Biographical History of Page County, Iowa, Lewis & Dunbar Publishers, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois, 1890

[transcribed by Pat O'Dell: genpat@netins.net ]

 
 
[page 790]

JOHN MILLER has been identified with the agricultural interests of Page County since 1874.   Five years previous to that time, he purchased a tract of raw prairie, which he has since converted into one of the most desirable farms in Washington Township.   He was born across the sea on the lovely "Emerald Isle," in county Tyrone, February 17, 1816, and is a son of James and Elizabeth Miller.   He served an apprenticeship at the weaver's trade, and when he was past twenty years of age he determined to emigrate to the New World and seek the fortune he believed might be in store for him.   He remained for a time in the State of New York engaged in farming; he also worked in a tannery, and later on he went to Philadelphia and worked at his trade. He was married in that city November 3, 1845, to Miss Mary Stuart, a native of county Down, Ireland, and a daughter of William and Isabelle (Hammell) Stuart, of Scotch-Irish descent.   In 1848 Mr. Miller removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, where he resided sixteen years.   In October, 1864, he went as far east as Henry County, Illinois, where for eleven years he was in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company.   In 1874 he determined to abandon railroad life and settle down to the quiet life of a farmer.  Accordingly he came to the land he owned in Page County, as before stated.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of eight children: Mary is the wife of E. A. Strong, of Washington Township; Sarah is the wife of DeWitt Wilson, of Aurora, Illinois; Isabelle married Dan Gaff, of the Omaha Herald office; William is a carpenter and contractor of Sioux City, Iowa; Washington is a resident ot Shenandoah; Elizabeth is deceased; she passed away at the age of fifteen years; James died at the age of twelve years, and John died at the age of six years.
Politically Mr. Miller affiliates with the Republican party.   He is yet hale and hearty, [page 791] although he is past three-score years and ten, and in the enjoyment of the respect of all who know him.

      

PETER STANDAGE, whom we will next consider in this biographic record of the leading men of Page County, furnishes a striking example of what a man can accomplish without capital save will and determination to succeed. He was born near Lake Champlain, at Plattsburg, Clinton County, New York, October 8, 1841, and is a son of William Standage, a native of Fenns, Lincolnshire, England. His mother was Polly Lezott, who was born in the State of New York, of French ancestry. The family consisted of six children, of whom Peter was the oldest. When he was seventeen years old the father removed to Illinois and settled near Woodstock, in McHenry County; there he grew to manhood and was trained to the details of agriculture. He was united in marriage January 3, 1861, to Miss Julia Holdeman, a daughter of John and Catherine (Leighty) Holdeman, who were of Dutch origin. Mrs. Standage was born in Virginia but reared in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Her parents removed to Illinois in 1859. Mr. Standage removed in 1868 to Mitchell County, Iowa, and located near Osage; from that place he came to Page County in 1870, and bought 120 acres of land. The country was new and wild and he was obliged to undergo many of the privations of pioneer life; the first few months he lived in a dug-out and for a time had a bitter struggle. But times have changed; he is now the happy owner of 280 acres of as fine land as lies within the borders of Shelby County, and it is well improved with many modern conveniences for systematic farming.   It is well stocked with cattle, horses, and hogs, and is in every way a model farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Standage have had three children: Catherine, wife of Wallis Pike; Elizabeth, wife of D. Knight, and Peter J., who resides on the home farm; he married Ella Knittle. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Northboro. Mr. Standage is a stanch Republican, and a highly esteemed citizen.


JOHN B. NOBLE, a prominent farmer of Page County, is descended from the early settlers of this country. His grandfather came from Ireland and settled in Washington County, Pennsylvania, about the beginning of this century. He was the father of ten children: Richard, John, William, David, James, Robert, Thomas, Mary, Ann and Kittie. He died before his children had attained maturity; he was a Protestant in his religious belief. His son James, the father of our subject, was born in 1812, and was reared to the life of a farmer; he also served an apprenticeship at the stone mason's trade. He married Catherine Yerty in Pennsylvania, by whom he had two children; William and Ann. His first wife died, and November 20, 1833, he married Nancy Daugherty; she was the mother of two children who grew to maturity: Eliza W. and John B., the subject of this biographical notice. About the year 1830 Mr. Noble removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, and settled on a farm, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was in very comfortable circumstances.
John B., son of James and Nancy (Daugherty) Noble, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, August 24, 1837. He received a common-school education and was trained to the occupation of a farmer; he also learned the [page 792] carpenter's trade but he did not follow it as a business. He was under the parental roof until he was twenty-four years of age, assisting his father in making a home and supporting the family. In 1863, when he was twenty-six years of age, he removed to Henry County, Iowa, and went to work on a farm. September 4,1864, he was united in marriage to Rachel Elizabeth Allsup, daughter of John and Mary Elizabeth (Burge) Allsup. Four children were born of this union: Ida N., Frankie, deceased in infancy; William, deceased at the age of two and a half years, and Albert. After Mr. Noble was married he lived on a farm in Henry County, Illinois, seven years, and in the fall of 1871 he came to Page County; in 1875 he removed to his present farm of 311 acres, which is highly cultivated and well improved. He has always been an industrious, frugal man, and assisted by his faithful wife he has accumulated a handsome competency. Mr. and Mrs. Noble are members of the Christian Church and he is an elder of the congregation. He has given liberally to the support of the church and in the erection of the edifice. He takes an interest in every cause which has for its object the upbuilding of the community. He has served his township as school director and has aided in the elevation of the educational standard. He has the undivided respect of his fellow-citizens, and as one of the pioneers of Iowa is deserving of a space in this record of her early settlers. Mr. Noble's son Albert is attending college at Mt. Pleasant, and it is the desire of his parents to give him a liberal education. Ida N. is the wife of John S. Woodburn, and they have one child, a daughter, Mabel.
It is a well established fact that the early settlers of Iowa, and especially of Page County, have given a high tone to the morals of her citizens.   They were and are among the most intelligent and honorable pioneers of the West; and the State of Iowa owes them to­day a debt of gratitude for the prominent and superior place accorded her in the Union. It gives us real pleasure to record the history of such men and families.
J. C. Allsup was born in Jackson County, Indiana, February 3, 1823, and is a son of John and Nancy (Shoemaker) Allsup, natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively. In 1816 the parents emigrated to Indiana and settled in Jackson County, where the father felled the trees, and in the midst of the forest developed a fine farm and established a comfortable home. There were eight children in the family who grew to maturity, but only two of them are now living, Richard H. of Jackson County, Indiana, and J. C. John Allsup was reared in the Dunkard Church, and his wife was a member of the Christian Church. She was a true mother, a sincere Christian, and a noble woman whose memory is revered by her surviving sons. J. C. Allsup is a pioneer of two States, Indiana and Iowa. His early days were spent in the " Hoosier " State under the shade of the forest trees and by the clear, running streams, and his education was more a study of nature than of books, but such advantages as primitive schools afforded he enjoyed, At the age of fifteen years he went to learn the carpenter's trade, receiving his board and a suit of clothes as compensation for two years' service. In the fail of 1841, when he was eighteen years old, he came to Henry County, Iowa, and remained one winter on Skunk River.
Mr. Allsup in 1845 led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth M. Burge, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, in April, 1825. But one child was born to them, Rachel Elizabeth, the wife of John B. Noble. The mother was called to her final home when her daughter was a babe, of a few weeks old. [page 793] In 1847 Mr. Allsup married Mrs. Elizabeth Sharp, widow of David Sharp and daughter of Edward and Hannah Forbes. Mr. and Mrs. Allsup were the parents of six children, five of whom are living: Ellen, the widow of Francis M. Pickett; Jennie, the wife of Charles Richardson; Levi L., Harrison, and Jessie, the wife of Hiram Allen. In 1865 Mr. Allsup came to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he has since resided. When he first came to Iowa the settlers were few and located at great distances from each other; he will long be held in grateful remembrance for his efforts in behalf of Henry County, Iowa. Politically he is identified with the Republican party, although he voted the Greenback ticket whose party was made up of men of more than " one idea," and who regarded principle above partisanship; though evoking the ridicule and often the hatred of opposite parties, such men have ever been in the van of progress, and have swelled the ranks of every reform since the birth of the Republic.

Jacob Burge, deceased, was an honored pioneer of Henry County, Iowa. He settled there in 1835, when the present State of Iowa was included in the Territory of Michigan. He was born in Pennsylvania, February 13, 1804, and was the son of John and Margaret Burge. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania but removed to Licking County, Ohio, in 1812. Jacob was raised on his father's farm, and when twenty years of age, July 29, 1824, he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Neil, daughter of James and Catherine Neil, and who was born in Perry County, Ohio, April 13, 1808. In 1833 Mr. Burge emigrated to Sangamon County, Illinois, where he lived two years engaged in farming; but in 1835 he came to Henry County, and when the land was opened to settler he entered  an entire section, 640 acres, which he improved and retained, with the exception of eighty-seven acres, until his death, which occurred August 24, 1870.
Mr. and Mrs. Burge had eight children, five daughters and three sons, but four of whom are now living: Elizabeth M., born May 15, 1825, was the wife of John Allsup, and died February 9, 1846; she left one child, a daughter; John W. was born February 19, 1827, and died at the age of seven years; Louisa J. was born March 30, 1829, and became the wife of Samuel Lee; she died January 20, 1859, leaving one child, a son; Jeremiah J. was born April 11, 1831, and married Mary Lawrence; he resides in Butler County, Nebraska; Nancy C, born March 28, 1836, is the wife of John Pickett, and lives in New London Township; Rachel J., born June 14, 1838, is the widow of Whitfield Kirkpatrick, and lives in Jefferson County, Iowa; Jacob Morrison, born September 21, 1847, wedded Essie Cone, and died December 24, 1870, leaving one child, a son; Susan Emeline, born March 26, 1852, is the wife of Wells Blackman, and lives on the old homestead.
Mr. Burge was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is an avowed Democrat, and a stanch Union man. He was upright and honorable in all his life, and industrious and temperate in his habits, and highly esteemed as a neighbor and citizen. He came to this region in advance of civilization, when his neighbors were few and far distant, and his family were subjected to all the discomforts and privations of pioneer life. But by keen foresight Mr. Burge selected a homestead in one of the most eligible sections of this fertile region, and left to his heirs a large and valuable property. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Burge are to be found in the " Bio-[page 794] graphical Album " of Henry County, Iowa, from which this sketch was taken. They were among the first pioneers of the State of Iowa, and enjoyed the confidence of all who knew them, many of whom their hospitable roof had sheltered in early days.

 

EDWARD MONZINGO is a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Page County, and is numbered among the pioneers of Colfax Township, having settled there in April, 1857. He was born in Clark County, Indiana, July 22, 1825, and is a son of Thomas Monzingo, a native of Virginia and a wheelwright by trade. The mother's maiden name was Mary Gray and she was born in South Carolina. The parents of Edward Monzingo came to Clark County, Indiana, in their youth, and were married there about 1820. They reared a family of eight children. Edward was brought up on a farm, assisting his father in the various branches of agriculture and attending the common schools. In September, 1847, he was married to Miss Jenette Johnson. She was a native of South Carolina, and in her childhood she was brought to Ohio, where she grew to womanhood; she was the daughter of James and Sarah Johnson.
Mr. Monzingo remained in Clark County, Indiana, until 1857, when he emigrated to Page County, Iowa, and took up Government land far from civilization; markets, churches, and schools were at great distance, but he is now in the heart of one of the most highly cultivated portions of Iowa, with four towns and three railroads in sight of his own home; he has a neat, frame dwelling, a good, bearing orchard, and excellent improvements throughout. By his first marriage five children were born, three of whom still survive: May Adaline, wife of Solomon McCulley; John Thomas, and Sarah D., wife of Sylvester Rodgers; Maggie, wife of James MeKee, died September 10, 1878, leaving an infant son.
Mrs. Jenette Johnson Monzingo died January 24,1859. She was a faithful Christian and was an active member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. December 11, 1860, Mr. Monzingo married Elizabeth Drace, of Lincoln Township, a daughter of Henry and Mary E. (Fedler) Drace, natives of Germany. By this union ten children have been born: Rhoda Ann, Lincoln Henry, Emma Catherine, Alice Cora, James Frank, Fred Ellsworth, Edward, Olive May, and Almeda and Ellen, deceased in infancy.
Politically our subject is a Republican as far as general principles are concerned, but of late he has voted the Prohibition ticket. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. The children have all received a good education; two daughters, Rhoda A. and Emma C, are teachers.
Mr. Monzingo is the only one of eleven original members of the United Presbyterian Church in Page County which was organized at an early day. He is a man frank and candid of manner, and has lived a life of such strict integrity that he has won a large circle of friends.

 

JOHN IKER is among the earliest pioneers of Colfax Township, settling there in 1854. He was born in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, September 1, 1825, and is a son of Philip Iker, a native of North Carolina and a soldier in the war of 1812. The mother's maiden name was Betsey Crader, and she was also a native of North Carolina; when she was a child her parents removed to Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, and [page 795] after a residence there of twelve years they went to Wright County, Missouri. Philip Iker and wife reared a large family of children, six sons and six daughters. Being a man of limited means he was unable to give his children the educational advantages he wished to bestow upon them. John was the tenth child, and he was obliged to assist in making the living by working on the farm.
Mr. Iker was united in marriage September 11, 1845, to Miss Rilla Eustace, a native of Missouri, born December 28, 1828. Her parents were Joseph and Katie (Miller) Eustace, natives of Tennessee. They reared a family of ten children, and lived until death on the farm on which Mrs. Iker was born. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and were numbered among the leading families of their county. Mr. and Mrs. Iker lived three years in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri; then removed to Wright County, thence to Buchanan County both in the same State, and in 1854 they came to Page County, Iowa, and located in Colfax Township when all was new and wild; game was plenty and settlers were few and far between. Mr. Iker bought land, which he improved, and at one time he owned 600 acres; he has sold and divided among his children until his home farm now contains but 170 acres. The Iker family consists of five children, seven being deceased: those living are Cordelia, wife of Oscar McCord; Matilda, wife of D. Murdock; Eliza, wife of George Whittaker; John, Ollie, wife of James Robinson; Francis Marion died in the service of his country; James C. died at the age of nineteen years while in the Union army; George W. died in Colfax Township; four children died in childhood,—Betsey at the age of four years, Mary Ann aged four years, Angeline aged three years, and Wilsie aged seven years.
Politically Mr. Iker is a Republican. In his religious belief he takes the laws of honesty and moralty for a guide. He and his estimable wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at an early day, and still lean towards the faith, although they are not able to attend worship at the present time. They have given their children a liberal education, and have started them out in life well provided with financial means; they have made most of their opportunities, and have done much towards advancing the interests of Colfax Township. No man stands higher in point of honor than Mr. Iker, who has always been a hard-working, industrious, and good citizen of Page County;


A. J. MAWHINNEY, whose farm is situate on section 27, Washington Township, claims our attention in this connection, having been a resident of Page County since 1858. He is a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, born October 22, 1829. His father, Adam Mawhinney, was born in Ireland and came to America when a young man; he married Margaret Sloss in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; she was also a native of the " Emerald Isle." The father was a weaver by trade and followed the occupation many years. When A. J. was a lad twelve years of age the family removed to Guernsey County, Ohio; there he remained until he was seventeen years of age. At the age of sixteen he had begun to serve an apprenticeship as a carpenter. In 1856 he removed to Washington County, Iowa, where he spent two years working at this trade, and in 1858 he located on his present farm. He is one of the old pioneers who has seen the vast prairie wilderness developed into a garden spot of beauty and wealth. [page 796]

His farm contains 104 acres of choice, well cultivated land on the Middle Tarkio River, which renders it especially valuable as a stock farm.
Mr. Mawhinney was married October 17, 1851, to Miss Mary Hull, a native of the "Buckeye" State. She is a daughter of James and Betsey (Wilkin) Hull, natives of Ohio. Seven children have been born of this union: James Albert, A. S., Frank, Clemmie Jane, wife of E. J. Bruce; David W., Margaret Belle, wife of S. N. J. Black, and W. S. The family were greatly bereaved in the death of Mrs. Mawhinney, which occurred September 6, 1870. She was a worthy member of the United Presbyterian Church and was a devoted Christian.
Politically Mr. Mawhinney is a Republican, strong and radical. He has represented the people of his township in various local offices, filling the same with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. He is a strong minded man, loyal and true, who believes in the "Golden Rule " as the guide of life.

PHILIP HENN.—This substantial and reliable agriculturist, like many another farmer of the West, is an American by adoption, his native country being the Rhine Province Of Germany, where he was born February 13, 1844. His parents were Philip and ------ Henn, natives of the same country. When he was a lad thirteen years old his parents sailed from France to the United States, landing at Castle Garden, New York. The father had a brother residing at Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin, and he settled on a small tract of land one and a half miles from Monroe; there he died in 1887, aged sixty-seven years;  the  mother still  resides in Monroe. They reared a family of seven children of whom Philip was the eldest. He was trained to the occupation of a farmer and received his earlier education in the "Fatherland," and after coming to this country attended the common schools of Monroe, Wisconsin.
Mr. Henn was united in marriage December 17, 1864, to Miss Anna E. Roub, a native of Center County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Acker) Roub, natives of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. When she was a babe her parents removed to Green County, Wisconsin, where they passed the remainder of their days.
Mr. and Mrs. Henn are the parents of ten children: Samuel C., a successful teacher; Charles, Matilda Catharine, Charlotte Belle, Jennie Penilla, Minnie Elizabeth, Lillie. Nellie, John E., deceased, and Frank, deceased. In State and national affairs Mr. Henn votes the Democratic ticket, but in local elections he votes independently. He and his worthy wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Northboro, Iowa. They have brought up their children in paths of rectitude and right to be an ornament to any community, and they are esteemed one of the leading families in the township.
In 1873 Philip Henn and family emigrated to Page County and first settled near Braddyville, Buchanan Township, but in March, 1874, they located in Washington Township on a partially improved farm of 120 acres; he added to this land and afterward sold the whole and purchased the T. K. Bloom farm, which consists of 285 acres, including five acres of timber land in Missouri. It is one of the finest places in all the township; there are a good dwelling, barns, sheds and cribs and every modern convenience for carrying on farming; one of the cattle sheds is 104 feet long and another is 100 feet in length. [page 797] Mr. Henn devotes himself principally to the breeding and raising of live-stock, to which his farm is especially adapted, and in which he has been very successful.

 

CHARLES H. HITE, a prosperous agriculturist of Colfax Township, has been a resident of Page County since 1871. He was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 25, 1851, and  is a son of Henry  and Mary (Woodruff) Hite, natives of the Sate of Pennsylvania and of German extraction. The parents were married in the old "Keystone " State, and some time later they removed to Knox  County, Ohio.    When Charles H. was five years old they determined to seek a home in the far West, as Illinois was then considered; accordingly, they emigrated to Henry County of that State, where our subject passed his youth; he acquired his education in the common schools of that county, and early became accustomed to farm labor. Years later his parents removed to Marshall County, Iowa, where they still reside. As before stated, Mr.Hite came to Iowa in 1871, and has since made Page County his home. He first  bought forty acres  of land on section 19, which was partially improved; two years after he sold this land but did not purchase his present farm until 1879; in that season he broke it out, and one year later he settled there with his family. He has made many valuable improvements and has brought the land to such an advanced state of cultivation that the Hite farm is considered one of the most desirable in the township.   The buildings are of a most substantial character, the residence being situated on a beautiful site overlooking the Tarkio valley, and the village of Blanchard being seen in the distance two and three-quarters miles away. A fine orchard adds beauty as well as utility to the place, and all the modern conveniences for the care of live-stock are to be found. Mr. Hite feeds large numbers of cattle and hogs, and is an excellent judge of live-stock. His success in this industry is very gratifying.
Mr. Hite was married December 28,1873, to Miss Sarah M. Gillihan, daughter of J. H. Gillihan, a prominent pioneer of Colfax Township. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. He has been called to represent the people of his township as trustee, and as a member of the school board; he has also served as road supervisor for ten years. He is a man of a cordial and frank disposition and is one of the solid men of the county.

 

JAMES H. PORTER was bom in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, January 21,1839, and is a son of William and Sarah (Hezlep) Porter, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch and Scotch-Irish ancestry. When James H. was six years of age his parents removed to Fulton County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. He was reared to the occupation of a farmer and attended the common schools of that day. Arriving at the age of manhood, he was married to Miss Ellen Burlingame, May 24, 1866. She was born in Washington County, Ohio, and when she was ten years old her parents removed to Fulton County, Illinois, where she was educated at Monticello Seminary. Prior to her marriage she was engaged in the profession of teaching. Her parents, John B. and Charlotte (Gurley) Burlingame; were natives of Ohio and Maine respectively. The season of 1869 Mr. Porter and his family spent on his wild land in Washington Township, and in the fall [page 798] they returned to Illinois, where they remained until the spring of 1871; during this year a comfortable residence was erected, which is now surrounded by a beautiful grove and a thrifty orchard.
Mr. and Mrs. Porter have two children, J. Royal and Carrie P. The parents are members of church, the mother belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Northboro, Iowa, and the father being a Presbyterian. Politically he is identified with the Republican party; he has served as assessor and clerk of his township and as a member of the school board. He is a man yet in the prime of life, and by reaaon of his fair dealing and upright living he has won the esteem and respect of the community in which he resides.

 

N.J. RUSSELL, a truly representative man of Colfax Township, is justly entitled to biographical space in a work of this character. He came to Page County in 1875 and purchased a quarter section of wild land, to which he has made additions until he now owns 240 acres in an advanced state of cultivation. The farm lies two miles northeast of Blanchard and his residence is on a commanding site overlooking the surrounding country.
Mr. Russell is a native of the State of New York, born in Monroe County, July 21,1831. His parents, William H. and Elsie (Howell) Russell, were also born in New York; the father was of Irish descent and the mother was of Welsh extraction. There were nine children in the family, of whom N. J. is the third. He was reared in his native State, but later his parents removed to Muskegon County, Michigan. Thence our subject went to La Salle County, Illinois, and was engaged in farming until 1875. He was united in marriage April 8, 1852, to Miss Sarah R. Millikin, a native of La Salle County, and a daughter of Samuel Millikin, one of the pioneer settlers of that section. In 1875 Mr. Russell removed to Page County, Iowa, and opened up his farm. In 1879 he erected the first business house at Blanchard and engaged in general merchandising at that point, continuing for six years, at the end of which time he sold out to Thompson Brothers.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell are the parents of nine children: Ellen M., wife of C. Killgore; M. F., Elsie R., wife of J. M. K--------------- ; R. E., Lucy, wife of Frank Dennis; George, Geraldine, wife of J. L. Zanoier; Seth C. and Ada at home.
Politically Mr. Russell is allied with the Democratic party. He has held numerous local offices and has been Mayor of Blanchard ; he has also served on the school board. He is an honored member of the A. O. U. W., Rising Star Lodge, No. 130. He has succeeded well as a farmer and as a business man, and withal he has won the esteem and regard of all his neighbors.

 

JOHN W. HOLLIDAY, physician and surgeon, Blanchard, Iowa, is a member of the firm of Holliday & Chambers, and has been a resident of the place since June, 1880. He is a native of Monroe County, Iowa, born near Albia, May 20, 1848. His parents were Samuel and Mary Jane (South) Holliday, and they were among the early pioneers of Monroe County, emigrating from Clay County, Missouri. John W. received his education in the common schools of Monroe and Wayne counties, Iowa. In 1869 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Blakey of Corydon, Iowa, with whom he [page 799] remained live years; he taught an occasional term of school in order to be able to go on with the study of his chosen profession. In 1873 he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and entered the college therefrom which he was graduated in 1879. He first began practice in Sullivan County, Missouri. In June, 1880, he located at Blanchard, Iowa, where he now enjoys a large and profitable patronage. He has also attended lectures at the Northwestern Medical College at St. Joe, Missouri, and has ever been a thorough student of the science he has so successfully pursued. Dr. Chambers, with whom Dr. Holliday is associated, is a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Missouri. He was engaged in the practice of his profession at College Springs, Iowa, for four years. In connection with his practice Dr. Holliday manages his drug store at Blanchard, in which he carries a well selected stock of all lines of goods usually handled by the drug trade.
Dr. Holliday was united in marriage to Miss T. C. Chambers, of Wayne County, Iowa, October 31, 1875. Two children have been born of this union: Ora May and John Wesley. The parents are worthy and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Blanchard. Politically the Doctor is a strong adherent of the Republican party.

 

D. S. LOUDON, proprietor of "Willow Brook " farm, section 33, Tarkio Township, is among the most successful agriculturists of his community. He is a native of Juniata County Pennsylvania, born June 3, 1840, and is a son of Solomon and Eliza (Barton) Loudon. The father was of Scotch-Irish descent, and the mother was a native of Pennsylvania. They reared a family of five sons and six daughters. The parents both died in Juniata County, Pennsylvania.
During the civil war Mr. Loudon enlisted, in August, 1862, as a member of Company I, Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. At Antietam he partially lost his hearing on account of the heavy cannonading and exposure. He participated in the engagements at Fredericksburg, Rappahannock Station, where a large body of prisoners was taken, Gettysburg, and Lee's surrender; he was with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Yalley campaign, and was also at Petersburg; he was never confined to the hospital during his term of service; he enlisted as a private and was discharged a Corporal, June, 1865. He then returned to his old home, and in 1868 he came to Lee County, Iowa; one year later he came to Page County, where he has since resided. In 1871 he erected a neat frame residence, which is situated on a charming building site, and in 1884 a commodious well planned barn was built, at a cost of $1,200. The place is further made attractive and valuable by a four-acre orchard and a fine grove. Mr. Loudon is largely engaged in stock-growing; since 1885 he has kept a herd of short-horn cattle as good as any that can be found in Page County. He is a man plain of manner and speech, and of excellent, practical habits.
Mr. Loudon was united in marriage October 4,1871, to Miss Mary C. Elder, a native of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of M. and Mary (Steele) Elder. Three children have been born of this nnion: Guy Elder, Josephine Belle and Harry Mahlon.
Politically our subject affiliates with the Democratic party, although in 1860 he voted for Abraham Lincoln. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, first uniting with that society at Waterford, Penn- [page 800] sylvania, when eighteen years of age. He is now a member of the Norwich church, which he helped to organize, and of which he is a trustee. In the Sabbath-school he is an active and zealous worker.

 

 

ISAAC DUKE was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, January 2, 1844, and is a son of John and Nancy (Burnham) Duke. The father is a native of Scotland, and the mother was born in Whitingham, Vermont; they were married in the state of Ohio, and had a family of six children. John Duke died when Isaac was seven years old and his mother survived four years longer. Thus at the age of eleven years he was bereft of a fond parent's care; the oldest child, a daughter seventeen years of age, made every effort to keep the children together, and as all were willing and anxious to keep the home, they succeeded in remaining together until they were grown. Isaac was trained to the occupation of a farmer, and received a common-school education.
In May, 1864, he responded to the call for more men to go to the front in defence of the nation, enlisting in Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was honorably discharged and re-enlisted in February, 1865, in the Second Ohio Cavalry, Company C, and served until the close of the war. He was present at the grand review at Washington, and was afterward ordered to Indian Territory; he was discharged September 11, 1865, at Benton's Barracks, Missouri, and received his final discharge at Columbus, Ohio, where he was paid off.
When Mr. Duke came to Page County in 1871 he settled on wild land, and was one of the first to locate in that neighborhood. His farm now consists of 240 acres, which is in an advanced state of cultivation. His improvements are of excellent quality, and he has availed himself of many modern conveniences for carrying on farming. He has planted a grove and an orchard, adding beauty as well as comfort to his surroundings. He devotes his time especially to farming and stock-raising, and has been universally successful in his undertakings.
Mr. Duke was united in marriage March 9, 1871, at Chatham Centre, Medina County, Ohio, to Miss Henrietta Gridley, a native of Medina County, Ohio, and a daughter of Oren and Lydia (Palmer) Gridley, natives of the State of New York. Thomas Palmer was an early settler of Medina County, Ohio, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His father, Ephraim Palmer, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Oren Gridley and wife had four children, three of whom are living. The parents now live at Chapin, Franklin County, Iowa. Mrs. Duke was a successful teacher for several years prior to her marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Duke are the parents of two children: Cora May and Oren Isaac; two sons died in infancy. They are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly esteemed by the people of the community in which they have lived for so many years. Politically Mr. Duke is identified with the Republican party.

 

 

JAMES C. PATTON, one of the leading farmers of Amity Township, is a son of Thomas and Jane (Glasgow) Patton, and one of a family of nine children, named as follows: Robert, Joseph, Cyrus, Thomas E., James C, Daisy, Martha, Margaret and Phoebe. The father was a farmer in Adams County, Ohio, where he lived all his life. He was a member of the Scotch Covenanter Church. James C. was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1827, and learned in early life the duties of farming. He received a common-school education, but the educational facilities of those times were somewhat limited compared with those afforded by the State at the present day. When he was but eight years of age his father died, and two years later his mother passed away; he lived with his sister Martha, who was married to William Mclntyre, until he was sixteen years old, and then began the battle of life for himself. Three years later he came to Illinois, and engaged in farm work in Peoria County. There he was married to Sarah Hart, a daughter of George Hart, and to them were born eleven children: Porter, Elizabeth, Alice, deceased, lone, Mary, deceased, Olive, Lulu, Emma, Anderson, George, deceased, and Harry. Mr. Patton lived in Peoria County several years after his marriage, and then moved to Mercer County, Illinois, and purchased land, on which he lived for some time; he finally went back to Peoria County, and at the end of five years he came to Page County, Iowa; he owns a farm of 140 acres of well improved land, and is a successful agriculturist.
Mrs. Patton died April 5, 1871, and in January, 1877, Mr. Patton was married to Mary Hensleigh, a daughter of Thomas and Ann (Walters) Hensleigh, natives of England and school-teachers by profession. Mr. and Mrs. Patton are both members of the United Presbyterian Church, as was also the first Mrs. Patton. Seven of the children are married: Alice was the wife of Samuel Leslie and the mother of two children: she is now [page 802] deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of James Dunbar, a farmer of Amity Township; they have five children; Porter married Cleone Smith, and they are the parents of two children ; lone is the wife of H. Henderson, a farmer in Nebraska, and is the mother of three children; Olive married Charles Foster, a clerk in Coin, Iowa; they have one child; Anderson married in Kansas, and has one child.
Mr. Patton has held the confidence of his fellow townsmen, and has represented them as school director with entire satisfaction. He has been prosperous in business and is in comfortable circumstances.

 

WILLIAM MAXWELL has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Page County since 1867. He is a native of county Donegal, Ireland, born July 12, 1843. His grandfather, Robert Maxwell, lived to the great age of 105 years; his father, George Maxwell, married Martha Shaw, a daughter of Catherine Cook Shaw, who is now living at the age of 100 years and in excellent health. William remained beneath the parental roof until he was twenty-four years of age; he then decided to seek a home beyond the sea, so he sailed away from his beloved land for the New World. He landed at Castle Garden and continued his journey to Jasper County, Iowa, where he remained ten weeks; he then came to Page County, where he worked at laying cellar walls and at other labor which would bring him an honest dollar. In 1868 he secured employment on the Union Pacific Railroad, in which he continued one year; when he took this position he had but twenty-five cents in money, and at the end of the year he had saved $700.   He invested in Page County land, buying forty acres in Tarkio Township, which is a part of his present farm; he now owns 324 acres clear and free from debt. The dwelling built in 1888 is a neat, substantial house, pleasantly situated and resting on a solid rock foundation of eighteen inches thickness; the barns are large and well fitted for the care of live-stock and crops; there are 100 head of cattle and a large number of hogs now being fattened on the Maxwell farm; there are nineteen head of valuable horses also belonging to the live-stock of the farm. The land is drained with 12,000 or 13,000 tiles. There are many conveniences for farming in the most approved style, and it has been a decided success in the hands of the present thrifty owner.
Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage November 16, 1875, in Taylor County, Iowa, to Miss Catherine Canterbury, a native of Ireland, and a daughter of William and Fanny (Manning) Canterbury. Two children have been born of this union: William George, born January 15, 1877, and Mary, born December 2, 1882. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Summit Class. They have taken an active interest in the upbuilding of the community and have been zealous supporters of the church. Politically Mr. Maxwell affiliates with the Republican party. He is a man of high purpose, excellent business qualifications, and is counted among the solid men of the county.


M. L. HATCH is the proprietor of Hatch's brick yards, one of the leading  establishments of Clarinda. The business was inaugurated in 1882 by Thomas E. Stevens and was continued by him for four years, when Mr. Hatch bought [page 803] the entire concern and has since been sole manager. The yard is located east of the town where the soil is peculiarly suited to the work, and the brick turned out from this institution is not excelled in southwestern Iowa; the capacity of the yards is 800,000 annually, and from six to ten men are employed during the busy season; 300 cords of wood are consumed annually in burning the brick. Mr. Hatch is an experienced brick-maker, and thoroughly understands his business, of which he has made a decided success. He has been a resident of Clarinda since 1882, coming here from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he had been engaged in the same business.
In order to learn something more of Mr. Hatch's career we will go back to Greene County, Ohio, where he was born July 14, 1839, his parents being Barnabas and Margaret (Smith) Hatch, natives of the " Buckeye" State. He was ten years old when the family removed from Ohio to Logan County, Illinois. His father was also a brick-maker by trade and he learned the business from him. When there was a call for men to go to the defense of the old flag he left his brick-making and enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He was in the siege of Vicksburg, in the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, Little Rock, Camden, and many less noted engagements. He was honorably discharged August, 1865, and returned to Logan County, Illinois. In a short time he removed to Bourbon County, Kansas, being among the early settlers of that county; there he lived ten years and in 1876 he came to Iowa, locating at Mt. Pleasant.
Mr. Hatch was united in marriage in Logan County, Illinois, October 10, 1860, to Miss Sarah Frances Williams, a native of Clarke County, Ohio, and  a daughter of John and Margaret (Kite) Williams. Five children have been born of this union: Charles L., Rob H., Clayton, Otho C. and Margaret Ellen. Mrs. Hatch is a worthy member of the Christian Church. Our subject is a Republican in his political faith. He is a member of Warren Post, No. 11, G. A. R., and also belongs to the I. O. O. F., lodge No. 109. He is a man well informed upon the topics of the day, has seen a considerable portion of the world, and is one of the leading men of Clarinda's business circles.

 

W. H. DAUCHY, dealer in general merchandise, Clarinda, Iowa, is one of the well-known business men of Page County, having been identified with her interests since 1869. He was born in Wyoming County, New York, September 1, 1832, and is a son of Hawley Dauchy, a native of the State of Connecticut and a son of James Dauchy who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and whose father also served in that contest. The mother of our subject was Dirmis Reed, who was born in Cayuga County, New York. There were eight children in the family, of whom W. H. is the youngest. When he was four years old the family removed to Crawford County, Pennsylvania. One year later the mother died and the father survived until 1865, dying at the age of seventy-eight years. Mr. Dauchy was reared in town and received no special training in business; he was employed in various vocations until he became interested in a saw­mill; he bought and sold lumber quite extensively, and in 1854 he removed to Taylor County, Iowa, and located at Bedford, then containing four log cabins. He opened a saw-mill, which he conducted successfully for six years.   In 1860 he went to Clarinda, and [page 804] in 1864 he pushed on still further west; he was engaged in mining in Montana and California for three years, and then removed to Kansas, where he operated a saw-mill for six months. At the end of that time he returned to Clarinda and worked in a woolen mill, and then clerked for a while.
In 1869 he opened his store on the east side of the square and afterward located on his present site. He carries a heavy stock of well assorted goods, and by his square, honest dealing he has won a large patronage. Politically he affiliates with the independent element of the Republican party. He is one of the city Councilmen and is well fitted for that position; he is a member of the Knights of Labor, Ciarinda Assembly, No. 3,760; he was a charter member of the I. O. O. P. lodge of Bedford, Iowa.

 

H M. HUTTON, proprietor of the City Roller Mills, Clarinda, is one of the leading millers of Page County. His mill was built about the year 1861, and since that time has changed hands several times. Mr. Hutton bought the property in 1881, in partnership with Daniel Sweeney, and they conducted the business for two years. Some time later a Mr. Mitchell bought an interest in the mill, and afterward Jake Wolf purchased a half interest in the business. In 1887 our subject purchased the entire business, which he has since managed in a very successful manner. The mill has the full roller process, and has a daily capacity of sixty barrels besides the feed and Graham buhrs. The building is a three-and-a-half story frame, 40 x 50 feet, and the boiler house is 20 x 40 feet. It is all well arranged and a large business is transacted.
Mr. Hutton is a native of Jefferson County, Iowa, born September 2,1839, his parents being Benjamin F. and Lucinda (Mason) Hutton, natives of Tennessee and Maine respectively. The Masons were a prominent family of old settlers in Sangamon County, Illinois. Our subject was five years old when his parents removed to Sangamon County, Illinois. There the father died at the age of sixty-five years; the mother still lives in Illinois at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Benjamin F. Hutton was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and served in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry. His son, N. M., enlisted September 20, 1861, in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battle of Vicksburg and other noted engagements; at the time of Lincoln's death he was at New Orleans and thence was ordered to San Antonio, Texas. He was mustered out November 22, 1865, and was finally discharged at Camp Butler, Illinois. He was never excused from duty during the entire time of his service, and made an enviable record for his faithfulness and bravery. After the declaration of peace he returned to Sangamon County, Illinois, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1871 he went to Quincy, Illinois, and embarked in the lead, paint, and oil trade, and did an extensive business. He employed a large force of men who did painting under his direction, and he remained there until 1881, when he came to Page County and settled in Clarinda, as before mentioned.
Mr. Hutton was united in marriage at Quincy, Illinois, December 25, 1872, to Miss Fanny Hutton, a daughter of John and Martha (McDonald) Hutton, natives of Ohio and Tennessee respectively. One child was born of this union, Alice Osborn.
Mr. Hutton is identified with the Republican party and is a strong supporter ot its [page 806] principles. He is a member of Warren Post, No. 11, G. A. R. Mrs. Hutton is a worthy member of the Baptist Church.