BIOS: Polk County 1880 Douglas 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 DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP BRAZELTON, C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 29, P. O. Greenwood. This enterprising farmer was born in Jefferson county, Tennessee, May 13, 1815, and was raised there until he was about ten years of age, when he moved with his parents to Vermillion county, Illinois, where he lived until 1837. He there learned the trade of tanning and currying, which business he followed about eight years. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits. He came to Polk county in 1854, and settled in Douglas township. He commenced business for himself with the nominal capital of twenty-five cents, but with a large fund of energy and honest determination to succeed. He now owns 715 acres of land and nine valuable lots in the city of Des Moines. His annual stock sales are about $5,000. He has always taken an interest in the affairs of the county and is among its largest tax-payers. He was appointed postmaster in Greenwood when the office was first established and held the office about seven years. He was elected first township trustee and held the office several years, He was married in the fall of 1836 to Miss Anna Thornton, of Vermillion county, Illinois. They have eight children living : Jacob, Margaret, Jennie, Mary, Albert, Joseph, Fannie and Letta. They have lost two. Mrs. Brazelton was killed in the railroad accident near Columbus, Ohio, in 1876. She was a woman loved and respected by all who knew her. BYARS, D. H.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 35, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 1828, and was raised there, and in Miami county he learned the trade of carpenter and house-builder. He embarked on the steamer Independence for California, which was wrecked on the island of Margretta. He was among the few who were saved. He arrived in California in the spring of 1853 and engaged in the business of house building. He returned to Miami county in 1858 and in 1860 was married to Miss Mary Allen, of that county. They have three children living: 994 BIOGRAPHICAL. Sarah B., John E. and Eva R. They have lost two. He has always been a liberal supporter of the Methodist Church, of which he is a member and his home was frequently used as a place of public worship in an early day. CARRAHER, J. C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 23, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Monahan county, Ireland, in 1814 and there raised to manhood. He has followed farming from youth. He was married in 1843 to Miss Bridget McCabe, of the same place as himself. They have four children living: Rose (born April 15, 1849), Thomas (born July 20, 1855), Rosey (born September 4,1857) and Alice (born March 12,1858). They have lost four. They emigrated, in the year 1845, to America, and settled in Upper Canada, where they resided five years and then they moved to Livingstone county, New York, where they resided four years; thence to Grundy county, Illinois, remaining until 1858, when they came to Iowa and settled in Polk county. He now owns eighty acres of land, CHAMBERS, J. S.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1840 and was there raised until 1856, when he immigrated to America and settled in Stevens county, Illinois. He has always followed the occupation of farming. He enlisted in the spring of 1862 in company A, Eleventh Illinois volunteer infantry, under Captain D. Atkins, and participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Cold Harbor, Jackson, Fort Donelson, Yazoo, Fort Blakely and many others. He was, wounded at Malvern Hill and sent to hospital, where he recovered in a few weeks. He served through some of the severest campaigns of the war and received many marks of credit for his valuable services. He was mustered out immediately after the close of the war and came to Des Moines, where he was soon made chief of police and held that office for several years. He was married March 15, 1866, to Miss Isabella Fay, of Stevens county, Illinois. They have four children living: Charles E., Clarence, Burton L., Maud. He now owns a farm of fifty acres of land. CLAY, H. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, P. 0. Greenwood. Was born in Halifax county, Virginia, March 27, 1840, and raised in Miami county, Ohio, until about twenty-nine years old. He came to Polk county in 1869 and settled in Douglas township. He now owns 165 acres of valuable land. Mr. Clay enlisted in 1862 in the Forty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was promoted to sergeant, and participated in the battles of Morefield, Somerset, Danville, London, Cumberland, Dalton Hill, Fort Royal, Richmond, Kentucky, Crab Orchard, Siege of Knoxville, Cumberland Gap, Kingston, and was mustered out at Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. In 1864 he re-enlisted in the Eighth Ohio volunteer infantry and served till the close of the war. He received a bullet wound in the breast at the battle of Liberty, Virginia. Was taken prisoner but was allowed to go free on account of his having been mistaken for a chaplain who was seen carrying a book under his arm, which proved to be the life of Abraham Lincoln. He was married June 1, 1871, to Esther Pennington, of Polk county. They have five children: Joseph C., Nettie, Henry, Burton and John. COCKERHAM, D. B.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, P. 0. Greenwood. Was born June 18, 1835, and when about ten years of age, he came with his parents to Polk county, Iowa. His father died in the year 1862, and was buried in Buzic Cemetery, Saylor township. He owns eighty acres of land. Has held important township offices and has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the county DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP. 995 and is a liberal supporter of church and school organizations. He was married September 29, 1860, to Miss Anna Rummel, of Pennsylvania, Somerset county. They have seven children living: Ella, Mary, Hattie, Alvira, Charles, Harvey and Lucy. They have lost two. CORY, I. M. T.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Elkhart county, Indiana, April 13, 1837, and moved with his parents to Polk county, in 1846, and settled at Cory's Grove, and their house was the farthest west on that tier of townships inhabited by white men and the farthest north, his father, I. W. Cory, being among the first settlers of Polk county. He was a man of iron will and determination and instilled the same in the minds of his sons; he being a marked character of the pioneers of Iowa. Their early life in Iowa was fraught with a great many hardships, privations, etc., consequent upon the early settlement of a country, but yet they never allowed their interest to flag or their determination to make a home for themselves and families to be shaken. Oskaloosa was their nearest milling point. Supplies were drawn from Keokuk and other points, and the journey to mill or their nearest river point was no small undertaking, yet in spite of all the difficulties they had to encounter they have been successful. He owns 144 acres of valuable land. His orchard is the finest in his neighborhood, containing upwards of fifteen acres, with a beautiful vineyard. He was married October 8, 1855, to Miss Sarah A. Elliott. They have six children: Lorinda M. (now Mrs. H. Methes), Sylvia L. (now Mrs. C. W. Vanhorn), William Dayton, Ulysses Grant, Edna Frances, John Martin. The lives of Mr. Cory and wife have been closely associated with the Church of Christ, of which he is a minister. He was elected township trustee in 1862 and held the office about fifteen years. He has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the county. DODDS, C. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Greenwood. He was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, April 15,1850, and was there raised to manhood. He was educated in common schools and Denmark Academy, of Lee county, Iowa. In 1875 he moved to Polk county, where he now owns a valuable farm of 160 acres. He was married December, 1874, to Nora Parriott, of Des Moines county, Iowa. She was born in that county. Mr. Dodds has held various township offices. DOUBLEDAY, OLIVER E.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 9, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, on the 22nd day of February, 1832, and there raised to manhood. He was educated in common schools and Wabash College, of Crawfordsville, Indiana. In 1855 he moved to Fountain county, of the same State, and lived there until 1860, when he came to Polk county, Iowa. He owns 800 acres of land, mostly under cultivation. His home is beautifully surrounded with fine groves of his own planting. His orchards are large and productive and everything about his home presents the appearance of being under the control and care of a skilled agriculturalist. He takes a deep interest in all township matters and has been a persistent worker for its interest. He was married to Miss Sarah Van Meter, of Tippecanoe county, Indiana, September 6,1856. They have five children living. Have lost two. He is a man of decided opinions, and always lends his influence on the side of right and justice; a marked characteristic of his entire life, has been his untiring zeal and energy; the whole course of his life, has been turned in one channel, and as a result he has attained that reward which must attend persistent, honorable efforts. 996 BIOGRAPHICAL. FRASE, M. L.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Wayne county, Ohio, December 29, 1853, and was there raised until eighteen years of age, when he moved to Summit county, Ohio, thence to Kosciusko county, Ind. He came to this county in the year of 1877, and settled in Douglas township, and commenced business for himself about three years ago with very limited means. He now owns eighty acres of valuable land. He was married October 7, 1875, to Miss Linda, daughter of Moses and Catherine Byers, of Kosiusko county, Indiana. They have one child, Pearl (born September 2, 1878). Have lost one, an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Fraze are members of the M. E. Church. HALL, E. P.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 11, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Mifflin county,` Pennsylvania, January 15, 1836. Moved with his parents to Center county, Pennsylvania, when he was three years of age. They resided there seven years then moved and settled in Huntingdon county. After living there three years moved to Cranberry county, where they resided three years. He then returned to Huntington county, and thence to Armstrong county. He learned the trade of a charcoal collier and followed that business until 1860. He then engaged in coal mining in Pennsylvania, and Illinois and followed that about eight years. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married March 7, 1857, to Miss Leah Camp, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. They have two children living, Louise and Edward. They have lost one. Mrs. Hall was burned to death by the explosion of kerosene, February 4,1867. He was again married August 11, 1868, to Miss Rebecca J. Horne, of Alleghany county, Pennsylvania. They have three children by this union: William B., Mary A. and Herbert J. He enlisted in the spring of 1865 in the Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania volunteer infantry. He was elected justice of the peace in 1872 and held that office three terms, and he has held other township offices. He commenced business for himself with very limited means and now owns 240 acres of land. HALL, HENRY-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1816, and there resided until 1820, when he moved with his parents to Fayette county, Indiana, where he was raised. He followed farming until he was eighteen years of age, when he learned the trade of tanner and currier, which business he. followed until 1854. He then came to this county, and again engaged in agricultural pursuits, he now owns a farm of eighty acres of land. He was elected member of the Board of Supervisors, also president of the same. He was appointed deputy treasurer of the county, and held that office eight years. He was appointed director of the poor farm in 1869. He has held other important township offices. He has frequently been appointed delegate to congressional and county Republican conventions. He was married March 14,1838, to Miss Dianna McClay, of Wayne county, Indiana. They have nine children living: Sarah Ann, Levi M., Nancy, James M., Mary, Emma, Albert, Amanda and Tiffin. They have lost one. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Hall was the first to establish the school of Franklin township. HARTSOOK, W. H.-Farmer, section 35, P. O. Greenwood. Is a native of Berkley county, Virginia, and was born on the 15th of February, 1823, and made that place his home until 1830. He then moved with his parents to Greene county, Ohio, and after a residence there of over twenty-five years, took up his abode in Grant county, Wisconsin, in 1856, pur- DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP. 997 chasing eighty acres of land. He learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and followed the same for eight years. During this time, in the winter, he also worked at the coopering business. For four years he built and ran steam saw mills. While in Wisconsin he engaged in farming, and has since continued that as his occupation. In January, 1870, he came to this county, and is now the owner of 400 acres of land, mostly improved. Since residing here, he has held the office of school district treasurer, about eight years; township supervisor and assessor, two years. On the 13th of August, 1846, Miss Elizabeth Ann Devoe, became his wife. She was born December 18th, 1827. They are the parents of three children: Oswald D., Elijah Hamilton and William Steidley. HAWK, L. S.-Farmer and stock-raiser. section 10, P. O. Elkhart. Was born near Dayton, Ohio, February 28, 1845, there raised until 1857, when he came to Iowa, and settled in Muscatine county. He enlisted August 14, 1862, in the Thirty-fifth Iowa infantry. Participated in the battles of Champion's Hill and Siege of Vicksburg. Was on the Red River expedition, and many others of the severest fought battles of the war. He was married November 8, 1867, to Miss Mary Vanhorne, of this county, They have five children living: Julius H., James M., John W., Elizabeth and Silva. They have lost one. He came to this county in 1868, and settled in Douglas township, and owns 160 acres of land. JACOBS, NICHOLAS-Farmer, section 30, P. O. Ankeny. The subject of this sketch was born in Baden, Germany, December 28,1828, and there resided until 1849. He then emigrated to the United States, locating in New York City, where he was engaged for a short time in working at his trade-that of stone mason and plasterer. After traveling around for several years, engaging at his trade in different cities, he came to Iowa, and settled at Iowa City, in 1855. One year later he came to Des Moines, where he followed his former occupation, doing the first mason work of any importance in that city. He now resides on a fine farm of 320 acres, in this township, and is also the owner of 160 acres in section 23, of Crocker township. He came from his native country without means. In 1854 .he was married to Susannah Lint. She was born in Ohio, December 5, 1836. They have six children living: Monroe A., Edward, Nicholas, Louie, Minnie and Rosa. Have lost one, George. JUSTICE, DANIEL-Whose portrait appears in this work was born in Bland county, in the State of Virginia, but in early manhood, and with no capital but his strong hands, he started to the Northwest to find a place where white labor was not held in dishonor. He tarried a while in Indiana, and from there went to Mercer county, Illinois, where he for a time resided, and there was married to the worthy woman who now mourns his loss. He reared a family of four children, all of whom are now living. Thirty-one years ago he came to this county, and soon thereafter, on a point on Four Mile, eight miles northeast of Des Moines, he there, in the presence of friendly Indians, erected his rude log cabin. Being a man of Herculean frame of body, of vigorous constitution and indomitable energy and perseverance, he was well-fitted by nature to grapple with all of the hardships incident to pioneer life. He also possessed strong mental powers, and the impress of his life and character will never fade from the memory of those who knew him. He was successful in the accumulation of property, and from his hands the poor and suffering were never turned away without relief: During the last ten years of his life, on account of bodily infirmities, 998 BIOGRAPHICAL. he was compelled to retire from active business, but prior thereto, and during the twenty years of his Polk county residence, but few men in the country were more enterprising, and did as much as he in the interest of the public weal. In the early days of white settlements in Central Iowa, when houses were few in number and far apart, the home and hospitality of Daniel Justice were widely known, and few there were of the early settlers now living or dead, who did not often rest beneath his roof and share at his table. He did not belong to any church organization, yet in the community where he so long resided, his daily walk and conversation indicated the upright man. He died September 21, 1879. JUSTICE, WILLIAM-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Mercer county, Illinois, July 29, 1841, and was there raised until he was about twelve years of age, when he came with his parents to this county, and settled in Douglas township. He commenced business with very limited means, and now owns 500 acres of land, mostly improved. He was elected township assessor in 1860, and held the office nine terms. Has been township clerk two terms, he was appointed postmaster at Greenwood, and held that office about fifteen years, has also been frequently appointed delegate to State and county Republican conventions. He has always taken an active part in the educational interests of his township. He never lends his influence but on the side of right and justice, and success has crowned his persistent and honorable efforts. He is a liberal contributor to all religious enterprises. Was married to Miss Lucinda Thornton of this county. They have five children living: Mary, John, Roman, George and Eda; have lost one. KENT, A. J.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, P. O. Elkhart. Born in Harrison county, Ohio, March 11, 1819; was there raised to manhood. In 1861, he moved to Madison county, Iowa, where he resided one year. He then came to Polk county, and he now owns 490 acres of valuable land. He was married, March 19, 1842, to Miss Rebecca Arnold of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. They have six children: David, William H., Nathan H., John B., Eli, Eda. They have lost four. LEE, J. W.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Henry county, Iowa, February 8, 1842, and was there raised to manhood. He has followed the occupation of farming from youth. Enlisted in company G, Forty-fifth Iowa infantry, and was wounded at White Star, Tennessee, and sent to Memphis Hospital. He recovered after a few weeks, and was detailed on garrison duty most of his time during service. Mustered out at Keokuk, Iowa, in 1864. He was married September 14, 1866, to Miss S. E. Dye of Scotland county, Missouri. They have two children living: Emma L. and Sarah M. They have lost four. Their lives are closely associated with the Baptist Church. LEE, CALEB-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 19, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Grant county, Indiana, January 28,1845, and was raised a farmer. He came to Iowa in 1853, and settled in Warren county; there lived until 1861, when he came to this county and settled in Douglas township, where he now owns 130 acres of land. He was married January 18, 1860 to Miss Eliza Adamson of Polk county. They have an adopted child, Mary Bell Lee. LEWIS, H. C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 19, P. O. Greenwood. Was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, April 12, 1830, and was raised in Warren county, Indiana. He learned the trade of carpentering, and followed that DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP 999 business five years. He then engaged in shipping horses and farming, following that business eleven years. He came to this county in 1859, and settled in Douglas township. He came here with very limited means, but with a large fund of experience and honest determination to succeed. He now owns 120 acres of land. He was married February 16, 1853 to Jane Hill of Parke county, Indiana. They have three children: Almira H.,Thomas Sylvanus and William Edward. They have lost two. Mrs. Lewis died September 10, 1864. He was again married, February 14, 1866 to Anna Thornton. They have four children: Alwilda May, Francisco N., Henry H. and an infant. MADDEN, W. G.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Greenwood. Was born at New Charleston, South Carolina, on the 27th day of April, 1853. He moved with his parents, when but six months old, to Indiana, where they resided about six years, when they moved to Vermillion county, Illinois, where he was raised to manhood. He was married to Miss Maria Thornton of Vermillion county, Illinois, born June 28,1856. They have five children living: John F., Sarah Jane, Charles, Amanda and Jessie W. They have lost three. The lives of Mr. Madden and family have been closely associated with the Friends' Society. He is a liberal contributor of the same. Although no political aspirant, he has represented his district in the State Legislature of 1874, and proved himself a faithful and competent worker, always being found on the side of the right, and lending his influence for the measures calculated to confer the greatest good to his constituents, and the estimate of his public service may be inferred from the fact that he was elected to be his own successor in 1876. He has held important township offices, and has taken an active part in the educational interests of his township. He is a man who was closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the county, and at one time was among its largest tax-payers. He now owns about seventy acres of valuable land. His hospitality is also worthy of special mention as he is always ready to feed the hungry and furnish rest to the weary. MADDEN, C. S.-Farmer, section 32, P. O. Greenwood. This enterprising young man was born in Douglas township, Polk county, June 10, 1855, and has always resided in this township, being engaged in farming. He is the son of Hon. W. G. Madden, and is now engaged in farming with his brother-in-law, Mr. Riley Van Horn. He is a prominent member of Capital City Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Des Moines. MADDEN, C.-Greenwood. Was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, May 22, 1844, and resided there till 1867, when he came to this county. He continued to farm until 1875, when he engaged in the mercantile business at Greenwood, success having thus far attended his labors. His store is well filled with a fine stock of general merchandise. He enlisted June, 1862, in the Seventy-third Illinois infantry volunteers, company C, and participated in battles of Perrysville, Nashville, Tennessee; Stone River, six days' fight; Chickamauga; Missionary Ridge, Tennessee; Dalton, Georgia; Resaca, Georgia, and others. Was on march from Chattanoga to Atlanta, then back to Nashville; second battle of Nashville; Columbus. Taken sick at Louisville, Kentucky, was sent to St. Louis Hospital, and remained there two months; mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, in 1865. He was married in 1866 to Mary West, of Georgetown, Vermillion county, Illinois. He and his wife are identified with the Friends' Society. He has also taken an active part in the educational interests of the township. Was 1000 BIOGRAPHICAL. elected constable and held the office two years, and was township assessor in 1877. In the fall of 1879 he was elected justice of the peace. Was also postmaster at Ankeny, and held the office one year, and was appointed deputy postmaster at Greenwood in 1879. MARKEY, THOMAS-Farmer and stock-raiser, section l., P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Dublin, Ireland, August 15, 1840, and raised there until nineteen years of age. He immigrated to the United States in 1859, and settled near Brockport, New York. He was married June 3, 1865, to Miss Jennie Kelly, of New York State. She was born in Ireland. They have six children: John J., Mary E., Patrick M., Margaret, Thomas, James. Their lives have been closely associated with the Catholic Church. He enlisted August 13, 1862, in the One Hundred and Fortieth New York infantry, company A, and participated in some of the most severe battles of the war, among which are the battles of the Wilderness, Fredricksburg, Gettysburg, second battle of Bull Run and many others. He now owns 80 acres of valuable land. NASH, MICHAEL-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 3, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Limerick county, Ireland. He immigrated to America in the year 1853, and settled in Suffolk county, New York. He followed the occupation of fisherman in his ,youth, but engaged in agricultural pursuits on his arrival in America. He came to Polk county in 1856 and settled in Douglas township, where he now owns 260 acres of land. He was married March, 1856, to Miss Johanna Denem, of Limerick, Ireland. PROCTOR, E.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 28, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Antrim county, Ireland, March 9, 1833. He early learned the trade of carpenter, and followed that business until 1869. He immigrated in 1857 and settled in New York City, where he followed his trade. He came to Iowa in 1869 and settled in Polk county, where he now owns 120 acres of land. He was married February, 1865, to Miss Sarah Law, of New York. He enlisted in 1862 in Twelfth New York militia, company A, served about four months, and was then mustered out. RANDOLPH, ELLIS F.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in the year 1830, and there raised to manhood. He early learned the trade of tanning, and followed that business eight years. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits, and came to Iowa and settled in Polk county in 1856, where he now owns 360 acres of land. He was married January 29, 1857, to Miss Alice Davis, of Salem, Ohio. They have seven children: William E. F., Mary Elizabeth F., Rachel Ann F., Charles F., Richard F., Joseph F., Lewis F. They have lost one. He and his wife are identified with the Friends' Society. RILEY, J. J.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 7, P. O. Ankeny. Was born in Washington county, this State, in 1847, and was there raised. He learned the trade of house building, and followed that business about six years, when he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He came to Polk county in the year 1867, and now owns 745 acres of land. He was married October 31, 1869, to Miss Lydia Justice, daughter of Daniel Justice. They have two children living: Martha Ada and Phebe Daisy. They have lost one. Mr. Riley has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the county, and is numbered among its largest tax-payers. He. was elected justice of the peace and township trustee. DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP. 1001 STANFIELD, ROBERT-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 30, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in County Down, Ireland, on March 17, 1829, and was there raised to manhood. He followed the occupation of a farmer and weaver during his residence in that country, and in 1867 immigrated to the United States, first settling in Cayuga county, Ohio. He resided there until 1871, when he came to this county. He was married April 24, 1861, to Miss Nancy Mercer, of Ireland. They have five children living William, Mary, Martha, Margaret and Nellie. They have lost three. He now owns fifty acres of land, and is numbered among the successful farmers of Polk county. SHACKELFORD, J. H.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, P. O. Elkhart. Born at Cincinnati, Ohio, August 5, 1837. Was raised in Ohio county, Indiana, until thirteen years of age, then moved with his parents to Ripley county, and was there raised to manhood. He early learned the trade of gunsmith, and followed that business until 1860. He enlisted July 15, 1861, in company D, Thirteenth Indiana infantry. Participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black River, siege of Vicksburg, and others. He was wounded in the battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia, and sent to Baltimore Hospital, where he remained about six weeks, when he was removed to Hoddington Hospital, Philadelphia. He was afterward transferred to Camp Morton, Indiana, where he remained until the close of the war. Mustered out Sept. 28,1865. He was married June 10, 1864, to Miss Mahala Williamson, of Ripley county, Indiana. They have eight children: Katie E. (born August 22, 1866), Sarah F. (born October 24, 1867), Alpheus V. (born November 24, 1868), Charles H. (born October 19, 1869), John E. (born June 22, 1871), Lula (born November 7, 1875), Warren H. (born September 7, 1877) and Emma (born January 22, 1879. SINON, JAMES- Farmer and stock-dealer, section 12, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Tipperary, Ireland, in the year 1820, and was there raised to manhood. He immigrated to America in the spring of 1850, and settled in Anderson county, Vermont. He resided there until 1878, when he moved to Polk county, Iowa, and settled in Douglas township, where he now owns 130 acres of land. He was married February 5, 1846, to Miss Bridget Broderick, of the same county. They have nine children living: Ann, James, Martin G., Edward, Frank F., John, William, Mary Ellen and Margaret. They have lost one. Mr. Sinon and family are members, of the Catholic Church, and are among its liberal supporters. SUMSTINE, PETER-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Ankeny. Was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, December 25, 1836,. and was there raised until about fifteen years of age, when he came to Polk, county. He has always followed the occupation of farming. Was married December 25, 1860, to Miss Minerva Thornton, of this county. He was left an orphan at an early age, and came to Polk county without any appreciable means, and now owns 200 acres of land. Mr. Sumstine has, been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the county, and had to endure the privations and hardships consequent upon the early settlement of a country. THORNTON, JOHN S.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 29, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, October 11, 1827. He came to Iowa in 1847, and settled in Polk county. He moved 1002 BIOGRAPHICAL. to Jasper county, Missouri, in 1869, and resided there until 1874, when he returned to Polk county. He now owns eighty acres of land. Was elected first township clerk, and held the office four years. Has always taken an active part in the school interests of his township. He was married April 4, 1850, to Esther Lewis, of Vermillion county, Illinois. They have eleven children: Rachel, Evan Samantha J., Thomas C., Mary Frances, Ambrose, William H., Nathan, Charity, Mary Etta and John W. Have lost two. Mrs. Thornton died February 28, 1879. Mr. T. is one of the few remaining pioneers of Polk county. He is connected with the Society of Friends. THORNTON, R. H.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P. O. Greenwood. Among the many enterprising men who left comfortable homes in the East, no one is deserving of more special mention than the above named, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, November 1, 1824, and was raised in Vermillion county, Illinois, until 1845, and then came to Polk county. He was the first settler in what is now Douglas township. His first improvements were made near the site of his present residence. His success in Iowa may be inferred from the fact that he came to Polk county with very limited means, consisting of one old wagon, two yoke of oxen, one cow and very little money, and now owns 265 acres of valuable land, about all under cultivation, with good buildings. He has served as a member of the Board of Supervisors several terms. He has also held various township offices. He was married to Miss Rachel Hayworth, of Vermillion county, Illinois, in 1843. They have eight children living from this union: George, Richard, Martin, Clara, Daniel, John, Peter and Ada. They have lost four. Mrs. Thornton died November 1, 1876. He married Mrs. Mary Reynolds, of Polk county, May 3, 1877. They have one child by this union, Ruth. Mrs. Thornton has six children living by a former marriage: Milton, Eliza, Laura, William, Tillman and Irena Ella. Mr. Thornton has always been closely associated with the United Brethren in Christ Church, and has always been a liberal contributor to and supporter of the same. VANHORN, RILEY-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 16, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, May 22, 1850, and came with his parents to Iowa in 1854, settling in this county. He has followed the occupation of farming from youth. Has also engaged extensively in the stock business, and has been classed among the prominent stock shippers of the county. He, with his brother, is now farming about a thousand acres of land. He was married August 19,1872, to Miss Jennie Madden, daughter of Hon. W. G. Madden. They have two children: Dot and Dolly. Mr. Vanhorn is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, Des Moines. He is a man who always takes an active interest in the welfare of the county, and is closely associated with its growth and prosperity. VANHORN, C. W.-Farmer, section 8, P.O. Greenwood. Was born in Des Moines, May 12, 1858, and has been raised in this county, mostly in Douglas township. He was married August 24, 1879, to Miss Sylvia J. Cory, who was also raised in this county. He is now farming about one hundred acres of land, and is considered among the prosperous farmers of the community. VANHORN, F. M.-Farmer, section 8, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Des Moines, February 23, 1858. His father was among the early settlers FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 1003 of the county, and raised a family of seven children, five of whom were sons. The subject of our sketch was raised a farmer, and has engaged in the business with the laudable ambition to succeed. He was married January 1, 1878, to Miss Adaline Hadley, of Story county. They have one daughter, Rose G. (born November 23, 1878). WAGNER, PETER-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 19, P. O Ankeny. Was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, December 25, 1840, and was there raised until about fourteen years of age, when he moved with his parents to Clayton county, Iowa. He early learned the trade of carpenter, and followed that business until he was twenty years of age. He then engaged in farming. He came to Polk county in 1867, and settled in Douglas township, where he now owns 258 acres of land. Was married August 26, 1862, to Miss Ida E. M. Weyreach, of Clayton county. They have six children: Mary Matilda, William, John George, Henry Edward, Clara Josephine and Edwin Raymond. WILSON, J. E. C.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Adams county, Indiana, April 30, 1845, and was there raised until about ten years old, when he moved with his mother to Knox county, Illinois, and there resided until about 1861. He then enlisted in company G, Eighth Missouri regiment volunteer infantry. Was in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Hall's Springs, Coldwater, Vicksburg and Jackson; also, the siege of Vicksburg, and nearly all the other prominent battles in which the regiment was engaged. He was slightly wounded at the first attack on Vicksburg, wounded at Arkansas Post, struck with a shell at Kingston, and slightly injured. He was promoted to corporal for valuable services rendered, and was acting sergeant at the close of the war. He was married October 19, 1868, to Miss Sarah Ann Pyle, of Starke county, Illinois. Was again married, to Miss Mary Brazelton, of Polk county. She is a lady esteemed by all who know her. Mr. Wilson has always taken an active part in the schools of his neighborhood, and has held important township offices.