Taylor County, Iowa History 1881 by Lyman Evans
(transcribed by Linda Kestner: lfkestner3@msn.com)
 
 
GRANT TOWNSHIP
 
(Page 581)
 
A few years since, Mr. T. J. Potter, general manager of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and a gentleman who has done more for Iowa than any man in the State, and who is a hero and a prince in the esteem of all Iowa people, said:
 
"The time is not far off when Iowa, with its rich soil, immense coal fields, and thrifty character of people, will be capable of sustaining parallel lines of railway, twelve or fifteen miles apart, across the State.  People do not comprehend the possibilities of wonderful Iowa."
 
Twelve years ago the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad had not crossed the entire State.  To-day Mr. Potter's predictions are being verified.  At a distance of not more than fifteen miles south of the great line that he manages, and which he constantly seeks to make conform to all reasonable demands of the people, a line is now being constructed, and which will be in operation after the first of January, 1882.  Mr. Potter has not exaggerated, but he clearly foresaw all the grandeur in store for this Commonwealth.  At the centennial exposition we carried off the gold and silver medal award for the best butter.  At the St. Louis fair in 1878 Iowa won the first prize on the best cheese.  At the International dairy fair in New York, in December, 1879, we won the first premium for gilt-edge butter over ninety competitors.  At the millers' international exhibition at Cincinnati, in 1880, Iowa was awarded the diploma for the first merit for the largest and finest exhibit of flour, grains and seeds.  At the St. Louis fair, in 1880, Iowa carried off the first prize for the largest and finest display of vegetables from a northern State.  At the Chicago fat stock show, in the fall of 1880, we secured the first premium for the best thorough-bred steer, such as George Dean and others of this township are capable of raising, and which they often do raise.  George Dean, especially, is very successful.  Some of his Chicago shipments have been rarely equaled.  At the centennial exposition, Iowa received the highest award on an exhibition of three hundred and forty-two varieties of apples.  At the centennial our State Historical Society received four highest awards, and individuals of the State received nine on apples and pears.  In 1879, at the convention of the American Pomological Society, held in Rochester, New York, the Wilder medal, the highest award, was given to the Iowa Horticultural Society, for the largest and best exhibition of apples.  This was in a contest with twenty different States.  Grant township is a part of this glorious Iowa, and it has the good fortune to be crossed by a leading line of railway, falling directly in the way of one of them foretold by Mr. Potter.  There is no better land in all Iowa, and in Taylor county there is nothing superior.  Nature has furnished Grant township with fertile lands and charming landscapes, and thrift is building for the farmers cheerful homes.
 
The new line of railway, the Humeston & Shenandoah, enters the township from Ringgold county, in the northeast corner, in section one.  Here a town has been platted, lots have been sold, and business houses and residences are being built.  It will make one of the handsomest and best towns in the county.  Its name is auspicious of success and growth.  It is called (Page 583) Clearfield, and a clear field it will have.  The nearest railroad point in any direction will be ten miles distant.  Situated thus, in such a country, the beauty and fertility of which all praise, what is to hinder Clearfield ranking among the best of Taylor county towns?  It was born September 26.  At once a lumber yard was opened, two drug stores put under way, and some establishments of general merchandise.  Dr. Swoope has hung out his shingle for the benefit of the ailing, but he has struck a bad locality.  Thereabouts people will never need a pill or powder, excepting it be from a benevolent feeling toward a peddler of those nostrums.  A church organization has already been effected, with a membership of ten.  They are of the Baptist persuasion, and come from the Grant Center Church by letter.  Elder I. M. Seay will be the pastor for the present.  He will be successful.  Even now they are talking of a church building, and Mr. Seay will succeed in getting one soon.
 
The first settlers of Grant township were Oliver Jencks and Seth W. Robinson.  They commenced improving a farm on section two, in 1855.  Both these pioneers are dead.  Mr. Robinson died in 1877, and Mr. Jencks some years before.  Two sons of the former gentleman, Squire and Salem Robinson, are prominent and influential citizens of Grant township.  In 1857 these were the only families in the township.
 
Squire Robinson was married in the township by Esquire David Johnson.  It was the first ceremony.  The first child born was a son of Oliver Jencks.  The first girl that put in an appearance was Louisa C., daughter of Squire and Mrs. Robinson.  She was born in November, 1858.  Louisa C. Robinson was the first to die.  She was buried in the northwest of section twenty.  Dr. Wolf, of Red Rock, came at an early day to cure the ills of the few settlers there.  What became of him we do not know.  Robinson schoolhouse held the first audience assembled for religious purposes.  Ref. Faucett talked to his few hearers simply, but with effective pathos, of God's great love for his earthly children.  This was the first sermon.  The next clergyman was Rev. T. C. Eaton, a Universalist, who afterward became a land speculator in Kansas.
 
The first school-house erected in the township was the Robinson.  It cost five hundred and fifty dollars.  The first school was taught here by Mrs. Lucas.  To-day it has school-houses in abundance and thorough teachers. 
 
(Page 584)
The first lumber in Grant township was hauled by Oliver Jencks from Burlington, Iowa.  Large quantities were brought, also, from Des Moines, Ottumwa and Savannah, Missouri.
 
Oliver Jencks and Seth W. Robinson were firm believers in the doctrine of equal rights to all mankind, regardless of race or color. The institution of American slavery filled them with a horror and a holy indignation.  So they frequently rendered assistance to colored men fleeing from servitude, which often raised excitement in the community, for the inhuman system had its defenders in those days, in Grant township, too.
 
There are two church organizations in the township besides the one just begun at Clearfield, of which we speak elsewhere.
 
The Baptists have a church at Grant Center which was organized in 1876, with the following original members: J. H. Jones, Ellen Jones, Campbell Robinson and wife, Jarvis Lovett, Ada Dean and George W. Green and wife.  The first pastors were Rev. D. T. Smith and Rev. William Golding.  The present pastor is Rev. I. M. Seay.  The society is in a highly prosperous condition, although the withdrawal of several of its members and uniting at Clearfield may be serious in its effects.  The membership is thirty-two. 
 
The Methodists worship at Grant Center, and give their church its name.  It was organized in 1870.  Its original members were George W. Dean, James Walker and wife, A. Smith and wife, Mary J. Benedict, Thomas Leonard, Sophia Knox and J. O. Eastman and wife.  It has a membership of about forty, and is a growing and prosperous organization.  The new town of Clearfield may draw a portion of its members.  The church is now under the charge of Rev. Nye.  The different pastors have been Rev. Avery, Rev. Potts, Rev. Dunbar, Rev. Horton, Rev. Mitchell, Rev. Randolph, Rev. Welch and Rev. Plumb.
 
 
BUCHANAN, Dr. H. M., section twenty, post-office Conway.  Prominent among those who have prospered this country by transforming it from a bleak waste of prairie to one of fine farms and beautiful homes we find Mr. B.  He was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1822.  Was educated in Washington county where he attended Jefferson College and afterward studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. Miller, completing his course in a private medical school in Philadelphia.  Although possessed of an excellent knowledge of the science of medicine the doctor has never made the practice of it a specialty.  In 1853 he emigrated to Illinois and remained in that State until 1871, engaged in improving several farms and also in the drug business in Mercer county.  Was a member of the board of supervisors of that county for four years.  He came to Iowa in 1871 and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, and retaining eighty acres gave the balance to his sons.  His is one of the most pleasant homes in the township. The doctor is still compelled by his neighbors to practice medicine, though much against his will.  In 1844 he was united in (page 690) marriage to Miss Elizabeth Foster, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1822.  They are the parents of five children:  John A., Theodore C., Frank M., Anna, wife of Harris Wright, and Libbie.  The people of this township have elected him to the office of assessor three times since his residence here.  The first election he attended polled fourteen votes.
 
 
BROWER, D. M., farmer and stock-grower, section fifteen, post-office Conway, is a child of the Buckeye State, born in 1844.  When fourteen years of age he came to Iowa, stopping in Mahaska county where he attained his majority, and attended the common schools.  In 1862 he enlisted in company D, Thirty-third Iowa, and served until the close of the war.  Took part in battles of Helena, Jenin's Ferry, Mobile, and Ft. Blakely.  Was mustered out at New Orleans and returned to Mahaska county and remained there until 1867.  He then went to Colorado, engaged in freighting about two years, then recrossed the plains; stopped in the Indian Territory and continued in the same business.  In 1872 he returned to Mahaska county, and two years later came to this county and has since made it his home.  Was married in March, 1875, to Miss Louisa Weltner, of Washington, Iowa.  They have three children:  Raymond, Ethel and Sadie.  Mr. B. owns a large farm of three hundred and thirty acres which he has improved since coming here and is now engaged in raising Short-Horn cattle.  Is connected with the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M. orders.
 
 
DEAN, G. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty, post-office Conway; born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in 1838.  When eight years old his parents emigrated to Illinois and located in La Salle county, received his education in the common schools, Aurora Academy and Fowler's Institute.  At the breaking out of the rebellion he enlisted at the first call for troops in company H, Tenth Illinois and served until expiration of his time.  After discharge he returned home and remained until August 1, 1862.  Reenlisted in company H, One hundred and fifth Illinois and served until the close of the war.  Participated in battles of Resaca and all succeeding battles until the capture of Atlanta.  Marched with Sherman to the sea, then to Washington where he participated in the grand review of the armies.  Was then discharged and returned home where he engaged in farming until 1869.  He then came to Iowa, engaged for one year in farming; in the hardware business for one year at State Center and in 1870 came to this county, locating on his present farm.  Mr. Dean is the largest land owner in this township having nine hundred and sixty acres all well improved, and is known as one of the most generous and enterprising of its citizens.  He was married August 20, 1876, to Miss Addie J. Nible, (page 691) a native of the Empire State.  They have three children:  Charles, Freddie and Roy.  Mr. and Mrs. Dean are members of the M. E. Church.  He is also connected with the A. F. & A. M. fraternity.
 
 
EMMETT, H. I., farmer, section thirty-three, post-office Conway, is a native of McLean county, Illinois, born October 7, 1858.  His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm and in attending the common schools.  By diligent study at home and in school, he acquired a liberal education.  He came to Taylor county, and in the spring of 1880 purchased his present farm.  Was married September 13, 1877, to Miss Minnie M. Clark, of McLean county, Illinois, a very estimable lady.  Mr. Emmett, though a young man, is possessed of energy and good business qualifications.  He has a fine farm of 180 acres and is considered one of the most promising of Taylor county's young farmers.
 
 
EMERY, C., farmer, section eleven, post-office Lenox, born in Knox county, Illinois, in 1836.  When fifteen years of age his parents emigrated to Clark county, Iowa, where our subject received his education.  In 1862 he enlisted in company L, Third Iowa cavalry and served faithfully until the close of the rebellion.  He participated in the battles of Little Rock, Independence, Missouri, Tupelo, Mississippi, besides others in which his company took part.  Was mustered out at Atlanta, Georgia, and returned to his home.  He came to Taylor county in 1875, and settled on his present farm.  In 1858 Miss Sarah E. Gregg, of Ohio, became his wife.  They are the parents of five children: Margaret A., wife of Philip J. Ray; Hannah J., and Jesse J.  Mr. and Mrs. Emery are intelligent and industrious and have a comfortable home.
 
 
FAWCETT, Rev. T. L., section thirty-one, post-office Conway, was born in North Carolina in 1826.  When six years of age his parents became residents of Indiana.  There our subject was educated and learned the blacksmith trade.  In 1851, he moved to Illinois and located in Mercer county, where he remained until 1864.  Came to Iowa in the last named year, stopped at Mitchellville and worked at his trade one year.  He then purchased a farm and improved it, and at the same time did a good business in his shop.  He was employed for a time as smith for the Des Moines Valley Railroad Company.  He came to Taylor county in 1875, and located on his present farm.  The year previous he had been licensed by the Des Moines Conference of the M. E. Church as a local minister, in which capacity he served until 1879.  He then severed his connection with that body and united with the Methodist Protestant Church and is now actively engaged in ministerial work.  Our subject is the only resident minister in Grant township.  In 1864 he married Miss Mary J. Tate, of Orange county, Indiana. (page 692) They are the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living: Martha A., wife of R. Woolly; Lucinda J., wife of Lewis Phillips; Mary E. wife of W. C. Elles, Leander J., Laura, now engaged in teaching; William, Edward, Miles M. and Avea.
 
 
GREEN, G. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section sixteen, post-office Conway; born in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1840, and there remained until sixteen years of age.  His father died when he was a mere child.  In 1856 his mother immigrated to Iowa and settled in Lee county, where our subject grew to manhood, received a common school education and learned the carpenter trade.  In the spring of 1861 he crossed the plains but returned, and in the following February enlisted in company A, First Iowa cavalry, and served eighteen months.  Took part in the battles of Pleasant Hill, Silent Creek and Lone Jack, where he was wounded, receiving two balls, one of which he still carries in his right leg.  He was discharged in 1863, at Keokuk, on account of his wounds and returned home, remaining under the physician's care nearly one year.  He first received a pension of five and a half dollars per month but it has since been increased to eighteen dollars per month.  In September, 1863, he was married to Miss Rachel Beaty, a native of Ohio.  They are the parents of five children:  Sarah, Horace Buller, Mary J., George E., and Nellie A.  Mr. and Mrs. Green are active members of the Missionary Baptist Church.  In 1868 he came to Taylor county and has since been engaged in farming, and working at his trade.  He purchased his present farm by borrowing money of a bank in Bedford which loaned to him on account of his having been a Union soldier.  He now has a pleasant home. 
 
 
GARRISON, GEO., farmer and stock-raiser, section four, post-office Lenox, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1840.  When ten years of age his parents died.  He was then taken to Virginia, and there grew to manhood, receiving his education in Morgantown College, where he graduated in 1856, after five years' attendance.  He then learned the cabinet maker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of five years.  He enlisted May 29, 1861, in the Third Virginia infantry as a musician, serving in that capacity until 1862, when the band was disorganized.  He then shouldered his musket and entered the ranks, participating in the battles of Cropney, McDowell, Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, etc., having his left eye shot out at the last named place.  He went to New York at his own expense and was operated upon at Bellevue Hospital by Dr. Parker, who charged him $300.  Returning to his regiment he took part in several engagements, was wounded in both arms, in the ankle, in the back by a guerrilla's ball, and finally discharged at Grafton, Virginia, on account of physical disability.  He then returned home and engaged in steamboating between Pittsburgh and New Orleans about six months, after which he went to Kansas City, Missouri, and engaged in the carpenter business.  He was employed as boss carpenter by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad Company, and remained in that position six years.  While in the employ of the Kansas Pacific Railroad he had three span of mules stolen from him by the Indians.  He was at one time surrounded by that noble race and held nine hours, but fortunately effected an escape.  In February, 1871, he married Miss Amanda Maple, of Denver, Colorado.  They have three children:  Willit, Frank and Jesse.  Mr. Garrison came to Taylor county in 1876, and located where he now lives.  He has a nice little farm of eighty acres and is prospering. 
 
 
HASKINS, G. B., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-four, post-office Conway, is a native of Ingham county, Michigan, born in 1840, and there grew to manhood, receiving a common school education.  In 1859 he came to Iowa and stopped for a time near Agency; went from there to Pike's Peak, where he followed mining and prospecting.  Returned to Iowa in 1861, engaged in farming and in 1863 returned to his native State.  Three years later he again came to Iowa and located in Marion county; remained until 1868.  He then moved to Ringgold county and improved a farm, on which he remained until 1877.  He then came to Taylor county, and has since improved a farm of eighty acres.  He was united in marriage with Miss Sylva C. Andrews, also a native of Michigan.  They are the parents of eight children: Clara B. (wife of O. F. Fatch), Alva J., Chas. W., Elenora, Sarah L., Minnie V., Stella P. and Ira.
 
 
JONES, J. H., farmer and stock-grower, section one, post-office Lenox, is a native of Kentucky, born in 1832.  He there grew to maturity and received a good education.  In 1850 his parents emigrated to Warren county, Illinois, where our subject engaged in agricultural pursuits.  In 1862 he enlisted in company C, Eighty-third Illinois, and served until the close of the rebellion.  At the battle of Fort Donelson subject fell into the hands of the enemy, but was finally exchanged and remained with his regiment until mustered out at Chicago, in 1865.  He then returned to Warren county, Illinois.  Came to Iowa the following year and located in Union county, where he remained until 1873.  Came to Taylor county in the last named year and has since made it his home.  Was married in 1867, to Miss Lucy B. Bliss, a native of the Empire State.  Of their children six are living:  Alice, Willis, Edwin, Francis, Alfred and Harry. One is deceased.  Mrs. Eleanor Jones, mother of our subject, lives with him.  She is probably the oldest person in the county, born in 1795, in the Palmetto State.  She retains her intellect, has an excellent memory, and reads the news of the (page 694) without the aid of glasses.  Mr. J now owns a fine farm of eighty acres and has a pleasant home.  Is a member of the Baptist Church.
 
 
KNOX, JOHN, farmer and stock-raiser, section three, post-office Lenox.  Born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania.  Emigrated with his parents to Bureau county, Illinois, when but a youth and there attained his majority, receiving a liberal education.  In February, 1863, he enlisted in company J, Ninety-third Illinois, and served faithfully until the war was over.  Participated in the engagements at Altoona, was with Sherman on his march to the sea and around to Washington.  Was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and returned home.  Remained in Bureau county until 1869, then came to Taylor county and located where he now resides.  In 1871 he was united in marriage with Miss Etta Sargeant, a native of New Hampshire.  They have four children:  Elbert P., Howard L., Clara E. and Blanche.  Mr. K. is engaged in shelling corn and threshing grain; being equipped with the necessary machinery, which he runs by steam.
 
 
PAYNE, J. L., farmer and stock-raiser, section sixteen, post-office Conway.  Born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1833.  When a child his parents emigrated to Pickaway county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and received his education.  While there he learned the mason's trade and has followed that work most of the time since.  In 1855 he came west and worked at his trade in Burlington and other Mississippi River towns for two years.  He then located in Appanoose county and remained there until the fall of 1860.  He then returned to Illinois and the following year enlisted in company K, Eighty-fourth Illinois, and served one year.  Participated in the battles of Perryville and Stone River.  Was discharged at Nashville, July, 1863, on account of physical disabilities.  Returned to Illinois and remained there until the spring of 1866, when he again came to Iowa and located in Appanoose county.  In 1874 he came to Taylor county and located on his present farm of 130 acres.  He was married October 19, 1857, to Miss Susan Wilkinson, of Illinois.  They have a family of eight children: Levi B., Lucinda A., wife of W. F. Lovett; John L., Walter, Susan L., Baxter, Fred and Maud.  Mr. and Mrs. Payne are members of the M. E. Church.
 
 
ROBINSON, SQUIRE, farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty, post-office Conway.  Born in Genesse county, New York, in 1832.  At an early age went to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated.  Came to Taylor county in 1854, located at Bedford and engaged in the carpenter business.  Six years later he became a resident of this township.  In 1862 enlisted in company F, Twenty-ninth Iowa, and served until the war had ceased; took part in the engagements at Little Rock, (page 695) Jenkin's Ferry, siege of Mobile and numerous others in which his regiment participated.  Was mustered out at Davenport and returned to his home.  He then commenced improving the farm on which he now resides.  It contains two hundred and fifteen acres of excellent land and is well improved.  Was married in 1857 to Miss Desdemonia A. Jenks, a lady of broad culture and refinement.  From this union there are four children: Squire, George, Hugh M. and Melvin S.  Mr. R. has served several terms as justice of the peace and is prominently identified with all measures pro bono publico.  He is a member of the I. O. O. F.