WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

 

(Page 631)

 

Capitalists of far-seeing vision are satisfied that Iowa, and southwestern Iowa, especially, is the real garden of the world, and they are determined to possess it.  The great trunk railroads now traversing the State have come to realize the fact that the present railroad facilities are not sufficient for the business of the future, and if they did not immediately occupy the ground other rivals would be built parallel with and across theirs, and divide the business and reduce the profits by sharp competition.  Hence our (page 632) trunk lines are building parallels, cross roads and arms in all directions, until the most sanguine in railroad development are astonished at the extent of railroad extension.  Much of what was considered the established condition of our State is being seriously disturbed.  Cities which supposed they had secured the trade of large tracts of country for all time to come and suddenly find themselves bereft of half their trade, and localities which supposed their destiny was to remain isolated in the back country behind the hills, as suddenly find themselves in the front rank of life and commerce.  The present impetus in railroad building will materially dissipate the illusions which many localities have had of being great commercial centers and populous cities.  The business of the State, instead of being concentrated at a few points is destined to build a large number of healthy business places, and none will be large cities, except by accident or local advantages, or large manufacturing establishments are built up.  With the thousands of good places of trade and easy access to market, Iowa is destined to have more than a usual number of desirable towns for business and for comfortable homes.  No great commercial city will ever to be able to control its political, social and financial systems.  The fifteen hundred miles of new railroad now building in Iowa are dissipating many dreams, while they are giving new life and energy to many thousands.  Our idle lands are being improved and occupied.  Inefficient and improvident farmers are being bought out and sold out, and better ones taking their places.  Agriculture is taking on new life.  Commercial enterprise is being aided by adding new fields, and better access to the old ones.  Everybody feels better and is looking forward to the day when a man will feel prouder to say he is a citizen of Iowa than ever did any Roman of that city which once ruled the world.  And this pretty clearly expresses the feelings of the average Washington township man.  He feels that is is better to belong to that bailiwick than to be a king.  Fortune has smiled upon them unexpectedly, and without cost.  They never even dreamed of, or hoped for, a railroad.  Yet one is now being graded east and west but a little south of the central part of the township.  It is the Humeston & Shenandoah line.  A town has been laid off in section 22, and is called Gravity.  Already it begins to show signs of a town: Buildings are going up, and lots are being disposed of quite rapidly, and at a very good price.  The town will be a success.  It can't be otherwise, for it is surrounded by a country unexcelled in productiveness.  On section 29 there will be a switch, the ground for which was purchased of Mr. Elliott.

 

The earliest settlers of Washington township were Greenville Abbitt, John Rutledge, D. W. Hamblin, Albert Churchill, W. D. Burge and Jacob Kerslin.  The Rev. E. Otis is another old settler.  D. W. Hamblin was a supervisor of Taylor county for a great number of years, and made a popular and good one.  The Rev. E. Otis was a pioneer preacher for the Baptists in this portion of Iowa.  With Elder J. M. Smith he traversed many miles of unknown territory, and accomplished much good.  Often they were surrounded with wild Indians, but they were not alarmed, nor were they disturbed.  Mr. Otis is now in charge of a successful Baptist organization in Washington township.

 

Cottage Grove Church, of the Christian denomination, was organized in 1876.  The congregation meets for worship at the Cottage Grove schoolhouse.  The membership is about forty.  Elder Parkhurst, of Missouri, is the pastor.

 

The first minister to preach in the township was the Rev. Peregrine, of Adams county.

 

The first school-house built was near Abe McCrackens', on section four. 

 

For many years there was a post-office on section twenty.  It was called Gravity, and was discontinued in 1878.  The patrons of the office were from that date supplied from Bedford.

 

Dr. Luther Bent, of Bedford, was for many years the only practitioner in the township.  If the old gentleman were living he could tell some remarkable stories of midnight journeys over pathless prairies and bridgeless ravines to see some one who was sick.

 

Among the large and prosperous farmers of Washington township is James Moneyhan, who is located on section two.  He is a man of great energy, and succeeds in raising fine herds of cattle for the Chicago markets.  His granaries, too, are always well filled.  Other large farmers are J. W. Paul, B. F. Chandler and John Rutledge.  T. O. Wilson devotes himself to raising bees, and he makes it profitable.

 

 

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ADAMS, W. H., farmer and stock-raiser, section fifteen, post-office Bedford, was born in Parke county, Indiana, May 6, 1840.  Moved with his parents to Keokuk  county, Iowa, in 1849.  Enlisted August, 1862, in the Seventh Iowa cavalry.  Was assigned to service on the plains against the hostile Sioux, Kiowas and Camanches.  Had many skirmishes with the "noble red men."  He served through Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming.  Was discharged November, 1865.  Returned to Keokuk county, and worked his father's farm.  Was married in 1869 to Miss Katie Blakely, a native of Iowa.  Came to Taylor county the same year, bought and improved a farm in Benton township, on which he lived five years.  Bought the farm he now owns in 1874, at that time raw prairie.  It is now well improved and in good condition, has good orchard, shade trees, windbreaks, etc., well watered and well fenced.  The family consists of three  (page 808)children:  Arty Pearl, Jessie and an infant.  Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the Christian Church.  Mr. Adams is an enterprising farmer and good citizen.

 

 

AKERS, RICHARD T., farmer and stock-raiser, section one, post-office Bedford, was born in Pennsylvania in 1847.  Served his country during the war of the rebellion, enlisting at the age of seventeen in company G, Thirty-fifth Iowa, afterward transferred to twelfth Iowa regiment, where he served the remainder of his term.  Was engaged at the siege of Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort, etc.  Two years after his discharge from the service he returned to his native State and engaged at lumbering, and remained there five years.  In 1870 he married Miss Amanda Slyker, a native of Pennsylvania.  Returned to Iowa in 1874, locating where he now lives.  Has a good farm of one hundred acres, all under cultivation.  Is a self-made man; commencing without means, but with true grit and indomitable energy, he has been able to meet his obligations, and can now see his way clear.  Has five children living:  Herby, Ira, Espy, Oscar and Philena (one, Carrie, died in infancy).  He takes great interest in their education.  His farm is well fenced, and has a good young orchard, many shade trees, windbreaks, hedges, etc.

 

 

AKERS, B. F., farmer and stock-raiser, section one, post-office Bedford, born in Pennsylvania in 1842.  Came with his parents to Iowa in 1857.  At the age of eighteen joined the Twenty-second Iowa volunteer infantry, company A, in June, 1862; promoted to corporal in 1863; engaged at the battles of Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Mississippi; Black River Bridge, assault and siege of Vicksburg; Winchester, Virginia; Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Virginia, and numerous skirmishes, forced marches, etc.  Indeed, was in every action of the regiment, and was never off duty a single day during three years service.  After being discharged, July 25, 1865, he doffed the union blue of the army and donned the jeans of a farmer, which business he has successfully followed since.  Was married, in 1867; to Miss Harriet J. Banister, a native of Illinois.  Came to Taylor county in 1868, locating where he now lives.  Has a fine farm of 180 acres of well-improved land, with good substantial buildings, orchard of apples, peaches, pears, plums and an abundance of cherries and small fruits.  Has a family of four children living:  Robert H., Cora A., Lutie E. and Roy F.  Is a good citizen, industrious and prosperous.

 

 

ALGEO, J. I., farmer and stock-raiser, section three, post-office Holt. The subject of this sketch was born in West Virginia in 1832; from there he moved with his parents to Henry county, Indiana, in 1846.  Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1859, since which time he has been a resident of this county.  Was married in 1862, to Miss Louisa Harlan, a native of Indiana, who came with her parents to Taylor county in 1854.  They are the parents of two children:  George S. and Anna E.  He located where he now lives the year of his marriage.  The farm is one of the first places in the township, and consists of 179 acres, well-improved, good substantial buildings, built from native lumber, framed after the old style, braced and pinned.  Mr. Algeo thinks it would try the strength of a Missouri cyclone to move one of them.  Mr. Algeo is a man well known and respected in the community.  Has held the office of Sheriff of the county, and many places of trust in the township.  Has engaged at merchandising but prefers tilling the soil.  Takes more than a passing interest in public affairs.  Himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

 

 

BARNETT, GEORGE, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Holt, was born in England in 1831.  Immigrated to the United States in 1860.  Located at La Salle, Illinois, engaged at farming, also coal-mining.  Was married in 1867 to Miss Jane Leavitt, also a native of England.  Came to Taylor county in 1871, and located where he now lives.  Has a well improved farm of 120 acres in a good state of cultivation, good bearing orchard, shade trees, etc., well fenced with osage orange hedge.  A good citizen, honest and upright, and well thought of in the community.

 

 

BLAKELY, Rev. J. L., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-three, post-office Bedford.  The subject of this sketch is a native of Illinois, and was born in 1834.  His parents came to Iowa when he was a child of seven years, and located in Jefferson county.  There the subject grew to manhood, and received his education at Fairfield Seminary, at that time under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church.  Was married in 1857 to Miss Lydia Sampson, a native of England.  Came to Taylor county in 1870 and was ordained a minister of the Baptist Church in 1875, and had charge of the Union Baptist congregation near Hopkins, but was compelled to abandon it on account of the death of his wife, in May, 1877.  She left a family of nine children:  Theodore, Preston, Ernest, Katie, Wilbur, Vinnie, Percy, Ellen and Edna.  Since the death of his wife he has turned his attention entirely to the management of his farm, which consists of 160 acres well improve, well watered, and has every facility for a good stock farm.  Mr. B. has been an earnest worker in the cause of Christianity since 1853.

 

 

BURGE, W. D., farmer and stock-grower, section ten, post-office Holt, a native of the Buckeye State, was born in Licking county in 1829.  While quite young his parents moved to northern Illinois.  Remained there two years, when, on account of the Black Hawk War the family was removed to Sangamon county for safety in case the father, who was a volunteer, should be called out.  When nine years of age our subject came with his parents to this State, locating in Henry county.  They were among the first settlers of the Hawkeye State.  At that time Iowa was a Territory.  The wigwam of the red man could be seen along the streams while an occasional trader's cabin was the only evidence of civilization.  It was there on the bleak prairies of Iowa that our subject experienced pioneer life in all its various vicisitudes.  In 1853 he moved to Council Bluffs but returned in the following year to Henry county.  Came to Taylor county three years later and located where he now resides.  Was married in 1849 to Miss Elizabeth Rondeybush, a native of Pennsylvania.  They were the parents of two children: Oliver, now in Montana, and an infant which died five hours after birth.  Mrs. B. soon followed her babe.  In the following year (1856) Mr. B. was again married, this time to Miss Ellen Morewood, a native of Maryland.  From this union there are six children living: Mary E., James H., George H., Martha, William C. and Pearl.  Mr. Burge owns a fine farm of 404 acres in a high state of cultivation, good buildings, three large orchards, vineyard, and a fine grove of shade and ornamental trees.  He also has a nursery of young fruit trees, shrubs, etc.  He is a man of extraordinary ability, honest, conscientious and dignified, ever ready to aid those in need or to forward public interests.  He is worthy of the confidence and esteem of all.  Is a member of the Baptist Church.

 

 

CARPENTER, E. D., farmer and stock-raiser, section seventeen, post-office Bedford, was born in the State of New York in 1827, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1832.  Removed to Illinois in 1839, and in 1853 he went to California overland.  Returning to Illinois in 1856, he bought and improved a farm in Fulton county of that State.  He again went to California in 1860, and traveled extensively in the far west, through California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho, after which he returned to Illinois in 1865, and lived upon his farm until 1876, when he became a resident of Taylor county, and bought the farm he now occupies, and has since then added much to its improvement.  It consists of eighty acres in good state of cultivation and well fenced; good substantial buildings, bearing orchard, etc. Was married in 1872 to Miss Eva Tucker, a native of Indiana. They have five children living:  Benjamin, Lorenzo D., Lucy A., Alma A. and an infant boy.  Mr. C. has probably traveled over more western land than any man in Taylor county.  Likes this county well, and is contented, prosperous and enterprising.

 

 

CHANDLER, B. V., farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Bedford, was born in Pennsylvania in 1844.  When a child, his parents moved to Illinois, and (page 811) there he grew to manhood and received his education.  Came to Taylor county in 1869, since which time he has been in the stock business quite extensively.  At this writing he has a fine herd of Short-Horns, and his stock never fails to take a share of the "ribbons" wherever exhibited.  He is now feeding about eighty head of fine cattle for the market.  His farm consists of 500 acres mostly devoted to grass, feeding lots and yards for stock; good orchard of about 300 bearing trees; barns and sheds of the most approved style.  The house lot has a very neat homelike appearance, surrounded with an iron fence; the yard is nicely arranged with shade and ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.  He was married in 1867 to Miss Cordeius Lovitt.  From this union there are two likely boys:  William Lesley, born in 1868, and Frank M., born in 1872.  Mr. Chandler served his country as a soldier during the war.  His father, Jesse Chandler, is still living at an advanced age, and is a respected citizen of Knox county, Illinois.

 

 

CHURCHILL, SAMUEL D., farmer and stock-raiser, section ten, post-office Holt, pioneer of Washington township.  Among the many old settlers of Taylor county none are more worthy a place in this volume than the subject of this brief sketch.  He was born in Ohio in 1835, and there grew to manhood.  In 1847 he married Miss Serena McUmber, also a native of Ohio.  In 1853 he went to Michigan and engaged in farming, and remained two years, then came to Taylor county and located where he now lives, at the south point of Hayden Grove; entered forty acres of timber which he cleared and grubbed.  In 1860 he bought forty acres of prairie which he also improved.  Commencing  without means he of necessity met with many difficulties.  He had neither team nor farm implements for three or four years, nor indeed much of anything else except stout hands and a brave heart.  He and his good wife undertook and succeeded in hewing for themselves a home out of the then Iowa wilderness.  How they ever accomplished it is indeed wonderful, and what a lesson is there in the lives of these people for the present generation, with all their luxurious habits, to profit by.  Mrs. Churchill made their own clothing from the product of a few sheep which they raised soon after their settlement and before they got a team of oxen, which was deemed more of a necessity in those days.  This was the first cloth made in the neighborhood as near as can be learned.  Their success is apparent as they now have a nice farm of eighty acres.  Their house is surrounded by a beautiful grove of natural trees; a good orchard and many other improvements.  Mrs. Churchill taught the first school in the neighborhood, not a district school.  The school-house was built by the inhabitants, each contributing a certain amount of work in its construction, and is described as a very (page 812) primitive affair.  Indians were there for several seasons hunting and trapping on the One Hundred and Two River.  They were never hostile but were very annoying as beggars.  Mr. C. says wild game was very plentiful in those days and was a great help to the settlers.  Deer could be killed at any time without leaving home; wolves were very annoying, sheep and pigs having to be kept shut up for protection against them.  They have two children living: G. W., editor and proprietor of the Essex Index, Page county, Iowa; and Ella, wife of George L. Brockman, living with her parents.  BROCKMAN, GEORGE L., carpenter and builder, post-office Holt, was born in Maryland in 1844.  Came to Illinois with his parents in 1856.  Served, during the rebellion, in the Seventieth and the One Hundred and Forty-third Illinois volunteers.  Came to Iowa in 1868 where he has been engaged as a carpenter and builder; is at present doing a good business and has the confidence of his patrons.  Married in 1880 to Miss Ella M. Churchill.  They have one child, Oscar N.

 

 

DUNN, JOHN A., farmer, section eight, post-office Holt, was born in Ohio in 1847.  His parents emigrated to Illinois in 1850, and to Taylor county in 1856, locating in Dallas township where the subject grew to manhood.  Came to Washington township in 1871, since which time he has worked the farm known as the Kirk Place.  Was married in 1868 to Miss Ellen McWilliams, a native of Iowa.  They are the parents of six healthy children:  Oliver, Robert, Wylie, Hattie May, Lottie Belle and Nellie.

 

 

ELLIOTT, JAMES, farmer, section eight, post-office Holt, was born in Pennsylvania in 1827; moved to Indiana in 1857; lived there eleven years, and came to Iowa in 1868.  The following year he moved to Taylor county, locating where he now lives.  He made all the improvements on his farm, which consists of sixty-seven acres, all in good cultivation, good bearing orchard, shade and ornamental trees, etc., and osage orange hedge around the entire farm.  Was married in 1857 to Miss Florinda Hills.  Of this union there are five children living:  Anna A., Mark M., William A., James R. and Willis F.  Has held the offices of supervisor, school director, etc.; also held the office of justice of the peace in Indiana.  Served his country in the war of the rebellion.  Enlisted in September, 1861, in the Thirtieth Indiana volunteer infantry.  Participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, where he received a wound (which ultimately caused his discharge), Perryville and Stone River.  Was discharged in February, 1863, on account of wounds received in battle.

 

 

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ELLIOTT, JAMES H., section twenty-nine, post-office Bedford, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, in 1819.  His father died while he was a mere youth.  He moved with his mother to Indiana in 1836.  Came to Iowa in 1851.  Preempted the land on which Prairie City, Jasper county, now stands, which town Mr. Elliott located in 1856.  Came to Taylor county in 1873, and bought the farm he now owns and occupies, consisting of 550 acres; no doubt the finest farm in the township, all improved land and in a good state of cultivation.  Has held various offices of trust in his township.  He was married in 1839 in Owen county, Indiana, to Miss Julia E. Hicks.  Of this union there are eight children living, three boys and five girls:  Martha J., John W., Mary A., Isabella, James E., Amanda, Robert M. and Etta May, and a little granddaughter, Emma Ellen, is a member of his family.  Mr. Elliott has met with various experiences, successes and reverses, but with a strong will and untiring energy, he has surmounted his difficulties, and can look for continued successes in the future.

 

 

FLEMMING, ELEAZER, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Bedford, was born in Indiana, in 1835.  While quite young he went with his parents to Missouri, and was there at the breaking out of the war.  Party feeling at that time ran high, the Union party and the secession party being about equally divided in the locality where he lived, so much so that a secession miller would not grind a grist for a Union man; and vice versa.  Was married in 1856 to Sarah A. Blazer, of Davis county, Iowa.  They have three children:  Almeda, Marietta and Levi A.  He became a resident of Taylor county, Iowa, in 1862.  Bought the farm he now occupies in 1864, and engaged at stock-raising, which he now carries on extensively.  His farm consists of 320 acres, which is well improved.  Mr. Flemming is one of Taylor county's prosperous and popular men, having held many offices of importance, among which we will mention that of clerk of the county court, to which office he was elected in 1872, as the Anti-monopoly candidate.  Was a member of the local guard during the war of the rebellion.

 

 

FREEMAN, S. C., farmer and stock-raiser, sections thirty-four and thirty-five, post-office Bedford, was born in Pennsylvania, December 19, 1824.  In 1838 his parents moved to Ohio.  His father died shortly after.  Mr. F. lived with his mother until his marriage, which occurred in November, 1850.  His wife's maiden name was Miss Mary Flowers.  They are the parents of eleven children:  William J., Samuel W., V. W., L. B., T. L., Benjamin C., Martha J., Sarah C., Mary E., Arminta F. and Harriet H. N., five of whom are married, and are residents of Taylor county.  The subject came to Iowa in 1855, and located in Henry county, where he lived (page 814) until 1873, when he became a resident of Taylor county.  Bought the farm known as "The Grove," consisting of 320 acres, well improved and in an excellent state of cultivation; has an orchard of 400 bearing trees, a fine grove of walnut, maple, cottonwood, etc., in all probability the largest trees in the county (we might except some few forest trees of natural growth).  The farm is well fenced, well watered, etc., has every facility for a good stock farm.  Mr. Freeman has accumulated this fine property wholly by his own exertions, being reared a poor boy, and having the care of a widowed mother during his early manhood.

 

 

GARTRELL, D. B., farmer and stock-raiser, section six, post-office Holt, was born in Maryland in 1817, emigrated to Ohio in 1831, and lived there nineteen years.  Was married in 1840, to Miss Mary Walters.  They have three children living:  Jane, John T., and Emma.  First wife died in 1848.  He married Miss Sarah Ann Otis, in 1849, and moved to Illinois in 1850.  From there he moved to Page county, Iowa, in 1851, and came to Taylor county in 1853; located on the south side of Hayden Grove, entered and improved eighty acres of land.  He went into the grocery business in the city of Bedford in 1866, which proved unprofitable.  Returned to his farm in 1872.  Has nine children living by second wife:  Walter E., Charles H., Willie E., Ellen, Emeline, Mattie, Alice, Daniel and James G.  Held the office of constable a number of years.  Is one of the first settlers of the township. 

 

 

GRAY, JOHN, farmer and stock-raiser, section nineteen, post-office Bedford, one of the pioneers of Washington township, was born in Ohio in 1811, and was married in 1840 to Mrs. E. J. Sowles (maiden name Beaty), also a native of Ohio.  Emigrated to Indiana the following year.  There improved a farm on which he lived fourteen years.  Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1857.  Located where he now lives.  He has a nice farm of eighty acres, well improved, with a good house, orchard, shade trees, etc. well fenced and in a good state of cultivation.  Also forty acres of timber.  These good people were among the first settlers of the township, coming when the country was new.  They of necessity met with many difficulties, but have been enabled to surmount them, and to see their family grown up, all married, and residents of Taylor county.  Their names are Thomas M., William C., Sarah E., Lucy A., Constantine, John B. and Mary B.  They also have twenty grandchildren living.

 

 

HAMBLIN, D. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section twelve, post-office Bedford, was born in Cayuga county, New York, in 1827, and there grew to manhood, receiving an excellent common school education.  His ancestors were among the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1630.  Subject (page 815) was married in 1850, to Miss A. S. Kenyon, also a native of Cayuga county.  They came to Iowa in 1857, locating in Taylor county.  He there preempted a quarter section just south of where he now lives, built a cabin, fenced and broke it, but soon discovered that the Burlington & Missouri Railroad Company held a preceding claim on the land he had labored so hard to improve.  He was informed by the government agent that he must go, which accordingly he did and bought the land upon which he now resides, paying double the government price.  At several times Mr. H., wife and child lay sick and for forty-eight hours were unable to help themselves and had no means of communicating with the neighbors three miles distant, but were relieved each time by a lucky accident.  Mr. and Mrs. H. assisted in organizing the Fairview Presbyterian Church and have always manifested a deep interest in its upbuilding.  Mrs. H. opened and taught the first school in that neighborhood at her own house.  Being successful beyond her most sanguine expectations she continued the school for several years receiving twenty dollars per term from the public treasury, for the purpose of securing a girl to do her housework.  They are the parents of seven children:  Horace K., Arthur A. and Frank L. are married and are prosperous farmers.  Mahlon E. and Clarissa A. died when quite young.  Subject has 160 acres of fine land with large orchard, ornamental and shade trees and good substantial buildings.  He has been a member of the board of supervisors for sixteen years.

 

 

HANKS, WILLIAM, farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty, post-office Bedford, is one of the pioneers of Washington township.  Was born in Ohio in 1828.  He was married in 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Ganson, a native of Pennsylvania, but who came to Ohio with her parents when but two years old.  In 1853 they started west, locating in Edgar county, Illinois, improved a quarter section of land, but left there on account of ill health.  Coming to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1855, he preempted one hundred and twenty acres, which are now well improved, with good buildings, orchards, etc.  At that time of taking up their residence here there was but one house between their farm and Bedford.  For a number of years they had no idea that the country would ever be settled up.  These good people live by themselves, visit the sick when their neighbors are afflicted, and have been blest with the best of health since their residence in Iowa.

 

 

HARGADIN, JOHN, farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-six, post-office Bedford, was born in New York City in 1818.  His parents moved to Connecticut in 1822.  There he grew to manhood and was educated at the common schools.  He was married in 1846 to Miss Elizabeth Cobb, a native of Connecticut.  Mrs. Hargadin has in her possession a genealogy of (page 816) the Cobb family, showing their settlement in Tolland, Connecticut as early as 1620.  Mr. Hargadin was engaged for many years as overseer in cotton mills in Connecticut and Massachusetts.  In 1853 he emigrated to Illinois and located in Lee county, where he entered and improved a farm on which he lived twenty-six years. He became a citizen of Taylor county in 1876, locating where he now lives and owning a fine farm of 160 acres, well improved, good house, with lawn in front, adorned with ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers, and seven acres in orchard and forest trees.  His farm is well fenced, well watered and nicely situated.  Subject has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years.  He has one son, Charles N., who works and manages the farm.  He is a young man of good habits and promise; industrious and enterprising.  He was born in Illinois in 1862.

 

 

HARRIS, J. L., Esq., farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Bedford, was born in Missouri, in 1830.  When but four years old his parents moved to Illinois.  He there grew to manhood and received his education.  Went to California in 1852, remaining there two years.  He returned to Illinois in 1854, and engaged at teaching, stock-dealing, etc., up to the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted on the first call for volunteers, in the Fourteenth regiment Illinois volunteers, in May, 1861.  Was engaged at Shiloh, siege and capture of Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi, also many skirmishes, forced marches, etc.  Discharged in June, 1864.  Returned to Illinois and engaged in farming.  Was married in 1865, to Miss Susanna Lake, a native of Illinois.  Of this union there are three children living:  Thomas M., Hattie and Mary.  Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1868.  Located near Platteville.  Moved to his present home in 1873.  Has a well improved farm of 240 acres, good buildings, fences, orchard, etc.  In 1879, the farm was visited by a tornado, which did considerable damage to buildings, tree, growing crops, etc.  Has held the office of justice of the peace, both in this and Jefferson townships.  Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.  In politics he is an uncompromising Republican.

 

 

JOHNSON, NATHAN, farmer, section thirty-six.  The subject of this sketch, though a young man, is one of Taylor county's old settlers.  Was born in Indiana in 1851.  Came with his parents to Iowa at an early day, and came to Taylor county in 1865.  He bought the farm he now occupies in 1878.  In 1872 he married Miss Mary E. Stewart, a native of Illinois, and daughter of E. V. Stewart, of Jackson township, Taylor county, Iowa.  Mrs. Johnson came to Taylor county just at the breaking out of the rebellion, when border ruffianism held sway, and remembers vividly the fears and excitements of the Union people in those trying times.  Her father owned and operated the first corn-planter in that locality.  He had it shipped (page 817) from Galesburg, Illinois, and hauled it from St. Joseph, Missouri, by wagon, sixty miles.  It was as great a show and made as much excitement at that time as a full grown circus at present.  Mr. Johnson is a young man of promise, enterprising and industrious, a member of the Christian Church.  He is building a good house and otherwise improving his farm, which is already in a good state of cultivation.  He intends to have his heavy work done before declining years; in other words, "makes hay while the sun shines."  Mr. Johnson has one child, Gracie Alice, born January 12, 1880.

 

 

KEESLAND, JACOB, farmer and stock-raiser section sixteen, post-office Holt.  The subject of this sketch is among the first of Taylor county's old settlers. He was born in June, 1832.  When but ten years of age he went with his parents to Indiana, and came to Iowa in 1852.  Was married in 1855, to Miss Nancy Williams, a native of Indiana.  Came to Taylor county the same year, locating where he now lives.  Has a fine farm of 200 acres, well improved, with good orchard, shade and ornamental trees, wind-breaks, etc., well fenced, good buildings, etc.  Feeds out all his grain on the place, and raises and markets a good deal of stock yearly.  Has also a number of prime horses.  The family are members of the "Cottage Grove" Christian Church, in which they take an active interest, and assisted at its organization in 1876.  They have three children living: Senith F., John William and James R.; also three deceased:  Mirah, D., and Laura Belle.

 

 

KYSAR, J. C., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-eight, post-office Bedford, one of the pioneers of Washington township, was born in the State of Indiana in 1874.  He came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1855, since which time he has been a resident of Washington township, except during his service in the army.  Enlisted in August, 1862, in the Twenty-ninth Iowa volunteers, company F, which company was organized in Taylor county, served one year, and was discharged for disability, and is still suffering from disease contracted while in the service.  He was married in 1865 to Miss Delilah A. Moore.  They are parents of four fine hearty boys:  C. H., F. G., O. A. and G. O.  Has a nice farm of forty acres, well improved.  They are members of the Baptist Church.

 

 

MAY, ISAAC, farmer and stock-raiser, section twelve, post-office Bedford, was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, in 1820.  His parents moved to Ohio when he was but nine years old.  He there grew to man's estate and was educated in the common schools and Carlyle University.  He afterwards learned the plasterer's trade, which business he followed for (page 818) thirty years. Moved to Logan county, Illinois, in 1861, removed in 1865 to Mason county, Illinois; bought and improved one-quarter section of land, upon which he lived until 1877, when he came to this county, locating where he now lives.  Has a fine farm of 240 acres of well improved land, fine residence, good barns, cribs, stables, etc., also a good house occupied by his son, who works the farm, Mr. May turning his entire attention to the raising of stock, of which he has a fine herd.  Was married in Ohio in 1842 to Miss Matilda Sifers. They are the parents of five children:  Solon D., Charles C., Anson L., Ellen, deceased aged 21, and Nancy A., died in infancy.  Mr. May is a man of energy and enterprise, and takes more than a passing interest in public affairs. 

 

 

MAY, C. C., farmer and stock-raiser, section thirteen, post-office Bedford, was born in Campaign county, Ohio, in 1845.  Moved with his parents to Illinois in 1862; lived in that State until 1876, when he became a citizen of Taylor county, Iowa.  In connection with his father he took up and broke 580 acres of prairie.  He now owns a nice farm of 160 acres well improved with good buildings, etc.  He feeds all his grain on the farm, and thinks it much more profitable than marketing his produce.  Is enterprising and speculative, buys and sells numbers of cattle yearly, and is reckoned one of the enterprising young men of the county.  Was married in Mason county, Illinois, in 1869, to Miss M. C. Seibert.  They are the parents of three interesting girls, Anna M., Effie C. and Iva O.

 

 

MARTIN, WILLIAM, farmer and stock-raiser, sections twenty-eight, twenty-nine and thirty-two, post-office Bedford, was born in Ohio in 1822.  When but three years old his parents moved to Indiana, where he was educated at the "subscription schools" (before the days of district schools).  Was married in 1843 in Parke county, Indiana, to Miss Mary Headley, and moved to Illinois in 1850.  Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1867, locating where he now lives.  Has a fine farm of 240 acres, well improved with fine house, orchard, groves, wind-breaks, etc.  Served in the Thirty-sixth regiment Illinois infantry volunteers during the war of the rebellion.  Has seven children living: Mary A., wife of Benjamin Lee, Rufus A., Emily C., James W. and Laura B., wife of William Webb, A. Lincoln, and Charles E.  Also three deceased, Sarah D., Caroline and Ann Eliza.  Mr. Martin is a cabinet-maker and joiner by trade, which business he followed up to his residence in Iowa.  Came here with limited means, but by industry and economy he has acquired a competency.  Himself and wife are consistent members of the M. E. Church.

 

 

MONEYHAN, JAMES, farmer and stock-raiser, section two, post-office Bedford.  The subject of this sketch was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, (page 819) in 1830.  When an infant in arms his parents went to Louisville, Kentucky.  At the age of nine came with his parents to Washington county, Indiana.  There he grew to manhood, occupied at farming.  At the age of eighteen young Moneyhan went into partnership with an elder brother in the mercantile business, putting up the first building and opening the first store at Saltilloville, Indiana, afterward a flourishing town.  Was married in 1851 to Miss Sarah Walker, also a native of Indiana.  By this union there are ten children living, five boys and five girls:  Sarah E., Turner, John R., William O., Mary E., Arminta, James, Lilly, Robert B. and Alta; two are deceased, Nancy J., died at the age of fourteen, and Henry, died in infancy.  Came to Iowa in 1861, locating in Monroe county.  Enlisted the following year, August 2, 1862, in company K, Thirty-sixth Iowa volunteer infantry.  Was at the battles of Helena, Little Missouri River and Mark's Mill, where he was taken prisoner with the entire regiment.  Was held a prisoner of war at Tyler, Texas, ten months, and exchanged February, 1865, at the mouth of the Red River.  At the first sight of the stars and stripes displayed from the United States gunboat he says his feelings so overcame him, though many of the prisoners cheered lustily, he was unable to even speak.  Was sent to parol camp and afterward sent home on parol furlough where he was discharged June 19, 1865.  Came to Taylor county in 1870, locating in Holt township.  Engaged in merchandising, and sold out in 1872.  Went to Nebraska, took a homestead, traded for land in Missouri, and moved there the same year.  Sold his farm in 1873 and came to his present home where he bought and improved a fine farm of 320 acres.  Is at present farming and stock-raising extensively.  Has a good herd of 103 stock cattle, many hogs, etc.  He engaged in many enterprises and speculations, running almost the entire gamut of successes and reverses.  Traveled extensively in many of the States of this great nation.  Has settled down to the belief that Iowa is the greatest State in the union and Taylor the greatest county in the State, and would advise the rising generation "that any honorable calling well followed will eventually result more profitably than many changes with a view of bettering their condition," and would cite them to the old adage, that "a rolling stone gathers no moss".

 

 

MOODY, Mrs. M. J., maiden name Elliot, widow, farmer, was born in Indiana in 1841.  Came to Jasper county with her parents when but ten years old; was married in 1858 to Stephen West, who enlisted in the Twenty-third regiment Iowa volunteers in 1862, and died in the service February, 1863, on his way home from the front.  From that marriage there are two children living, W. H. and Ella J. West.  Married David Moody in 1864.  Mr. Moody was also in the service during the war of the (page 820) rebellion, in the Nineteenth Iowa veteran volunteers, and contracted a disease which ultimately caused his death in 1869.  Of this union there are also two children living, Franklyn Moody and Edgar Moody.  Mrs. Moody resided in Jasper county up to 1878, when she bought the farm she now owns and manages, consisting of 160 acres, well improved.  This lady is entitled to much credit, as she has reared and educated her family, and by judicious management, has increased her store of this world's goods, and now has a nice property.  She has demonstrated that women under such circumstances are as capable as the lords of creation.  She has been a member of the Christian Church since the age of sixteen, and takes a great interest in its welfare. 

 

 

MOORE, J. G., deceased, father of the Moores, well known citizens of Taylor county.  One of the first settlers of Taylor county; was born in Davis county, Tennessee, in the year 1800.  Came to Iowa in 1850, and Taylor county in 1856, locating on section twenty-seven, Washington township, on the stream known as Middle One Hundred and Two.  They endured all the hardships incident to frontier life.  Their nearest post-office, being Maryville, Missouri, thirty-six miles distant, as may be supposed, letters were not very frequent in those days (and cost twenty-five cents postage).  The wife of Mr. Moore, whose maiden name was Miss Allie Baker, was also a native of Tennessee.  They were the parents of ten children, eight boys and two girls: F. G., deceased, J. D., E. J., T. M., E. W., D. A., J. G., R. B., D. O. and M.  The old couple spent a life of usefulness and lived to see their children honored members of the community.  Mrs. Moore died in 1875, and the old gentleman followed his wife to the better land two years later, 1877.

 

 

MOORE, E. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section sixteen, post-office Bedford, was born in Tennessee in 1835.  Came to Iowa with his parents is 1850, to Taylor county in 1857; went to Davis county the following year, and there married Miss Emma R. Ogden.  Bought a farm and commenced housekeeping.  Returned to Taylor county, Clayton township, in 1863, and in 1868 came to Washington township, locating where he now resides.  His farm consists of 160 acres improved land, ten acres of timber.  Has a family of seven children living; John D., Greenberry, Ira, Mary E., Frederick G., Harriet and Frank; and three died while young; James M., Elisha and Adaline.  Mr. Moore is one of Taylor county's old settlers and prosperous farmers.  He came here when this county was a comparative wilderness, and commenced without means.  He now has considerable of this world's goods, and yearly adds to his possessions.  Has a fine lot of healthy boys who take great interest in working the farm and accumulating something (page 821) for the winter of life.  Mr. Moore visited Colorado the summer of 1880, traveling overland, and saw no country he thought as good as Taylor county.

 

 

MOORE, J. D., farmer and stock-raiser, sections fifteen and sixteen, post-office Bedford, was born in Tennessee in 1825.  Came to Iowa in 1851, and to Taylor county in 1857, locating on section twenty-three, Dallas township.  Removed in 1860 to Marshall township, locating where he now lives in 1863, engaged at stock-raising and has been very successful.  Has a well improved farm of 240 acres, and twenty acres of timber.  Was married in 1850 to Miss Mary Brown.  From this union there are seven children living:  Esther E., Allie, J. G., Lizzie J., Deliah, Mary and Edward.  Mr. Moore has had much experience as an early settler, and says his rifle in the old days was his and his family's best friend, as it supplied them with meat -- large game, deer, etc. being very plentiful.  Was a member of Colonel Croner's "Border Guard" during the war of the rebellion, and was called out several times: once into active service in the State of Missouri.  Nearly all his children are residents of Taylor county.  He is known as a good citizen and an excellent man.  Is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

 

 

McCRACKEN, A., farmer, section four, post-office Holt, was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, June 3, 1838.  When about ten years of age his parents moved to Davis county, Iowa.  His youth was spent on a farm and attending the common school.  Spent the season of 1857 on the plains engaged in freighting.  Came to this county in 1860, broke out his present farm, and three years later moved here and settled upon it.  Remained here one year then went to Nevada where he lived eighteen months, after which he returned to Iowa and again settled upon his farm; since then he has made it his home.  February 8, 1863, Miss Mary A. Hough, of Davis county, this State, became his wife. This union has brought them six children: Alice, Mina, Eva, Elbert, Earl and Otis.  Mr. Moore is located upon an excellent farm of 160 acres, with all necessary improvements to make it a convenient, pleasant home.  He is a man of good business qualifications, and is prominently identified with the interests of Taylor county.

 

 

NELSON, J. E., farmer, section thirty-three, post-office Bedford, was born in Illinois in 1842.  Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1875, locating where he now lives.  He has a good farm of eight acres in good cultivation, orchard, plenty of shade trees, etc., and everything about his place has a neat appearance.  Was married in 1870 to Miss Camelia Kern, a native of Indiana.  They have one child, a boy, Oran, born in 1873.  Mrs. Nelson is a member of the Christian Church, in which she takes a lively interest.  (Page 822) Mr. Nelson served during the war in the Sixteenth regiment Illinois volunteers, and was with it in all its campaigns, etc.  Enlisted in May, 1861, and veteranized with the regiment.  Was with the famous "Acorn Corps" in all their trials and triumphs.  "Marched down to the sea" with Sherman, and back to Washington, participating in the grand review of the victorious armies, where the Fourteenth army corps were gathered together for the last time.  Was discharged in July, 1865.

 

 

PARKER, FRANK E., farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Holt; born in Wisconsin in 1856; there reared to manhood.  Educated at common schools and Union high school of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (received business education).  Came to Taylor county in 1876, and located where he now lives, on land belonging to his father; a fine farm well improved, good house, orchard, fences, etc.; intends going into the dairy and creamery business this present season; a big thing for that part of the county, of benefit to the people in general; first in the county.  Two sisters: Lillie, and Ione, educated and accomplished young ladies, make their home with him; parents live in Wisconsin.  Very nice young man, enterprising, intelligent and speculative.

 

 

PAUL, J. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-five, post-office Bedford; born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1833.  Moved to Whiteside county, Illinois, in 1853; removed to Henderson county, Illinois, in 1856.  Married in 1861 to Miss S. J. Chandler.  Enlisted in June, 1862, in the Ninety-first regiment, Illinois infantry volunteers, serving the first year in the State of Kentucky; was taken prisoner by John Morgan at Bacon Creek, Kentucky, and released on parole the next day.  After his exchange he went to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and served out the remainder of his time in the South.  Was discharged in 1865, and came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1869, and located where he now lives.  Has a finely improved farm of 170 acres, in a splendid state of cultivation, with good buildings, fine house, good orchard, etc., in fact, all modern improvements.  They have four interesting children:  Willis A., born in 1862; Rachel O., born in 1869; Osa E., born in 1874; and Clark E., born in 1880.  He is known as a good citizen.  Has served his township in various capacities as township officer, etc.

 

 

PRICE, JOHN W., farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-two, post-office Bedford; born in Indiana in 1844.  His parents moved to Wayne county, Illinois in 1854; and removed to Edgar county, Illinois, in 1861; became a resident of Taylor county, Iowa, in 1871, and bought and improved the farm upon which he lives, consisting of 210 acres all under good cultivation, fenced with osage orange hedge, and well arranged for feeding (page 823) stock.  Is at present feeding quite a number of good steers, and has a good herd of young stock cattle.  Was married in 1869 to Miss Keleida Baker, a native of Illinois.  They have six children:  Gertrude, Elsey L., Clayton S., Sciota P., Archie P., and an infant.  Family are members of the M. E. Church.

 

 

RATCLIFF, CHARLES, farmer and stock-raiser, section thirty-four, post-office Bedford; born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1839.  Moved with his parents to Morgan county, Ohio, in 1843.  Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1869, locating where he now lives; has a well improved farm of 100 acres in high state of cultivation.  Was married in 1877, to Miss E. K. Davis, a native of Morgan county, Ohio.  His parents located in Taylor county at the same time.  His mother died in 1868.  His father owns the adjoining farm.

 

 

ROGERS, JEROME B., farmer and stock-raiser, section eight, post-office Holt; was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1835; learned the trade of a miller which business he followed until 1863.  Enlisted June 29 of that year, and was discharged after a short term of service for disability.  Married, in 1864, to Miss Almira Masker, a native of New Jersey.  They have one child, Emily Maud.  He entered the land he now owns by military land warrant (War of 1812) in 1860.  Moved here in 1865.  Has a nice farm of 120 acres, well improved; good new house, buildings, orchard, etc.; also owns sixty-six acres improved land in section six.  A member of the Missionary Baptist Church.  A good man and good citizen.  His wife's mother, aged sixty-three years, well preserved, is a member of his family.

 

 

RUTLEDGE, JOHN, farmer and stock-raiser, section 12, post-office Bedford; one of the oldest of Taylor county's old settlers.  Born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1832, and there grew to manhood, and obtained a common school education.  Was married in 1856, to Miss Mary E. Carlyle, a native of Pennsylvania.  The next month started with his young wife for what was then the far west, locating in Clayton township, Taylor county, Iowa, on east One Hundred and two River (at that time locations were described by streams, points of timber, etc.), and has since been a resident of Taylor county.  After various removals and experiences he located where he now lives in 1860, and made all the improvements now to be seen.  Has a fine farm, in a splendid state of cultivation, with orchards, groves of shade and ornamental trees, good substantial buildings, etc., and fenced into forty-acre lots.  Mr. Rutledge has seen Taylor in its infancy.  Is familiar with the organization of its churches, schools, etc.  Is a gentleman of refined tastes, and occupies a high place in the hearts of his neighbors and (page 824) friends.  Is a consistent member of the M. E. Church; assisted at the organization of the first class in that locality, known as the Fairview class of Bedford circuit; afterwards changed to the Harmony, what is now known as the Conway circuit.  Has three children living: Cyrus F., Fannie E, and Anna M.

 

 

SMITH, JAMES G., farmer, section thirty-three, post-office Bedford, was born in England in 1838, and emigrated to this country with his parents in 1852, locating in Illinois, where his father bought a farm and still lives on it.  He subsequently went to New Orleans and was there at the breaking out of the rebellion, when troops were being raised for the Confederate army by every known means, but chiefly by the "bulldozing" process.  Young Smith escaped north, and (there being at that time no call for volunteers) enlisted at Newport, Kentucky, January 19, 1861, in the Second United States infantry, and served through the campaigns in Missouri under Gen. Lyons.  Was at the battle of Wilson Creek where that officer fell.  Shortly after was sent with his regiment to Washington, where the famous "Regular Brigade," in which Gen. Meade took such pride, was organized, serving through the campaigns of Virginia, and was with the Army of the Potomac in all their battles and experiences under McClellan, Mead, Pope and Burnside, up to his discharge from the regulars, which occurred in January, 1864.  Returning to Illinois, he visited for a while his friends whom he had not seen since his residence in New Orleans.  Being determined to see the play to the close, he again enlisted.  This time as a volunteer in the Elgin, Illinois, battery, Capt. Woods.  Went to the Western department and served under Pap. Thomas.  Was engaged several times under that officer, and was at Raleigh, North Carolina, where the rebel Gen. Johnstone surrendered.  Shortly afterwards he received his final discharge, at Chicago, in 1865; having served through the entire war, and where the fighting was the hardest, and no doubt has been under fire more times than any man in Taylor county.  He is now suffering from palsy, the effects of long service and exposure.  Was married in 1866, to Miss Jerusha Duffield, a native of Illinois.  Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1869, locating where he now resides.  He has a well improved farm.  His family consists of four children: Cyrus, Willie, Lena and Mary.

 

 

SLAWSON, CHARLES I., farmer and stock-raiser, section sixteen, post-office Bedford, was born in Schenectady county, New York, in 1831, and there grew to manhood, and obtained his education in the common schools.  Was married in 1865 to Miss Phoebe E. McMinn, also a native of the Empire State.  Started west the same year, going to Illinois where he lived five years. Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1870.  Bought the farm he (page 825) now owns the following year.  It is now well improved and in a good state of cultivation, and contains 120 acres nicely situated, laying nearly in a square block, with good orchard, and all modern conveniences.  It is fenced with osage orange hedge, and divided into convenient fields, yards and lawn, and adorned with shade and ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers.  He is still making many improvements.  They have two children living: Allie L. and Edith P.; two are deceased.  The family are members of the Hayden Grove Baptist Church.  Mr. Slawson is a member of the Union sabbath-school in which he takes an active interest. 

 

 

SOWLES, T. M., farmer, section thirty-one, post-office Bedford, was born in Logan county, Ohio, in 1840.  When a child his parents moved to Indiana.  They came to Iowa, locating in Taylor county, in 1857 (were in Wapello county, Iowa, two years previous).  Married in 1860 to Miss Susannah Wagoner.  Enlisted in August, 1862, in the Twenty-ninth Iowa volunteers, and served till December, 1865.  He participated in nearly all the experiences of that command.  In 1866 his wife died.  His present wife's maiden name was Mary E. Adams.  They have six children: Ulysses S., Elizabeth J., Lydia E., Constantine, Ella and Charles.  His farm contains eighty acres of improved land.  Commencing without means he has been quite successful.  Has held the offices of justice of the peace, and nearly or quite all the offices in the township, consecutively, and evidently has the confidence of the people. 

 

 

STEARNS, WILLIAM H., farmer and stock-raiser, section seventeen, post-office Holt.  Among the many old settlers of Taylor county none are more worthy of mention than the subject of this brief sketch.  Born in New Hampshire in 1808 he spent his youth on his father's farm.  Moved in 1829 to Underhill, Vermont, where he bought a farm and lived upon it twenty-five years.  He managed a dairy farm three years.  Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1856, when neighbors were very scarce.  Entered land in the vicinity of the school-house which now bears his name, and traveled to Council Bluffs on foot for that purpose (the land-office being located there).  Bought the farm he now owns in 1870 consisting of eighty-five acres, well improved, with good buildings, fine bearing orchard of choice fruit, small fruit in abundance, well fenced, hedged, etc.  A beautiful grove of natural growth hickory and oak flanking the buildings north and east.  Was married in 1832 to Miss Betsey Clough, also a native of New Hampshire.  Of this union there are eight children living: Venilla, wife of A. W. Awney; Sarah A., wife of Mortimer S. Blanchard; Byron H., now of Cloud county, Kansas; Sally, wife of C. G. Straw; Geo. A., Edwin, Laura, wife of Bryant Siebolt and Benj. C.; also, two deceased.  Mr. Stearns has had much (page 826) experience as a frontiersman, is the father of a fine family, has always led an exemplary life, and at this day has a fine patriarchal appearance; he has as done much for the common weal, has always taken an active interest in organizing and keeping up the schools of his township, is hale and hearty after his long life of usefulness and at this writing has members of the three generations of his offspring visiting the family.

 

 

SWANDER, HARRISON, farmer, section twenty-six, post-office Bedford, was born in Senaca county, Ohio, in 1838.  Came to Iowa in 1857.  Was one of the pioneers of Pleasanton, Decatur county, where he engaged in the mercantile business, was burned out in 1874, and the following year traded a house and lot (all he had left from the fire) for a pony team, and with these and his family came to Taylor county, locating where he now lives.  Broke and improved his farm, consisting of eighty acres in a good state of cultivation.  Was married in 1860, to Miss Ellen Fairley, who died in December, 1867, leaving two children:  Edward A., and Harry E.  Married Miss Christena Bessey, the following year.  From this union there are two children: Clara May and Clarence F.  Served his country during the war of the rebellion.  Enlisted in August, 1861, in the Third Iowa cavalry, serving to the close of the war and participating in all the battles of that regiment, among which we make mention of Pea Ridge, Brownsville, Little Rock, Arcadia, Hot Springs; Independence, Missouri, Holly Springs, Mississippi; Elyton, Selma, Columbus, and many skirmishes, forced marches, etc.  Was wounded in action at Tupelo, Mississippi.  Had his horse shot under him at Big Blue, Missouri.  Guarded the president of the defunct Confederacy after his capture, at Augusta, Georgia; veteranized in 1864; served until after the close of the war. 

 

 

VING, J. R., farmer and stock-raiser, section twenty-eight, post-office Bedford, was born in Louisiana in 1852.  His parents died while he was very young, leaving him with an older brother, with whom he lived till some time during the war of the rebellion.  While the Union troops were occupying the country adjacent to Morganza, a bend in Louisiana, the subject went into the Federal camp for rations and while there the pickets were relieved and colored men put in their places.  These refused to allow him to pass through the lines and he returned to camp.  There he met with H. F. Crutchfield, a private of company G, Sixty-sixth Indiana volunteers, who took charge of him and he (boy like), becoming infatuated with the life of a soldier, followed the fortunes of the regiment about eight months, making no effort to get back to his people.  Mr. Crutchfield sent him north to Indiana where he subsequently made his home in that gentleman's family, and with them he came to Taylor county, Iowa in 1872.  Mr. Ving was married (page 827) in 1875 to Miss Allie Moore, daughter of J. D. Moore.  Of this union there are two children: Gasland and Artemisia.  Has been remarkably prosperous, as at this writing he is the owner of 200 acres of well improved land besides a herd of seventy head of cattle.  His people discovered his whereabouts in 1876, since which time he has been in communication with them. Previous to the war his father owned a cotton and sugar plantation in Louisiana near Morganza bend.

 

 

WAGONER, CY., farmer and stock-raiser, section nineteen, post-office Bedford, born in Ohio in 1852.  Came with his parents to Iowa when but two years old, in 1855.  Came to Taylor county in 1858, and has been a resident of this county as boy and man since.  He now owns and occupies the old Wagoner homestead, originally settled by his father, Mr. John Wagoner, a pioneer of Washington township, who died in 1871.  A good farm of eighty acres well improved.  Was married in 1880 to Miss Charlotte Severns.  They have one child, John.  Mr. Wagoner's mother, an aged lady seventy-seven years old, and still hearty, is a member of his family.

 

 

WAGONER, DANIEL, farmer and stock-raiser, section nineteen, post-office Bedford; born in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1833.  Was married in 1852 to Miss Mary Bowers, also a native of Ohio.  Came to Iowa in 1856, locating in Taylor county, where he now resides, two years later, in 1858; has a well improved farm with good buildings, orchard, fences, well arranged for keeping stock.  Has a family of five children living: Christian, Michael, John, Samuel and Jemima, all grown.  His sons are doing for themselves, and are residents of Taylor county.  Mr. Wagoner is a member of the free Methodist Church.  Takes a lively interest in sabbath-schools, and more than a passing interest in public affairs.

 

 

WALKER, WILLIAM, farmer and stock-raiser, section nine, post-office Holt; born in England, in 1829.  Immigrated to America in 1857.  After trying various places and occupations he settled in La Salle county, Illinois, in 1858, where he remained till 1871, when he came to Taylor county, Iowa, locating where he now lives, taking up his farm from bare prairie, and by perseverance and industry he has succeeded in making a nice farm of 126 acres, well improved, good fences, fine orchard, shade trees, etc.  On every hand is evidence of thrift and prosperity.  Feeds out nearly the entire product of his farm on the ground.  Was married in England in 1854, to Miss Ann Leverick; by this union they have five children living: Miles, Alfred, William, Mary and Emma.  Elizabeth died, age nine.  Mr. Walker has traveled extensively in this and other countries, and thinks Iowa is A-1; and is a great admirer of American institutions.

 

 

WILSON, A. W., farmer and stock-raiser, section nine, post-office Holt; born in Ohio, in 1836.  Married, in 1861, to Miss Leoanche Mead, a native of Louisiana.  Served during the war of the rebellion, in company F, Eighty-eighth regiment Ohio volunteers.  Came to Iowa in 1865, and located where he now lives; his farm consists of 120 acres, was timber land originally.  Cleared it up and broke it himself.  Started with no means but a team, wagon and harness and $5.00 in cash.  Has a good farm, situated in a nice little valley; natural timber on north and west.  Good orchard, also owns twelve acres of timber.  Has a family of six children: Ellsworth, Merry, Myra, Nora, William and David.

 

 

WILSON, T. O., farmer and stock-raiser, section nine, post-office Holt; born in Ohio in 1832, and there grew to manhood, and obtained his education.  Was married in 1862 to Miss Melissa A. Morton, also a native of Ohio.  Became a resident of Taylor county in 1865, locating where he now resides.  Built a good house, and cut off the young timber from his farm of seventy acres; beautifully located and in a good state of cultivation, with fine orchard of apples, pears, plums, cherries, grapes and small fruit in abundance.  Raises quite a number of cattle and swine, but takes the greatest pleasure in Norman and Clydesdale horses, of which he has a fine stable.  Takes great interest in schools and public affairs, and regards his politics as sacred as his religion.  Has two children living: Elsie and Edna; and two gone before to that better land: Ella died at twelve years of age and Emma at two.

 

 

YOUNG, GERSHOME, farmer and stock-raiser, section one, post-office Bedford; was born in Knox county, Illinois, in 1845, and there grew to manhood.  Was educated at the common schools.  Married in 1869 to Miss Mary A. Lang, also a native of Knox county, Illinois.  Came to Taylor county, Iowa, in 1870, locating in Holt township.  Removed to his present location in 1873, and owns eighty acres of finely improved land, well fenced with orchard and shade trees, with beautiful groves of maples, wind-breaks, etc.  Has a splendid view of some beautiful country from his yard.  Has three children living: Chas. M., Susan and Grace.  He is a man of strict integrity and habits.