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Shelby County
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1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa

Page Index:

Averill | Gallagher | Ickes | Swain | J Lorge | N Lorge | Albertus | Theile |
Morgan | Neff | Green | McCoid | Dagget | Pritchard | Baird | Lawrence

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T. E. AVERILL

T. E. AVERILL, a native of Canada West, was born September 13, 1841, and is the son of Thomas and Anna (Flewuelling) Averill. At the age of eight years his parents removed to Macomb County, Michigan, where he spent his early life, he was trained to agricultural pursuits, and was educated in the public schools. At the age of seventeen years he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which avocation he followed for six years. His life has been somewhat varied since he abandoned his trade. In 1863 he came to Davenport, Iowa, and engaged in the carpenter's trade; he then removed to De Witt, Clinton County, where he followed the same trade for a time; here he also engaged in the insurance business. From this point he removed to Lincoln, Illinois, where he managed a hotel, the Sherman House, for one year. He then sold this and returned to Iowa, settling at Wheatland, Clinton County; here he resided two years, engaged in the fruit-tree business. After his stay in Wheatland he went to Marshall County, and farmed four years. He then removed to Newton, Jasper County, where he embarked in the general merchandise trade; this he continued three years, and the next six years was employed in farming. In the spring of 1882 he came to Shelby County, and settled on a farm of 200 acres in Greeley Township, which he had purchased in the winter of 1879 and 1880. This was wild land, but has since been brought to such an advanced state of cultivation that it is one of the finest farms in the county. Mr. Averill has made his own improvements in buildings, probably reaching $3,000 in value. He has a fine system of water-works, supplying water to live-stock and for domestic purposes. The farm is known as Pleasant Ridge Stock Farm, and is situated one and a half miles from Defiance. Mr. Averill also operates a dairy in connection with his other farm work. He makes a specialty of high grades and fine breeds of cattle, and takes an active interest in the improvement of all kinds of live-stock. He is a supporter of the Republican party, and is at present serving as justice of the peace in his township. He has served on the board of education, and is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. Mr. Averill was married October 14, 1865, to Miss Lucinda Porter, a daughter of Matthew H. and Sarah (Carl) Porter, who was born in Putnam County, Illinois, May 14, 1839. They are the parents of four children -- Carrie B., wife of Robert Crisp; Thomas M., Ida M. and Edwin H.; the last three are residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Averill are worthy and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 571. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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THOMAS GALLAGHER

THOMAS GALLAGHER is the proprietor of the City Sale, Livery and Feed Stables, a leading and popular establishment of Harlan, which has been well known for many years. Good driving horses and nice carriages can be found, and all accommodations afforded by any livery barn. Mr. Gallagher bought the stock and barn in March, 1889, and although he is not an old resident of Harlan, he is a man of experience in the livery business. Thomas Gallagher was born in the Hawkeye State, Clinton County, in 1860. He grew to manhood in his native place, and received his education there. He first established himself in the livery business in Adair, Iowa, from which place he came to Harlan. He was married in Guthrie County, Iowa, to Mary McQuillen, a native of that county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher -- Gertie, Vincent and John. Politically Mr. Gallagher affiliates with the Democratic party.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 579-580. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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GEORGE W. ICKES

GEORGE W. ICKES, of Shelby Township, was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, May 12, 1843. He is a son of George and Susan (Sleek) Ickes, natives of Maryland. He was reared in his native county, where he attended the common schools. On the breaking out of the great Rebellion he enlisted at the first call for men, August, 1863, in the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, Company D. He was first under fire at Williams's Post, Maryland; he took an active part in the battles of Gettysburg, Brandy Station, Mine Run; through the battle of the Wilderness, he was under General Grant; he was in the battles of Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg; he served under General Sheridan; he was for a time Orderly under General Keifer; he saw General Sheridan on his famous ride to Winchester; he was honorably discharged June 3, 1865. He took part in the grand review at Washington, District of Columbia. In 1866 he moved to Greene County, Illinois, where he lived eight years. In 1874 he went to Dawson County, Nebraska, where he lived during the grasshopper raid. In 1875 he came to Shelby County and first bought land in section 17, Shelby Township; he has owned six different farms in all. His home farm contains 100 acres of well-improved land, a house and barn; he also owns 240 acres of land in Harrison County. He is engaged in stock raising and feeding. He is one of the stockholders in the Shelby Horse Company. Mr. Ickes was married in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth M. Hixson, a daughter of Nathan and Anna Levina (Ackers) Hixson. Mr. and Mrs. Ickes have eight children -- John F., Alice M., Anna Levina, Martha Ellen, Enoch, Leroy, Jennie May, and Clara Belle. Mr. Ickes is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F., Canopy Lodge, of Shelby. He is a man who has made a success of living, and although he began with small means has accumulated valuable property; he is numbered among Shelby's solid and reliable men. Mr. Ickes is vice-president of the Shelby District Fair Association. He is also a member of the firm of Pomeroy, Ickes & Co., shippers and brokers of horses, Shelby, Iowa.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 580. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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J. B. SWAIN

J. B. SWAIN, a pioneer of Shelby County, was born in Wayne County, Indiana, February 6, 1825. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Barnard) Swain, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina respectively. J. B. Swain was reared on a farm in his native county, and at the age of eighteen years he went to learn the tanner's and saddler's trade of Coffin & Hinshaw, of Economy, Indiana. He served an apprenticeship of three years, and worked a greater part of the time afterward, until 1854, as a journeyman. In that year he came to Iowa and lived in Dallas County two and a half years. He then removed to Crawford County, Iowa, and remained there until 1859, when he came to Shelby County and settled in Grove Township', on a farm which he made his home until 1866. In that year he started the first harness shop in Dunlap, Harrison County. In 1868 he bought a tavern in Harlan, and kept hotel there for twelve years. In 1877 he built the Swain Hotel, east of the public square. He was a genial and popular landlord, but retired from the business in 1882 and took charge of the public school building, of which he is still janitor. Mr. Swain was married in Wayne County, Indiana, in May, 1848, to Miss Irena Whitinger, a native of Wayne County, and a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Howell) Whitinger. Eleven children have been born of this marriage, seven of whom survive -- E. C., Albert S., Henry D., Ella, wife of William Stutsman; Letta, wife of C. R. Pratt; Delia, wife of A. F. Holcomb, and Pearl. Lillie, wife of B. I. Kinsey, died in 1889. Three died in infancy. Mr. Swain was reared an Abolitionist, and votes the Democratic ticket. He is a member of the church of the Latter-Day Saints.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 580-581. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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JOHN LORGE

JOHN LORGE, a native of Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, was horn July 22, 1855. He is a son of Peter and Anna (Weyland) Lorge, natives of Belgium, who emigrated to America in 1846 and 1849 respectively. They were united in marriage in 1853, and came to Iowa in 1865. In 1875 they came to Shelby County and settled in Westphalia Township, in which place, one year later, March 23, 1876, Mr. Lorge passed to his last rest. Mrs. Lorge is still living, and resides in Earling. They were the parents of eight children -- John P., John, Nicholas, Henry, Frank, Julius, Mary (the wife of John Smith), and Katie. John, the subject of this brief biography, was the second child, and until his tenth year was reared to farm life. His education was obtained in the common schools, and was more of a practical than literary character. At the age of fourteen years he commenced life on his own responsibility, and his first business engagement was with W. J. Creamer, of Calmar, Iowa, dealer in agricultural implements. He remained in his employ for five years, and in 1875 came to Shelby County, since that time making this his home, with the exception of nine months. In 1881 Mr. Lorge embarked in the agricultural implement business in Harlan, which he conducted for three years, in company with J. B. Weyland one year, and then with Lewis Gingery. In February, 1884, he disposed of his stock and came to Earling, engaging in the same business until 1888, at which time he placed a stock of harness in connection with the other stock. He carries a fine line, and also does manufacturing of harness. Mr. Lorge owns a half interest in a stock of general merchandise, the business being conducted under the firm name of Lorge Brothers. This stock is valued at $5,000. Mr. Lorge affiliates with the Democratic party, and has held the office of justice of the peace for four years. He was married September 15, 1885, to Miss Lena Kuhl, daughter of Valentine and Clara Kuhl, a native of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Lorge are members of the Roman Catholic church.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 581. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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NICHOLAS J. LORGE

NICHOLAS J. LORGE, a native of Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, was born February 13, 1859. He is the fourth child of Peter and Anna (Weiland) Lorge, and at the age of five years was brought to the Hawkeye State, Winneshiek County; here he was educated in the common schools, and received training in agricultural pursuits. At the age of eighteen years he engaged in school-teaching, and continued in this profession until he had taught twelve terms in Shelby and O'Brien counties, Iowa, and in Dakota. During the intervals between terms of school Mr. Lorge was engaged in clerking. In 1888 he entered into partnership with his brother John, having purchased the stock of J. B. Weiland. This firm carry a stock of $5,000 of general merchandise, and are doing a thriving business. Mr. Lorge is a member of the Roman Catholic church. His political sympathies are with the Democratic party, to which he gives his undivided support.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 581-582. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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FRED ALBERTUS

FRED ALBERTUS is one of the prominent, enterprising and successful citizens of Cass Township, and has been a resident of Shelby County since 1874. He was born in Sauk County, Wisconsin, August 2, 1854, and is a son of Frederick Albertus, a leading business man of Panama, Iowa. Fred lived with his parents until he was twenty years old, being trained to the occupation of a farmer, and received his education in the common schools of Baraboo, Wisconsin. As before stated he came to Shelby County in 1874, and improved 120 acres of laud which he afterward sold, going to Los Angeles, California. He remained only six months and then returned to Shelby County; he bought 160 acres in Shelby Township, near the village of Shelby, which he soon after exchanged with his father for the homestead in Wisconsin. There were 260 acres in the home farm, and he lived there four years. In January, 1882, Mr. Albertus was married to Miss Sarah Ragatz, a daughter of Thomas Ragatz; she was reared in Sauk County,Wiscousin. Soon after their marriage they came to Shelby County, and Mr. Albertus opened a lumber yard in Portsmouth, which he kept for three years, at the end of that time selling to Peter Korth. He then removed to his present farm of 235 acres, which is well improved; there is a good dwelling house, and barns, sheds, an orchard, and a grove. Mr. Albertus is one of the stockholders in the Panama Bank. Politically he casts his suffrage with the Republican party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is in the prime of life, has traveled much, and is one of the first men in the township, financially and socially. He and his wife have had born to them three children -- Walter, Arthur and Milton George.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 587-588. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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FRANK THEILE

FRANK THEILE, a lumber dealer of Westphalia, was born in Prussia, October 17, 1854. He is the son of Henry A. and Josephine (Sonderman) Theile, and is the youngest of a family of nine children. Until he was nine-teen years of age he lived in his native country, in the village of Schreibshof. There he attended the common schools, and also received private instruction. At the age of nineteen years he emigrated to America and settled in Dubois County, Indiana, working at the carpenter's trade and clerking. He remained there three years, and at the end of that time he came to Iowa, locating at the German settlement of Westphalia. He made this his home for two years, and then went to Kansas, residing there two years, employed at his trade. He then returned to Westphalia, and has since made it his home. In 1884 Mr. Theile came to Earling and opened a general stock of merchandise. He conducted this business until 1886, when he sold the stock and entered into partnership with Michael Wilwerding, in the lumber and coal business, under the firm name of Theile & Wilwerding. The firm do some contracting, and their annual business amounts to from $12,000 to $15,000. Mr. Theile was united in marriage, February 20, 1884, to Elizabeth Wilwerding, daughter of Michael and Kate (Keemmer) Wilwerding, a native of Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Theile are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mrs. Theile is proprietress of one of the millinery stores of Earling, and carries a well-assorted stock of goods. Mr. Theile's political sentiments find expression in the principles of the Democratic party.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 589-590. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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J. W. MORGAN

J. W. MORGAN, a farmer and stock-raiser of Monroe Township, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1848. He is a son of John Morgan, a native of Pennsylvania, who traces his ancestry to the Welsh. His mother, Nancy (Cannon) Morgan, was born in Pennsylvania, and was of Irish lineage. J. W. remained on his native soil until he was fifteen years old; the family then removed to Livingston County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood, fitting himself for the occupation of a farmer. His parents lived in Illinois until death. January 20, 1870, Mr. Morgan was united in marriage to Miss Jane Chapman, a daughter of Sonon and Elmira (Adams) Chapman, natives of Huron County, Ohio. Mrs. Morgan was reared and educated in Livingston County, Illinois. In 1875 Mr. Morgan removed to Shelby County and bought 160 acres of wild land. He has added 160 acres to his first purchase, and has brought it to a high state of cultivation. He has a nice residence, pleasantly situated, and surrounded with shade trees. He has a good barn, cribs, stock-scales, and all the conveniences for carrying on farming. Mr. Morgan makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock, and has been very successful in that enterprise. Four children have been born to Mr. Morgan and wife -- Orvil O., J. Wylder, Frank S. and Jessie G. Mr. Morgan is one of the wheel-horses of the Republican party in Monroe Township, and has served five years as clerk, and in other township offices, with credit to himself. He is a member of Walnut Lodge, No. 327, I. O. O. F.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 594-595. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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JOHN H. NEFF

JOHN H. NEFF was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, May 20, 1838, and is a son of Samuel and Harriet (Hammitt) Neff, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. The Neffs were of Hollandish ancestry, and the Hammitts were of French extraction. When John H. was eleven years old his parents removed to Bureau County, Illinois, and there he grew to maturity -- being trained to agricultural pursuits, and receiving his education in the common schools. During the great Rebellion, at the call for 300,000 more men, he enlisted August 13, 1862, in the Ninety-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company I, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Jackson, Mississippi; Champion Hills, the siege of Vicksburg, Tuscumbia, Mission Ridge, Decatur, Alabama; Dalton, Georgia Altoona Pass, Macon, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; Bentonville, North Carolina. Mr. Neff was present at the grand review at Washington, D. C., and had marched during his service 7,700 miles. He was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, June 23, 1865, and honorably discharged at Camp Douglas, Chicago, July 6, 1865, and then returned to Bureau County, Illinois. In 1861 Mr. Neff was married to Miss Sarah Wyatt, who was born and reared in Delaware; she died in 1862. He was married September 1, 1867, to Miss Phoebe A. Crow, of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Maria (Cline) Crow. They resided in Livingston County, Illinois, until 1873, when they came to Shelby County, and settled on 160 acres of wild land. Mr. Neff has made many improvements upon his place, and has rendered it one of the most desirable farms of the township. He has a comfortable dwelling, good barns, stock-scales, and has planted a grove and an orchard. He owns 251 acres; 160 are in the home place; forty-one are in section 25, and fifty-one are in section 30, Clay Township. The home farm is in Monroe Township, section 26. Mr. and Mrs. Neff are the parents of four children -- Lewis J., a successful teacher; Mamie J., John O. and George B. In politics Mr. Neff supports the issues of the Republican party. He has served as township assessor, as constable, and as a member of the school board. He is a charter member of the G. A. R., John A. Dix Post, No. 480, of Walnut.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 595-596. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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DAVID W. GREEN

DAVID W. GREEN is a native of the State that has furnished so many substantial citizens to Shelby County; that is, Pennsylvania. He was born in Cumberland County, August 7, 1844, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Allen) Green, also natives of Pennsylvania. David was four years old when his parents removed to Johnson County, Iowa, which is still their home. He passed his youth upon a farm, and obtained his education in the common schools of the day. During the late civil war he enlisted in the Forty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company G, and served four months in the western army, and was honorably discharged. Mr. Green was united in marriage September 13, 1868, to Miss Margaret Alloway, born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Anderson) Green. After his marriage Mr. Green resided in Johnson County until 1881, when he came to Shelby County and bought his present farm; it was wild land, but he has placed it under cultivation and erected good buildings. He has a modern windmill, and many conveniences for farming and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Green have had born to them four children -- Lizzie May, wife of William Horton; William Henry, lona Grace and John Irvin. He and his wife are members of the Church of God, he serving as one of the ruling elders. In politics he supports the principles of the Republican party.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 596. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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THOMAS McCOID

THOMAS McCOID, now living on section 17, Grove Township, is one of the pioneer settlers of Shelby County, having come here in March, 1851. He was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 9, 1822, and is the son of Nathaniel and Mary (Sarchet) McCoid. The father was born in Scotland, May 12, 1793, and died October 21, 1870, at his home in Pottawattamie County. He crossed the ocean when quite young and first settled in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg; he afterward removed to Ohio, thence to Indiana, and thence to Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Mrs. McCoid was born August 8, 1802, on Guernsey Island, of French parentage; she died February 28, 1861, at the old homestead in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Thomas McCoid, the subject of this sketch, left his father's home at the age of eighteen years to do for himself; for six years he worked by the month on a farm in Indiana. In 1850 he came to Kanesville, now Council Bluffs, and March 20, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Syntha Fouts, in Harrison County. After his marriage he settled at Galland's Grove, Shelby County, but as the survey had not then been made it was not known which county he had settled in. He first bought a squatter's claim and in a short time sold it. He entered 160 acres of government land, which he improved and made his home. Mr. and Mrs. McCoid had two children born to them -- Mary Ann, wife of T. E. Fowler, and Martha, who died in infancy. Mrs. Syntha McCoid died October 30, 1855, at the age of twenty-seven years. She was a native of Indiana, and a member of the Christian church. Mr. McCoid was again married October 4, 1858, in Shelby County, to Miss Lorinda J. McIntosh. By this union two children were born -- James (deceased), and George W., a merchant of Panama, Iowa. Mrs. Lorinda McCoid passed from this life December 23, 1872, at the age of thirty-one years. Mr. McCoid's estate covers 456 acres of good land; he has been an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. He is inclined to the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 596-597. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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SAMUEL DAGGET

SAMUEL DAGGET is an old resident of Shelby County, arid one of the first settlers in Washington Township, having gone there in 1874. He is a native of Indiana, born January 10, 1831. He is a son of John and Sallie (Chopen) Dagget, who were the parents of eleven children, nine of whom are living. Samuel was the oldest of this family and remained at home until his marriage to Mrs. Mary Black, which occurred in September, 1852. At the time he was living in Illinois, and remained there, engaged in farming until 1859, when he made a trip to Oregon; he staid there four years, mining and teaming. From Oregon he went to the Idaho mines, and lived there five years, mining and teaming. While they were living in Idaho City Mrs. Dagget died, February 10, 1867. She left one child -- Eliza, the wife of Thomas Grott. By her first marriage she had one daughter -- Cynthia Ann,wife of Mr. Preston, of Galesburg, Illinois. June 16, 1868, Mr. Dagget left Idaho City for Illinois, with a fine span of horses, and arrived at his destination August 11, the same summer. September 20, 1870, Mr. Dagget was again married, to Mrs. Nancy Jane Kinmer. By this union one child was born -- Luella. Mrs. Kinmer had three daughters by her first husband -- Cora, Mary and Susan, all of whom are married. In February, 1874, Mr. Dagget removed his family to Shelby County. He first bought 120 acres of wild land, and afterward added eighty more to his place. He carries on general farming and stock-raising. His political inclinations are toward the Republican party. Mrs. Dagget is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are highly respected citizens, always willing to contribute liberally to any worthy cause, and to do anything in their power to alleviate suffering and distress.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 598-599. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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A. PRITCHARD

A. PRITCHARD is one of the prominent agriculturists and stockmen of Monroe Township, Shelby County. He was born in the north of Ireland, October 14, 1846, and is a son of Henry and Mary B. Pritchard. He was a lad of eighteen years when his parents sailed from the Emerald Isle for the new world. They located in Henry County, Illinois, and there our subject grew to manhood, receiving the training of a farmer's son, and obtaining his education in the common schools. Mr. Pritchard was married when twenty-three years old to Miss Mary A. Brown. In 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard came to Shelby County, and since that time have made it their home. They were among the early settlers in the neighborhood. Mr. Pritchard bought 120 acres, and has since added to it until he now has one of the finest farms in the township. His dwelling is a very substantial house built in the shape of a double L, in modern style. He has a large barn and numerous other buildings for stock and grain. He makes a specialty of Hereford cattle and has the only herd of thoroughbreds in Shelby County. He also has large numbers of other high grades of live-stock. Mr. Pritchard is in partnership with Mr. J. Brindley in the raising of draft-horses. Mr. Pritchard affiliates with the Republican party, and although not an aspirant to office he has served as treasurer of the township and on the school board for several years. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., of Walnut. His upright, business habits and other excellent qualities have won for him a standing among the first citizens of Monroe Township.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 599. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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J. F. BAIRD

J. F. BAIRD, a prominent citizen of Cass Township, has been a resident of the county since 1880. He is a native of Iowa, born in Davis County, September 15, 1853. He is a son of James and Mary (Carlton) Baird. In 1864 the father went to California and was there murdered for money, thus leaving the mother with a family of young children to support. J. F. was reared in Davis County until his thirteenth year. At the tender age of ten years he went out to work to assist his mother in supporting the family, and although a child he was able to render her much valuable assistance. He obtained his education by attending school in the winter months and reading and studying at home. In 1873 he went to Logan County, Illinois, and remained there seven years. He was married January 24, 1878, to Miss Mary Malinda Ann Copeland, a daughter of Abner Copeland. In 1880 they returned to Shelby County and bought 160 acres of wild land one-half mile north of Portsmouth. Mr. Baird has erected a comfortable cottage, has planted a grove and orchard, and made numerous improvements. He devotes his time exclusively to farming and stock-raising, and all his surroundings indicate thrift and prosperity. Mr. and Mrs. Baird have had born to them four children -- Lena Maud, Clara Ethel, Cora Jane, and John Abner. Cora Jane died August 21, 1885. Mr. Baird is a staunch and leading Democrat of the township. He has served as township trustee and as a member of the school board with credit to himself. He is an open, plain-spoken man, and has won the regard of his neighbors and acquaintances.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 599-600. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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J. M. LAWRENCE

J. M. LAWRENCE is a well-known and useful citizen of Cass Township, and has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since 1879. He was born in Tennessee, October 28, 1844, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy (McMurray) Lawrence. He was an infant when his parents removed from Tennessee to Georgia, where he grew to manhood, and received a common-school education. During the late civil war he served in the Thirty-ninth Georgia Volunteer infantry for three years under General Bragg and General Pemberton. He was at Vicksburg most of the time during the siege of that city. After the close of the war he removed with his parents to Sangamon County, Illinois. March 1, 1876, he was married to Miss Anna Banerley, a daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Meyers) Banerley. Mrs. Lawrence was born in Illinois, and at the age of -- years her parents went to Sangamon County, where she was reared and educated. In 1879 they came to Iowa, and bought land in Shelby County. Mr. Lawrence now owns 200 acres of well-improved land; he has a good dwelling just one mile from the town of Portsmouth. He has some good stock on his farm, and some especially fine horses. In his political opinions he agrees with the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence are the parents of four children -- Thomas Ed, Samuel M., David F. and Olive Agnes.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 600. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

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