BIOS: Polk County 1880 Webster 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 WEBSTER TOWNSHIP BABCOCK, N.-Farmer, section 21, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New York, March 11, 1834, and was there raised and educated, after which he commenced farming. In 1858 he removed to Illinois, continued to farm; and in the spring of 1869 he came to this county. Has since resided here and owns a farm of eighty acres, well located, commanding a fine view of the country for miles around. Enlisted during the war, in the spring of 1862, in the Eighty-third Illinois infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He was married in Illinois, May 31, 1859, to Miss Mary A. Burrell. They have one child, Frank C. (born March 15,1860). CADY, L. B.-Farmer, section 14, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New York, May 13,1831, and attended school and was raised there. After receiving his education he obtained a position as stage driver with WEBSTER TOWNSHIP. 971 the Western Stage Company, remaining in their employ until 1850, when he went to Pennsylvania. He there continued in the same business, and in 1856 came to Iowa, locating in Iowa City. From there he came to this county, and has since resided here, and is the owner of 160 acres of land. He was united in marriage in Mercer, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1852, with Miss Helen Emmonds. By this union they have one child, Mary Helen (born March 8, 1854). CASEBEER, E.-Retired farmer, section 4, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Washington county Pennsylvania, March 20, 1820, and when seven years of age removed to Ohio. After leaving school he commenced farming, and followed the same until the fall of 1854, when he came to this county. He has since resided here, and now owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres with good improvements. He is a man respected by all, and well merits that respect. Was married in Allen county, Ohio, May 18, 1854, to Miss Catharine J. Bowman. CUTTER, E. L.-Farmer and stock dealer, section 30, P. O. McDivitt's Grove. Was born in Massachusetts, December 22, 1824, and after finishing his schooling there he became engaged in the saw manufacturing business which he followed until June, 1869. He then came to this county and has since remained here, and is quite extensively engaged in stock dealing. His farm consists of one hundred and sixty-five acres of finely improved land, fenced with boards and hedges. He was married in the State of Massachusetts on the twentieth of March, 1850, to Miss Hannah A. Jost. They have had a family of six children, of whom there are four living : Effie E., Eliza C., Abbie H. and Lizzie L. Two are deceased, Ada and Fannie R. DENNEY, J.-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New Castle county, Delaware, January 16, 1837. When fifteen years of age he moved with his parents to this county. He was raised a farmer .and still follows the same, and now owns a fine farm of two hundred acres. He was married in this county, September 10,,1859, to Miss Sarah Rittgers. They have a family of three children: John T., Ida J. and Albert. DUNHAM, GEORGE C.-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Syracuse, New York, March 16, 1834, and at the age of ten years moved to Michigan with his parents. After obtaining his education he learned the moulding trade, following the same until 1862, when he enlisted in company F, Twenty-sixth Michigan infantry; he served until the close of the War, and was honorably discharged, after which he went to St. Louis. There followed his trade, and in the spring of 1868 came to Des Moines. In the spring of 1878 he came to this township, where he still resides, following farming. He was married in Des Moines, to Miss Maria Hepburn, October 6, 1868. They have one child, Mabel, born August 1, 1869. FRANKS, C. H.-Farmer, section 14, P. O.. McDivitt's Grove. Was born May 4, 1840, and is a native of Prussia. When only an infant he was brought by his parents to the United States, landing at Baltimore. From there he removed to Pennsylvania, where he was educated, after which he engaged in the lumber business. He followed that until May, 1869, when he went to Missouri, and in the fall of 1869 .he came to this county where he has since lived. He owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, well-improved and cultivated. He was married in Pennsylvania, June 14, 1865, to Miss Belinda E. Hagan. To them have been born 972 BIOGRAPHICAL. five children, of which there are four living: James R., Charles B., Edward W. and Elizabeth J. Lost one, Bertie R. HARDING, A. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New York, June 21,1850, and when seven years of age moved with his parents to Illinois, where he was raised. He received his education in Monmouth College after which he commenced teaching school and taught for two terms. Was then employed in a book store as clerk, remaining there for six months, when he got a position as book-keeper in the National Bank of Monmouth, and was afterward promoted to cashier. In 1876 he came to this county and has since resided here on his fine farm, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres. He is extensively engaged in the raising of fine stock. HUFFORD, JAMES-Farmer, section 24, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Indiana, February 4, 1835, and was there partly educated. After remaining in various parts of that State, until 1851, he came to this county and finished his schooling. Has followed farming most all his life and now owns a fine farm of forty acres. Mr. Hufford is a man highly honored, and respected by all who know him. He was married in this county, June 19, 1860, to Miss Elizabeth Smith. They have two children: Mary A. and Emma. HUNT, CHARLES-Farmer, section 25, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Fairfax, Franklin county, Vermont, and after receiving his education, commenced farming, following the same until September, 1869. He then engaged in teaming, and in the fall of 1877 came to this county, where he still resides. He is engaged in stock raising in connection with his farm operations, and is quite successful. June 9,1861, he was married in Westford, Vermont, to Miss Celicia S Spaulding. They have had three children, of whom one is living: Reuben born April 5, 1863). Lost two: Addie M. (born February 16, 1865, died November 3, 1865), and Homer C. (born February 22, 1869, died September 27, 1871). KIRK, JAMES-Farmer, section 4, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, January 2, 1830, and was there raised. While young he learned the cooper's trade, and followed it until the spring of 1858, when he came to this county. He has lived here since, following farming, and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land. His residence is surrounded by fine shade trees, and is well located. He was married in Ohio, September 22, 1861, to Miss Hester J. Griffith. They have had eleven children, of whom seven are living: William F., Henry B., Mary, James, Charles F., Jennette and Bessie. Four are deceased: Edgar, and three infants. McDIVITT, I. H.-Farmer, section 24, P. O. McDivitt's Grove. Was born in Indiana, on the twenty-first of November, 1842, and at the age of nine years came to this county, where he has been raised. After obtaining his education he engaged in farming, and still follows the same. He owns a farm of eighty acres, improved and under fence. He was married in Jasper county, Iowa, November 20, 1863, to Miss Sibel Syneth. Three children have been born to them: Mary M., Francis and Thomas J. McMASTER, S. H.-Farmer, section 3, P. O. McDivitt's Grove. Was born in Vermont, April 3, 1840, and there passed his boyhood days. He engaged in teaching and farming and continued the same until the fall of 1861, when he came to Iowa, settling in Clayton county. There continued farming and in 1862 he enlisted in company B, First Iowa cavalry, and served, eight months, when, on account of disability, he was honorably WEBSTER TOWNSHIP. 973 discharged. Then returned to Clayton county, resuming farming, and in the fall of 1866 returned to his place of birth, where he obtained a position as subcontractor for the grading of railroads. In March, 1873, he went to Massachusetts and in 1874 came to this county and since that time has resided here. Owns a farm of eighty acres. He was married in Vermont, February 28, 1860, to Miss Edna M. Hunt. MICHAEL, DANIEL-Farmer, section 33, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in Virginia, July 20, 1820, and at the age of six years moved with his parents to Ohio, there being raised. He was engaged in farming until the fall of 1854, when he moved to Warren county, this State, continued his previous occupation and in February, 1864, came to this county, where he has since resided. Owns 120 acres of land, fenced with young hedge. Was married in Ohio, August 20, 1849, to Miss Nancy Davis. They have by this union ten children living: Lucinda M., Rachel A., Mahala C., Samuel S., Locky A., Lydia P., Thompson W. and Handy. Lost two, unnamed. OLMSTED, C. V.-Farmer, section 13, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New York, July 4, 1836, and there was raised and educated. He was engaged in farming until March, 1868, when he came to this county and has since resided here. Owns a farm of 74 acres, well located, with a fine view of the surrounding country. He was married in New York, October 2, 1867, to Miss Tamnia E. Smith. OLMSTED, A.-Farmer, section 15, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in New York, August 7, 1824, and after receiving his education engaged in farming and also in the lumber business, which he followed until the spring of 1864. He then came to Iowa, settling in Marshall county and in December, 1864, he removed to Michigan, engaged in the lumber and also the threshing business and in the fall of 1871 came to this county. He owns 120 acres of land with good improvements. Was married December 12, 1849, to Miss Sarah A. Burritt. By this union they have six children: Frank L., Ida C., Etta M., Alice A., Philo B. and Herbert A. OSTERHOUT, N.-Farmer, section 10, P. 0. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, August 24,.1836, and when young engaged in farming, which he followed there until June, 1855. Then came West and located in this county and now owns a well-improved. farm of eighty acres. In 1863 he enlisted in company G, Second Iowa infantry and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably .discharged. His marriage was in this county, November 17, 1860, to Miss Sarah J. Patterson. By this union they have eight children : Martha J., Millie, Sarah E., Bell, John, Ervin, Mann and Minnie. PARMENTER, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 9, P.O. Des Moines. Was born in New Hampshire, February 10, 1828, and when twelve years of age moved to Ohio, where he was raised and educated. While young he commenced farming and continued the same until the fall of 1865, when he came to this county and has since resided here, following his former occupation. Owns 120 acres of land. December 29, 1850, he was married in Ohio to Miss Melissa Shry. They have a family of six children: Adaline, Isaac A., Ellen, Franklin, Albert and Rilly REECE, D.-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, March 5, 1825, and received his education there and after leaving school he commenced farming. In the spring of 1854, he went to Buchanan county, this State, continued farming, and in 1856 went to Kansas. 974 BIOGRAPHICAL. He there had a fine farm, but owing to the dry weather he gave it up and returned to Iowa, settling in Keokuk county and there resided until 1875. At that time be went to Nebraska and in 1876 came to this county where he has since resided. He owns eighty acres of land, under cultivation and improved. He was married in Ohio, March 17, 1846, to Miss Angeline Batraff. They have a family of eleven children: Lavina, Lester, Franklin P., Rutherford, Winfield S., Dorotha, James, Eva, John, Elizabeth and Sewell A. ROBINSON, M. W.-Farmer, section 12, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ross county, Ohio, and was there raised on a farm. On the 15th of April, 1838, he came to Iowa, locating in Burlington, where he continued farming and stock-raising, and in the spring of 1869 came to Polk county, where he still resides, owning a fine farm of 1,120 acres well-improved land, fenced with boards and rails. He was married in Ohio, May 4, 1841, to Miss Martha Hillhouse. Their family consists of three children living, Henry, Francis and Effie. Lost one, Sarah F. RYDER, M.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, March 16, 1827, there being raised and educated. When young he learned the trade of wheelwright, and followed the same until 1854, when he came to this State, and located in Jackson county. In the spring of 1870, he came to this county, and still resides here, being the owner of 118 acres. of well-improved land. He was married in Jackson county, this State, November 25, 1866, to Miss Hannah Battles. By this union, they have four children: Lucy M., Margaret K., Charlie C. and Mary M. SElBERT, H.-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Germany, May 24, 1832, and after obtaining an education there, commenced farming, which he continued until the spring of 1849. He then emigrated to America, landing in New York, and from there, he went to Philadelphia, where he learned the trades of machinist and blacksmith, following those trades until 1858. He then worked as engineer on the Spring Garden Waterworks, remaining in that capacity until 1862, when he went into the navy-yard as blacksmith. In 1864, he again commenced work for the Waterworks, and in 1869, came to this county, where be has since resided. He owns a farm of 120 acres, improved and under cultivation. He was married in Philadelphia, May 24, 1857, to Miss Mary G. Stranger. They have seven children: Mary L., Henry B., Anna C., William A. H., John F., Charles and Eddie. ST. CLAIR, J.-Farmer, section 13, P. O. McDivitt's Grove. Was born in Kentucky, October 5, 1828, and when very young, moved with his parents to Illinois, there being raised. He was engaged in farming until the fall of 1865, when he came to this county, and has since resided here, owning a farm of 110 acres, fenced with boards and wire. February 23, 1859, he was married in this county, to Miss Lydia Howland. They have five children living: Amanda A., Arthur, George, Marion and Elizabeth. Lost two: Mary O. and Emma J. TRIPP, E. A.-Farmer, section 24, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in New Bedford, Bristol county, Massachusetts, December 2,1847, and was there raised and educated. He learned the telegraph business, and followed it for one and a half years, when he engaged in the merchant tailoring business. In this he continued until the fall of 1868, when he came to this county, and has since resided here. He owns a fine farm of eighty acres, has a good residence, well situated. He was married in Des Moines. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 975 June 30,1870, to Miss Mary E. McDivitt. They are the parents of one child: William E. born September 19, 1876. WAERE, J. G.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in Ohio, February 13, 1840, and there was raised and educated. He engaged in farming at an early day, which he continued until 1858, and then learned the trade of marble cutter, which he followed until 1861. He then enlisted in company I, Twentieth Ohio infantry, and served four months, when he was honorably discharged. He returned to Ohio, and engaged in working at his trade, and in 1862 he again enlisted, this time in company G, Eighty-fourth Ohio, and served for three months. He again returned to Ohio, and followed his trade, until 1864, when he enlisted in the one hundred days' service, and after serving his time enlisted in company G, Independent Battery of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged. He went back to Ohio, and from there removed to Illinois, where he worked at his former occupation, and in 1869, he came from Ohio to this county, and has since resided here, owning a farm of 110 acres. He was married in Ohio, June 25,1863, to Miss Mary E. Hare. They have three children living: Hettie B. and Mattie B. Lost One: Anna G. ZICKAFOOSE, W. H.-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Des Moines. Was born in West Virginia, May 9, 1830, and at the age of five years moved with his parents to Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1837. He then went to Illinois, and on the 20th of August, following, came to this State, and located in Henry county, where he received his education. He was engaged in farming there until November, 1873, when he came to this county, and has since resided here, following farming, and now owns over 160 acres of land. He was married in Henry county, Iowa, October the 20th, 1853, to Miss America, daughter of Charles F. See, of Baltimore, who was born in Henry county, Indiana, December 30, 1861. Their family consists of eight children: Sedovn A., Sarah S., Mary C., Charles B., Western E., Clara L., William C. and America J.