BIOS: Polk County 1880 Walnut Township Biographies, Polk County, Iowa ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES PROJECT 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/ ************************************************************************ Permissions and Restrictions I have a copyright to these files and give permission for these files to be posted to any site that offers free access to all. Copying to any medium for the purpose of profit is strictly prohibited. This prohibition pertains to all photographs, text files, and graphics. I hope you find this information of value in your genealogy research. Marion John Rice, mjrice@dakotacom.net ___________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: For more information on Polk County, Iowa Please visit the Polk County, IAGenWeb page at http://iagenweb.org/polk/ ____________________________________________________________________________ "The History of Polk County, Iowa" published by the Union Historical Company, Birdsall, Williams & Co. 1880. Polk Township Biographies Walnut, Bloomfield, Grant, Four Mile, Allen, Camp, Beaver, Clay, Delaware, Saylor, Valley, Webster, Jefferson, Crocker, Douglas, Franklin, Washington, Elkhart, Lincoln, Madison BIOGRAPHICAL. WALNUT TOWNSHIP 891 ASKEW, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Lecestershire, England, October 21, 1837, and emigrated to this county in October, 1848, settling in Providence, Rhode Island. He lived here about five years and then moved to New Hampshire, residing there for about the same length of time. In 1858 he came to this county and settled on this farm, which was entered by Jesse Askew, in 1852, on a warrant. He has since resided here and now owns 120 acres of land improved. He was married June 6th, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Taylor, who was born in New York City, April 29, 1846. They have three children: Martha E., Mary E. and Edward J. BAYLIES, HON. NICHOLAS-This gentleman has been a resident of Polk county for upward of twenty years, and well deserves more than passing notice. He was born on the 9th of April, 1809, at Woodstock, Vermont, and moved the same year to Montpelier, which was his home until 1836. After preparatory studies he was admitted to the State University, from which he graduated with high honor in 1827. He began the study of law at once under the direction of his father, who was subsequently a judge of the Supreme Court of Vermont, and was admitted to the bar in 1829. For the further pursuit of his law studies he entered the office of Joseph Blunt, Esq., of New York City. He remained here about one ear when failing health drives him back to the hills of his native State. Here he forms a law partnership with Col. J. P. Miller, who had recently returned from Greece, where he had distinguished himself in the Greek revolution. Then he opened an office at Montpelier in 1832. In the fall of the next year he goes to Brazil as companion of a sick brother. They arrive safely after a memorable voyage of eighty-seven days. He is absent about eight months, and with renewed vigor applies himself to the practice of his profession. The esteem in which he was held by those who knew him best was indicated by his being selected to deliver the oration before the survivors of the Revolutionary War in the State on the fourth of July prior to his leaving the State, on which occasion he had the pleasure and rare honor of addressing sixty-seven veterans of that war. In 1836, with the restless Yankee enterprise which has done so much to develop the resources of our country, we find him established at St. Helena, Louisiana. The next year he is appointed government clerk to look up and correct. irregularities which had occurred in the Land Office at Greensbury, in the same State, and in the following year is appointed Register of the same office. He resigns this office at the end of the year to devote himself to his law practice. In 1844 he is elected to the Legislature, and was re-elected. the ensuing term without opposition. He served but one year in this term when he resigned, having been appointed District Attorney in the Eighth - district, which office he held until 1853. He was married in 1842 to Miss Harriet Cahoon, of Lynden, Vermont. The office of District Attorney and District Judge he held continuously until his removal with his family to Griggsville, Illinois, in 1853. Here he resided on a small farm declining positions offered him by the the Governor of the State. The Judge had reached a political crisis. His long and intimate acquaintance with leading men of the South, and of the, spirit of Calhounism had convinced him that the latter was determined to rule or ruin, and our stalwart Jackson 892 BIOGRAPHICAL. Democrat comes out of the crisis a staunch Republican. He came to Des. Moines in 1858, and the next year moved on to his farm in Walnut township where he has since resided. He was the Polk county member of the Tenth General Assembly in 1864, enrolling officer in five townships west of Des Moines river and outside of the city in 1864. He has served several terms on the Board of Supervisors, and has been prominent for zeal and good judgment in public affairs in all these years. He has raised a family of seven sons and one daughter. Four of these were born in Louisiana, three in Illinois, and one in Iowa. Most of them are now living in this State and the others in Kansas. He has been for over twenty-one years a member of the M. E. Church, much of the time in official position, where his wise counsel has done much for the cause of religion. He is now in the evening of life, a worthy example of the virtues that ennoble manhood and make old age honorable. Through all his public life he has preserved a spotless reputation, an unsullied fame, worthy the imitation of the young. BRAINARD, SAMUEL-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Essex county, Massachusetts, April 13, 1809, and in the year 1867 came to this county and settled on the place upon which he now resides, owning a farm of eighty acres, well improved. On the 3d of June, 1833, Miss Abigal Sawyer became his wife. She was born in Hamstead, New Hampshire, October 3,1803. BENNETT, CALVIN-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Commerce. Was born in Mason county, Kentucky, July 25, 1822, and at the age of five years moved with his parents to Parke county, Indiana, residing there until 1840, when they came to this State, locating in Des Moines county. After a residence there of about six months they moved to Jefferson county, remained there for a number of years, and then returned to, Parke county, Indiana. In June, 1857, he started for this county; came by wagon and was one month and four days on the road. He first settled on Walnut Creek, near the place where Mr. Clegg now resides. He now owns 524 acres of land all under cultivation, and finely improved. It is one of the best farms for raising grain to be found in the township. January 28, 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss H. W. Wilson, a native of Ross county, Ohio. She was born on the 30th day of April, 1827. To Mr. and Mrs. Bennett belong the honor of being the first couple married in the township. They are among the early settlers of the county, and to such as they is the township particularly indebted. Their family consists of two children living: Lincoln, and Winfield Scott (who was married to Miss Lizzie Wallace, October 17, 1877, a native of New York). She died September 22, 1879, leaving one child, Harry Francis. - Mr. and Mrs. B. have lost two children: Lettie and Henry Clay. BENNETT, BENJAMIN-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Mason county, Kentucky, February 4, 1825, and when but three years of age was taken to Parke county, Indiana, where he lived until he came to this county, in the summer of 1847. He has since resided here and now owns 420 acres of land, all in cultivation. Besides this he owns a. farm of 300 acres, one of the best stock farms in the township. He was married in February, 1860, to Miss Martha E. Howard, a native of Vigo, county, Indiana. They are the parents of five children: Mary H., Ada. Florence, John H., Marseilles C. and Cora A. WALNUT TOWNSHIP 893 BENNETT, PRESLEY-Farmer, section 11, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Mason county, Kentucky, May 30, 1827, and when only an infant was taken by his parents to Parke county, Indiana. From there he came to this county in the spring of 1848, and has made it his home since. He owns 500 acres of land, the most of which is improved, but he has some timber. He is a self-made man, starting in life without money, and alone he has built him a home and gained for himself a place that any one might well be proud of: He was married January 22, 1865, to Miss Louisa C. Rollins; a native of Maine; born March 22, 1847. They have five children: William P., George O. and Musette, living, and two deceased: Benjamin E. and Bessie E. CALKINS, D. S.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Chenango county, New York, August 14, 1824, and resided there until about eight years of age, when he moved to Wellsborough, Pa. He lived there until the fall of 1850, and then moved to Baraboo, Sauk county, Wis. In the fall of 1852, he went to Kenosha, and thence to Geneva, Walworth county. From there he moved to Buffalo, Wright county, Minn., in the fall of 1857, and resided there until 1862, then going to Monticello, same county. In the spring of 1867 took up his residence in Minneapolis, and then came to this county in November, 1868, and with the exception of a short time spent in Waukee, has resided here since. He owns 40 acres of well improved land, with about 18 acres of small fruit. He was married January 18, 1846, to Miss Mary J. Graves, of Tioga county, Pa. She was born January 20, 1828. They have six children living: Mary T. (now Mrs. Chas. N. Enos, of Minnesota), David D., James L. G., Clarence C., Clara A. and Bonnie F. Lost three: Fannie M., Carrie C. and Grace I. Fannie M. was married to Henry C. Helm, of Minneapolis. She left two children: Egbert and Roy. CAMPBELL, R.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Gallia county, Ohio, December 28, 1831. After leaving there he went to Van Buren county, Iowa, and resided there about three years, and from there came to this county in the spring of 1848, and has since resided here. In 1870 he moved upon his present farm, and now owns 78 acres of land, all under cultivation and improvements. December 27, 1855, he married Miss Euphemia Fagin, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, born November 10, 1836. They have eight children: Clarence E ., Runey C., Joseph, Lilly T., Willie E., Charlie, Frank and Clara V. CAMPBELL, E. M.-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 13, 1848, and in 1853 he came to this State, settling in Guthrie county. He resided there until 1872, when he removed upon his present farm, and has since resided here. Owns 248 acres of land, well improved, good buildings and well located. It is one of the best grain and stock farms in the township. He was married in Guthrie county, December 30, 1869, to Miss Mary C. Roberts, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, November 1,1855. They have four children: Eva T., Thomas H., William H. and Ella R. CLEGG, ABRAHAM-Farmer, section 2, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in England, near Rockdale, November 28, 1824, and in 1846 emigrated to this country, settling in New Hampshire. Resided there until he came to this county, with the exception of about six months spent in Cass county, Illinois. He came here in August, 1851, and has resided here most of the time since. Owns 200 acres of well-improved land, under 894 BIOGRAPHICAL. good cultivation, with an orchard of about 500 bearing trees. He married Miss Ann Nuttall, a native of England, in September, 1849. They have four children: Xerxes, Mollie A., George (married to Dora Fisher, a native of Jasper county, this State), and Edward. Mr. Clegg is strictly heterodox in his religious belief. CORBIT, E. P.-Of the firm of Corbit & McClees, grain dealers, Commerce, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1849, and in the spring of 1870 came from there to Des Moines, this county, and has been a resident of the county since. For a time he was engaged in teaching school in East Des Moines, and in July, 1876, he came to this place and commenced the grain business. The firm has been very successful, as they shipped for the year ending June 4, four hundred and sixty cars containing two, hundred thousand bushels of grain. Mr. Corbit has been twice married; first, August 15, 1871, to Miss Mary Chamberlain, a native of McComb, county, Michigan; she died February 24, 1876, leaving three children:: Frank P., May M. and Emily. Was married again in Bureau county, Illinois, to Abby N. Dennis, January 16, 1878. CROW, JOHN-Farmer, section 4, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, November 11, 1812, and when ten years of age moved to Bartholomew county, Indiana, where he resided about seven years; then removed to Warren county, same State, where he made his home until the fall of 1850, when he came to this county. In 1849 he entered seven hundred and five acres of land in a square, and the year following moved upon it. With the exception of eighty acres he has given all his land to his children and wife, the latter owning the homestead of one hundred and seventeen and one-half acres. He was married November 24, 1835, to Miss Medina Mace, a native of Ross county, Ohio; born March 13, 1819. They have twelve children: Harrietta (now Mrs. S. H. Lewis), Edward M. (now in Louis comity, Missouri), William (now at Grand Junction, Iowa),. Daniel, Jacob H., Walter S., Erasmus D., Ida S. and Alice M. living, and .three deceased. Benjamin died while in the U. S. service; John L. died while in the army, and Emily M. when 21 years of age. Mr. Crow had not one dollar with which to start in life, but has builded himself to what he now is, and is spoken of in the highest terms by all who know him: CRUM, W. H.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, October 9, 1840, and in the fall of 1853 came to this, county and has lived here since. Owns fifty-six acres of land, all well improved and cultivated. He was married December 26, 1861, in this county, to Rosetta Campbell, a native of Van Buren county, Iowa, born October 16, 1843. They have one child, Lillie A., aged seventeen years. They have taken one child, a boy, two years old, to raise. CRUM, A. H.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, February 28, 1843, and in the fall of 1853 came to this county where he has since resided. He is the owner of one hundred acres of land on Walnut Creek, good house and barn, with a quantity of small fruit besides. He married Miss Lucy J. Mosier, a native of Clay county, Missouri. She was born May 7, 1842. They have four children: Hattie E., Oscar O., Florence A: and Ollie G., all living and at home. DELANO W. J.-Owner of Commerce Mills, Commerce. Was born in Orleans county, New York, and when twenty years of age moved to Indianapolis. He returned to New York and spent the winter, and in 1860 went to California where he resided until July, 1864, when he returned to Terre- WALNUT TOWNSHIP. 895 Haute, Indiana. About a year and a half later he moved to Cass county, same State, and lived there until he moved here in the spring of 1871. He resided three years in Des Moines, then moved on a farm in Saylor township, stayed there two years, and after spending the winter in Des Moines, he came to this place and has since resided here. Owns a house and lot in this town. Was married in St. Louis, Missouri, July 9,1872, to Miss Maud Kroeger, a native of Hamburg, Germany; born January 26, 1843. They have four children: Maud F., Fanny A. and Fred W. living, and one Emma Julia, deceased. These mills were built in 1872 by A. J. Jack of Des Moines, and sold to S. F. Spofford about five years ago. Mr. Delano bought them about the year 1876 and has been the owner since. Are now leased to S. D. Henry, who is making a success of them, and is doing a good business. DORR, J. W.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Commerce. Was born in Athens county, Ohio, August 13, 1829; when six years of age lie accompanied his parents to Porter county, Indiana, and from there he went to Warren county, this State, in 1854. For three years he resided there and then came to this county and has resided here since. Owns two hundred and twenty six acres of land, improved and under cultivation. On the eighteenth of April, 1861, he enlisted in Porter county , Indiana, in company C, Fifteenth Indiana infantry, and served until June 24, 1862, when he was mustered out on account of disability. Mr. Dorr has been twice married: first, November 30, 1865, to Miss Mary Jones, a native of Indiana; she died September 20, 1874, leaving one child, Cora M. (now living at home.) He was married again December 30,1875, to Miss Inas J. Arnold, a native of Cayuga county, New York. She was born December 18, 1841. Have lost one child. ELLIS, DR. A. J.-Physician, section 12, P. O. Des Moines. Was born July 18, 1818, and is a native of Chenango county, New York. In 1845 he moved to Seneca county, New York, and practiced medicine there for about twelve years; thence to Thompson, Huron county, Ohio, and was there engaged in following his chosen calling, and was also pastor of the Baptist church most of the time. From there he moved to Plover, Portage county, Wisconsin, practiced there for eight years and then returned to Seneca county, New York. Three years later, in the fall of 1869, he came to this county and has practiced more or less ever since. He is of the homeopathic class of physicians, and although it has been for some time his intention to retire from business, he finds it almost impossible to do so. He owns eight and a half acres of land with a good residence. July 23, 1846, he was married to Miss Antoinette Rappleye, a native of Seneca county, New York; she died June 26, 1870, leaving three children: Samuel H. (now living in Mainstee county, Michigan), and Rosie I. A. living,; and one Mary N., deceased. FISHER, JOHN-Grain dealer, Ashawa. Was born January 7, 1835, and is a native of Parke county, Indiana. In 1849 he moved to Mahaska county, this State, resided there for three years and then removed to Jasper county, living there for four years. From that place he came to this county in 1861, and has since resided here, and now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 9. He is doing a very large business in his line, and during last year he shipped one hundred thousand bushels of grain. It is his intention to do more than that the present year. Was married October 17, 1856, to Miss Rebecca Parker, who was born in Wap- 896 BIOGRAPHICAL. ello county, this State. They have four children: Dora, Ida A., Albert D, and Elmer (twins). GRINNELL, S. M.-Farmer, section 32, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Montgomery county, New York, February 22, 1827, and at the age of ten years moved to Monroe county, New York, where he lived for ten years. Thence to Green county, Wisconsin, and lived there until the spring of 1860 when he came to this county; and has lived on his present place since. Owns seventy-eight acres in this place and also two acres in Waukee. Has a good house and barn, large orchard, small fruit, etc. Was married August 25, 1850, to Miss Fanny M. Allen, a native of Rochester, New York; born May 26, 1837. They have five children: Selina M. (now Mrs. F. A. Shafer of this county), May (now Mrs. W. A. Flinn of this county), and Montgomery, living; and two deceased: Martin and Clara Belle. GRINNELL, A. L.-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Montgomery county, New York, December 15,1822, and at the age of fourteen years moved to Monroe county, same State. Lived there for ten years and then moved to Green county, Wisconsin, where he remained until the fall of 1858. He then came to this county and settled on his present place, where he has since resided. He owns, in his home farm, one hundred and thirty- six acres, well improved and in a good state of cultivation; and eighty acres across the line in Dallas county. April 3, 1870, he was married to Mrs. Lucinda Baker, a native of Kosciusko county, Indiana, born September 24, 1832. She had four children by her former marriage: Frank E., Fannie E. (now Mrs. E. J. Reynolds of- Des Moines), Lillie D. (now Mrs. Wilson), and Gibson (living in Webster township). HELMBRECHT, D.-Farmer, section 32, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Hessing, Germany, March 31, 1806, and in the year 1858 emigrated to this country, came at once to this county, and settled on his present homestead. Has since resided here, and now owns a farm of one hundred and forty-two acres improved and under fence. He was married December 29, 1829, to Miss Gertha Hovadich, a native of the same place as himself, and born July 10, 1814. She died leaving four children: Henry J., Frederick (both married and living in Webster township), Kate (now Mrs. Frederick Engelbrecht, living at home); she has one son, William; and a daughter, Mary (now living in Des Moines). HENRY, S. D.-Proprietor of Commerce Mills, Commerce. Was born in Shelby county, Indiana, October 10, 1854, and after living there for a time he moved to Ottawa, Kansas, where he resided about five years. He then came to this county and two years later he came to Commerce. He is a miller by trade and has followed that business for eight years past. He was married October 3,.1877, to Mary E. Stevenson, a native of Warren county, this State, born February 3, 1854. These mills are owned by W. J. Delano, and leased by Mr. Henry. They are situated on the 'Coon river, have an excellent water-power, and are doing as good work as any in the county. The leading brands of flour made are Henry's New Process, and Extra Standard. They have a capacity of about 400 bushels, or eighty barrels per day. HIMES, J. W.-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Highland county, Ohio, April 24, 1826, and lived there, following farming, until he came to this county in the fall of 1869. During the war he was mustered into company A, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio infantry and participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, being mustered out WALNUT TOWNSHIP. 897 in June, 1865. He was married November 4,1858, in Ohio, to Miss Sarah Y. Heller, a native of Pickaway county, that State. She was born April 24, 1836. They have a family of four children: John W., Emma, Sarah E. and Anna Mary, all living at home. IRWIN, R. Y.-Farmer, section 17. P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Guilford, North Carolina, September 18, 1822, and at the age of ten years moved to Preble county, Ohio, settling there in 1832. He remained there for four years and then removed to Huntington county, Indiana, where be resided until 1850. From there he went to Adel, this State, and for two years was engaged in practicing medicine there. He then returned to Indiana, and in the spring of 1870 came upon his present place. He owns a farm of 175 acres, well improved, good buildings, orchard, water, etc. He was married May 14,1846, to Miss Angeline A. Alexander, a native of Preble county, Ohio, born August 9, 1829. She died August 22, 1877, leaving seven children: Emmet A. (married), Felix E., Mary L., John O., Clara B. and Edwin G., living, and one, Sarah Ada, deceased. LAMONT, Rev. D.-Retired. Section 11, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Delaware county, New York, January 25, 1828, and resided there until nineteen years of age. Then moved to Tompkins county, New York, and after living there for three years went to Ohio, where he followed teaching. He also joined the Ohio M. E. Conference, and engaged in preaching there for four years and then came to this State. He has been engaged in the ministry here for sixteen years. . Bought his present farm in 1871 and has made it his home for about six years. Retired from farming some three years ago, but still attends to the keeping up of the same. He owns forty acres of good land with an orchard of about 400 apple trees and an endless variety of small fruit. Was married to Miss Jane E. Finley, March 22, 1855, a native of Delaware, Ohio. They are members of the Fifth Street M. E. Church at Des Moines. LEWIS, S. H.-Farmer, section 3, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Rush county, Indiana, May 11, 1835, and when two or three years old moved to Henry county, Indiana, living there until he moved to this county in the spring of 1848, settling on the land that Martin Flinn now owns. Mr. Louis now owns ninety-five acres of land all well improved. He has been twice married, first to Miss Mary Clay, February 15, 1855, a native of Henry county, Indiana, who died in March, 1870, leaving four children: Sarah (now Mrs. Albert Jackson, of Guthrie county), Samuel W., James R. and Elizabeth. Was married again February 15, 1873, to Mrs. Harietta Evans, daughter of John Crow. She is a native of Indiana. Has four children by a former marriage to John C. Wheeler: Emma B., Laura Y., Horace T. and Charles, and one child by a former marriage to John Evans, Harriet. Mr. and Mrs. W. L. have four children: Ollie, Alice M. and Laura J. (now Mrs. Frank Myers), living, and one, Emma B. (wife of Chas. R. Denning), deceased. MARTIN, DR. J. B.-Physician, Commerce. Was born in La Porte, Indiana, March 1,1845, and when twenty-two years of age moved to Chicago, where he began the study of medicine. He attended the Bennett Medical College and graduated from that institution on the 21st of February, 1877. He remained in that city until October 1st of that year, when he came West and located in Commerce, and since that time has carried on the practice of his profession here. November 11,1868, Miss Almira J. Cranmer, a native of St. Joseph county, Indiana, became his wife. She 898 BIOGRAPHICAL. was born June 8, 1848. They are the parents of two children, both of whom are living: Florence M. and Edith. Dr. Martin owns a fine piece of property in Commerce, situated upon the hill. MORRIS, CYRUS-Farmer, section 31, P. O. Waukee, Dallas county.. Was born in Henry county, Indiana, September 9, 1839, and when seventeen years of age came to Iowa, settling in Keokuk county, where he lived until he came to this county in the spring of 1878. Before he came to then county he was engaged in shipping stock and dealing in grain. He now owns 171 acres in this county and eighty acres in Dallas county, all of which is under cultivation. He was married January 25, 1860, in Jefferson county, Iowa, to Miss Rachel Ecroid, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1840. They have ten children: Catharine now Mrs. N. B. Nash, of Washington county), Charlie, Edgar J., Berths, Lewis, Cyrus, Stella and Mabel. Lost two: Frank and Ollie. MOTT, D. B.-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Knox county, Ohio, April 3, 1847, and in the fall of 1851 came to this county, and has resided on his present farm of eighty acres ever since. Although a Buckeye by birth he is a Hawkeye by adoption, and is a son of J. H. Mott, one of the first settlers of the county. He was married in March, 1873, to Miss Julia Houston, a native of Indiana. They have one child, Carl. NEWELL, Rev. C. H.-Pastor of the four churches of the M. E. denomination adjacent to Des Moines on the west. Was born at Southbridge, Massachusetts, 1835, educated for the ministry in the schools of the East, and beginning his life work there he was compelled by failing health to seek a more congenial climate or abandon his calling. He came to Iowa and took charge of the church at Lewis, in Cass county, in 1870. His fields of labor have since been Glenwood, Grand Junction, and his present charge. His labors have been interrupted in this time by feeble health, during which he has been of service to the cause of education as County Superintendent, and was for a time in the employ of the government. In war time he rendered valuable service. Having declined a captain's commission, he gave voluntary service to the work of the Christian Commission, and was exposed to the perils of battle without pay or the possibility of pension. Many are the wounded officers and men who could bear testimony to the service thus rendered, service that in several cases stood between them and death. We learn that the first sermon he tried to preach was in the cabin of a fugitive slave, on the farm of a Democratic politician in Connecticut, and to a congregation in part of fugitives. It is said that while the politician referred to would defend the fugitive slave law on the stump, yet it would have been a dangerous thing for any one to undertake to return these men, who had found their strange refuge. Mr. Newell has a versatile pen, and has been an editor, and is a contributor to the press. An article full of quaint and telling humor of which he would hardly be suspected found its way from a small country paper to some of the leading journals of the land, but no amount of favorable criticism could draw the author from his reserve. His marriage to Mary E. Doeber, of Candia, New Hampshire, bears date of February 17, 1864. His children are Mary P. and Walter S., aged respectively twelve and nine. His services are held in high esteem by his parishioners. He is well posted and thoroughly interested in all the leading questions of the times. WALNUT TOWNSHIP. 899 OSBORN, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 5, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Pickens Districts, South Carolina, October 23, 1833, and at the age of six years moved to Boone county, Indiana, residing there until 1856. He then came to this county and has remained here since, following farming; owns 160 acres of well improved land. He is a son of James Osborne, a native of Massachusetts, who has represented his district in the State legislature for a number of terms, and is one of the leading politicians of the State. Mr. Osborne was a candidate for Representative of this county in 1877 on the Democratic ticket. December 23, 1858 our subject was married to Miss Maggie Pierce, a native of Montgomery county, Indiana; born March 20, 1838. They have nine children: Henry T., Elisha H., James T., Eva O., Wilbur A., Benjamin F., Leota I. and Maggie M., living, and one, Charles, deceased. PIERCE, J. A.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Butler county, Ohio, September 27, 1820, and at the age of eight years moved to Montgomery county, Indiana, where he lived until the spring of 1849. He then came to this county and entered the land on which he has since lived. He has always followed farming, and is now the owner of a farm of eighty acres, well improved, and has one of the nicest places in the neighborhood. December 15, 1859, he was married, in Dallas county, this State, to Miss Sarah W. Mitchell, a native of Vigo county, Indiana, born May 23, 1837. She died March 13, 1870, leaving four children: Abraham L., Viretta and Jennie A., living, and one, Olive I., deceased. RANDOLPH, JOHN-Farmer, section 31, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Warren county, Ohio, July 16, 1845, and at the age of twenty three came to this State, settling in Des Moines. He has resided in this county since, and eleven years ago he moved on the place he now occupies. Owns a farm of eighty acres, improved, good orchard, etc. Was married March 21, 1867, to Miss Naomi Bundy, a native of the same place as himself, born December 9, 1849. They have five children: Charlie T., Ada E., Bertha and John F. living, and one, Nora J., deceased. RICE, DR. U. A.-Physician and dealer in drugs, Commerce. Was born in Clermont county, Ohio, September 27, 1843, and in the spring of 1867 came to this State, locating in Marion county. On the 24th of December, 1874, he moved to Waukee, Dallas county, and lived there until December 3, 1874, when be came to this place. March 1, 1867, he graduated from the America Health College, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and immediately commenced the practice of his profession. In December, 1874, he opened his present drug store, which he has continued successfully. His business property is the best in the place. He and his sons are engaged in the manufacture of some of the leading medicines of the country; such as Throat and Lung Balsam, Silver Tonic Bitters, Magic Oil, Ague Specific, etc. August 21, 1861, he was married to Miss Delila J. Wells, born in Marion, Indiana, August 4, 1837. Have five children: Francis B., Melissa A., Flora B., Harry A. and Frederick G. RINEHART, ALEXANDER-Gardener, section 12, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Germany, June 21, 1821, and in 1852 emigrated to this country and settled in Delaware county, New York. In 1857 he moved to Wisconsin, locating in Sack county, and resided there until he came to this county, in 1869. He settled on his present place about three years ago, and owns about fifteen acres of land. He makes gardening his principal occupation, and also raises some small fruits. April 20, 1847, he was 900 BIOGRAPHICAL. married to Miss Elizabeth Rinehart. They have five children: Lena (wife of John Lewis, of this county), Sophia, Elizabeth (wife of William Dippert, of Des Moines), Fred and Alexander. SHAFFER, S. T.-Farmer; section 7, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Athens county, Ohio, June 12, 1851, and in the spring of 1856 came to this county with his parents and has since resided here, following farming. He owns a farm of forty-two acres, improved and under cultivation. He was married, February 15, 1876, to Mrs. Mary E. Shaffer, who was born in Monroe county, Illinois, March 27, 1840. She was first married to Jacob Shaffer, who died March 11, 1871, leaving one son, Denver C. Mr. and Mrs. S. have one child, Cora E. SHAFFER, RICHARD-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, July 3, 1824, and at the age of twenty-five years moved to Athens county, same State, where he lived until 1857. He then carne to this county and has since resided here, following farming; and he now owns a farm of 160 acres, well improved and in good condition. February 27, 1845, he was married to Miss Margaret J. Wilson, a native of Brooks county, Virginia, born December 21, 1825. They have a family of nine children: William C. (married and in Dallas county), Francis A. (married and living in this county), Mary E. (now Mrs. Clark Smith, of Dallas county), Solomon T. (married), Levi S. (married and living in Nebraska), Charles L. (of Dallas county), Harriet C., R. C. and George W. THURTLE, R. P.-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Ashawa, is a native of England, and was born in the county Norfolk. At the age of eighteen years he emigrated to the United States, settling in Orleans county, New York, and resided there until 1873, when he came to this county. Has since resided here, following farming, and now owns 235 acres of land, well improved. The home place consists of 160 acres in good cultivation. On the 23d of September, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Cannon, a native of the same place as himself, born February 14, 1846. They have four children: Robert P., Albert M. and Lona S., living, and one deceased, Herbert E. WILSON, T. P.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Licking county, Ohio, May 29, 1830, and at the age of fifteen years moved to Monroe county, same State, residing there for some time. Then removed to Guernsey county, lived there and in Athens county a short time. In the fall of 1854 he came to this county and has since lived here. Owns a well-improved farm of 160 acres, adapted to the raising of stock. Has been twice married. First to Miss Lucinda Ellis, July 17, 1853, a native of Morgan county, Ohio. She died August 10,1861, leaving three children: Charles H., Levi S. and George W. He was married the second time, April 11, 1866, to Miss Rebecca Crum, born in Wayne county, Indiana, January 8, 1830, They have four children: Irving E., Nellie M., Nettie J. and Carrie S. WILSON, A. J.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Preble county, Ohio, August 25, 1827, and when twenty-five years of age moved to Peoria county, Illinois, where he lived for three years. In the fall of 1854 he came to this county and settled on this place, entering 240 acres all in a body. He now owns 129 acres of land, good house and barn, plenty of water and is one of the best prairie farms in the township. He was married, March 16,1854, to Miss Mary A. McCrady, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, August 1,1832. They have four children: Homer V., Charlie W. and Laura, living, and one, Laura J., deceased. WALNUT TOWNSHIP. 901 WOODBURY, A. B.-Farmer, section 12, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Savoy, Massachusetts, May 4, 1823, and when two years of age moved with his parents to Chautauqua county, New York, residing there until he came to this county in the fall of 1855. He first settled in Des Moines and followed stage driving for fifteen years, and in 1877, he came upon his present place. Owns twenty acres of land and is constantly improving the same. He has been twice married. First, to Miss Ella M. Love, November 15, 1848. She was a native of Madison county, New York, born June 8, 1831. She died November 12, 1862, leaving four children : George W. and Esther, living, and two deceased: Anna M. and Thomas B. He was married the second time January 1, 1866, to Miss Lucinda M. Peet, born July 17, 1842, in Wyoming county, New York. WOMACKS, L. T.-Farmer, section 7, P. O. Ashawa. Was born in Brown county, Ohio, September 14, 1834, and after residing there for some time he removed to Helena, Kentucky, where he was engaged in the general merchandise business for two years. In the spring of 1857 he went to Colorado and remained for one year and then returned to Ohio, and from there to Illinois City, where he engaged in teaching school for two years. In the spring of 1867 he came to this county and has since resided here. Owns a well- improved and finely cultivated farm of 330 acres. July 9, 1861, he was mustered into the service of the Fourth Ohio independent cavalry company, fought in the battles of Silver Creek, Shiloh and siege of Corinth, and acted as McPherson's escort through all the engagements up to the time of the death of that general. He was mustered out August 26, 1864, having served over his time. He was united in marriage with Miss Nancy J. Stevens, April 15, 1875. She is a native of this county and was born July 26, 1856. They have a family of two children: Chester C. and Harry A. YOUNGERMAN, JOHN-Farmer, section 33, P. O. Ashawa. Was born March 10, 1826, in Germany, and when four years of age emigrated to the United States, settling in York county, Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1835 he moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, and followed the black. smith's trade, and in the winter of 1850 he moved to this county and has since resided here, following farming. Has lived on his present farm nineteen years, and it consists of 280 acres of improved land, upon which are two good orchards, houses, etc. Mr. Y. has been three times married. First, September 16, 1848, to Miss Mary Cunningham, a native of Virginia, who died August 16, 1850, leaving one child, John W. Was married the second time, September, 16, 1855, to Miss Amanda J. Hall, who was born in Polk county, Iowa, She died October 1,.1859, leaving two children: Albert H. and Ella Ann. He took for his third wife Mrs. Mary Fitger, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio. They were married September 15,. 1862, and have five children: Harrietta E., Laura A., William L., Charles C. and George M. Mrs. Y. has four children by former marriage: Emma, Sophia, Rebecca K. and Etta.