Biographies, beginning with W, History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882 Transcribed by Sally Scarff and Marlene Chaney for the USGenWeb Archives. Submitted August 2000 by Roxanne Barth , IAGenWeb Allamakee County Coordinator. ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** History of Clayton County Iowa 1882 Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company, 1882 Reprinted by: Monona Historical Society, Monona, Iowa Reproduction by: Unigraphics, Inc., 1401 North Fares Ave, Evansville, Indiana 47711, 1975 W Farmersburg Twp. -- John F. Wahls, son of John and Steina (Bolton) Wahls, natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, was born in that country in 1820. He emigrated to the United States in 1852, and three years later came to Clayton County and located on his prsent farm on sections 20 and 21, Farmersburg Township. It consists of 950 broad and fertile acres, nearly under excellent cultivation, and is one the largest and finest farms in Clayton County. They deal extensively in fine stock. In 1846 he married Katherine Wellner. To them were born two children - John and Fritz, both deceased. Mrs. Katherine Wahls died in New Orleans, and in 1855 Mr. Wahls married Mary, daughter of E. and Mary Jacobs, nee Easaulote, who were natives of Germany, and came to the United Sates in 1853, locating in Clayton County. Four children have blessed this union, viz.: Henry, born Apr. 30, 1876, is now married and resides on the old homestead. He has the entire charge of the farm and is making a fine success of it. Mary, born Mch. 9, 1862; Bertha, June 13, 1865, and Lewis, Dec. 15, 1871. The family are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Wahls votes the Republican ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 784 Jefferson Twp. -- Hermann Walke, farmer, section 15, township of Jefferson, is the son of Gehard Walke, who was born in Germany, April 14, 1807, came to the United States with his family, May 27, 1854, and has lived in this township since that time. His wife is deceased. Mary, an older daughter, with her husband, came earlier; she is now deceased. Mr. Gehard Walke has four children— John, Caroline, Hermann and Katie. Hermann was born in Germany in 1840, came here with his father, and has always lived in this township. He married Margaret Bierman Schroeder. They have five children—Hermann, Katie, Mena, John and Louis. His farm contains 265 acres of finely cultivated land. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 873 Lodomillo Twp. -- James S. Walter, proprietor of the Victor Flouring Mill and SawMill, east of Edgewood, was born in Dover, O., July 15, 1835. His parents were Jacob J., and Plezzy (Alcott) Walter, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Ohio. The family came to Clayton County when our subject was about ten years old and settled in what is now Mallory Township. Ten years later they removed to Elk Township, where James S. was married on Jan. 26, 1858, to Mary, daughter of George and Margaret (Kahel) Radabach. She is a native of Pennsylvania. Of eleven children born of this union, ten are living--Jacob M., who married Cora Wolidge; Hannah E., wife of John Dutton; James S., William S., Margaret E., Earnest M., Aaron, Lilly M., Amos R. and Jesse H. George W. died in infancy. In September, 1862, Mr. Walter enlisted in Company G, Sixth Iowa Cavalry and served until the close of the war, then returned home and followed farming in Delaware county five years. In 1870 he settled in Lodomillo Township, where he bought a saw-mill and erected a grist-mill; the latter burned Apr. 8, 1877. He then erected his present mill, which contains three sets of burrs and all the latest improved machinery. In politics he is a Republican and has held various local offices. He is one of our energic business men. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 905-906 Wagner Twp. -- Philip Walter was born in Germany, Nov. 2, 1810, son of Jacob and Catherine (Fick) Walter. He received his education in Germany, and at the age of fifteen learned the trade of a mason. In 1838 he emigrated to America, and lived ten years in Southern Indiana, working at his trade. He then removed to Clayton County and entered 800 acres of land on Roberts Creek. He has made excellent improvements on his place, which he has divided recently between his children. In 1871 he built the large flour-mill near his residence, on the creek, at a cost of $10,000. He married in 1835, while in Germany, Barbara Walter. They had ten children, eight living - Michel, Jacob, John, Katherine, George, Mary, Henry and Barbara. Philip died at twenty-six years of age, and Peter at the same age. Mrs. Walter died in February, 1879. Mr. Walter was again married in the winter of 1882, to Mrs. Murde Eible, widow of I. Eible, of Girard Township. She was born in Germany. Mr. Walter was one of the pioneers of Wagner Township, and started almost alone to build up a home in that section, there being but one house between his place and McGregor at the time. He is well known throughout the entire county, and is classed among Clayton's oldest and most respected citizens. He is a Presbyterian. Politically he favors the Democratic party. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1143 Sperry Twp. -- Alexander Wandell was born in Cattaraugus County, N.Y., Oct. 7, 1844. When he was about nine years old his father removed to McHenry County, Ill., where he remained one year, and in 1854 located in Clayton County, Iowa. Alexander was educated chiefly in Cox Creek Township. He enlisted in 1863 in the late war, in Company F, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry. He participated in the battles of Dead Oaks, Tupelo, Nashville, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. Mr. Wandell was transferred to the Twelfth Iowa Infantry previous to the close of the war. After he was transferred, he volunteered as dispatch carrier, carrying messages between Tuscaloosa and Talladega, Ala. After serving in this capactiy six mohths, he retired from the service and returned to Iowa. He followed farming until December, 1881, when he engaged in the livery business in Volga City, and still continues in that occupation with good success. He was married on Feb. 3, 1872, to Ella Rowell, who was born in New Hampshire in 1854. They have one child - Wilber M., born May 8, 1873. Mr. Wandell is a Republican in politics. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1106-1107 Lodomillo Twp. -- Ethan Wandell is a native of Cattaraugus County, N.Y., born June 15, 1829. His parents, Alexander and Phila (Lanphier) Wandell were also natives of New York. They had a family of ten children of whom our subject was the fourth child and third son. He was educated in the common schools of New York, and farmed there with his father, also engaging in the lumber trade. On Feb. 22, 1855, Ethan Wandell and Angeline Tracy, who was born in Otto, N.Y., were united in marriage. She was a daughter of John and Jane Tracy, nee McIntire, of New York. To them have been born eight children, seven living-- Phineas, who married Anna Hesner; Elic, John, William, Timothy, Ethan and George. In July, 1855, Mr. Wandell came to Iowa and settled in Cox Creek Township, Clayton County, where he engaged in farming until March, 1865, when he located on his present farm in Lodomillo Township. It consists of 200 acres of valuable land, all under cultivation except fifty acres of timber. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, and is one of the old settlers and representative men of Clayton County. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 906 Cass Twp. -- Giles Ward, one of the pioneers of Clayton Co., was born on Mch 4, 1826, in Huron County, O., and was a son of Noah P. and Elizabeth Ward, nee Clarey. His father was a native of Massachusetts, his mother of New York. The family removed to Erie Co., N. Y., where Giles was reared and educated, and where they resided until 1844, when they located in McHenry County, Ill. The subject of this memoir came to Clayton County in 1848, and pre-empted 240 acres of land, this being the first entered in the township. He has made amny valuable improvements on his farm, which is one of the finest in the county. Mr. Ward has been thrice married, first on Sept. 6, 1856, in Walworth County, Wis., to Mary Milner, who died Jan. 25, 1858, having been the mother of two children, one living--Anna, now Mrs. Pierce Gray, of St. Louis, Mo. His second marriage occurred on Jan. 30, 1859, to Caroline Godfrey. Their union was blessed with four children, two living--George and Nellie. Mrs. Caroline Ward died Nov. 2, 1876, and he was again married Sept. 1, 1878, to Mrs. Rosanna E. Noble, nee Holt. Mrs. Ward had five children by her first husband--Eddie L., Elsie F., Merrill A., Nora A. and Jesse W.; these are all living. Mr. Ward is the present Township Treasurer, and is one of the men to whom much credit is due for his enterprise in braving the hardships of pioneer life in the West. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 704 Monona Twp. -- Chester S. Warner, a son of Samuel F. and Betsey Warner, nee Wright, was born in Clayton, Jefferson County, N.Y., on the 15th day of November, 1829. The family consisted of eight children, five of whom are living--Wm. F., Ellen, Caroline, Jane and Chester S. In 1847 Mr. Samuel Warner emigrated with his family to Indiana, and located in La Grange County. In 1852 he came to Clayton County, Ia., locating in Farmerburg Township. Mr. and Mrs. Warner died in Clayton County, the mother in 1861, and the father in 1881. He was a member of the Congregational and she of the Christian church. The subject of this record was reared in Northern New York, receiving a common school education. In 1858 he married Mary Smith, a daughter of Phineas L. Smith, of Vermont. She was born in Franklin County, N.Y., Feb. 17, 1835. The fruits of this union are two children--Emma and Ella. Mr. Warner has been identified with the county for thirty years, and has lived to see the wild prairies transformed into beautiful farms. He owns a farm of 105 acres, under cultivation, and valued at $40 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Postville. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1066 Monona Twp. -- William F. Warner was born in Jefferson County, N.Y., Dec. 29, 1837. His parents emigrated to La Grange County, Ind., when he was eight years of age, where they remained five years, and in 1853 came to Clayton County. W.F. was married in 1869 to Miss Jennie Glass, a daughter of Thomas Glass. She was born in Pittsburg, Pa., June 6, 1841. By this union there are four children--Thomas F., born Sept. 28, 1870; Bessie G., March 30, 1872; Alice L., Sept. 27, 1874, and Loreen Ashley, Dec. 6, 1877. Mr. Warner came to the county poor, commencing at the lower round of the ladder, but by hard work and judicious management, has accumulated a fine property and home, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. He has 378 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1066 Mendon Twp. -- James Washburne, farmer, section 30, Mendon Township, was born in Compton, Lower Canada, Feb. 21, 1814. His parents, Joseph and Sarah (Warner) Washburne, were natives of Massachusetts, and moved into Lower Canada at an early day. They had a family of five sons and three daughters, of whom, James, subject of this sketch, was the oldest son and second child. He attended school and worked on his father's farm until sixteen, when his parents removed to Pittsburg, N.H., and settled on a farm. At the age of twenty-one he left home and began to work for himself. He built and ran saw and grist mills on the Connecticut River until 1858, when he came to West Union, Fayette County, Iowa, where he worked at the wagon-maker and boot and shoe trades about five years, then farmed until February, 1867, when he came to Clayton County, and bought his present farm on section 30, Mendon Township, where he has since remained. Mr. Washburne married Betsey Wright at Pittsburg, N.H., Nov. 25, 1834. They have had a family of four girls and four boys--Anna, born Sept. 4, 1835, wife of Chas. Woodard; Phoebe A., born July 11, 1838, married Andrew S. Barnes; James, Jn., born Sept. 24, 1840, died Nov. 14, 1840; Amanda M., born April 30, 1842, wife of George E. Dayton; Marietta, born May 4, 1844, married Chas. Severy; Hiram P., born Feb. 1, 1847, married Jenetta Allen; Chas. S. W., born Dec. 5, 1848, married Anna Schriver; George P., born March 28, 1851, married Ella Davis; Edward E., Sept. 20, 1853, married Josephine Orr. Mr. Washburne owns a farm of eighty acres, seventy acres under cultivation and well stocked; he raises grain and fruit for the market. He is one of the enterprising, representative men of Clayton County, where he has been identified since 1867. He was elected to the Vermont Legislature two terms, and was Justice of the Peace and Postmaster of Pittburg, N.H., sixteen years; has also held the office of Justice of Peace in Mendon Township. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1003 Monona Twp. -- James Watkins, one of the wealthy farmers of Clayton County, was born in Morristown, St. Lawrence County, N.Y., Sept. 22, 1833, son of Jerred Watkins, who was born in 1795, and Lura (Wood) Watkins, born in 1798. They were married in Malone, N.Y., in 1819, and had a family of nine children, eight living, viz.: Pamelia, Delia, Charles, Lois, James, Henry, Eunice and George. Mr. Watkins by occupation was a carpenter, and joiner. In 1825 he left New York and emigrated to Lorain County, O., where he remained until the spring of 1852 when he came to Clayton County, which was his home until his death which occurred Jan. 1, 1867. The mother, still living, is in her eighty-fourth year. The subject of this memoir was eduated in the common schools of Ohio, and when fifteen years of age commenced to learn the trade of blacksmithing, which he followed until he was twenty-three, when he learned the trade of stone mason, working at the same from 1856 until 1863, with the exception of one year. In 1863 he took a trip to California, where he remained three years and three months, then came to Clayton County. He purchased the old homestead in Farmerburg Township, and engaged in farming one year, and from that time until 1875 followed his trade. He then purchased his present home. He owns seventy- five acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation, valued at $75 per acre. On May 1, 1872, he married M.J. McNeil, a daughter of H.V. McNeil. She was born in Lindsay, Upper Canada, Dec. 18, 1848. They are the parents of three children, viz.: Lowell, Annie and Mac. Mr. Watkins has never taken any interest in politics, having never cast a vote at an election. When he came to the county he was in debt, but he went manfully to work and by judicious management has accumulated a fine property, and is now ranked among the wealthiest men of the township. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1066- 1067 Mendon Twp. -- H. H. Watson was born in Clermont County, Ohio, April 2, 1840, son of R. R. and Katherine (Moyer) Watson. In 1849 his parents removed to Coles County, Ill., remaining until 1857, when they removed to Kansas, and followed farming in that State and in Missouri. In 1860 they returned to Illinois. In 1863 our subject enlisted in Company F, Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served to the close of the war, participating in all the battles of his regiment. After close of war returned to Lincoln, Ill., where his parents have resided since 1860. He engaged in the stock business there, and also in the circus business, contracting to convey overland circuses from town to town. In 1871 he removed to North McGregor, where he has remained ever since. He came here without means and followed fishing, trapping and hunting, until within the past six years, during which time he has run an omnibus line between North and South McGregor. He was married March 24, 1868, to Miss B. J. Rosche. They have had two children, one now living--Isabelle. Robert H. died in infancy. Mrs. Watson is a member of the Catholic church. In politics he is a Democrat. P.O., North McGregor. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1003-1004 Mendon Twp. -- L. G. Webb, City Marshal and Street Commissioner, McGregor, was born in Medina, Ohio, Aug. 29, 1834, and was a son of John R. and Catherine Webb, nee Stahl, natives of Pennsylvania. L. G. was the fifth son of twelve children born of this union, and, when he was one year old his parents moved to La Porte, Ind., thence to Ogle County, Ill., and two years later to Stevenson County. They resided there until 1854, when they settled in Benton County, Iowa, where the father still resides in the eighty-eighth year of his age, a hale, hearty old gentleman. L.G. Webb became a resident of McGregor, Iowa, in 1860, and followed his trade, that of a brick mason, here until 1877, when he was elected to his present offices, those of City Marshal and Street Commissioner, and in both positions shows himself to be a faithful and efficient officer. On Nov. 6, 1856, he was married to Anna McCauley, of Mansfield, Ohio. Her parents were William McCauley and Sarah, nee Douglass. Of eight children born of this union six are living--Ralph E. (an employe in the Chicago office of the M.S. & L. S. R. R.), Ruth, G. Dayton, Ray, John, and Gertrude. Mr. Webb is a member of Itasca Lodge, I.O.O.F., No. 111, and politically he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1004 Read Twp. -- Charles Wedemeyer, farmer and wagon-maker, and the present steward of the poor farm, is a son of Henry and Anna Wedemeyer, and was born in Germany, March 4, 1841. His parents came to the United States in 1864, and located in Clayton Center, where they now reside. Charles came to the United States in 1860, and learned the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed in California and Nevada four years, then came to Clayton County and settled on a farm in Wagner Township. He owns eighty acres of land on section 5, which he cultivated until Oct. 12, 1881, when he was appointed to his present position of steward of the poor farm. He was married in 1868 to Sophia, daughter of John and Sophia (Haman) Bellman, natives of Germany. To them have been born five children-- Dorathea, born July 21, 1871; John, May 27, 1875; Charles, April 30, 1877; Lydia, March 3, 1879, and Alice, June 9, 1881. Mr. Wedemeyer has held the office of Township Assessor a number of terms and has faithfully discharged the duties of his position. He votes the Democratic ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.1079-1080 Elk Twp. -- William Wegener is a native of Prussia, born May 21, 1821. He emigrated to America in 1856, landing at Quebec, Canada, and from there went to Missouri, where he resided until 1858, when he came to Clayton County and settled on section 7, Elk Towhship. He now owns a finely cultivated farm of 120 acres, and is one of the representative grain and stock growers of Clayton County. He was married in his native country on June 8, 1852 to Augusta Strack, who was likewise a native of Prussia, born Sept. 22, 1824. Two children blessed their union, one surviving-Charles, who was born March 7, 1853, and is still at home, the main stay of his parents in their old age. Mr. Wegener is a member of the Lutheran church, and votes the Republican ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 766 Grand Meadow Twp. -- Carl Wegner, a native of Germany, was born Nov. 12, 1847. In 1867 he emigrated to America in company with his father and family. They came at once to Clayton County, and located in Grand Meadow Township. His father is now living in the West. Mr. Wegner owns 160 acres of rich land and well improved on section 5, this township. He was married to Christina Neser on March 18, 1878. She is likewise a native of Germany, born in 1854. Two children have been born unto them--Carl, born in December, 1878, and Anna, born May 8, 1881. Mr. Wenger is a member of the Lutheran church, and in politics is a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 836 Jefferson Twp. -- Mathias Weiner, proprietor of the "Jefferson House," Guttenberg, is a native of Baden, Germany, born in 1826. He was a soldier from 1842 till 1849, and was engaged in a number of battles; he was taken prisoner, and was for a time confined in the same prison with Carl Schurz, but succeeded in making his escape and getting to this country. On coming to the United States he located at Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there came to Guttenberg, in 1854. He was for some time engaged with Mr. Hermann Ihm in Keeping Hotel, the "Cincinnati House." He afterward engaged in a general merchandise business with Mr. Ihm. These gentlemen were associated in business for about twenty years. After dissolving partnership, Mr. Weiner became connected with the wholesale grocery house of W.J. Quan & Co., of Chicago. Mr. Weiner has been married twice; his first wife was Barbara Buchleit, who died in 1861; his present wife is Louisa Renner. He had seven children by the first wife, three of whom are living, and had ten children by the second wife, five of whom are living. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 873-874 Sperry Twp. -- Edward D. Welch was born in East Canada, Nov. 3, 1823. In 1847 he settled in DuPage County, Ill., and engaged in farming there until 1850, when he crossed the plains to Califonria, and engaged in mining four years. In 1854 he went to Lockport, Ill., where he purchased two yoke of oxen, one yoke of cows and a wagon. He hitched the two cows in the middle between the two yolke of oxen, put his household goods and little family into the wagon, and started for Iowa, arriving in Volga City June 10, 1854. He bought property in Volga City, and resided there four years. While in Volga City he entered land in Fayette County under the Graduation Act, and bought 100 acres on section 28, Sperry Township. In 1857 he disposed of the land on section 28, and purchased the farm on section 14, where he now lives. He owns 220 acres of valuable land. He was united in marriage Jan. 5, 1847, in Canada, to Leonara Denton, who was born at that place on Oct. 25, 1827. Their children are - John D., born Dec. 21, 1847; Cornelia A., Sept. 1, 1849; Helen L., Aug. 22, 1857; Judith E., May 22, 1859; and William H., born Nov. 5, 1862, who was drowned July 4, 1871, in the Volga River. In connection with farming Mr. Welch also engages in the dairy business. In politics he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1107 Lodomillo Twp. -- John H. Welch was born in Canada, Dec. 2, 1835, and was a son of Samuel D. and Elizabeth (Wait) Welch, the former born in New Hampshire, the latter in Dutchess County, N.Y. His father died when he was about seven years old, and he then went to live with his Grandfather Wait. At the age of thirteen he became self-supporting and followed farming in Grand Isle County, Vt., Dodge County, Wis., Olmstead County, Minn., finally locating in Sperry Township, Clayton County, in 1860. He was married there to Mrs. Rachel A. Chilson, nee Nichols, Oct. 2, 1862. She was born in Washtenaw County, Mich., July 29, 1833, and was a daughter of Rufus and Philena (Root) Nichols. Mrs. Welch was first married to Philip D. Chilson, who died March 20, 1867. Three children were born of that union, one living--Summer C., who married Mary McCray, and resides in Sperry Township. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have been blessed with six children--Oscar E., Rufus R., John M., Frederick A., Arthur D. and William H. In March, 1877, Mr. Welch located on his present farm in Lodomillo Township, where he owns 120 acres of finely cultivated land, well stocked. He is a member of Strawberry Point Lodge, No.130, A. F. & A. M., and was one of the charter members of the Mountain Shade Lodge, No.279, at Volga City. He has held various township offices, and is now acting as Justice of the Peace. He is well and favorably known throughout the county as an enterprising and free-hearted man. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 906-907 Monona Twp. -- F. L. Wellman, one of the prominent citizens of Monona Township, was born in Cattaraugus County, N.Y., Jan. 5, 1842, and is a son of Alva S. and Abbie (Sherman) Wellman, who are the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters--F.L., William W., Clara, widow of Dennis Brand; Smith, a merchant of Cattaraugus County, N.Y., and Mary, a practicing physician of Akron, O. Mr. Wellman, Sr., is by occupation a cabinet-maker, and is still living in New York State. The subject of this memoir in early life learned the trade of a cabinet and chair maker, following the same until he was twenty-one years old. In 1860 he left his home for the gold fields of Pike's Peak, coming via Clayton County, where he had friends living, and not receiving favorable report of Pike's Peak, concluded to remain here, where he engaged in farming. In 1865 he married Alice Redding, who was born in 1844. By this union there was one son--Lewis A. In politics Mr. Wellman affiliates with the Republican party, and has held several local offices, having served as Township Trustee for fourteen years. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1067-1068 Grand Meadow Twp. -- M.R. Welsch, one of the pioneer children of Clayton County, Ia., was born here on Dec. 11, 1853. His father, Michael Welsch, was a native of France, born in 1812. He came to the United States in 1853, and settled in Clayton County in that year. In 1854 he located on the place where the family now reside. Michael Welsch died Apr. 5, 1880. The subject of this sketch was married June 24, 1880, to Emma Werner, who was born in Iowa, Apr. 10, 1858. Mr. Welsch is a member of the Catholic church, and in politics is a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 836 Grand Meadow Twp. -- John Welzel was born in Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 10, 1834. He emigrated to this country in 1853, and landed in New York. From there he went to Chicago, Ill., where he remained until December of that year. The next summer he went to Burlington, Ia., thence to St. Louis, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Gulf of Mexico, then came north again reaching Burlington in 1855. During this time he worked at various branches of business, until he located permanently in Clayton County in 1855, and since that time he has engaged principally in farming. In company with seven other men he rented Judge Williams; farm in this township and worked it seven years. In 1864 he bought 120 acres on section 15, where he now resides. He has his farm in a spendid state of cultivation and well stocked. He was married to Anna S. Thoma. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, Sept. 1, 1834. Seven children have been born of this union, viz.: John P., born Apr. 14, 1855; Fred. H., Oct. 9, 1858; Conrad, June 11, 1863; Louie, Nov. 19, 1866; Anna, Sept. 13, 1872; William, Oct. 24, 1874, and George, May 14, 1878. Mr. Welzel is a member of the Lutheran church, and in politics is a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 836- 837 Grand Meadow Twp. -- John P. Welzel was born in Clayton County, near Garnavillo, on Apr. 14, 1855. When he was about six years old his father removed with his family to Grand Meadow Township. John P. was here reared and educated. He was married on Mar. 19, 1878, to Emma Shultz, who was born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 5, 1855. They have one child--Charles G., born Dec. 3, 1878. Mr. Welzel is known as one of the substantial farmers of Clayton County. He owns a finely cultivated farm of eighty acres on section 34, this township. He is a member of the Lutheran church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 837 Clayton Twp. -- Casper A. Werges is a native of Hanover, Germany, born Oct. 14, 1817. In 1842 he left the land of his birth for America, and landed at Baltimore, Md., on Oct. 27, of that year. From there he went to Pittsburg, Penn, thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, and six months later located in Sciotaville, that State, where he worked in the iron foundry nine years, then came to Clayton County. He settled on section 30, Clayton Township on a farm which he had previously purchased. He owns 240 acres of excellent land and has one of the finest farms in this section. He was married Sept. 1, 1855, to Lucy W. Bruns, a native of Hanover, Germany. They have nine children, viz.: Sophia Margaret, born July 24, 1856; Frederick W., Feb. 10, 1858; Henry L., Dec. 14, 1861; Anna Mary, March 13, 1863; Justina Sophia, Dec. 3, 1866; Mary Anna, April 15, 1868; William Herman, Dec. 31, 1871; John C., July 16, 1873; and J. Ludwig, July 28, 1878. In religious faith Mr. Werges is a Lutheran,and in his political views is a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 728 Highland Twp. -- William West is a native of Northampton, England, born Nov. 13, 1831., He was a son of William and Charlotte (Smith) West, who had a family of nine children, of whom William was the fifth child. He worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-one years old, when he came alone to the United States, and came direct to Clayton County, Iowa, where he had a brother living. He engaged in farming and other occupations until May, 1855, when he went to Minnesota; remained there two years, then returned to Iowa. In the spring of 1857 he went to Kansas, and worked at the blacksmith's trade there five months, then came back to Clayton County. In 1860 he spent ten months in Kansas, New Mexico and Pike's Peak, Col. When he returned to this county, he was married to Betsey Underwood, on Oct. 28, 1862. She is a native of England, and was a daughter of Absalom and Mary Underwood, nee Wells. Their matrimonial life has been blessed with ten children--William E., John G., Thomas U., Mary A., Nellie M., Lotta E., Richard, Francis A., Anna M. and Richard, who died in infancy. Mr. West owns 160 acres of land, 120 under fine cultivation and abundantly stocked. In politics he is a Greenbacker. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 848-849 Wagner Twp. -- Orrin Weymouth (deceased) was born in the State of Maine, and was educated in the district schools of his native place. He was married in 1852 in St. Croix, Wis., to Annie Oleson, who was born in Norway, and came to America about forty years ago. Six children were given them, three living - Louisa, born July 4, 1858; William, July 13, 1860, and Mary, Aug. 31, 1862. Mr. Weymouth enlisted at St. Croix in Company F, Seventh Wisconsin Volunteers. He was wounded, and was on his way home, when he died from the effects of his injuries in New York. Soon after Mrs. Weymouth removed to Clayton County, and bought forty acres of land on section 29, Wagner Township. Here she has lived since with her children. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.1143-44 Boardman Twp. -- Grier Wheeland, M.D., was born in Franklin, Vt., Feb. 10, 1852, and was the son of Charles G. and Charity (Lackey) Wheeland, both of Irish parentage. Our subject passed his early life on a farm, his father having removed to Fayette County in 1854, and located a farm. His father and brother still live in Fayette County, engaged in breeding Norman horses and Short-horn cattle. He entered the Upper Iowa University, which institution he left at the age of seventeen, to attend a course of lectures at Rush Medical College. From this institution he graduated Feb. 16, 1875. Before graduation, his health failing him he spent two years in travel in the Southen and Southwestern States, when he returned and completed his course. After receiving his diploma, he located in Brush Creek, Fayette County, where he was engaged in practice until April, 1878. At this date he removed to Elkader, where he has built up a good practice. Dr. Wheeland was married March 31, 1873, to Mrs. Florence E. Scott, nee Kanouse, widow of I.P. Scott, by whom she had one child--Irva P., born February, 1872. He is, politically, a Democrat. He has received thirty-two degrees in Masonry, and is a member of the A.O. U. W. Dr. Wheeland is yet an active student, and possesses an exceptionally fine library, in which he passes his leisure hours. He was a delegate from the North Iowa Medical Society to the American Medical Association, in June, 1876. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.675-676 Lodomillo Twp. -- George L. Wheeler, son of Lewis J. and Polly (Robinson) Wheeler, was born in Fort Edward, Washington County, N.Y., July 26, 1817. He worked on a farm, and learned his father's trade, that of a stone-mason and plasterer, which he followed until his marriage to Sarah J. Boggs, which occurred July 4, 1842, at Farmerville, N.Y. She was born Oct. 23, 1820, and was a daughter of Robert and Louisa (Stuart) Boggs, who had a family of nine girls; all lived to be married and have families. This union has been blessed with ten children--L. Miranda, born April, 29, 1843, married Dr. L. Blanchard; James G., born Dec. 7, 1844, manager for a lightning rod company, in St. Louis; John L., born June 11, 1848; Anna E., born April 30, 1850, wife of William Ferry; Emma, born Feb. 10, 1852, died April 5, 1852; George C., born Aug. 11, 1853; Sarah M., born Aug. 10, 1855, is now Mrs. George Comstock; Charles E., born March 21, 1859, died Aug. 10, 1863; William E., born Sept. 28, 1861, died Aug. 18, 1863, and Rufus C., born Jan. 8, 1864. In the spring of 1845 Mr. Wheeler came to Iowa and settled in Lodomillo Township, where Edgewood now stands, then called "Yankee Settlement." He entered the first land in this township, which he now owns. He has 150 acres, ninety under excellent improvement. He is one of the oldest settlers now living in the township, and has held nearly all the public offices. Was the first Postmaster here, and built the first frame school-house in the township. In politics he is a strong supporter of the Republican party. He is a member of Lodge No. 172, I. O. O. F., at Strawberry Point, and has taken nearly all the higher degrees. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 907- 908 Farmersburg Twp. -- Edward C. White, grain dealer, was born in Jersey City, Ia., on Dec. 28, 1844. His parents P.M. and Catherine White, nee Findley, were natives of Massachusetts and Ireland respectively. They came to Clayton County in 1846, and pre-empted 200 acres of land, which they have since sold. Mrs. White died Jan. 2, 1866. Edward C. was educated in the schools of Iowa, and has made farming his business until recently. He is now engaged in the grain traffic. On June 16, 1866, Edward C. White and Martha, daughter of Anthony and Anna Gass were united in marriage. Her parents were natives of Germany, and came to American when they were children. Mr. and Mrs. White have had seven children - Anna C., born May 19, 1867; Martha B., Apr. 21, 1869; Isabel, June 2, 1871; Edward A., Jan. 13, 1873; Sarah, Aug. 1, 1875; Xenia, June 27, 1879, and L.E., Aug. 5, 1881. Mr. White is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of A.F. & A. M. fraternity. He has held the offices of School Director and Constable for a number of years, and is one of the representative men of the county. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 785 Farmersburg Twp. -- Thomas Dixon White was a son of Timothy D. and Abigail White, nee Dixon; the former a native of Columbia County, N.Y., was born Mar. 17, 1787, the latter of South Hero, Vt., born Jan. 23, 1797. The pedigree of the family can be traced back for many years, Mr. White being a descendant of the family of that name, who settled in America at an early day. His parents died in South Hero, Vt., at which place he was born on Aug. 3, 1826. His primary education was received there, and fiinished at the Lamoille County Institute, from which he graduated. He came to Iowa in 1853, reaching Clayton County Dec. 2 of that year. He at once purchased his present farm of 335 acres on section 23, this township, which he has under excellent improvement and thoroughly stocked. He owns some of the finest breeds of cattle and pigs in the county. His marriage occurred on Aug. 28, 1854, to Lura Celinda, daughter of J.P.L. and Abigail (Pettit) Clark, natives of the Green Mountain State. Her mother died Mar. 21, 1863. Eleven children have been born of this union, of whom Roland R., born June 20, 1856; Wendell E., June 24, 1860; Ida G., Apr. 20, 1862; Inis L., May 23, 1864; Glenn Granger, Apr. 10, 1866; Royce D., Nov. 4, 1872, and Harley G., Oct. 1, 1875 are living. The deceased are : Frank R., born May 25, 1858, died Jan. 20, 1872; Howard W., born May 18, 1868, died Dec. 31, 1871; Loyd S., born May 30, 1870, died Dec. 14, 1873, and Cressey, born Dec. 29, 1873, died Feb. 10, 1873. Mr. White is a member of the A.F. & A. M. fraternity. He was one of the charter members of National Lodge, No. 172, was the first W.M. and is the present S.D. He has studied law to some extent and has been called upon to put his knowledge to the test a number of times. He has held nearly all of the township offices and represented his district in the Legislature, in the session of 1876. He affiliates with the Democratic party. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 784-785 J. E. Whitman was born in Newton, Middlesex County, Mass., Dec. 3 1816. His parents, Smith and Abigail Whitman, nee, Adams, were natives of Massachusetts. They died leaving our subject an orphan at the early age of seven years. He worked on a farm in his native place until twelve years old, when he went to Windham County, Vt., thence to New York. He remained in that State working on farms in Cayuga, Cattaraugus and Genesee Counties, a number of years, then went to Michigan. He returned to New York and remained in Genesee County eighteen months, the went to Ashtabula County, O., where he was married to Sophia Holden, Dec. 15, 1844. She was born in Vermont and was a daughter of Ambrose and Silvia (Parks) Holden, natives of the Green Mountain State. After Mr. and Mrs. Whitman were married they went to Kane County, Ill., thence to De Kalb County, that State, where he followed farming six years, and in March, 1851, came to Clayton County, and settled on his present farm in Lodomillo Township. He owns sixty acres of highly cultivated land, and containing many excellent improvements. He is a Democrat in politics, has been elected to various public offices. Mr. and Mrs. Whitman are members of the Congregational church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 908 Boardman Twp. -- Bartley S. Whitney, one of the early settlers of Clayton County, was born in Ontario, Can., on the 8th day of March, 1827, son of Lewis and Sarah (Kitchen) Whitney of English descent. They were married in Niagara, Can., and had a family of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, four of whom are living, viz.: Wm. A., a real estate dealer of Nebraska; B. S.; Charles A., furniture dealer of Ontario, Can.; Ellen, now the wife of Paul Moore, of Canada. Lewis Whitney died in Ontario, Can. The mother died in Canada in April, 1882. The subject of this memoir was educated in the common schools of his native country, and at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to a tinner with whom he remained four years. In the spring of 1849 he married Diana Switzer, daughter of Amos Switzer, a native of Quebec, where she was born in 1831. The fruit of this union was five children, four living, viz.: Sarah A., now the wife of Dr. C. H. Stearns, of Elkader; Rosalie J., wife of Virgil Davis, Deputy Recorder and County Clerk; Harry S. and Frank G. In 1854 Mr. Whitney emigrated to Geneva, Wis., where he remained five years; thence to Prairie du Chien, and in 1859 came to Elkader, where he has been engaged in the tin and hardware business since. In politics he was a Republican until Grant's second nomination. Since that time he has been a Liberal. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 676 Cox Creek Twp. -- Joseph Whittle, one of the prominent farmers of Cox Creek Township, was born in Ireland in 1823, a son of John and Bridget (Riley) Whittle. They were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters. The subject of this memoir in 1849 left his native country and came to America and located in Bloomingdale, Ill., where he was employed as a laborer on a farm. Two years later he came to Clayton County and settled in Cox Creek Township, where he entered wild land and made a farm. In 1853 he married Harriet Wilson, by whom he had six children, four living, viz.: Sarah, now the wife of John P. O'Leary; John; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Meyers, and Henry C. Coming to the country poor he built a cabin 16 x 22, and at the time of building he had to work at odd jobs for his living, being reduced at one time to but 50 cents. Writing a letter to Ireland taking 26 cents of his 50, and with the balance started out for work. Mr. Whittle has been identified with the county for nearly thirty years, and has seen the wild prairies transformed into beautiful farms. He has 280 acres of land valued at $25 per acre. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 756 Jefferson Twp. -- G. F. Wiest, one of the prominent business men of Guttenberg, is engaged in general merchandising, also in buying grain, etc. He was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1825. He came to the United States in 1848, and lived in Cincinnati, O., until 1854, when he came to Guttenberg. He was engaged in the hardware business until about 1860, when he sold his stock and embarked in a general mercantile trade. He has bought grain since 1857. His wife was Miss P. Class. Adolph Class, a brother-in-law of Mr. Weist, is a native of Prussia, born in 1846. He came to the United States in April, 1861, and has been engaged as clerk for Mr. Weist since that time. He married Louise Luther, a sister of John Luther. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 874 Boardman Twp. -- Henry W. Wilke was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 10th day of March, 1847. His parents, Stephen and Elsie Wilke, were married in Prussia, where a family of six children was born, four of whom are living--John H., Katarina (now the wife of Herman Dieckbernd), Frederick W. and Henry William. Stephen Wilke by occupation was a farmer, and died in Germany in 1868. The mother died in 1864. The subject of this memoir received a common-school education, and when fourteen years of age learned the trade of a tailor, which he followed a few years. In 1868 he left his home in Germany and came to the United States, landing in St. Louis, Mo. From there he went to Lansing, Iowa, where he was employed at his trade until 1871, when he came to Elkader and embarked in his present business--dry-goods salesman. In 1874 he married Annie M. Gossmann, of Read Township. She was born in Clayton County, June 9, 1853. By this union there are four children, viz.: Gustave, Ellen, Ina and Kate. Mr. Wilke is a member of Elkader Lodge, No. 44 A.O.U.W., and is one of the enterprising business men of Elkader. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 677 Cass Twp. -- E. B. Williams, druggist, corner Elkader and Mission streets, Strawberry Point, was born Aug. 3, 1834, in Alleghany County, N. Y., and was a son of Chester W. and Theodosia Williams. He attended school until he was eighteen years old, then went to work with his father, who was a house painter, and also followed boating on the Alleghany River. In 1842 he came West, locating in Freeport, Ill., where he resided until 1849, then returned to the East. In 1854 he again came West, and in 1872 settled in Strawberry Point, where he has been engaged in the drug business since. He carries a full and complete stock of goods, and is one of the enterprising business men of the city. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 704 Boardman Twp. -- Henry H. Williamson, farmer and broom manufacturer, section 12, Boardman Township, was born in Grand Isle County, Vt., Sept. 6, 1839. His father, John Williamson, is a native of Ireland, born Feb. 26, 1797, and emigrated to America when twenty years of age, and settled in Grand Isle County, Vt., where he married Mary A. Brown, on Sept. 24, 1823. In 1851 the family came to Clayton County, and settled on the farm where our subject now resides, in Boardman Township. In September, 1866, Henry H. Williamson and Mary H. Williams, of New York, were united in marriage. Five children blessed their union, viz.: Curtis, Hellen, Herbert, Clara and Bernice. Mrs. Mary H. Williamson died April 12, 1877, and Feb. 9, 1881, he married Mrs. Mary A. Howard, nee Miles, of Wyoming County, N.Y. Her parents were Daniel and Harriet (Hoyt) Miles. She had two children by her first husband--Alice and Hattie Howard. Mr. Williamson owns 200 acres of land, 80 in timber and the remainder under cultivation. He buiilt the first and only broom factory in the county, and still operates it. In politics he is a Republican. His father died in Clayton County, May 20, 1875; his mother Dec. 25, 1842. The former was the oldest Mason, and organized the first lodge in the county. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 677 Mendon Twp. -- Julius W. Wilson, proprietor of Wilson's Restaurant, McGregor, was born in Whitestown, Oneida County, N.Y., Aug. 11, 1807. His parents were James and Chloe (Blake) Wilson, natives of Connecticut, and members of the Presbyterian church. He was a farmer, and he and wife had a family of seven sons and one daughter. Mrs. Wilson was the widow of Mr. Roberts, by whom she had three children. Julius, subject of this sketch, was the fifth son and a twin brother. He attended school there until twelve years of age, when he went to Rome, N.Y., to live with his half-brother for four years--attending school; then clerked in a store in Rome, Whitestown and Utica, N.Y., in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee, Wis., until May, 1866, when he came to McGregor, Ia., where he now resides; he clerked her for Colgate & Cone one year, then was appointed mail agent between McGregor and Owatonna, Minn., on the C., M. & St. Paul R. R., a short time, when he opened his present establishment. He married Nancy P. Gibbs, February, 1848. She was born in Otsego County, N.Y., and was a daughter of John D. Gibbs, a printer, and Eunice, nee Cook. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Congregational church. He and wife have had five children, two sons and two daughters living, viz.: Chas. J. Wilson, chief train dispatcher of the St. Paul division of the Chicago, Minneapolis & Omaha R.R, office at St. Paul (he married Anna Dean at Worthington, Minn.); Fannie A. (widow of Dr. H. Hamilton), resides at McGregor; Emma E. (wife of George H. Bass), they reside in Dubuque; James S., station agent for the C., M. & O. R. R., at Wayne, Neb. Mr. Wilson is one of the enterprising representative men of McGregor. In politics a Republican, and a strong supporter of that party. His father was a sixteen- year-old boy who carried a musket in the Revolutionary war. He complained of the leg-ache once, and his comrades weighed his gun, knapsack, etc., and found they weighed more than he did. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, 1004-1005 Garnavillo Twp. -- Thomas H. Wilson was born in the State of Ohio, where he was reared and educated. When twenty-seven years of age he left his native State for Iowa, locating in Garnavillo Township, this county, where he has resided since. In 1854 he settled upon his present farm of 163 acres, which he had purchased of John King the previous year. It is situated on section 22, and contains many excellent improvements, being one of the finest farms in this section. He married Catherine Scudder, whose farther, Thomas Scudder) was among the pioneers of Clayton County, and died here in April, 1878. They have one child--Mary. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 811 Highland Twp. -- William Wingate, son of William and Jane (Ralph) Wingate, was born in County Kent, England, Oct. 2, 1826. William, Jr., worked with his father on a farm until his marriage to Louisa A. Packman, which occurred in May, 1853. She was born in County Kent, England, and was a daughter of Robert and Jane (Wallace) Packman. After his marriage Mr. Wingate worked in the steam- engine manufactory in Woolwich, England, until the fall of 1858, when he came to the United States, landed in New York City, and thence to LaSalle, Ill. He followed farming in that vicinity one year, when he came to Clayton County, and settled in Highland Township, where he has since resided. He owns a farm of 190 acres, 120 under a fine state of cultivation and abundatly stocked. In politics he is a Republican. He is one of the enterprising farmes of the county. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 849 Mendon Twp. -- Gerhard Wingen, Postmaster and merchant, North McGregor, was born on the Rhine River, in the village of Stockhausen, Prussia, Germany, June 13, 1826. His parents were Peter M., a farmer and Marie A. (Weisenfelts) Wingen. They were members of the Catholic church, and had a family of five children, three sons living, viz.: William, a farmer in Sauk County, Wis.; Peter, retired famer, residing in Eau Claire, Wis., and Gerhard, subject of this sketch. He attended school in Germany until fifteen, and worked at the carpenter's trade until twenty, when he and his brother Peter came to America. Being fifty-three days at sea, they landed at New York City; from there they went to New Lisbon, Columbiana County, O., and were engaged at carpentering and building boats and locks for eighteen months; then followed carpenting at Milwaukee, Wis., two years; then at Baraboo and Sauk City, Wis., until his marrige to Isabella Dahmen, Nov. 19, 1851. She was born in Cologue, Prussia, Germany, and was the daughter of Christian and Helena (Breuer) Dahmen. In May, 1858, Mr. Wingen located at North McGregor, Ia., where he followed the carpenter's trade until 1866, when he opened his present store of general merchandise. On the 17th day of February, 1879, he was appointed Postmaster of North McGregor. He and wife attend the Catholic church, and have had a family of four sons and one daughter, viz.: John H., born Nov. 21, 1854, engaged as fireman of a locomotive for the C., M. & St. P. R. R.; Herman J., born March 15, 1856, and Christian, born Dec. 25, 1857, are partners with their father in the store; Isabella born April 19, 1862, and William, Dec. 27, 1871. Mr. Wingen & Sons carry a $10,000 stock of dry goods, notions, groceries, etc. In politics Mr. Wingen is rather independent. He is one of the old settlers and enterprising men of the county, having been identified with North McGregor since May, 1858. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1005-1006 Monona Twp. -- Ira P. Winter, retired farmer and one of the pioneers of Clayton County, was born in Waterloo, Seneca County, N.Y., on the 30th day of October, 1818. His father, Jacob Winter, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was shot through the body near Fort Erie. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Jacob Winter married Sarah Preston in Seneca County, N.Y., about 1817. They had a family of three sons and two daughters. In July, 1852, he emigrated to Clayton County, where he remained until his death, which occurred in April, 1855. The mother followed him in August, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Winter were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the former being Class- Leader for many years, and did much in building up the same in this township. Ira P. was reared on his father's farm and received a liberal education. On Feb. 28, 1838, he married Nancy M. Hinman, a daughter of John Hinman and Polly, nee Clark. She was born in Erie County, N.Y., Jan. 1, 1821. Their union has been blessed with four children--Percilla L., wife of H.H. Ladd; Sarah C., wife of Richard M. Slitor; Frank F., who married Cordelia Alexander, and Virginia F., wife of Alvin L. Alexander. Mr. Winter came to the county in 1852, and has resided on his present place thirty years. In politics he is a Republican, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years. In 1867 he was appointed Deputy Treasurer, filling the place with honor for three years. Also was Deputy Collector, and has held other local offices. Mr. Winter had one son in the Union army, Frank F., who served in the Second Iowa Cavalry, Company F. History of Clayton County, Iowa 1882 p. 1068. Mendon Twp. -- Daniel C. Withrow (deceased) was born in Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa., Sept. 24, 1807. He was a son of John and Isabella Withrow, nee Cannon, who were members of the Presbyterian church, the former being an Elder in that church, and a merchant. They had a family of four sons and one daughter. Daniel C., subject of this sketch, was the second son. He attended school until his father's death, about 1822, then learned the tailor's trade and opened a store of his own in Uniontown, and was married there to Sarah Devore, Mch. 31, 1831. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, Apr. 20, 1814, and was the daughter of Henry and Mary (Mason) Devore. He was a native of Canada, she of Pennsylvania. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. After his marriage Mr. Withrow kept store in Pennsylvania and in Stewartstown, Va., until near 1852, when they came to McGregor, Iowa, and settled on the Gass farm in Mendon Township. They lived there one year, then moved on the old homestead on section 7, where he died, Nov. 7, 1876, and where his wife and son reside. Mr. Withrow was a Presbyterian in religious faith, one of the pioneer settlers, and an enterprising representative man. Mrs. Withrow is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had a family of nine children, five living, viz.: Isabella, born Mch. 27, 1832, wife of John McCoy (they reside in North McGregor); William S., born June 22, 1834, married Katherine Bryson (they reside in Kentucky); James P., who resides on the old homestead with his mother, born Dec. 11, 1839; Samuel, Apr. 18, 1842, married Miss Alpina Kent (they reside on their farm near Dexter, Mower County, Minn.). Mrs. Withrow and son James own and occupy the old homestead, which consists of 440 acres, 90 under cultivation. Three of their sons served in the army. James P. and Samuel T. enlisted in Company G, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, Aug. 14, 1862. James remained one year then was discharged on account of disabilities. William enlisted in the First Ohio Infantry, and remained in the service three months, and was afterward Major of the Kentucky Home Guards. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1006- 1007 Mendon Twp. -- Robert J. Wolf, farmer, section S, Mendon Township, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Sept. 23, 1823. He was the son of Thomas L. and Mary (Kelley) Wolf. He was a Methodist, she a Presbyterian. The former was a native of Maryland, the latter of Virginia. They had eleven children, six boys and five girls. Our subject was the second son. He lived with his parents in Ohio till 1851, when the family moved to Clayton County, Ia., and entered a farm in Mendon Township, the same on which he now lives. Mr. Wolf was married to Margaret McClanahan, June 14, 1857. She passed her early life in Ohio, and was the daughter of James and Susan McClanahan, of Scotch descent, who were early settlers of Clayton County. They settled at once on the paternal farm, and have lived there ever since. She is a member of the M. E. church. They have had six children, of whom three are living--Frank, teaching school; Charlie and Susan, both at home. Mr. Wolf has a farm of 356 acres, of which 150 are under cultivation. He has lived in Clayton County thirty-two years, and is one of the few pioneers of McGregor's early history. He came to McGregor when there were but four houses in the town; one was a store of general merchandise kept by H.D. Evans' dwelling house, and the McGregor House. Mr. Wolf has seen the county change from a wild, uncultivated state, to its present prosperous condition. He is one of the enterprising representative men and farmers of the county, and in politics is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1007 Jefferson Twp. -- John Wolter, boot, shoe and leather dealer, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1831, and emigrated to the United States in 1845. He resided in New Orleans, La., about six months, and was then employed on steamers plying on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. He spent a short time at Southport, Ill., and in 1847 came to Clayton County, locating upon a farm in Jefferson township, which he cultivated three years, and in 1851 settled in the town of Guttenberg, embarking in his present business, and has been very successful. Mr. Wolter's wife died in 1879. She was a native of Prussia, and left four sons, viz.: John W., Henry P. Bennie and Frank. Mr. Wolter's brother Frank settled in Jefferson Township in 1854, and is still residing here. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 874 Elk Twp. -- W. G. Woodall was born in New York on Dec. 15, 1831, and was a son of George and Mattie Woodall, nee Poole, natives of England, the former born in 1809, the latter in September, 1805, in Shropshire. They were married in 1829, and came to the United States in 1831. Two children was born unto them, viz.: Richard Goerge, who died in England, and WIlliam G. The father died in Pittsburg, Pa., on April 15, 1840, and was buried there, but in 1882 his remians were removed to Clayton County, and interred in Elk Township Cemetery. The subject of this memoir was reared in the city of Pittsburg, Pa., and there learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for several years. He enlisted in the Ordinance Corps in 1848, in the Mexican war, and was engaged in making cartridges and arms for the troops for five years. In 1856 he came to Clayton County, and settled on section 5, Elk Township, where he now resides. He owns 280 acres of fine land, and is extensively engaged in farming and stock- raising. He was married in 1856 to Rachel White, a native of Pittsburg, Pa., they have one child -Caroline W., born Oct. 4, 1857, married F. W. Pilkington. Mr. Woodall has been a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity for thirty years, and was one of the charter membrs of Elkport Lodge. He is a member of the Episcopal church, and in politics is a Republican. He visited the land of his partents' nativity in 1873, and returned to America after an enjoyable sojourn of four months. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 766 Millville Twp. -- William Woodworth is a native of Schroon, Essex County, N.Y., born Jan. 16, 1818. In September, 1838, he drove through to the Territory of Iowa with one horse and a buck board buggy, bringing his mother with him. He reached the Mississippi River at Savanna, Ill., and crossed at Port Byron, stopping seven miles above Davenport. He returned to Illinois, and located in Hampton, where he remained three years, then went to the lead mines of Wisconsin, returning to Millville, Ia., seven years later. He engaged in mining here two years, and then followed flatboating, steamboating, and in company with Isaac H. Preston, ran a ferry across the Turkey River, at what is now known as Millville. He next went to Fairplay, Wis., where he kept a saloon one year, then returned to Iowa, and built a log cabin at Cherry Valley, where he sold general merchandise seven years, and in 1865 erected a building for that purpose in Millville. In 1869 he built his present commodious store, and in 1876 a fine brick dwelling house, which he still occupies. He was married in March, 1870, to Julia A. Garabrant. They have one child--George, born March 17, 1873. Mr. Woodworth has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and is the present Postmaster of Millville. In the fall of 1881, accompanied by his wife, he visited New York, and many of the principal cities and points of interest in the East, returning via Montreal and Chicago. He has in his possession a piece of red oak timber, bearing the cut of an ax, which, according to the growth of timber near where it was found, must have been made 129 years ago. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1021 Sperry Twp. -- George Wright was born in Yorkshire, England, March 1, 1821. He emigrated to America in 1851, and settled in Clayton County, purchasing a farm of 160 acres on section 12, Sperry Township. Having learned the machinist's trade in his native country, in 1875 he rented his farm and moved into Volga City for the purpose of engaging in that business. He constructed the first steam engine in this county, forging it all on his Smith's forge and anvil. It is the only steam engine in the county. He does all kinds of repairing, and is a first-class machinist. He was married in 1842 in England, to Martha Thornton, by whom he has had three children--Sarah Anna, born in 1852, married Thomas Johnston, and resides in Green County, Ia.; Etta, born in 1856 (is now the wife of Frank Davidson), of Sperry Township, and Martha, born in 1866, married Frank Durst, and now resides in Volga City). Mr. Wright is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is a republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1107-1108 Mendon Twp. -- James A. Wynne, cigar manufacturer, and one of the pioneer children of Clayton County, was born in the city of McGregor, in 1853. His father, William Wynne, was a native of Wales, and died when James A. was quite young. His mother, Cordelia, nee Howard, was born in New York State, and is still living. He was educated in the schools of McGregor, and in 1870 learned the trade of a cigar-maker. In 1880 he established his present business, and makes a specialty of the brands, "Belle of McGregor," and "J.W. Zone." In May, 1881, he married Lizzie Garndt, a native of Schenectady, N.Y., born in September, 1854. Mr. Wynne is a member of I.O.O.F. lodge. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1007-1008