BIOS: Polk County 1880 Washington 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 WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BELL, SIMEON-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio, May 11, 1824, and when eight years of age his parents moved to Indiana, where he was raised and educated. He was there engaged in farming until the spring of 1867, when he came to this county, and owns a farm of sixty-eight acres, well-improved. Was married in Indiana, January 13, 1848, to Miss Nancy Graybeal. By this union they have three children living: John R. (born February 7, 1849), William S. (born August 18, 1859) and Lizzie E. (born January 25, 1862). Have lost three children, not named. BELL, HENRY-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio, May 2, 1822, and at the age of ten years emigrated with his parents to Indiana, where he was raised. He was engaged in farming until April 19, 1868, when he came to this county. He owns a farm of sixty-seven acres, well-improved. He was married to Miss Margaret Graybeal. Their family consists of five children living: Lewis H. (born January 14, 1850), Sarah I. (born August 16, 1851), Mary J. (born February 3, 1853), Alice W. (born October 16, 1855) and Amanda (born July 7, 1857). Lost one, Lois E. (born November 8, 1848, died January 12, 1850). COLBURN, J. M.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, P.O. Elkhart. Was born in New York, May 11, 1840, and when fifteen years of age moved with his parents to Illinois. He engaged in farming and followed the same until 1861, when he commenced buying horses for the government, and followed that for four years. He then went to California, crossing the plains with a drove of horses, and in 1865 returned to Illinois, and became extensively engaged in grain and stock-dealing, continuing that business about seven years. In the fall of 1869 he went to Nevada, Story county, continuing the same business for three years, then to this county settling where he now resides. He owns a farm of 640 acres, all under cultivation. He is largely engaged in stock-raising. ELLIOTT, J. R.-Farmer, section 12, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Wayne county, Indiana, and there raised. After leaving school he commenced farming, and followed it until the spring of 1855, when he came WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP 1013 to this county. Owns a farm of 154 acres, well-improved. He was married in Henry county, Indiana, March 3, 1846, to Miss Rachel Rose. By this union they have five children living: Mary J. (born April 17, 1856), Charles F. (born May 10, 1858), Emma (born February 5, 1866), Adaline, (born June 25, 1868) and Rachel (born April 29, 1871). Lost five: Monroe (born October 30, 1847, died November 17, 1864), Lydia E. (born April 19, 1850, died March 12, 1868), Elwood (born December 6, 1860, died May 11, 1863), Ida (born April 19, 1873, died May 8, 1873) and one, an infant, unnamed. FISHER, L.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio December 2, 1846, and obtained his education at Mt. Union College. In 1863 he enlisted in company F, Twenty-fifth Ohio volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He was in several hard fought battles. After his discharge he returned to his native home, and in the spring of 1868 come to this county, where be still resides, owning a fine farm of 380 acres. Was married in Story county, Iowa, May 17, 1869, to Caroline Kirkman. By this union they have two children, one daughter and one son: Florence (born February 5, 1871) and George Washington (born March 19, 1873). GIBSON, RALPH-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Noble county, Indiana, May 26, 1850, and was raised there. In the fall of 1864 he came to this county, and became engaged in the mercantile business, and followed it for three years. He then sold out and went to Des Moines, and obtained a position as salesman in a dry goods and grocery house, remaining there about six months, when he was oblige to change on account of ill health. He then returned to this township, where he owns a farm of eighty acres. He was married in Jasper county, this State, July 4, 1876, to Miss Melissa Hardenburgh. By this union they have one child, Lee (born May 16, 1877). HOBAUGH, JOHN K.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, P. O. Peoria City. Among the early settlers of the county and more particularly of Washington township, deserving of special notice, is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, on the 7th day of April 1820. Until sixteen years of age his time was occupied in obtaining. an education. He then commenced to learn the shoemaking trade and followed it as an occupation until 1835, when he removed to Indiana with his parents and engaged in farming, and at the same time carried on his trade. In 1853 he decided to come to Iowa and settled in this township, where he now owns a finely improved farm of 300 acres, and his reputation for a successful agriculturalist and stock-raiser may be inferred from the success which has attended his career. Mr. H. has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the county and has manifested a commendable public spirit, and has proved himself a man of good sound understanding, of large practical experience. He has held various township offices. The office of justice he held five years and resigned on account of his own business requiring his attention. He held the office of County Supervisor two years and served as school treasurer six years. He was married in Indiana, on the 16th of January, 1842, to Miss Lucy Woolman, a lady whose sterling qualities, active benevolence and kind sympathies have endeared her to all who enjoy her acquaintance. They had three children: Ruth E. (born November 13, 1842, died June 16, 1842), Eber W. (born April 5, 1844, died February 19, 1848) and Harvey S. (born August 24, 1847, died March 21, 1848). Mr. Hobaugh's father, George Hobaugh, was born in 1014 BIOGRAPHICAL. Pennsylvania, on the 21st day of April, 1793, and when eight years of age removed with his parents to Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, when there was only one shingled roof building in the town. He was raised a farmer and learned the trade of shoemaking. He enlisted in the War of 1812, and after peace was declared he returned to Ohio, and on the first day of January, 1818, married Elizabeth Kingery, a native of Pennsylvania. In 1835 he removed to Indiana, where he remained until 1855, and then came to Iowa and settled on section 1, Washington township. In 1865 he returned to Indiana. Mrs. Hobaugh died in Indiana, February 11, 1871. Mr. Hobaugh continued to make his home in Indiana until 1873. He died in 1874, leaving four children: Van D., Jno K., Rachel (now Mrs. Samuel Farr, of Indiana) and Lydia (now Mrs. Woolman, of York county, Nebraska). Mr. J. K. Hobaugh's brother, George, was an early settler in this township, coming here in 1853. He died October 1,1856, and is the third person buried in the cemetery at this, place. KNOWLTON, JAMES A.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in the Province of Quebec, March 9, 1848. After leaving school he went to Illinois and commenced farming, and followed it there until 1871, when he came to this county. He owns a farm of 160 acres, well improved. He was united in marriage in Mt. Pleasant, this State, March 14, 1877, to Miss Ella Wilder. By this union they have one child, Frederick born June 6, 1878). KOPF, JOHN G.-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Mitchellville. Was born in Germany, September 28, 1833, and after obtaining an education commenced farming, and followed it until August, 1853, when he emigrated to the United States, landing in New York. From there he went to Illinois, and in 1857 he went to Jasper county, this State. In the spring of 1859 he crossed the plains to California and engaged in mining and prospecting, and in June, 1865, returned to Polk county. He owns a farm of 160 acres of improved land. He was married in this county, May 29, 1866, to Miss Margaret Little. They have five children: Anna M. (born December 26, 1867, John G. (born November 8, 1868), Nathan L. born February 4, 1870), Andrew M. (born March 26, 1871), and Charles E. (born June 3,1874). He was married again in Polk county, August 17, 1875, to Miss Martha Hill. KULOW, FRED-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Macklenburg, Germany, April 12, 1826, and was raised a farmer and educated in private schools of his father's family. In 1851 he came to the United States and located in New York State where he remained about one year, when he moved to Porter county, Indiana. He made that place his home for about six months and then moved to Bureau county, Illinois, where he engaged in working on the railroad. In the fall of 1855 he came to Iowa and located in Story county and bought a farm and in 1861 he came to this county, locating in Four Mile township. Two years later he moved upon his present farm in Washington township. He owns 240 acres of land, is a large stock-raiser and feeder and has made his large estate since coming to this county. Mr. Kulow has been twice married. First, in July, 1853, to Miss Matilda Webster, a native of Marion county, Ohio. She died September 25, 1869, leaving six children: Serepta (now Mrs. Joseph Hally), George, Louisa, Charles and Mary, living, and one deceased. His second wife was Mrs. Adaline Wise, a native of Henry county, Indiana. He was married to her in October, 1870. They have five chil- WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 1015 dren: Eliza, Victoria, Nellie, Adaline and Laura, all living Mrs. K. has two children by her first husband: Willis and Rosa. He has held various township offices. LENDRUM, JAMES-Blacksmith, Peoria City. Was born in Washington county, New York, December 19, 1832, and was there raised. He went to Cambridge, New York, where he served one year at the moulding business and in 1850 went to Lansingburgh, same State, and learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1852 he went to Albany and worked at his trade until 1857, when he returned to Washington county. Two years later he commenced farming and followed that until the spring of 1863, when he enlisted in company C, Fourteenth New York heavy artillery and served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged. He returned to his home, continued his trade and in 1867 moved to Illinois and in 1869 returned to New York. In 1872 he came to this county. Mr. L. is a practical workman and has succeeded in building up a good business. MERRIHEW, D. G.-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Clinton county, New York and was raised there. In the fall of 1855 he came to this county and engaged in the mercantile business for two years and in the spring of 1860 he crossed the plains to Colorado and there commenced prospecting and mining and followed that business until 1862, when he returned to this county. He then went to Illinois and followed farming four years and in 1866 he again returned to Polk county, and now owns a farm of 400 acres. He was married in Illinois, March 13, 1862, to Miss Jane A. Colson. They had five children, of whom four are living: Estella J. (born April 18, 1863), Hattie L. (born February 4, 1868), Florence (born November 8, 1870) and Dora G. (born September 10,1875). Lost one, Fred A. (born September 3, 1865, died February 10, 1868). Mrs. M. died January 5, 1878, of consumption, leaving her family and a host of loving friends to mourn her loss. Mr. M. married again December 4, 1879, to Mrs. Harriet L. Stowe. MERRIHEW, C. B.-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in New York, April 2, 1837, and was raised there. In the fall of 1855 he came to this county and now owns a farm of 160 acres. In the spring of 1860 he went to Colorado by the overland route and engaged in mining for about seven months, when he returned to Iowa. He was married in Story county, this State, January 29, 1861, to Miss Mary M. Wells. By this union they had four children, of whom three are living: Eliza C. born May 31, 1865), Harry B. (born October 11, 1873) and Willie E. (born July 8, 1876). Lost one, Charlie J., who was born December 25, 1861. OVERHOLT, J. T.-Farmer, section 17, P. O. Iowa Center. Was born in Ohio, January 14, 1830 and was educated in Mt. Union College. After completing his education he commenced farming and followed it until the spring of 1863, when he came to this county, and owns a farm of 280 acres. He was elected township trustee in the fall of 1870 and held that office about five years. He also held the position of township clerk for three years. He was married in Ohio, October 1, 1856, to Miss Martha Yant. By this union they have seven children: Cyrus E. (born February 11, 1858), Eliza A. (born. April 28, 1860), Philip T. (born April 12, 1862, died August 24, 1863), Charles R. born November 12, 1865), Harry E. .(born December 14, 1867), Martha . (born October 20, 1873) and Rosa E. (born March 21, 1876). 1016 BIOGRAPHICAL. OXLEY, THOMAS-Farmer, section 1, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Yorkshire, England, and was raised there. After leaving school he engaged in farming until the spring of 1854, when he emigrated to America, landing in Philadelphia. From there he went to Maryland and in 1856 came to Illinois. In August, 1861, he enlisted in company G, First Missouri cavalry and served three years, when he was honorably discharged. He was in several hard-fought battles, Pea Ridge being the principal one. After the war he returned to Illinois and engaged in his previous occupation and in the fall of 1865 came to Polk county and owns a fine farm of 170 acres, well improved. He was married in Illinois, September 4, 1864, to Miss Mary C. Lacy. They have seven children: Lizzie C., John W., Minnie B., Ida M., Mary A., James and Ida J. RANDALL, A. C.-Dealer in groceries and proprietor of hotel, Peoria City. Was born in Franklin county, Vermont, and was there educated, after which he learned the watch-maker's trade with Charles Scott, following the same until 1845. He then went to Malone, New York, and was engaged in the jewelry business until 1852. Then returned to Vermont and remained until 1861, when he went to Baltimore, continued his trade until 1866 and then engaged in farming until 1878, when he came to this county. He was married in Vermont, December 24, 1845, to Miss Phidelia Hanks. They have had eight children, six of whom are living: Anna, Fannie, Mary, Willie, Charlie and Carrie. Emma and Albert are deceased. RANDALL, M. M.-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Vermont October 30, 1828, and when young was taken by his parents to Chazy, Clinton county, New York. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it until 1850, when he returned to Vermont, and in 1855 went to Clinton county, Indiana, where he followed his trade until 1857, then went to Monroe county, Wisconsin, and in the fall of 1862 came to Des Moines, where he followed the wagon-making business. In 1866 he came where he now resides, and owns a fine farm of 160 acres. He was married in Vermont, February 13, 1854, to Miss Adelia Roberts. By this union they have six children: Emma L., Willie N., P. M., Charlie W., Rosa A. and Cora A. RUDDLE, OLIVER S.-Painter, section 1, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio, February 4, 1836, and there received his education, after which he learned the painter's trade and still follows the same. In 1861 he enlisted in the Twelfth Indiana infantry and served nine months, being discharged on account of ill health in November, 1862. He was married in Story county. SCOTT, SAMUEL-Farmer, section 2, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Ohio October 29, 1821, and there obtained his education, after which be engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1837, when be went to Michigan. He there remained until 1839, when he went to Illinois, and in 1863 came to Mitchell county, Iowa. In 1868 he went to Kansas, but only remained three months and then came to this county, where he owns a farm of sixty acres. He was married in Illinois, February 26, 1842. Have had six children but two of whom, Melissa and May, are living. Lost four: Catharine, Harriet, Huldah and Howard. SWORM, DANIEL-Farmer, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Pennsylvania November 11, 1828, and at the age of twelve years he immigrated to Indiana, where he obtained his education. He commenced farming and ELKHART TOWNSHIP. 1017 in the fall of 1865 he came to this county. He was married in Indiana July 26, 1849, to Elizabeth A. Hass. They had seven children: George W., Lucy J., Jacob J., Mary C., Allie V., Emma and John C. He was married again in this county May 20, 1868, to Jane Cowgill. They have two children: Eliza and James. WEAVER, MRS. M. E.-Farmer, section 16, P. 0. Peoria City. Was born in Pennsylvania April 28, 1837, and when fourteen years of age moved with her parents to Indiana. October 2, 1863, she became the wife of J. W. Weaver, and in that year the moved to Iowa, locating in this county. On the 20th of March Mr. Weaver died, leaving a family of three children. WILLIAMS, YAGER-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 21, P. O. Elkhart. Was born in Canada West May 27, 1843, and was raised a farmer. In 1858 he moved. to Michigan and engaged in farming. In 1868 he came to Iowa, locating in Davenport, where he engaged in the hotel business, and followed that until August, 1870, then went to Clarke county and followed farming, and in 1872 he came to this county and now owns a farm of eighty acres. He was married in Michigan, October 17, 1865, to Elizabeth Crow. They have five children: Medora A., Isadore A., Louisa,, Ledger C. and Milton H. YOST, H. H.-Farmer, section 11, P. O. Peoria City. Was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, June 19, 1840, and was there educated. He followed farming and school teaching until the spring of 1860, when he became extensively engaged in the oil business. In 1862 be enlisted in company C, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania volunteers, and served four months, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability, then returned to his native place and engaged in farming for a time, and went to Cora, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the hotel business. In the spring of 1867 he moved to Illinois, continued farming, and in October of that year came to this county. Owns a fine farm of 200 acres, well improved; has about two miles of barbed-wire fence. September 4, 1862, he was married in Pennsylvania to Miss Almira Rogers.