his township, serving as Trustee several times, Assessor three years, and having another year yet to serve. At the last election he was made a candidate without his knowledge, and was elected without opposition. This of itself stamps him as a correct official and public-spirited man.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller have seven children. Those living are: Charles F., who is wedded to Mary Stacker, living in Jackson Township; William, husband of Emma Brazill, now living in Nebraska; Flora, wife of A. D. Brazill, also living in Nebraska; Clara and Linnie, living with their parents, and their birthplace in the roomy old mansion has been to them a happy home. Those deceased are: Josephine, who was the wife of Robert Francey, and left a daughter, Stella; and Clement, who died in infancy. All the children were born in this county, and are in every sense identified with its interests. We are pleased to thus mention this family and assign them a place among those who with them have grown gray and wealthy, since the improvement of Henry County was begun in the days of "auld lang sine." Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Protestant Methodist Church and at different dates he has been Superintendent of the Sabbath-school and an officer of the church. Both were members of the first church organization of that society in this section of the country, about 1868, in the Greenwood school-house, Rev. John Mason being the pastor. Among the first members were also William Myers, William Walters and wife, Adam Miller and wife, John Francey and wife, and others. Of these William Myers was the first Class-Leader, and our subject the first Steward. The society is still in a prosperous condition and regular services are held. By such families as those mentioned are the schools, churches, morals and wealth of a community built up, and to none is the good repute of Henry County more due that to Mr. Mill and family.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 237-238) (JC)

NICHOLAS MILLER, a prominent pioneer of Henry County, Iowa, of 1841, and President of the New London Old Settlers' Association, was born in Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio, June 7, 1822, and is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Rigal) Miller. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born near Chambersburg, and was an industrious Christian man, and a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife, the mother of Nicholas, as also born near Chambersburg, and was of German parentage. Her father was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, and emigrated with his parents to America when but nine years of age. He enlisted in the Continental army, and served during the Revolutionary War.

The parents of our subject, Jacob and Catherine Miller, emigrated from near Chambersburg, Pa., to Somerset, Ohio, about 1800, going by teams over the mountains. Their oldest daughter was born in the wagon on the summit of the Alleghanies [sic], and the family was four months on the road. Nicholas was reared in Somerset, Ohio, where he served an apprenticeship at the wagon-maker's trade. He came to New London, Henry Co., Iowa, June 18, 1841, and purchased a couple of lots in that thriving hamlet, and shortly after returned to his Ohio home, where he spent the winter, returned to New London in the spring of 1842. His trip back to Ohio, a distance of 1,600 miles, was made at a total coast of less than $10. On his return to Iowa he built a small house and a wagon-shop on his New London lots, both of which are yet standing. He made the first wagon that started from that place for California, if not the first in the county. He worked at his trade here until the spring of 1847, when he again visited Ohio. After spending a short time in his native town, he went to St. Louis, where he worked at carpenter work until fall, when he returned to New London. He was united in marriage at that place, Nov. 24, 1847, to Miss Mary Morris, daughter of Isaac and Margaret Morris, who were among the very earliest, if not the earliest settlers of Henry County, and of whom a sketch appears elsewhere. Mrs. Miller was born on the Big Sandy River in Eastern Kentucky, Aug. 4, 1828, and emigrated with her parents to what is now Henry County, Iowa, then a part of the Territory of Wisconsin, in the spring of 1834.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters: Washington Al, born Sept. 24, 1848, died Nov. 17, 1873; Armintha, born April 21, 1850, died April 24, 1850; Samuel, born April 23, 1851, is single and resides in Northern Idaho; Matilda, born Dec. 25, 1853, is the wife of John A. Edblum, has three children, and resides in New London Township; Nicholas H., born Nov. 26, 1855, died March 25, 1858; Jacob W., born Oct. 12, 1857, is single and resides with his father; Mary E., born Feb. 9, 1860, resides in Warren County, Iowa, and is the wife of John W. Edgar, and they are the parents of three children; Sarah Jane, born Dec. 16, 1862; Thomas S., born Sept. 13, 1864; William G., born Nov. 1, 1868. The three younger children still reside at home with their father.

Mrs. Miller, an estimable Christian lady, and devoted wife and mother, died May 9, 1887. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church nearly all her life. Her husband and all her children, except the youngest, are members of the same denomination. Mr. Miller was a Whig in early life, and in 1855 helped to organize the Republican party in Henry County, of which he has since been an active supporter. Mr. Miller moved to his farm one-half mile southwest of New London in the spring of 1848. With the exception of three years spent in New London, he made that his home until the spring of 1865, when he moved to his present farm, which is located on section 13, New London Township, where he has 162 acres of well-improved and valuable land. His post-office address is New London. Mr. Miller is a man of broad views and ripe experience, and is liberal and public-spirited, and most highly respected. He has always taken a warm interest in everything relating to the early history of Henry County and its people, and was the unanimous choice for President at the last meeting of the Old Settlers' Association of his township.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 564-65.)

WILLIAM S. MILLSPAUGH, proprietor of the Millspaugh Mill, of Trenton, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, in 1844. He is the son of Harvey and Sarah A. (Kyle) Millspaugh, the father a native of Orange County, N. Y., and the mother of Clermont County, Ohio. The parents of Harvey Millspaugh, James and Cynthia (Corwin) Millspaugh, were of German descent. William came with his parents to this county in 1856. They settled in Mt. Pleasant, making that their home for two years, when they moved to Tippecanoe Township, where they lived some years, then moved to Trenton Township. Harvey Millspaugh and his wife were both members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He was a miller by trade, and was a well-informed man upon all subjects, especially upon political affairs, and always cast his vote with the Republican party. While in Ohio he held the office of Assessor. Mr. and Mrs. Millspaugh were the parents of seven children, four of whom are yet living: John R., who is owner of a sawmill in Gunnison, Col.; Electa resides with our subject, William S.; and Thomas, who is in Colorado with his brother John. Those who have died are: George W., who died Dee. 29, 1885; Harvey died at the age of twenty-one; and Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Thomas McCall, of Montana Territory, died in 1877; three died in infancy. Mr. Millspaugh departed this life May 28, 1861, at the age of fifty-three. His wife still survives him, and finds a happy home with our subject.

William Millspaugh when twelve years old came with his parents to this county, and here he has continued to reside. He learned the miller's trade, and has been engaged in that business nearly ever since. On the 22d of January, 1885, he was united in marriage with Mary Rivey. She is a native of Jefferson County, Iowa, though her parents, Peter and Permelia (Draw) Rivey, were natives of France. One child, a darling little daughter, has come to make glad the fond parents' hearts. To this daughter, who was born Dee. 31, 1886, the name of Ethel has been given.

The Star Mill, owned by Mr. Millspaugh, was erected in 1879, and has a capacity of six bushels of wheat per hour, and ten bushels of corn. It is a water-power mill, and Mr. Millspaugh being well acquainted with his business cannot but make it a success. Mr. Millspaugh was reared in the Baptist Church, and is a member of the same, taking an active interest in and doing his part of all the work. He is one of the enterprising business men of Trenton Township, and has done much toward developing and building up the county, and among the citizens of Henry County none deserve more honor than he.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 291-292) (JC)

COURTLAND W. MILNER, one of the prominent and enterprising farmers, residing on section 25, Tippecanoe Township, Henry County, is a native of Miami County, Ohio, born March 6, 1839. His parents were Jehu T. and Harriet (Millspaugh) Milner, the father a native of Philadelphia, Pa., though of Welsh parentage, and the mother a native of New York. They were among the pioneer settlers of Miami County, Ohio, and there they reared a family of eleven children, who with the exception of two are all now living, namely: Theodore; Courtland, our subject; Samuel L., a merchant of Hastings, Neb.; Leander, who died at Hastings at the age of thirty-five; William is residing on a farm near Blue Hill, Neb.; Thomas, residing in Seattle, Wash. Ter., is a civil engineer and Superintendent of the Western Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad; Owen is residing in Red Cloud, Neb.; Harvey was a merchant of Hastings, Neb., and died in that city in April, 1887; Franklin is residing in Mexico; Alta is now Mrs. Kershner, of Nebraska, and Harriet is the wife of William Fittz, now of Lincoln, Neb.

Courtland Milner, our subject, was reared upon the home farm, receiving his education at the common schools. He left home, which was then in Van Buren County, Iowa, and at the age of twenty-one went to Missouri, engaging as boss on a construction train of the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad, continuing in this work until the breaking out of the Civil War. At the President's call for troops to put down the Rebellion, he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, June 21, 1861, but deserted in November of the same year. Going to Keokuk, he enlisted in the 17th Iowa Infantry, serving until August, 1865. He was in the following battles: Siege of Corinth, Iuka Mills, second battle of Corinth, Oct. 4, 1862; Tallahoochie, siege of Vicksburg; Jackson, Miss.; Champion Hills, Missionary Ridge, and the whole of the Atlanta campaign. At Tilton, Ga., Mr. Milner was captured with the entire regiment by the troops of the rebel General, Hood, while guarding a railroad. He was, however, at the time acting as hospital steward. The next morning after being captured he was recaptured by the Major of his regiment. Only sixty of the regiment were recaptured, however, the rest being sent to Andersonville. Those left acted as provost guard to Logan's headquarters until mustered out of service on the 25th of July, 1865, at Louisville, Ky., he being then Sergeant of Company I. On returning to the pursuits of peace, Mr. Milner came to Henry County, Iowa, working in the mill at Oakland until March 12, 1866. He then went back to Missouri, where he was employed as foreman on construction of the Northern Missouri Railroad until the spring of 1867; then returning to this county, he again engaged in the mill in Oakland, which work he continued until the spring of 1868.

On the 24th of December, 1868, the marriage of Courtland Milner and Mary C. Lazenby was celebrated. She is a native of Henry County, and a daughter of Benjamin J. and Edith A. (Sanderson) Lazenby, the father a native of Virginia, and the mother of Kentucky, and of whom a sketch appears elsewhere. Mr.. and Mrs. Milner have been the parents of six children: Mabel, now engaged as a teacher in Oakland, Iowa, was educated at Howe's Academy in Mt. Pleasant; Elsa Maud and Orson E. reside at home; Sarah I. is attending school, while Ernest and Ruth Josephine are still inmates of the parental home. Mr. Milner is a member of Adam Kimple Post, G. A. R.  Politically, he endorses the principles of the Union Labor party, by whom he was nominated for Sheriff in 1887, and endorsed by the Democrats, running ahead of the general ticket. He has held various township offices and is at present a member of the Board of Trustees and of the School Board, which office he has held for four years. Mr. Milner is one of the well-to-do farmers of Tippecanoe Township, his farm of 103 acres being one of the best cultivated in that part of the county. His hard labor, economy and honesty have gained him all that he has, and one cannot but give him the esteem and confidence due to such a man. As an upright man and good citizen he stands high in the community.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 372 & 375.)

ADAM MILTENBERGER, residing on section 2, New London Township, has a fine farm of 160 acres under a high state of cultivation, and has resided in Henry County since 1852. Mr. Miltenberger was born in Rockingham County, Va., now West Virginia, Sept. 18, 1816. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Blass) Miltenberger, who were also natives of Virginia, and were of German descent. His father was born in Augusta County in 1782, and was a farmer by occupation. His paternal grandfather came to America from Germany, in his youth.  Adam's mother was born in Rockingham County, Va., also of German parents.

Our subject was reared on a farm, and when sixteen years of age removed to Warren County, Ohio, where he was married, Oct. 25, 1843, to Miss Catherine Rees, daughter of David and Mary (Richards) Rees. Her father was born in Center County, Pa., of German descent. Her mother was also born in Pennsylvania and was of English origin. Mrs. Miltenberger was born in Warren County, Pa., Feb. 22, 1826. Nine children were born of their union, six sons and three daughters, three of whom died in infancy: Marietta, born Nov. 22, 1845, is the wife of Robert Baxter, a hotel-keeper of Albia, Iowa, and has three children living, a son and two daughters; Charles R., born April 29, 1847, married Martha Jackson for his first wife, by whom he had three children; with his present wife, who was Miss Olive Hine, he resides in New London, Iowa, and is a traveling salesman. Sarah Belle, born Oct. 14, 1848, wife of John W. Jackson, resides in Osborne County, Kan., and has one child, a daughter; Theodore, born June 20, 1850, married Emma Randall, and resides in Lincoln, Neb., engaged in mercantile business, and has one child, a son; John Franklin, born April 25, 1852, and residing in Phillips County, Kan., is engaged in milling; he is married to Martha Thompson, and has one daughter. Margaret Luella, born Oct. 26, 1862, is the wife of John W. Lee, who is engaged in the butchering business at New London, and has two children, girls. William, born Nov. 17, 1855, died in infancy, and two unnamed infants are also deceased.

Our subject emigrated from Warren County, Ohio, to Des Moines County, Iowa, in April, 1852, and located in Flint River Township. He was engaged in farming there for three years and then came to New London Township, and located on his present farm. He is a Republican in politics, and a Master Mason, a member of New London Lodge No. 28, A. F. & A. M.  Mr. and Mrs. Miltenberger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly respected by all who know them.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 553-54.)

JAMES M. MITTS, prominent among the well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers, resides on section 19, Marion Township, Henry Co., Iowa, and was born in Center Township, this county, April 6, 1837. He is the son of James and Martha (Moffett) Mitts. His father was born July 11, 1807, and his mother March 5, 1809. Her maiden name was Moffett, and she was first married to Calvin Stevenson, by whom she had one child, whose name was also Calvin, who is now a farmer of Marion Township. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Stevenson married Mr. James Mitts, by whom she had thirteen children, eight of whom are now living. The record is: William, born in Sangamon County, Ill., Aug. 5, 1832, now resides on a farm in Macon County Mo.; John, born Feb. 5, 1834, in Sangamon County, Ill., died about the year 1872; Thomas Calvin Stevenson, born April 30, 1833; James M. and Margaret J., born April 6, 1837, in Henry County, Iowa; Margaret married Stephen M. Cook, M. D., and now resides at Belle Plaine; Sarah M., wife of John W. Lee was born Nov. 9, 1839, and resides on a farm in Trenton Township; George H. was born July 18, 1841, and was married to Lyda Ogg, who died in March, 1865; he was again married, to Hettie McCormick, and now resides in Wichita, Kan. Mary E., born March 25, 1843, was the wife of Wesley Allender, a farmer of Marion Township; she is now deceased. Abraham W., born Nov. 8, 1846, died at the age of two years; Franklin, born June 5, 1847, is now a farmer of Barber County, Kan.; Oscar and Osbert, born Oct. 20, 1849; Osbert died in 1875, and Oscar is a farmer in Marion Township, and his wife was Elizabeth Ogg. Martha L., wife of James Logston, was born Dec. 29, 1852, and now resides on a farm in Trenton Township.

James Mitts, Sr., moved from Kentucky to Sangamon County, Ill., about the year 1831, where he remained until 1837, when he removed to Henry County, Iowa, and first settled on the farm now owned by Thomas Carnes, in Center Township. Thus Mr. Mitts was a pioneer settler of both Illinois and Iowa, moving with teams from Kentucky to Illinois, and in the same year from there to Iowa. He made a fine farm of his first settlement, which he sold, and then bought 158 acres in Marion Township, which is now owned by David Harper. Mr. Mitts was of a retiring disposition, but a man who won the hearts of all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred July 13, 1884, and that of his wife Jan. 10, 1865. They were both earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a member for forty-five years, and she for thirty. They were very active in both church and Sunday-school work, and instructing their children in the teachings of the Bible, and were always ready to help along any enterprise of worth.

James M. Mitts, Jr., spent his early life at home on the farm, getting his education in the common schools of early days in Henry County. His home has been in this county for over fifty years, and he has seen the county pass from a state of wildness to the condition when a church and school-house grace each hilltop, and fine farmhouses and, well-filled barns have taken the place of the log cabin and straw shed. At the breaking out of the Rebellion Mr. Mitts did not stop to debate as to what was his duty, but at once offered his services to his country, and enlisted in Company K, 4th Iowa Cavalry, for three years. His first four engagements were at the siege of Vicksburg; he was in both engagements at Jackson, Miss., also at Black River, and was in the campaign in Missouri when they drove Price out of the State; was with Giant and Sherman in their campaign through Louisiana and Mississippi and at Mechanicsburg, also in the chase after the rebel General, Forrest. He was with the regiment in all its engagements, except for four months, during which time he was in the hospital at Keokuk, with a low grade of fever. After serving three years and two months he was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn., and received his discharge at Cairo, Ill.

After returning home he again turned his attention to farming. On the 23d of March, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Musgrove, who was born in Clark County, Ill., June 18, 1837. She is a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Croy) Musgrove. Her father was from Virginia, and her mother from Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Mitts' union has been blessed with seven children: James H. was born July 3, 1866; Mary F., born Sept. 12, 1867; Martha L., born April 18, 1870; Anna A., born Oct. 29, 1871, and died Aug. 14, 1873; one died in infancy; William A., born May 23, 1882, and Nellie May, Oct. 24, 1883.

Mr. Mitts owns a farm of 132 acres, where he has lived since February, 1866. He and his wife are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is also a member of the Trenton Lodge No. 55, I. O. O. F., and of McFarland Post No. 20, G. A. R., of Mt. Pleasant. In politics he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in church and political matters.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 311-312) (JC)

JOHN MONSON is a farmer residing on section 20, Wayne Township, Henry Co., Iowa. Sweden has furnished many of the best families of Wayne Township, some of whom have risen to prominence in the business and social world. Among these we mention the family of John Monson, which is favorably known as one of intelligence and culture, and as such they are entitled to a place in this, the history of Henry County's best families. John Monson and his wife were both born in Southern Sweden, he in 1831, and Mrs. Monson in 1826. In 1857 they were married, and all their children, except the youngest, were born in the land which gave their parents birth. The father of subject was a farmer in Sweden, and his two sons, John and Nels, followed his example. John is the only one of the family who came to America.

Mr. Monson was united in marriage with Bengta Anderson, the youngest daughter of Anders and Nellie (Johnson) Anderson. They were the parents of six children, of whom Jacob Anderson, of Knoxville, Ill., and Mrs. Monson, are the only ones who came to this country. For several years John Monson and his wife resided upon a farm in Sweden, but decided to make for themselves a home in America. With their children, Anna, Jennie, Nellie, and Nels, they left Gottenberg in the autumn of 1867, landing in Quebec October 9 of the same year. They started West, and located first near Knoxville, Ill., where a farm was rented for two years. In the winter of 1869 a second removal was made, this time a permanent location being secured in Henry County, Iowa, and in Wayne Township the family have resided ever since. Caleb A., their youngest son, was born in Illinois, and while speaking of the children, the first births of the union were twins, both of whom died in infancy.

Mr. Monson has grown from a poor man in 1867 to one well-to-do in 1888, and has reared and educated a family of whom any father might be proud. Loving the free institutions of the United States, and desiring to become of her people in its fullest sense, he long since secured naturalization papers, and for fifteen years has been a voter with the Republican party.

The eldest daughter, Anna, became the wife of Anthony Johnson, of Page County, Iowa, in 1884. Her death occurred June 30, 1886, leaving one daughter, Anna E., who has been taken into the family of our subject, and is loved as one of their own children. Her mother graduated at Red Oak, Iowa, and afterward taught school in Page and Montgomery Counties for several years. The father is now living in Omaha. The eldest son is a graduate of the schools in his township, and is completing a theological course at the Augustana College, at Rock Island, Ill.  The daughters, Nellie and Jennie, have received good English educations in this county, and Caleb A., the youngest son, is with his father on the farm. Since becoming residents of Wayne Township Mr. and Mrs. Monson have become members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, at Swedesburg, and for eighteen years Mr. Monson has been a Deacon in the church. For several years he was Superintendent of the Sunday-school, and in the doctrines of the church all their children have been conscientiously reared. The Monson household are noted for hospitality, and as neighbors and one of the best families, the citizens of Wayne Township highly prize them. The father of our subject lived to be ninety-six years old, and his mother reached the advanced age of ninety-three. Both died and were buried in their beloved Sweden. 

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 435-36.)

   Amos B. Montgomery

AMOS B. MONTGOMERY, deceased, was one of the best known and most influential citizens of Trenton Township, Henry County, in whose affairs he took a deep interest, and exercised a wide influence. He was born in Shelby County, Ind., May 25, 1828, and was a son of James and Catherine (Grunadyke) Montgomery, the former a native of Ireland, and latter born in Holland. The father was a successful farmer, and accumulated a competence before his death. The subject of this sketch remained in his native State until twenty years of age, and in 1848 came to Iowa, purchasing a tract of land near the present capital of the State, Des Moines. The year following, like thousands of others, he sought fortune in the new Eldorado, on the shores of the broad Pacific, and was one of the original '49ers of California. There he engaged in mining, and did whatever other work came to his hand. He staid there but two years, in which time he accumulated some money, and returned to the States in 1851, locating first in Indiana, but in 1853 he again came to Iowa, purchasing land near Trenton, in Trenton Township, from Evan Jay, one of the earliest settlers of Henry County. On this place Mr. Montgomery lived until his death, which occurred Aug. 9, 1877.

On March 11, 1855, Mr. Montgomery was married to Rachel, a daughter of Hopkins and Winnie (Jones) Williams, natives of Wales, who were early settlers of Henry County, coming here from Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where Mr. Montgomery was born. The family settled in Jefferson Township, where Mr. Williams became well known, and where he accumulated a fortune, leaving a large estate at his death, which took place in 1862. He was a man of integrity of character, possessing in a marked degree those sterling characteristics which distinguish the race from which he sprung. His wife survived him, dying in 1877, at the age of eighty-one years. This couple had eight children, two of whom, Mary and John, are deceased. Those now living are: Ann, wife of Evan Evans; William, and Elizabeth, wife of Evan Davis, all living in Jefferson Township, Henry County; Rachel, widow of our subject; Jane, wife of Solomon Cavenuee, in New London Township, this county; and Benjamin, a resident of Page County, Iowa.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery was blessed with seven children: Mary, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Jasper Dutton, of Marion Township, Henry County; Donna is the wife of Isaac Johnson, of Scott Township; Kate, James H., Frank B., Lizzie and Guy, live with their mother on the homestead on section 11, in Trenton Township, where they have one of the best farms in the county, comprising 570 acres, on which they carry on general farming and stock-raising. The death of Mr. Montgomery was felt as a great loss not only by his family, but by the general community. He was an enterprising citizen, who was always foremost in all works for the advancement of society. He took an active interest in the Henry County Institute of Science, of which he was one of promoter and original members, a member of its Board of Managers until the beginning of the year 1877, when he was elected its President, filling that position with honor until death, and always discharging with fidelity all duties imposed upon him. On his decease the society published a eulogy on his character, speaking of him in no stinted terms of praise. Mr. Montgomery was a man of fine business capacity, a thorough manager, and of excellent judgment, and the result if apparent in the splendid property bequeathed to his family. He was of a genial and hospitable disposition, and was never better pleased than when surrounded by his friends, to whom those qualities greatly endeared him. His home was always open, and was ever the scene of healthful pleasure, in which the true-hearted host himself bore a prominent part. He believed in getting from this life all the rational enjoyment possible, and his death left a vacancy which will not easily be filled. Young and old alike enjoyed his society, and the name of Amos B. Montgomery will be remembered for many years with tender regret by hosts of friends. In life he was loved by a devoted wife and loving children, who in his death lost a kind husband and indulgent father, but his example and teachings remain to them as a priceless heritage. In politics Mr. Montgomery was a supporter of the Democratic party, and he took a warm interest in public affairs, in which he was unusually well informed, and his voice will be missed in the councils of his party. He was manly, honest, upright and true, and it is but meet this tribute to his worth should appear in this record of the citizens of Henry County, of whom he was one of the foremost. The warm sympathies of the entire community were extended to his family on their bereavement, which was a mitigation of their affliction, but the void left in the family circle can never be filled. But they have the consolation of knowing that in life, he was ever faithful and upright, and his death was but an introduction to the life to come, in which husband and wife, father and children, will reunited never again to part.

On an adjoining page appear the portraits of Mr. Montgomery and his wife, equally entitled to an honorable place among the best citizens of the county. 

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 521-22.)

E. C. MOORE, of Mt. Pleasant, one of the pioneer settlers of Henry County, was born in Sangamon County, Ill., March 29, 1835. His parents, Joseph and Lydia (Cooper) Moore, settled in Sangamon County at a very early day, and in 1835 emigrated to Henry County, settling in what is now Marion Township, being among the earliest settlers in the county. There they took a claim of 450 acres, on which he lived until the spring of 1849, when he went to California, and while there he engaged in mining for eighteen months. He then went to San Francisco where he engaged passage for New York. After boarding the vessel he was never heard of again and was supposed to have been drowned. After it became a certainty that he was lost at sea, his estate was divided. During his early residence in Henry County, Mr. Moore built the first house in the limits of the present city of Mt. Pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were parents of eight children, seven of whom are now living. Rebecca, who was with her father, is supposed to have been drowned at the same time as he was, as neither have been heard of since; Calvin is a resident of Ringgold County, Iowa; Jane, the wife of Benton Cork, who died in 1883, is a resident of Henry County; Amanda, the wife of Daniel Biddlecome, is a resident of Cass County, Ill.; E. C. , the subject of this sketch; John T. and Edward, both living in Dawson County, Neb., and Charles J., a resident of Bates County, Mo.

Mrs. Moore continued to live in Henry County until her death, which occurred on the 14th of August, 1882. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Moore, our subject, has always lived in Henry County, where he attended school in the log school-house common to the early times. He has lived to see the country develop from a state of wildness to a fine state of cultivation, and take a front rank among the counties of the State of Iowa. Mr. Moore was a farmer in this county until 1866, when he removed to Mt. Pleasant, and the following year he began working at the trade of a carpenter, which he followed until three years ago, since which time he has lived retired. As a man and citizen, Mr. Moore stands high in the estimation of his neighbors. 

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p. 453-54)

Daniel Morley 

DANIEL MORLEY, residing on section 20, Scott Township, Henry Co., Iowa, is one of the pioneer settlers of the county. Where now stand cities and villages, and where are fine farms upon which are elegant residences, then as far as eye could see stretched a vast prairie. In 1839 there was an abundance of wild game, and even deer were plentiful, but now the progress of civilization has changed all this, and Henry County ranks among the first of the State. At the time when Daniel Morley took up his residence in this county he was but fourteen years old. His birthplace was Washington County, Pa., the date of his birth being May 12, 1825. His father, John Morley, was of English descent though born in Maryland, and his mother, Grace (Smith) Morley, was born in Pennsylvania of Dutch and English ancestry. The whole life of John Morley was spent as a tiller of the soil. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and received his Master's summons to the heavenly home Sept. 20, 1885, when eighty-six years of age. The mother was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in October, 1877. They reared a family of six children: Joseph, born in December, 1820, died in Wayne County, Iowa, in January, 1887; Sarah, wife of George W. Brummit, a shoemaker of Rooks County, Kan.; next our subject; then Rhoda B., widow of John E. Linn, of New London, Iowa; Eliza D., wife of L.R. Chandler, of Center Township, and Mary F., who married Samuel Clough, of Union, Iowa. Daniel Morley, with his parents, went to Wayne County, Ohio, where they lived until the fall of 1839. They started for Henry County in that year, stopping through the winter near Ft. Wayne, Ind., and the next spring completed the journey in a wagon. They settled three miles southeast of Mt. Pleasant, where John Morley bought a farm, upon which he resided until he made his home with his son Daniel. Until twenty-eight years of age Daniel Morley made his home with his parents, working at various occupations. He engaged in breaking prairie for eleven years with an ox-team, using from five to eight oxen. The first piece of land he owned was 160 acres in extent, situated on section 23 of Scott Township. This he improved, residing there from 1852 until 1858, when he sold and purchased eighty acres on section 20. This was but raw land upon which was a rude cabin, but he made many improvements, and added to the original purchase until he has a fine farm of 170 acres. On the land an elegant country residence has been erected at a cost of $1,600, and also a tenant house worth $500. In June, 1853, the marriage of Daniel Morley and Sarah I. Myers, a native of Virginia, was celebrated. She is a daughter of John and Sarah (Rogers) Myers, the father born in Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent, and the mother, a native of Greenbrier County, Va., born of Irish parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Morley have been the parents of three children: Eliza A., wife of William McGlade, and by their union five children were born; Sarah, wife of Alonzo Eddingfield, a farmer of this township, became the mother of two children; and John M., who has charge of the home farm, married Alice Snelson, and one child was born to them. An adopted daughter, Phoebe F. Morgan, their niece, still resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Morley are members of the Presbyterian Church at Winfield, as is their eldest daughter. He has held the office of Constable of the township for two years, and in politics holds liberal views. Mr. Morley is one of those men who have made their own way in the world since boyhood. His father was a poor man, and no financial assistance was received from him. What education he obtained he paid for himself. By hard work, good management and habits of industry, he has reared and educated his family, cared for his aged parents, and accumulated a competency for himself. He is a man well known and universally respected by the people of Scott Township and Henry County, and well deserves this mention in his county's history.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp. 523-524)

B. F. MORRIS is a merchant and dealer in stock in the new town of Coppack, where he and his wife do the principal business in the mercantile, stock, grain and millinery trade. Mr. Morris is a native of Indiana, born near Knightstown, Henry County, in 1840. His father, Benjamin F. Morris, died in that State, and with the widowed mother our subject came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1857. She was a Miss Catherine Williams, and was the mother of ten children: Lucinda, now wife of William Huddleson; Hannah, deceased wife of Joseph Wiggins; Levi, husband of Mrs. Sarah (Tracy) Flannigan; William, wedded to Miss Hollingsworth; Lavina, wife of David Hollopeter; Cyrus, who wedded Rachel Echroid; Martin, the husband of Minnie Williams; Benjamin F., our subject; Kate, who died unmarried; and Louisa, the wife of Thaddeus Cooper, completed the number, all of whom, except Lucinda, Louisa and Hannah, came to Iowa. The family removed from Jefferson County, and located near Brighton, Washington County, the mother finally selling her place and living with her children. She died in Keokuk County, where Keota now stands.

Our subject, Benjamin F. Morris, was engaged in farming in Washington County until 1867, when he bought a farm near Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa, which he sold two years later, removing to West Grove, Davis Co., Iowa, and embarking in mercantile pursuits. A few years later he sold out and rented the farm of his wife's father in Jefferson County. Two years later he bought the latter's business at Brighton, which he carried on there for a year, then removing to Wayland, in this county, in which village he and his wife remained in business for nearly ten years, then selling out and going back to his own farm in Jefferson Township. Farming did not satisfy his energetic temperament, and in 1886 he built his present store in the new village of Coppack, adjoining the depot of the Iowa Central Railroad, where he is doing a flourishing trade. In October, 1866, he was married to Eliza A. Wood, a daughter of Charles and Catharine (Frederick) Wood, of Jefferson County, both natives of Ohio, coming from that to this State in 1840, making them among the early settlers of Jefferson County. There Mrs. Morris was born, reared, educated and married. Mr. Morris now owns 450 acres of land in a body, adjoining the village of Coppack. Mrs. Morris was the first lady who did a millinery business at Wayland, and also in the future history of Coppack can claim the same distinction. She is a practical business lady, and during her girlhood was a teacher for three years in Washington, Jefferson and Henry Counties. For twenty years she has aided her husband as clerk and counselor, and while he purchases and ships grain and stock, she manages the store and office of the Iowa Central Railroad, of which he is Station Agent. They carry a stock of general merchandise of over $4,000, and do an annual trade of perhaps $9,000. No heirs have come to grace their home, but they are rearing a nephew, Charles Frederick, a son of Martin Morris. In connection with his other business, Mr. Morris manages his extensive farm, and this is indicative of his enterprise, and also adds to his bank account. We are pleased to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Morris to a place in this volume.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 303-304) (JC)

ASBURY C. MORRISON, a farmer residing on section 35, Jefferson Township, was born in that township Feb. 13, 1845, and is a grandson of Joseph and Sarah (Tedron) Morrison. Both were natives of Pennsylvania, married and reared a family in that State. All the children the youngest were born in Pennsylvania, and the eldest was married in that State: Mary, deceased, married Joseph Cremer; Jane married James Green; Samuel married Mahala Braxelton; Jacob, father of our subject, married Margaret McCormick; Rebecca married James McFeron; Julia A. married John A. Leeper; Sarah married Joel Turney, and Ann married David Wilson. All the children, except Mary, who wedded in Pennsylvania and later went to Ohio, came with the parents to Iowa, excepting Ann, who was born here.

Joseph Morrison left Pennsylvania in April 1838, and arrived in December of the same year. They were forced to stop in Ohio for some months, the journey having been undertaken by boat, but at Quincy they had to unload and come across the country to Hillsboro, where they remained a few weeks or until Mr. Morrison found a suitable claim. He secured a claim of 160 acres, and purchased other claims, amounting to about 2,000 acres, but sold a part of it to Hiram Howard, and at the first land sale held State, which was at Burlington in 1840, purchased 1,760 acres. James C. Green purchased for the claimants the township of Trenton, and Samuel Morrison, now in California, was the first Township Recorder. The first house built on the tract, erected by Joseph Morrison, stood where David Wilson built. That was a hewed-log cabin with a clapboard roof, held on with weight poles, and part of the logs are yet in use as a barn. Joseph Morrison was for fifteen years Justice of the Peace in Pennsylvania, but refused every offer of official position after becoming a resident of Iowa. There were many broad acres put under cultivation during his lifetime, perhaps 200, and as the children were married they were given farms, a part of the original tract. His wife survived until 1856. She was an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At Trenton she became one of those who organized the church. Mr. Morrison was a member of the Christian Church after he came to Iowa, but in Pennsylvania he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death occurred in 1869, he having lived to see the principles he advocated before and during the war completely established. He was a Whig from boyhood, and was one of those who aided in the formation of the Republican party in this county.

Our subject was married, Nov. 12, 1863, to Miss Margaret I. Probasco, whose parents, William H. and Cynthia A. (Marble) Probasco, came from Clinton County, Ohio, to Henry County, Iowa, about 1854, settling in Trenton. Mr. Probasco purchased a farm later, but his first business experience in this county was as a merchant in Trenton. He was an enterprising man, and aside from the mercantile and real-estate business, purchased and shipped stock for a number of years prior to the war. Both himself and wife are now dead, and the children are widely scattered. Mrs. Morrison is the only one in this county, and two others in the State, Mary E., wife of John Daugherty, of Fairfield, and Kit c., wife of Will G. Garman, of Council Bluffs. Anne E. is a resident of Pierre, Dak.,  wife of John McManima; Daniel B., a resident of Kansas City, and Frank, the husband of Jessie Rheinheimer, also a resident of Kansas City. All these children were well known in this county, and we pleased to mention them severally.

The first school our subject attended was taught by Augustus McCormick in a log school-house which yet stands in Trenton. There he secured the rudiments of a classical education, which was completed later in Trenton, and from the beginning of his business life the greatest good has followed. Upon the homestead of his father, now the patrimony of our subject, he was born, reared, and after marriage the domestic life of the young couple was begun. Here their two children were born, Gilbert and Minnie, and under the grand old trees and over the grassy sward, where our subject frolicked in glee when a lad, there baby feet also trod. It is a dear old spot to Asbury Morrison, who during his lifetime has known no other home, and his thrift has made the farm better and more attractive to-day than ever before. Only a few of Henry County's sons are to-day residents, who were married and first began business for themselves. Most of them have gone to other States, but those who remain are entitled to consideration and a place in the history of her old settlers and among her enterprising men. 

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p.431-32.)

WILLIAM MULLEN, a farmer residing on section 24, Scott Township, Henry Co., Iowa, was born in Ohio, perhaps in Adams county, in 1832, and is a son of John and Elizabeth J. (Harbaug) Mullen. John Mullen was born in Pennsylvania of Irish parentage, and after attaining manhood went to Hamilton County, Ind., where he worked at his trade of mason. After a residence of some time in that county he formed the acquaintance of Miss Harbaug, a daughter of Philip Harbaug, a farmer of that county, and about 1830 their nuptials were celebrated. John was of a roving disposition, and being master of a good trade remained only a few months in any locality until after the birth of his son, our subject, and the death of his young wife a few months later. At that time he resided in Shawneetown, Ill., and one year later removed to Hamilton County, Ind., purchasing a tract of woodland, which he settled permanently upon, and after making it a farm in its fullest sense, resided upon it the remainder of his life, reaching the ripe age of seventy-three years. He married for his second wife Rachel Harbaug, a sister of his first wife, and ten children were born - Philip, Elizabeth, John, Mary A., Cordilla, Thomas, Bernard, Martin, Sarah (deceased), and Maggie. All have grown to man and womanhood since our subject left the home of his boyhood, and have since married. The second wife and some of her children yet remain in Hamilton County on the old homestead, which was hallowed by their births, their marriages, and the prosperity and happiness which followed in the wake of a well-spent life. At the age of twenty our subject left his home in Indiana, came direct to this State, and made his way later to Wayne County, where he pre-empted a half section of land, then returned to Des Moines County and began work by the month. Mr. Mullen was united in marriage, Feb. 15, 1855, with Catherine Brennan, a daughter of Thomas and Bridget (Donahue) Brennan. That couple were natives of Westmeath County, Ireland, emigrating to America in 1845, settling in Des Moines County upon lands which Thomas had purchased. Eight children were born in Ireland, all of whom came to this county with them: Ester, wife of James Mullen; Mary, wife of Bernard Mullen; Adelia, wife of Joseph Warren; Margaret, who wedded Emanuel Daugherty; Catherine, wife of our subject; James wedded May Murphy; Thomas, husband of Annie Lyon; Michael, also married, and Patrick, who died in childhood. The parents lived a long and useful life upon their Des Moines County farm, and died respected alike by the good people who knew them. Both were ardent Catholics and were aids in organizing the first Catholic Church in their neighborhood, the Dodgeville Church. After the wedding was celebrated by Father Reffee, and his blessing pronounced upon the young couple, Mr. Mullen and his wife began their domestic life upon a farm in Louisa County. Later he sold his Wayne County land, purchasing a farm in Des Moines County near the village of Yarmouth. Upon this they lived a number of years and then came to Henry County, Mr. Mullen having purchased a fine farm upon which he now resides. Here he has grown popular and wealthy and now lives at his ease. Eight children have gladdened their home, all living except one who died in infancy: Francis, Charles, John, Maggie; Mollie, now the wife of Fluke Conden, a prominent young farmer of Henry County; Justin and William deceased. All the children except John are yet under the parental roof, where peace, plenty and happiness reign. Both the parents are members of the Catholic Church at Mt. Pleasant, and the children were reared in that faith. Two hundred broad acres pay tribute to the good management of Mr. Mullen, who is rightly considered one of the enterprising farmers of Southeastern Iowa, and his family enjoy a worthy and enviable place in the society in which they move. We welcome the history of the Mullen family to these pages and point to William Mullen as an example of a self-made man.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 368-369) (CL)

GEORGE MEYERS, one of the early settlers of Henry County, Iowa, was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., April 22, 1821, and is the son of John Lewis and Sarah (Rogers) Myers. There George was reared upon a farm and was educated in a pioneer school-house of that date. He was married, July 21, 1842, to Miss Jane Lynch, a native of Monroe County, W. Va., born March 1, 1818. She was a daughter of William and Rachel (Dolan) Lynch. Her father enlisted in the War of 1812, but before he reached the scene of action peace was declared. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch were the parents of ten children, five of whom are living: John D., a resident of Roane County, W. Va.; James B.., residing in Leadville, Col.;  Jane, of Henry County, Iowa; Sally, wife of Allen Dolan, deceased, resides in Greenbrier County, W. Va., and William, residing in Sissonville, Kanawha Co., W. Va.  Those deceased are Araminta, Martha Ann, Mary S., Rachel and Hannah.

Mr. and Mrs. George Myers came to Iowa in 1852, and settled in Scott Township, which was then one vast prairie. At that time wolves might be heard howling at night, and deer and other wild game abounded. Mr. Myers was an unerring shot with a rifle, and many a deer or chicken shot him furnished for the meal. Mr. Myers settled on the land now used as a fair ground. He came to this county in limited circumstances, but by hard work and economy he accumulated a comfortable property. He was a kind husband and father, and was greatly respected by a large circle of admiring friends, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in which he was an active worker. He was Master of the lodge and represented the same at the Grand Lodge. Mr. Myers lived an honest, upright life, was a great reader of the Bible, and could repeat a large portion of it. He died Feb. 22, 1887, and was buried under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Myers is still living at the advanced age of sixty-nine, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is only waiting the call of her Master to meet her husband in the better world. Mr. and Mrs. Myers were the parents of seven children, six of whom are living: James L., of Washington County, Iowa, was a soldier in the late Rebellion, married Tina Bowers, of Henry County; Rilla J., wife of Alexander Ruth, of Henry County; Martha S., widow of Pimbrooks Plants, resides in Windfield; William M., also a resident of Winfield, married Mary Cramer, of New York; Mary H., who died in September, 1887, in Kansas, was the wife of William Boyd, and George E., of this county. Marilda C. died Oct. 25, 1856, aged one year, one month and one day.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p.453.)

GEORGE E. MYERS, a resident of Winfield was born in Henry County, Oct. 25, 1854. In the native county he grew to manhood, and was married near Ronceverte, Greenbrier Co., W. Va., to Miss Blanche Ingles, a native of West Virginia, born in Greenbrier County. Four children have graced the union of this worthy couple - Claude W., Edith, Nora and Maud. Mr. Myers now has charge of the home farm situated near the city of Winfield. He is one of the enterprising farmers of Scott Township, and does honor to the noble parents who, by their example, taught him the right way of life. In politics he is a Democrat.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p.453.)

JOHN MYERS, one of the earliest settlers of Henry County, Iowa, was born in Greenbrier County, now West Virginia, in 1799.l There he grew to manhood, and received his education in the subscription schools. He was of German descent, and served as a soldier during the War of 1812, and also in the Whiskey War in Maryland. He married Sarah Rogers, also a native of Greenbrier County, W. Va.  They were the parents of eleven children, seven daughters and four sons, four of whom are living: Mary J., wife of John S. Malcom, of Nicholas County, W. Va.; Susan, wife of James B. Lynch, a resident of Leadville, Col.; John L., of Winfield, and Isabell, the wife of David Morely of this county. In March, 1852, Mr. Myers came to Henry County, Iowa, and took up his residence upon the lands now used for a fair ground. He cast his vote with the Whig party, and was a great admirer of Henry Clay and Gen. Harrison. He and his wife were both members of the United Presbyterian Church. They both died in this county, sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends, by whom they were greatly loved and respected.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p.411-12.)

JOHN L. MYERS, a blacksmith of Winfield, was born in Greenbrier County, W. Va., April 8, 1830. He was educated in the primitive log school-house with its puncheon floor, slab seats and greased paper windows. He had to go four miles to school and then could only attend during the winter. In October, 1850, Mr. Myers emigrated to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and following autumn located in Scott Township, where he entered a claim, and in company with his brother, built a house. Into this his father moved in 1852. Mr. Myers and his brother opened the first blacksmith-shop in Scott Township, they having previously learned the trade in West Virginia.

In October, 1864, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Harriet Tedron, a daughter of the Buckeye State, born in Athens County in 1844. By their union ten children were born, seven of whom are living:  Jenetta, born June 29, 1865; John, born Sept. 17, 1866; Emma, born Oct. 17, 1867, is the wife of Ed Supplee, of Winfield; Sarah C., born Dec. 4, 1868; George B., born March 7, 1872; Lizzie B., born April 8, 1875; Frank, born April 5, 1877; Ida and Ada, twins, born Feb. 27, 1883; Those deceased are: George, died June 5, 1875, and Lizzie Bell died Feb. 21, 1885, and May who died aged eleven months. In politics Mr. Myers is a Democrat. He is active for his party and takes great interest in local elections. Mr. Myers is one of the earliest settlers of Henry County, it being a wiid [sic] and unsettled prairie when he took up his residence here, and there was not a house between Winfield and Big Creek. Scott Township was one vast prairie, and there were but few settlers along the interior. In 1850, Scott and Wayne Townships were all one, called by the latter name, and at the first election which he attended in Henry County at the time when Winfield Scott ran for President, there were but twenty-five votes polled in the two townships, and members of the Myers family cast four of those. Mr. Myers receives the respect due him as an old pioneer settler, and Henry County owes much of its advancement to Mr. Myers. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Master Mason, and belongs to Good Faith Lodge No. 235.

(Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, p.415-16.)