Biographies: Bloomfield Twp.: Clinton County, Iowa Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Annette Luca ************************************************************************ 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 *********************************************************************** Bios: Bloomfield Twp., Clinton County, Iowa Copyright © 2001 by Annette Lucas. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ********************************************************************** BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF BLOOMFIELD TWP. >From the book "The History of Clinton County Iowa" by L. P. Allen (1879) O. C. BAILEY, farmer, Sec. 23; P.O. Delmar; was born in Fort Ann, Washington Co., N. Y., in 1830. In 1852, married Miss Clarissa Mason, of the same county; in 1854, they removed to Iowa and settled in Jackson Co., where they remained until 1857; then settled on the farm where they now reside, and improved it; they have six children-Sylvia, now Mrs. Lewis Hurley; Alice, now Mrs. V. Harrington; Howard, Horace, Frank and Delina. Mr. Bailey and wife are members of the M. E. Church; he has always acted with the Republican party; has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk and various school offices; owns 160 acres of land, well improved. WILHELM BETZENDORFER, retired farmer, Delmar. Mr. B. is a native of Germany, born in 1819. In 1843, married, in Germany, Miss Eva Kehn; they emigrated to this country in 1848; settled in Wayne Co., Ohio; remained until 1856, then removed to Clinton Co., Iowa, and settled in Bloomfield Township. They have eight children living-Peter, Henry, Elizabeth (now Mrs. J. Leekoff), Mary, William, John, George and Charlie. Mr. B. and wife are members of the M. E. Church. They own 194 acres of land. Republican. ORSON BREWSTER, farmer; P.O. Delmar; was born in Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 6, 1832; in 1853, came to Iowa and remained six months in Jackson Co.; returned to New York, and went from there to St. Paul, Minn., where he remained the greater part of the time until 1857, in which year he again went to New York, and, on the 3d of February, 1858, married Miss Sarah A. Bailey, a native of Fort Ann, Washington Co., N. Y.; they removed to this county in the fall of 1861, and settled one and one-half miles south of Delmar, where he improved and put in a state of cultivation 160 acres of land; they remained on the farm until March, 1878, then removed to Delmar ; they have one child-Hattie E., now Mrs. J. H, Keeley, of Jackson Co. Mr. Brewster was formerly a Whig; is now a Republican. He owns about two hundred acres of land, all well located and improved, twelve acres of it being in Delmar. THOMAS H. CANTY, Delmar; was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., in October, 1848; when a child, his parents removed to Sauk Co., Wis., where his early life was passed in attending school and assisting his father on the farm; in 1870, he came to Iowa, and, in 1872, engaged in grocery business in Delmar, of which town he is a prominent citizen. Feb. 6, 1877, Mr. Canty married Miss Susie McGonegle; they have one child, Thomas E. Mr. C. acts with the Democratic party; was elected a member of the first City Council of Delmar. Mr. C. is also largely engaged in the grain trade; his reputation as a business man and citizen stands high wherever known, and fair-dealing and strict integrity have marked all his intercourse with his fellow citizens. TRUMAN CLARK, retired farmer; P. 0. Delmar; an old resident of Clinton Co.; a native of Ticonderoga, N. Y.; born in 1812. Aug. 14, 1834, he married Miss A. Potter; she was born in New Salem, Mass., Aug. 28, 1815; they emigrated to Iowa in 1841, and settled in Bloomfield Township, then a wild prairie, with scarcely an inhabitant, thus earning the title of a pioneer father of Iowa. They have three children living-George served in Co. I, 24th Regt. I. V. I., performing his duty nobly until discharged; he is married and lives in Delmar; Bryson served in the 44th Iowa Regt.; was also a gallant soldier; now lives in Lincoln, Neb.; Pauline married Mr. J. Taylor, a native of Yorkshire, England; they reside in Bloomfield Township. Mr. Clark and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican, and was elected President of the first City Council in Delmar; has held various other church and school offices; owns 136 acres of land. WILLIAM B. CLARK, farmer, Sec. 9; P. 0. Delmar; was born in Wentworth Co., Canada West, Dec. 1, 1837; he removed to Jackson Co., Iowa, with his parents, in 1855, where he married Miss Harriet Cotton April 19, 1865; she was born in Niagara Co., N. Y.; they have five children-Flora Adelle, Lavern B., Archie William, Fred Adelbert and _____. Mr. C. has held the offices of Township Collector and Assessor, in both of which he gave general satisfaction to the public; he owns 120 acres of land, well located and finely improved. WILLIAM COOK, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Maquoketa; is a native of Lincolnshire, England, where he married Miss Jane Stutting, a native of the same place. In 1849, they emigrated to Dodge Co. Wis.; removed thence to Fillmore Co., Minn.; upon leaving there, they came to Clinton Co., Iowa, in 1856. They have had five children, four of whom are living-Thomas C., George A., Mary A. (Mrs. L. Stamar) and William H. Mr. Cook owns 160 acres of land. Is a Republican. LEVI DECKER; P. 0. Delmar; has been a resident of Clinton Co. for over forty years; is a native of Tioga Co., N. Y.; was born July 21, 1808. In 1829, he married Miss Eunice Crowl, in Genesee Co., N. Y.; she was born near Buffalo, N. Y., in 1812. They removed to Iowa in 1836; to Spring Harbor, Mich.; thence to Clinton Co., Iowa, in 1839, and have since been residents of the county. They have had four children, three now living-Benjamin C., Eunice (now Mrs. George Koons, of this township) and Lydia C. In the early history of the county, Mr. Decker held various offices. He is a Democrat. Feb. 4, 1879, Mr. and Mrs. Decker celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. There were over 135 persons present, and it was a most pleasant occasion. CALVIN H. DAVIS, farmer; P. O. Delmar; Mr. Davis was born in Wolcott, Lamoille Co., Vt., Feb. 10, 1822; in 1844, he came to Iowa, and settled in what is now Bloomfield Township. Mr. D's first wife was Miss Betsy Clark, of Ticonderoga, N. Y.; she was born in 1832; married in 1846; died in this township in 1870. Present wife is Mrs. Caroline Sleeper, nee Hatfield; was born in Cattaraugus Co. in 1832; came to Clinton Co. in 1846. Mr. Davis is a member of the Presbyterian Church, always taking an active interest in the educational and religious interests of Clinton Co.; he was formerly a member of the old Whig party, but, upon its united with the Republicans, and has since remained a consistent member of that party. He owns 182 acres of land in this county, and 20 acres in Jackson Co. O. E. DEEDS, M.D., Delmar, Iowa. His father, Philip Deeds, one of the pioneer settlers of Illinois and Iowa, came to the former State previous to the Black Hawk war, in which he was actively engaged. Married, in Illinois, Miss Pauline Mills; they moved to Lyons, Iowa, in 1836, where Dr. Deeds was born, Dec. 26, 1841. He received his education at Cornell College, and the Iowa State University ; also attended the Western Union Military College at Fulton, Ill. Dr. Deeds served in the 44th Regt. I. V. I.; was enrolled June 1, 1864, at Davenport, and mustered out at the same place Sept. 14, 1864. He commenced the study of medicine at Rush College, Chicago, and finished at Bellevue Hospital, where he graduated in 1867. Returning to Lyons, Iowa, he commenced the practice of his profession; in 1868, he went to Wapello, Louisa Co.; while here, he was appointed U. S. Pension Examiner ; was also Vice President of the Medical Society of that county. In 1872, he again returned to Lyons and continued his practice until 1874, when he removed to Delmar, where he has an extensive practice. In 1867, he married at Lyons, Miss Louisa E. Sloan; they have five children-Grace N., Frederick H., Earnest V., Eva D. and Florence. Dr. Deeds is a member of the Masonic Fraternity at Delmar. C. B. ESTY, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Delmar; Mr. E. was born in Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y., March 9, 1827. Married at Crown Point, Essex Co., N. Y., Dec 3,1848, Miss Lucinda Pulsifer; she was born in Crown Point Aug. 26, 1828; they came West, and settled in Maquoketa, Iowa, in the autumn of 1854; remained until 1862, then removed to Bloomfield Township. They have six children living -- Louise M. (married David E. Howell, of Muskegon Mich.), Loran Augustus and Loretta Augusta, twins, Marshall Grant, William Sherman and Minnie Lodema. Mr. Esty and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a member of the Republican party; has held various local offices; is a public- spirited and enterprising citizen. Owns 240 acres of land. E. H. EYER, Postmaster and proprietor of drug store, Delmar; was born in Whiteside Co., Ill., in September, 1854 ; in 1858, his parents removed to Brodhead, Wis.; remained until 1861, then removed to Lee Co.. Ill., thence to Jackson Co., Mich., in 1863; to McHenry Co., Ill., in 1864; and from there to Stephenson Co., in 1866; they removed to Delmar in 1872. In July, 1875, Mr. B. H. Eyer married Miss Abbie J. Cadwell, of Clinton Co.; they have two children- Ralph H. and Fred. Mr. E. acts with the Republican party ; he was elected a member of the City Council in March, 1877, and in March, 1879, re- elected for a term of two years; also holds the offices of Township Clerk and Treasurer. In 1877, he engaged in the drug business and has secured the confidence and patronage of the public generally. In 1872, he was appointed Postmaster at Delmar, a position he has since filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the citizens. V. J. FITCH, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Maquoketa; Mr. Fitch was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Feb. 19, 1819; in 1847, he came to Iowa, and settled in Jackson Co.; in 1854, came to this township. He married, in Jackson Co., Miss Cynthia M. Goodenow; they have six children-Adelaide (wife of Milo Tubbs, of Maquoketa), Elmira B. (now Mrs. J. Nairn), Annie Eugenia (wife of B. Lowry), Gazelle, Edgar and John. Mr. Fitch and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. He has held various local offices, and has always taken an active part in everything pertaining to the advancement of religious, educational and other public interests. Mr. Fitch acts with the National or Greenback party. He owns 380 acres of land. WILLIAM HANEY, farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 33; P. O. Delmar; a native of Miami Co., Ohio; was born in 1825; he came West with his parents to in Shelby Co., where he married Miss Sarah Forsythe; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio, 1837. They came to Bloomfield Township in 1865; in 1867, he again moved to South Fork, Jackson Co.; in 1869, he returned to Bloomfield Township, which place has since been his home. They have five children-Elbert A., William, Wallace, James, Tamar and Jennie. Mr. H. is a member of the Board of Trustees, and has also been President of School Board a number of years. He owns 266 acres of land, and is extensively engaged in stock-dealing. ELI HATFIELD, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Delmar; was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1818; when 7 years of age, his parents removed to Cattaraugus Co., where he married Miss Anna Thayer; they came West in 1844, and settled on the farm they now reside on. They have five children-Alphonso W., Rufus S., Eugene P., Charles E. and Carrie B. ; the three oldest children are married. Mr. Hatfield has always acted with the Republican party; he has filled various local offices; was Township Trustee a number of years. Owns 320 acres of land, finely improved, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of Clinton Co. ELMER A. HESS, druggist, Delmar; born near Clinton, in 1853. His father, Daniel Hess, of Otsego Co., N. Y., was one of the pioneer settlers of this county; came here in 1839 ; nearly forty years ago, he settled near Lyons, and has ever since lived in that vicinity; he was the first Postmaster appointed at Lyons, which office he held several years; he married Miss Francis Wright, a native of Indiana. Elmer A. completed his education at the Medical University of Iowa City; in the spring of 1876, he came to Delmar and engaged in the drug business; he is well established in that business, and has a fine stock of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, perfumery, toilet articles, etc ORAMILL J. HINCKLEY, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Delmar; Mr. Hinckley is a native of Chatham, Middlesex Co., Conn.; was born Jan. 11, 1814; while a child, his parents removed to Brooklyn, Ohio, where he married, Aug. 23, 1838, Miss Anna E. Williams, a native of Winhall, Bennington Co., Vt., born Sept. 10, 1815; in 1844, they came to Iowa, and settled in South Fork Township, Jackson Co.; remained until 1846, then came to Clinton Co.; settled on and improved the where they now reside. They have had eleven children-Jerod M. (served in the 13th Regt. I. V. I. during the war as Sergeant), Madison (who served in 11th Regt. I. V. I. nearly four years; was severely wounded at Ft. Donelson; returned to Illinois at the close of the war, and died at Wenona), Edward C. (served in 13th Regt. I. V. I. three years; was wounded at Chickasaw Bayou and at Ringgold Pass, Chattanooga now engaged in the grain and stock trade in Delmar), Isaac S. (also in the grain and stock trade in Delmar), Albert O., Charles F., W. C., Emily S. (now Mrs. John Hodge), Sarah E. (now Mrs. William Valentine, of Belle Plain), and Cynthia. Mr. Hinckley has always been a Republican ; he has held various offices; has been a member of the Board of Township Trustees over fifteen years, and is Chairman of the Board at present writing. He owns 135 acres of land, well improved. ROBERT J. KIRKPATRICK, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Delmar; Mr. Kirkpatrick was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1839 ; in 1853, he came to Ogle Co., IIl., with his parents; in 1860, he went to Denver, Colo., thence to Nevada City, Gilpin Co., where he discovered a silver lode; named it the American Flag; this proved to be one of the best paying lodes in that district; in 1864, he sold the above mine, and discovered another mine, now known as the Kirkpatrick Lode, located in what is called the Illinois Central District, Gilpin Co., Colo. ; he still retains an interest in this mine. Oct. 15, 1864, he married Miss Mary J. Smith, in Denver; she was born in Indiana. In 1865, they came to Clinton Co., and located in Bloomfield Township. They have four children-Eddie R., Lillie B., Elizabeth A., Rosetta and an adopted child-John Brosnen. Mr. Kirkpatrick and wife are members of the Catholic Church; he acts with the Democratic party. Owns 220 acres land, and considerable land in Delmar and also in De Witt, Clinton Co. WESLEY B. KOONS, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Delmar; was born in Luzerne Co., Penn., Jan. 23, 1832; when he was about 5 years of age, his parents removed to Lee Co., Ill., where he remained until 1840, when he returned to Luzerne Co., Penn. ; in 1852, he came to Clinton Co., and entered land in Bloomfield Township. April 16, 1860 he married Miss Henrietta Ferguson, a native of Pennsylvania; they have three children-Emily V., Reason V. and Leon V. Politically, Mr. K. is a Democrat; has held the offices of Assessor and Collector three terms ; was also elected a member of the Township Board of Trustees, and faithfully performed his duty in all. Owns 183 acres of land. L. A. LEACH, farmer, Sec. 15 ; P. O. Delmar; was born in Franklin Co., Vt., in 1819. On Dec. 18, 1843, he married Miss Sappho Burtram; in 1857, they removed to Kane Co., Ill., thence to Jackson Co., Iowa, in 1865; removed to this county in 1868, and settled on the farm where he now resides; they have two children - Nelson E., married to Miss Clara Skinner, and Charles A., married to Miss Emma Woodhurst. Mr. Leach and wife are members of the M. E. Church ; he is a Democrat. Owns 100 acres of land. J. B. McLAUGHLIN, M. D., Delmar; a native of Greenville Mercer Co., Penn.; was born in 1827 ; he attended the common schools until he was 17 years of age, when he entered the Greenville Academy; after completing a course study here, he went to Kinsman Academy, Kinsman, Trumbull Co., Ohio; he graduated in medicine in 1860, from the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio; he practiced in Millerstown, Penn., and in Henry and Bureau Cos., Ill., for several years; came to Delmar, Clinton Co., in February, 1877, where he has successfully practiced since. He married his first wife, Miss Harriet McMillan, at Harnisville, Penn., her native place, in 1851 ; she died in this county; they had fourteen children, ten of whom are living; his present wife was Miss Elizabeth Marsh, of Delmar ; they were married Sept. 13,1878. He is a member of the M. E. Church; Republican. EDWARD McGONEGLE, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Delmar; was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1825; in 1827, he emigrated to St. John, New Brunswick; thence to Boston, Mass., where he married in 1849, Miss Ellen Develin ; they remained in Boston until spring of 1856, when they removed to Clinton Co., and settled in Hampshire Township and removed to their present residence; they have five children-Sarah (now Mrs. McLaughlin), James, William, Susanna (now the wife of T. H. Canty, merchant at Delmar), and Edward. Mr. McGonegle and wife are members of the Catholic Church; Democrat. His farm consists of 160 acres of land; he also owns twenty acres of timber land in Jackson Co.; he is a man of public spirit and enterprise. LEWIS P. MEINZER, express and railroad agent on C., M. & St. P. R. R., Delmar; born in Stephenson Co., III., March 19, 1851 ; educated at Davis and Freeport, Ill.; came to Delmar in 1872, as agent for Ashton & Co., of Illinois, in buying grain; he remained in their employ until April 1,1873, when he accepted the position of express and railroad agent for the C., M. & St. Paul R. R., at Elwood; remained nearly three years; in October, 1876, he returned to Delmar, as the company's agent for this place; he was engaged in the grain trade with Mr. Gould for two years. Is a Republican; was elected Town Clerk in March, 1878, in which it gives general satisfaction. K. J. MULLETT, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Delmar; was born in Wayne Co., N.Y., in 1833; in the fall of 1854, he came to this county and settled in this township. In 1855, he married in Lorain Co., Ohio, Miss Eliza A. Meeker, also a native of Wayne Co., N. Y., born in 1836; they have six children living- Mary E., Emma J., Carrie B., Ida A., Wallie H. and Rosalie. During the war, Mr. Mullett served in Co. F, 26th I. V. I.; he was enrolled at De Witt in September, 1862; he was a valiant soldier and conscientiously performed his duty until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged; after his discharge, he returned home and since has engaged in contracting and building, and overseeing his farm of 136 acres. Mr. Mullet and wife are members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Republican. S. S. NORTON, one of Delmar's most prominent citizens, was born in the town of Wales, N. Y., in 1828; in 1853, came to Iowa and settled two and a half miles north of where the town of Delmar now stands; was elected the first Township Clerk of Bloomfield Township, and it is probable that to S. S. Norton, who is regarded as the father of the town, more than to any other man, Delmar owes its existence, for it was through his untiring efforts that the Sabula, Ackley & Dakota R. R. was secured and the town started ; it is doubtful whether the other roads would have made a town where Delmar now stands, if the S., A. & D. had crossed elsewhere; Mr. Norton was a member of the first Board of Trustees elected in Delmar; he was also Postmaster a number of years. Mr. Norton married, in his native State, Miss Elsie J. Dustin; they have seven children-Willie D., Mary E, George S., Fred S., Clara E., Harry, and Scott S. Mr. Norton is a Democrat is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and A. O. U. W. fraternities. He has always taken an active interest in enterprises tending to the prosperity of Delmar and Clinton Co.; his life has been spent in the interests of his fellow-men and has been marked by enterprise and energy. JOHN O'MEARA, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Delmar; was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1852; when he was 3 years of age, his parents, Patrick and Catherine O'Meara, emigrated to Canada, thence to this county. Mr. O'Meara married Jan. 21, 1874, in this county, Miss Bridget, daughter of Richard and Mary Powers, early settlers of Waterford Township, Clinton Co.; they have two children- John and Patrick, and an adopted child-Thomas E. Mr. O'Meara and wife are members of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which is situated but a short distance from his farm. He owns 200 acres of finely improved land, possessing many natural advantages. Democrat. J. H. ORCUTT, Principal of Delmar High School, Delmar; a native of Warren Co., N. Y., was born in 1845 ; when about 4 years of age, his parents moved to Crawford Co., Penn., where he attended school until 1856, when they removed to Iowa and settled east of Maquoketa, Jackson Co.; he attended school at the academy of that place until his graduation, when he accepted a position as Principal of the Monmouth School, of Jackson Co., where he remained four years; when the Delmar graded-school building was finished in 1875, he came there as its first Principal, a position he has since filled with credit to himself and general satisfaction. Mr. Oreutt married at Maquoketa, Sept. 14, 1867, Miss Emma J., daughter of John and Mary Wade of that city; they have four children-Eve J., Etta E., Elsie A. and Albert N. Members of the M. E. Church; Republican. I. G. PARKER, Justice of the Peace and insurance agent, Delmar; was born in Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., May 18, 1814; was engaged in banking business in Greenwich from 1861 until 1869, also, in manufacturing during the smae years. Was elected Supervisor of Greenwich in 1861, which office he held until 1865; in early life he acted with the Whig party; is now a Republican. Came to Delmar, 1876. Was elected Justice of the Peace in the fall of 1878. Mr. Parker has been married twice; first wife was Miss C. M. Cornell; present wife was Cornelia Gavett. O. M. PARKINSON, dealer in fat and stock cattle, Sec. 8; P. O. Delmar; was born in county of Wellington, Canada, Sept. 24, 1840; remained in Canada until he was 18 years of age; then came to Clinton Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming. Married Miss Mary B. Beard, born in Athens Co., Ohio, in 1847; came to Iowa with her parents in 1853; they have three children-George M., William and Harvey. Mr. Parkinson owns 620 acres of land-140 in Clinton Co., 180 in Jackson Co., 300 in Sac Co., all well located and improved; Mr. Parkinson is a living exponent of what energy and perseverance, when rightly directed, will accomplish ; twelve years ago, he had scarcely anything, but, being one of the active men who are sure to succeed in whatever enterprise they undertake, he engaged in the stock business, and, by his fair dealing and straightforwardness in all his transactions, he has succeeded in accumulating a competence. F. REYNOLDS, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Maquoketa; is a native of Ripley, Brown Co., Ohio; was born in 1814; removed to Danville, Ill., with his parents in about 1824, thence to Iowa about 1830. Mr. Reynolds has been twice married; his first wife was Miss A. Atkinson; present wife was Miss Jerusha Kettle, a native of Wyoming Co., N. Y.; came to Iowa with her parents in 1848. She is a member the M. E. Church. Mr. Reynolds owns eighty acres of land, well improved. JAMES B. REYNOLDS, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Maquoketa; was born in Ripley, Brown Co., Ohio, in December, 1821 ; removed to Illinois with his parents about the year 1831 ; thence to Iowa shortly afterward ; in 1849, Mr. Reynolds crossed the plains to California and mined on the American and Yuba Rivers with success; returned to Iowa in January, 1853, and, on the 15th of December, that year, married, in Jackson Co., Miss Susan Gordon, a native of Huron Co., Ohio; they have five children-Gracie, born in 1854; Davis, in 1856 (married Miss Annie Penrose, of Bloomfield Township); Lyman, in 1858 ; Nettie, in July, 1861 ; and Charlie, in December, 1873. Mr. Reynolds owns 180 acres of land, all improved. RUSSELL S. REYNOLDS, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Maquoketa; was born in Ripley, Brown Co., Ohio, April 15, 1830; while a child, his parents removed to Danville, Ill.; thence to this State; in 1850, Mr. Reynolds Went to California; returned to Iowa in the winter of 1851-2. Jan. 4, 18-52, he married, in Jackson Co., Iowa, Miss Sappho Hall, a native of Canada, born July 10, 1830; they have four children- Benjamin F., born July 22,1853 (married Miss Hattie Patten, of Jackson Co.); Ferdinand F., May 31, 1855; Allan Hyde, Aug. 16, 1857, and Don Leslie, Sept. 18, 1861. Mr. Reynolds has been a resident of the State of Iowa most of his life, and has been spared to see its wilds emancipated from Indian hunting-grounds and camping-places and made the abode of thrift, wealth and intelligence. Mr. U. is a Democrat. Owns 160 acres of land well improved. JOHN RIGGS (deceased), a pioneer settler of Clinton Co.; was born in 1798, in New Jersey. In 1826, he married Miss Alma Crowl, in Allegany Co., N. Y. In the autumn of 1837, they moved to Burlington, Iowa, where they remained until the following year, when they came to this county and settled in Bloomfield Township, then all prairie without improvement of any kind ; during the California gold excitement of 1849, Mr. Riggs started for that El Dorado of the West, and, when three days the other side of Council Bluffs, he was taken ill and died June 10, 18 leaving wife and children to mourn his loss. They had seven children, six boys (two of whom served in the war of the rebellion) and one daughter. J. H. RIGGS, farmer and stock-dealer, Sec. 6; P. O. Maquoketa ; was born in Allegany Co., N. Y.; moved to this county with his parents, John and Alma Riggs, and has since remained in this vicinity; he is extensively engaged in stock dealing, and owns fifty-six acres of land in this county, containing his house, 200 acres in Adams Co., 560 in Woodbury Co., and 10 acres in Jackson Co. Is a faithful supporter of the Republican party. THEODORE B. ROSSNER, merchant tailor, Delmar; born in Saxony, Germany, Sept. 24, 1841 ; he learned the tailor's trade, and emigrated to this country in 1863; worked at his trade one year in New York, came thence to Chicago, Ill., and remained until 1867, when he went to Sharon, Wis., thence to Davis, Ill. He married, in Davis, Ill., in 1871, Miss Harriet Gold; they have two children-Edward G. and Elsie B. After he was married, Mr. Rossner moved to this State, and has been a resident of Delmar since. He owns a large amount of city property in Delmar. Republican. DANIEL SACKRIDER, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Delmar; Mr. S. was born in Putnam Co., N. Y., May 23, 1831; when 4 years of age, his parents moved to Delaware Co., Ohio; in 1850, he went to Illinois, and remained but a short time before returning to Delaware Co.; in the spring of 1851, he came to Jackson Co., Iowa, thence to Brookfield, Clinton Co.; he again returned home, and enlisted, and was enrolled in Co. K, 121st Regt. Ohio V. I., Aug. 15,1862, and served until June, 1865, The record of his regiment shows that he never shrank from doing his duty, however perilous. He returned to Clinton Co. Sept. 8,1869. Married Miss Jane A. Clark, a native of Wentworth Co., Canada; born March 2, 1841; she died July 16, 1878; she was an earnest Christian and devoted mother; was a member of the M. E. Church; left one child-Addle F., born Oct. 1, 1872. Mr. S. is a Republican, and an energetic, enterprising citizen. Owns 112 acres of land. SINGLETON SCOTT, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Maquoketa. Mr. Scott is a native of Yorkshire, Eng.; born in May, 1825; in 1849, he came to America, lived successively in New York City, Albany, Cheshire, Mass., and Chicago ; in 1854, he moved to this county, and settled on the farm where he now resides. Mr Scott married, in 1854, Miss Emma Carter; she died Aug. 4,1878; she was a devoted wife, a tender, loving mother, and a sincere, earnest Christian, whose memory will long be cherished by all who knew her; they have three children-Horatio, Carter and Emily Ann. Mr. Scott owns 490 acres of land. He has always taken a deep interest in religious and educational matters. His father (Thomas Scott) was born in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1800 ; he came to this county in 1868, and is a respected citizen of Bloomfield Township. His son John served with distinction during the war. MRS. NANCY SIMS, nee Bowman, Sec. 1; P. O. Maquoketa, Jackson Co. Mrs. Sims was born in Rockingham Co., Va., in 1838; came to Iowa with her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Bowman, in 1853; they now reside in Jackson Co., Iowa. In 1858, she married, in Jackson Co., Iowa, George Sims; he was born in Pennsylvania in 1816; he served in Co. C, 10th I. V. I.; he was a gallant soldier, an honored and respected citizen; an earnest, conscientious member of the M. E. Church, until death in 1874; therefore, his family can truly say, "our loss is his gain." Their children are Eugene G., Elizabeth C., Georgia, Alice, Nevada, Benjamin B., Clara Bell and Addie. Mrs. Sims is also a member of the M. E. Church. She owns 178 acres of land. J. DYER SMITH, agent of Delmar House, Delmar; was born in Windham Co., Vt., Sept. 23, 1812 ; in 1816, moved to Tioga Co., N. Y., with his parents, where he remained until 1859, when he came to Iowa and settled in Van Buren Township, Jackson Co., where he lived a number of years; in 1878, he came to Delmar and engaged in his present occupation. During his residence in Van Buren Township, Jackson Co., he held various offices of- honor and trust. In early life, Mr. Smith acted with the Whig party; on the organization of the Republican party, he adopted its principles. Mr. S. has been married twice; present wife is Julia Ann Spencer, a native of Delaware Co., N. Y.; they have one child-David D. Mr. Smith owns 120 acres of land in Van Buren Township, Jackson Co.; is also proprietor of the American House, at Preston. BENJAMIN SPENCER, Delmar; a native of Province Ontario, Canada; was born in the county of Lincoln (now county of Welland) in 1808; in 1828, he went to Dundas, Wentworth Co., Can.; during the time he lived in Dundas, he was elected to the offices of Justice of the Peace, Councilman and County Council, all of which offices held several years; was also engaged in the lumber and grain trade at Dundas several years; in 1854, he removed to Iowa and engaged in the mercantile business at Maquoketa, and remained until 1859, then removed to Clinton Co., and, in 1869, was elected a member of the House of Representatives-a position which he filled with credit to himself honor to the Government, and satisfaction to his constituents. During his residence in Maquoketa, Jackson Co., Mr. Spencer held various local offices, and Clinton Co. he was the incumbent of the office of Justice of the Peace a number years; he has also been elected member of the County Board several terms. Mr. Spencer is a public-spirited, enterprising citizen ; is a Republican. Married in Dundas, Canada, Miss Mary Ware, a native of Kingston; they have ten children-James W., who is Deputy Sheriff of Butler Co., Iowa; Benjamin, a merchant in Maquokata, Iowa; Joseph; Arthur; Edward is engaged in the jewelry business in South Bend, Ind.; Mary; Esther Ann; Emma (now Mrs. O. Hight, of South Bend, Ind.); Ella and Anna. E. T. TAUBMAN, attorney and counselor at law, Delmar. Mr. Taubman was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Dec. 18, 1853; in 1854, his parents came to Clinton Co. Mr. Taubman was admitted to the practice of the law in 1878; previous to that time, he followed teaching. Mr. T. is a Republican, a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. T. married in Waubeck, Iowa, June 26, 1879, Miss Maggie Kennedy, a native of Hamilton Co., Ohio. JOHN TROY, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Delmar; born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1828; in 1841, emigrated to the United States; lived in Hopkinton, Mass.; in 1852, came to Clinton Co. Mr. Troy married, in this county, Miss Mary Casey; they have ten children-Robert, Agnes, Peter, Joseph, John, William, Charles, Mary, Ellen and Josephine. Mr. Troy and family are members of the Church of the Imaculate Conception,. which is located a short distance from his house. He owns 240 acres of land; his home firm contains 220 acres, and is well improved ; he has, since his residence here, taken an active part in religious and educational affairs; he was one of the organizers and principal movers in the building of the church which he attends. Mr. Troy loans considerable money on real estate security, and is noted for fairness in all business transactions. I. T. TWISS, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Delmar. Mr. Twiss was born in Arlington, Bennington Co., Vt., in 1819; in 1825, removed with his parents to Warren Co., N. Y.; thence to Delaware Co., Ohio, in 1840; in 1856, he came to Clinton Co. and settled where he now resides. He has been twice married; first wife was Phoebe Hance; present wile was Miss Mary J. Moore, a native of Licking Co., Ohio ; had one child by first marriage-Mary Elizabeth; she married William F. Bounds, a native of Licking Co., Ohio, born in 1842; he enlisted in Co. D, 26th I. V. I., as private; was promoted to Captain for gallant and meritorious service; was mustered out at Clinton at the close of the war, and resided in this county until his death, in 1872. Mr. Twiss' children by second marriage are Harriet B. and Clarissa L. Mr. T. and wife are members of the Methodist Church. He owns 147 acres of land. Mrs. SARAH WILLEY, nee McNeil; P. O. Delmar; was born in Shipton, Canada, in 1829; March 14, 1853, she married William T. Willey, a native of New York; born in 1819; shortly after their marriage, they came to Clinton Co. and settled where Delmar now stands, where he resided until his death, May 11. 1878. Mr. W. was an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; was a kind husband and indulgent father, and will be long mourned by those that knew of his many noble qualities. Their children are Edwin (who married Miss Flora Shaw), Frederick (married Miss Ella Foster), Wallace, Cora (now Mrs. J. Spencer), Arthur and Malcolm. Mrs. Willey is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Owns 101 acres of land.