BIOS: Polk County 1880 Beaver 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 MADISON TOWNSHIP. ADAMS, Rev. J. F.-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Sheldahl. Was born in Columbus, Ohio, July 3, 1823, and when about twelve years of age his parents died. He was raised a farmer. In 1840 he emigrated to Cumberland county, Illinois, and in 1844 removed to Fayette county, Indiana, where he remained till he came to his present location in the spring of 1853. In the fall of 1851 he entered the ministry. Was ordained by Bishop James at Indianola. In 1866 he went to Indianola, where he remained for about five years, for the purpose of educating his children, and afterward returned to his home in this county. He was married September 15, 1845, 1026 BIOGRAPHICAL. to Miss Sarah Provolt, of Indiana. They have four children living: Emma C., John H., William W., Martha E., and two deceased. ALLEN, B. F.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 21, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Maine, February 13, 1831, and in 1852 removed to California, where he was engaged in mining one year. He then went to England, and was married March 5, 1853, to Mrs. Jane Murray. After this he took a trip to Australia, engaged in the dairy business until 1857, when he returned to Liverpool, England. . After remaining there a short time he came to this county, and has since followed farming, in connection with which he deals quite extensively in stock. Owns 160 acres of land under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have had nine children, seven of whom are now living: Jennie. Mary E., Julia E., Charles M., Isaiah T., Ellen L. and William H. Lost two: James E. and Benjamin F. BRISTOW, P. P.-Farmer, section 26, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Ohio, July 17, 1821, and when only an infant he accompanied his parents to Indianapolis, Indiana. He received his education there, having to learn his lesson outside of the house, the building not being large enough to accommodate the smaller scholars. After this he engaged in farming. In 1842 went to Greene county, Kentucky, where he was overseer of slaves. Not liking this business he returned to Indiana, and engaged in farming. In October, 1549, he came to this county, locating where he now resides. Owns 138 acres of improved land. He was married in Johnson county, Indiana, January 1, 1846, to Miss Catharine Messersmith. BROWN, LEONARD-Was born in Kosciusko county, Indiana, on the 4th of July, 1837, and is the son of Aaron Brown and Margaret nee Cory;; the former was born in Maine and the latter in Ohio. When eleven years, of age he was deprived of a mother's care, by death. He being the eldest of the family and his father's means limited, he was cast on his own resources. He worked on a farm in summer and during the winter worked for his board, and attended the district school. At the age of fourteen he commenced to learn the blacksmith trade, and continued the same until 1853, when he came with his father to Des Moines, and worked at his chosen avocation, until he entered the Des Moines Academy, of which the Rev. J. A. Nash was principal. In the summer of 1854 he was appointed deputy Recorder and Treasurer of Polk county. In the winter of 1854-55, he taught his first term of school, it being the first school ever taught in Story county, west of the Skunk river. In 1855 he was elected tutor of mathematics in the Burlington University, and at the same time, pursued his studies. He returned to Des Moines in 1859, and in 1861 became associated with Rev. J. A. Nash, in the Forest Home school. In November, 1867-8, he held the position of County Superintendent of Schools. In 1871, he removed to Madison township, near Polk City. In 1875 he was elected to a professorship in Humbolt College, which position he resigned after serving for a short time. During the late war, he enlisted in the Forty-seventh Iowa. volunteer infantry. He is the author of the "Poems of the Prairies," and is the pioneer in this line in Polk county. This work has passed through three editions, and has received very flattering criticisms and favorable commendation from persons both at home and abroad; it is also the first volume of poetry ever published in Iowa. In 1869 he published a war history of Polk county entitled " American Patriotism," a volume of 574 pages, giving brief biographical sketches of the lives of two hundred and eighty martyrs to human liberty, that Polk county gave toward suppress- MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1027 ing the rebellion. He is also the author of several other works. Of late years he has delivered numerous lectures. Has been an active worker in the cause of political reform. His public lectures and speeches during the last seven years, number over four hundred. He was married to Miss Nannie Houston, November 7, 1861. Their family consists of ten children. BURT, C. M.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, P. O. Polk City. Among the pioneers of this township is the subject of this sketch. He was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, June 23, 1818, and as his father was a farmer before him, he was naturally raised at that occupation. He came to this State in 1838, settling near Davenport, Scott county, and remained there till he came to this county, in May of 1846. Made a claim in what is now Crocker township and shortly after sold out and came to this township, took a claim and went back to Scott county after his family in the fall of the same year. In May of 1848 he settled on his present home of 124 acres of well-improved land, where he has since resided. He enlisted in the war in company B, Twenty-third Iowa infantry volunteers, August 23, 1862, and served three years. Was mustered out at Galveston, Texas, and honorably discharged at Davenport, having participated with his regiment in many of the hard-fought battles of the war. His first marriage was in Scott county, this State, June 2, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Gabbert, of Illinois, who died June 26, 1847, and left one son, now living in Nebraska, George W. His second marriage was to Mary Crabtree, of Ohio, February 1, 1848, who died March 30,1858, and left a family of three children, of whom two are now living: Martha and Henry. One deceased, Mary, another, named Oliver, having died before. His present wife was Mary E. Nelson, a native of Ohio, whom he married in this county November 18, 1858. By this union they have five children living: Walter F., James W., Miranda E., Calvin E., Grace A. and three deceased: Eva F., Alice L. and Horace C. BURLEY, E. W.-Farmer, section 21, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Virginia, May 27, 1832, and at the age of three years accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1844. He then, went to Indiana and learned the carpenter 's trade, which he followed until the fall of 1852 and then went to Chicago. There continued his trade and in July, 1854, he came to Iowa and located in Winterset, remaining there until 1856, when he came to this county. Owns a good farm consisting of 170 acres. October 8, 1854, he was married to Miss Martha Shideler. By this union they have five children: Charles L., Lillian, Silva, Nellie and Martha J. During the war Mr. B. enlisted, in 1861, in the Tenth Iowa infantry, served three years and was then honorably discharged. CRANK, F. M.-Proprietor of steam saw mill, section 35, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Missouri, March 3, 1857, and after leaving school he commenced the saw milling business, which he has followed to the present time. Was married in Des Moines, September 18,1877, to Miss Esther Walrath, by whom he has two children: Owen and Julius. DAVIS, A. T.-Farmer, section 2, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Licking county, Ohio, on the 10th of April, 1829, and while a small boy his parents removed to Henry county, where he was raised on a farm and came from there to this county in September, 1848. Has never been out of the county to exceed three months at any one time since. He was one of the jurymen on the first murder case in this county, that of Pleas Foutz for killing his wife, and since he has resided here has held various. 1028 BIOGRAPHICAL. positions of trust in this township. His homestead consists of 251 acres of well-improved land. He has been twice married. First, in 1848, to Miss Matilda Haines, of Indiana, who died in October, of 1857, and left five children: Samuel, Louisa, Benjamin, Susannah and Henrietta. His second marriage was in this county to Almina Blashfield, in April of 1858. They have a family of seven children living: George, Rosanna, Charlie, Lewis, John, Edward and Lucretia. EGLESTON, HARRIS-Of the firm of Egleston & Stubbs, proprietors of the Polk City Flouring Mills Was born in Monroe county, New York, October 7, 1846, and while yet a small boy, his parents emigrated to Canada, where he was raised till about fifteen years of age, when he moved to the State of Michigan. When about 18 years old he learned the distilling business, which he followed as an occupation till he came to Des Moines, in 1866, and engaged in the milling business, where he remained till 1874, when he came to his present location. He found a wife in the person of Miss Lizzie Terrell, whom he married January 30, 1870. She was born in Ohio. They have a family of four children living; three sons and one daughter: Frank, Fred, Harry and, Dolly Belle. GORTON, WILLIAM-Farmer, section 36, P. O. Polk City. Was born in New York, on the 16th of September, 1836, and while there learned the tanner's trade, which he followed until the spring of 1865. He then sold out his business and went to farming. In the spring of 1872 he came to this county, and owns a farm of 131 acres. He was married in New York, December 25, 1857, to Mary D. Rappleye. They have had eight children, of whom five are living Merritt, Herbert, Lancaster, Henry and William; lost three: Jennie M., Luellen and Stanley. GRAEBER, PHILIP-Farmer, section 15, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Germany, January 8, 1838, and when eight years of age, emigrated with his parents to America, landing in New York. From there he came to Iowa and located in Lee county, and was engaged in farming there until the spring of 1878, when he came to this county. He owns a farm of 260 acres of land. Was married in Lee county, December 10, 1861, to Miss Margaret Brandle. They have eight children: Philip, Willie, Robert, Margaret, Katie, Jacob, George and Augustave A. GRIGSBY, C.-Farmer, section 10, P. O. Sheldahl. The subject of this sketch is a native of Guernsey county, Ohio. Born February 14, 1830. He was raised there and has always made farming his occupation. He came to Illinois, and from there to this county in 1854, where he has resided since. He was married in 1854, in Macomb, McDonough county, Illinois, to Miss Margaret J. Ginivan of Guernsey, county. They have a family of five children living: Milton W., George W., Elmer, William and Anna. .They have lost one, Elbert. His home consists of 176 acres of well improved land. GRIGSBY, J. H.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 15, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1826, and when two years old, his parents emigrated to Guernsey county, Ohio, and this was his home till he came to this State in 1852. Settled on his present homestead in May of 1853, and it now comprises 230 acres of fine land. He has held the office of trustee of his township a number of terms, and various other offices of trust. He was first married in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1848, to Miss Susanna Warden of that State, who died in 1858 and left three children: Maria, Daniel and G. W., and Margaret, dead. MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1029 His second marriage was in 1859, to Nancy J. Wolgamott of Ohio, and by this marriage they have seven sons and three daughters living: Ora Belle, David, Miranda, Cornelius, John, Grant, Edward, Jennie, Elsie E. and Otha; and one dead, Robert. HAWKINS, A. J.-Farmer, section 6, P. O. Swede Point. Was born at Constantine, Michigan, in 1831, and while an infant removed with his parents to Elkhart county, Indiana, where he resided until about ten years of age. His father having died, he, with his brothers, was bound out to learn a trade, and worked on a farm until twenty-one years of age. His educational advantages were limited, having attended school but a few weeks. In May, 1851, he visited this county, returned to Indiana and remained until 1852, and one year later came again to this county, but only stayed a short time. He went back to Elkhart and worked as fireman on the Air Line Railroad, and in 1854 came here, remaining until April, 1855, when he started across the plains to California, arriving in El Dorado county in August of that year. For about a year he was engaged in working in the El Dorado saw mill, and then went to mining which he continued for some time. He worked on a ranch, herding sheep, and also engaged in the dairy business. He worked on a ranch near Marysville, on Bear river, and thence to Frazier river, in the British Pass, to prospect for gold, but his provisions giving out he was obliged to return, but after three months went again to El Dorado county, California. He worked on an emigrant road a short time, blasting rock, thence to Sinsin Valley, and after a short time went to San Francisco, where he embarked on the steamer Golden Gate for Panama, crossed the Isthmus and took steamer for New York, arrived in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1858. In March, 1859, he came to this county and purchased the land on which he now resides. In December, 1859, was married to Emily Bates, of Elkhart county, Indiana. In July, 1861, Mr. Hawkins enlisted as a private in company A, Tenth Iowa infantry volunteers. Was wounded at the battle of Champion's Hill, May 16, 1863, by a ball passing near the base of the brain. Served three years and three months and was discharged September 24, 1864, returning home. He engaged in farming until May, 1870, when he sold out and started for Kansas. He got as far as Hamburg, this State, when he changed his mind and went up the Missouri river a short distance above Yankton, Dakota, but not liking the country he came back to this county in August, and bought his present farm. They have three children living all of whom were born in this township: Mary Isabell, William L. and Frank O. Lost one, Eliza Alice (who died October 16, 1875). HELPMAN, SIMON-Undertaker and mayor, Polk City. Is a native of Fairfield county, Ohio. Born on the 11th day of November, 1831, and when five years of age his parents emigrated to Hancock county, that State. At nineteen years of age he learned the carpenter's trade, and has made mechanism his principal vocation during life. As early as the fall of 1856 he came to this State and located in Allamakee county, where he remained for six years, and then removed to Kossuth county, remaining there up to the time of his coming to his present location, the July of 1870. He enlisted as a recruit in the late war in company B, Twenty-seventh Iowa infantry, in September, 1864, and served till its close. Was married in Ohio, December 21, 1854, to Miss Ruth Hall, a native of that State. They have by this union a family of one son living, J. B., and have lost one daughter, E. L. He is the present incumbent of the office of city MADISON TOWNSHIP 1030 mayor, and is also a justice of the peace, the latter he has held for seven years of the time that he has been a resident of this place. Mr. Helpman is a man always participating freely in such matters as will most benefit the community in which he lives. strongly upholding the right, and on the other hand vigorously opposing what he knows to be wrong. HERRMAN, JOSEPH-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Germany, May 19, 1828, and when about seven years of age he came with his parents to the United States. April 10, 1868, he settled in this county, where he has since made his home. He has held the office of road supervisor for four years, and is at present president of the school board. He was married in Pennsylvania, October 2, 1851. His family consists of thirteen children living: Peter, Joseph, John, William, Jacob, Caroline, Tobias, Emma, George, Andrew, Matilda, Maggie and Robert. They have lost one, Frank. HUNT, JAMES-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Kentucky, July 3, 130, and when in his youth he commenced farming, which he has continued to the present time. In 1846 he came to this county, and has lived here since, owning a fine farm of seventy-one acres of land. He was married in this county, April 14, 1853, to Miss Rebecca Newbrough. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living Sarah E., Robert B., John W., Henry, George, Salvina, Ernest and Alphonzo. Lost two: William and Lucy E. KELLISON, J. B.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Indiana, Oct. 24. 1845, and was educated in the high schools. He was engaged in teaching school until the spring of 1868, when he came to this county. He owns a farm of 200 acres of well-improved land. He was married in this county, March 16,1878, to Miss Ida E. Simmons. By this union they have one child, Carroll S. (born April 16, 1879). KERSHER, PETER-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Germany, December 15, 1815, and at the age of twelve years emigrated with his parents to this country, landing in New York. From there he removed to Buffalo, New York, and thence to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming until 1854. He then came to this county and has made his home here since. Owns a farm of 160 acres, well improved. Was married in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Miss Caroline Harmon. They have a family of eleven children. KUNTZ, N. R.-Dealer in general merchandise, Polk City. Prominent among the early settlers of this county, and among the most enterprising and liberal- spirited of its citizens, is the subject of this sketch. He was born June 7, 1822, in Prussia, and when eight years of age came with his parents to America, first settling in Licking county, Ohio. Remained there but four years and then removed to Seneca county, that State, and here be received his early education in the schools of Tiffin, which he supplemented with a course at the Ohio Western University at Delaware. After he had completed his schooling he entered a mercantile establishment in Tiffin as clerk. After remaining there for three years and a half he went in 1850, by way of Panama, to California, and while there he engaged in mining, but on account of ill health returned to his home in Ohio, in the fall of 1851, and unable to attend to business for about one year. After recovering he engaged as clerk in the mercantile business for about a year and a half, and he was then employed by the Sandusky, Dayton & Cincinnati Railroad, as assistant civil engineer, in which capacity MADISON TOWNSHIP 1031 he worked till the spring of 1856, and then came and opened out a farm at Walnut Grove, in Story county, this State, where he followed agricultural pursuits, as best he could, in a pioneer country. On the 22d of February, 1859, he began the mercantile business at his present location. Twenty-one years have come and gone. The building in which he first began business became so timeworn and decayed that it has long since been torn away and replaced by the one he now occupies, and during all the period of successive years never have his doors been closed a single business day. In 1859 he was elected by the Republican party to fill the office of County Surveyor, but after a short time resigned on account of his private business, and in later years he was elected by the citizens of his own township to fill the office of trustee when every vote but four was cast for him. We have seen lives more sensational in their nature, but none that have reflected more credit in the community in which they reside, for he has always aided in every public improvement that would benefit his town and county. In educational matters he has always been a zealous worker, and in the cause of temperance has been untiring, and has used every effort during his whole life to advance its interests. He has also been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1848, and was one of the charter members at the organization of the lodge at this place. He was married in Tiffin, Ohio, November 23rd, 1859, to Miss Mary A. Dentzer, a native of Baden, Germany. They have by this union a family of one son and two daughters, living: Julius A., Alice R. (wife of Rev. Benjamin F. Durfee, of the M. E. Church), and Florence E. LEGGETT, J. W.-Farmer, section 22, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Ohio, September 10, 1839, and at the age of thirteen years moved with his parents to Indiana, and from there came to this county. After obtaining his education, he engaged in farming. He is the owner of a farm of eighty-five acres, improved. In January, 1864, he enlisted in the First Iowa battery, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. Was married in this county, January 13, 1864, to Miss Margaret Latta. They are the parents of four children: Charlie E., Mary G., Cora E. and William L. McDONALD, H. J.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section. 17, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Middlesex county, New Jersey, September 26, 1834, and was raised there, and also received his education in the schools of that State. When thirteen years of age, he engaged as accountant in a store, which he followed for some time, and then engaged in the mercantile business. At the outbreak of the war, he enlisted as a private, in company A, Eleventh regular Connecticut volunteers, July 5th, 1861, and served till January, 1866, and was made second lieutenant, at the battle of Newbern, and at the battle of Anteitem was promoted to first lieutenancy, and at Fredericksburg, as captain. Major at Fort Darling, and afterwards promoted to lieutenant- colonel, and was honorably discharged as such. He was a prisoner of war for thirteen months, and he also received the appointments of inspector-general and provost-marshal on N. M. Curtis' staff, and after the war he returned to New Jersey, where he remained for two years, and then came to his present home of 140 acres. He has held the offices of trustee and assessor of his township. His marriage was in New Jersey, August 19th, 1860, to Miss Carrie L. Tindell, of that State. They have one son, Harry, deceased, and one adopted daughter, Mary. 1032 BIOGRAPHICAL. MATTER, HENRY-Physician, Polk City. Was born in Prussia, on the 11th day of March, 1847. He was raised there and then educated, and also received his medical education in that place. He graduated M. D., in 1869, and in the fall of that year came to America, and first located in Polk City, and remained there till the spring of 1876, then went to Des Moines, and in the spring of 1878 returned to Polk City, and practiced his profession. He was married in 1871, to Miss Louisa Munzenmaier, a native of Germany. They have, by this union a family of two sons and one daughter living, Carl, Emma and Victor. MILES, GEO. W.-Proprietor of "Miles House" and owner of saw mill, Polk City. Is a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio. Born June 13, 1842, and was raised there. His father was engaged in farming and mill contracting and jobbing, so he was more or less connected with this business in his early boyhood. In the fall of 1864 he came to Black Hawk county, this State, and the following spring to Des Moines, and shortly afterward settled in Elkhart township, were he engaged in farming and milling. He afterward moved to Jasper county, where he made his home for two years, and then in 1874 came back to .Des Moines, when on the 13th day of May, of that year, he lost his left arm in a saw mill. In June of 1875 he came to his present location, where he has made farming and the sawmill. business his principal vocation. In the fall of 1879 he was elected to the office of County Supervisor and is one of the present incumbents of that office. July 4, 1863, he found a wife in the person of Miss Lucinda Gear, whom he married in Ohio. She was born in Pennsylvania. Their family circle consists of two sons .and two daughters: Hattie, Wilber, Cora and George. Mr. Miles is a man who has been identified with both the public and private enterprises of the county, and in all cases has given general satisfaction. He is kind-hearted, of a genial disposition and possesses social qualities that has made for him many friends. MOORE, T. B.-Farmer, section 27, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Ohio, February 9, 1835, and there grew to manhood. He learned the occupation of farming when young, and this he has followed to the present time. In 1866 he came to this county, and now owns a farm of 193 acres. Was married in Ohio, October 24, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Groscost. They have a family of-five children: Reno, Alpha, Ernest L. and Nathaniel living, and one, Margaret, deceased. MOSIER, ELI-Farmer and undertaker, section 13, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and with his parents moved to Richland county, Ohio, when yet he was a small boy. He was raised there, and when seventeen years of age began an apprenticeship at the cabinet maker's trade, and has followed that, with the carpenter's and joiner's business, more or less through life. He came to this county as early as 1848, and is one of its pioneers. In 1837 he married Miss Maria Swan, of Connecticut, who died in 1854, and left three children: Cyrus A., Lucy J. and Cross Owen. His second marriage was in this county, in 1855, to Clarkey Payne, a native of Indiana, and by this union they have a family of eight children living. His farm consists of 180 acres of well -improved land. MURRAY, JACOB-Farmer, section 21, P. O.. Polk City. Was born in Kentucky, January 9,1825, and at the age of two years moved with his parents to Indiana, where he was reared and educated. He engaged in farming there and followed it until the spring of 1846, when he enlisted during the Mexican war, in company A, First regiment Indiana volunteers, MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1033 and served six months, when he was taken sick and was honorably discharged. He returned home, and in 1847 enlisted in the Fifth regiment Indiana volunteers and served until the close of the war. He again returned home and in the spring of 1850 went to California, where he obtained a position as salesman in a dry goods store. He followed that until 1853 he returned to Indiana, and one year later he came to this county. He owns over 100 acres of land. Was married in this county, on the 9th of January, 1859, to Miss Nancy J. Hoyt. Their family consists of four children living: Ida A., Jennie, Carrie and Lizzie. Lost one, Otho De H. NICHOLSON, F. M.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Indiana, April 25, 1839, and at the age of nine years moved with his parents to Iowa, settling in Boone county. He engaged in farming until the spring of 1877, when he came to this county. During the war he enlisted in company A, Sixth Iowa cavalry, and served one year. He was married in Mahaska county, this State, June 10, 1860, to Miss Keturah Girard. They have six children: Minnie O., James S., Eliza, Elizabeth, John W. and Warren F. NUSSBAUM, E. M.-Carpenter, Polk City. Was born February 15, 1850, in Madison township, this county. When young he learned the trade of carpenter and has since followed it. He is probably one of the first-born in the township, his father having been one of the first settlers here. In March, 1869, he married Miss Margaret D. Byram. They have four children: Emeline, Julian D., Walter M. and Benjamin F. PAINTER, WILLIAM T.-Merchant, Polk City. Was born in Pennsylvania, July 5, 1828 and after leaving school he commenced farming, which he continued until the summer of 1861. He then enlisted in company G, One Hundredth Pennsylvania infantry and remained in the service about eighteen months, when, on account of disability, he was honorably discharged. Returned to the place of his birth, remaining there until the fall of 1866, when he came to this county. Has been engaged in the mercantile business since 1866. He was married in this county, September 27. 1870, to Miss Maggie Juvenall. The fruits of this union were three children, only one of whom is now living, John W. Mrs. Painter died of consumption on the 22d of June, 1880. She was born in this county, December 6, 1851. She was a most estimable lady, a kind and loving wife, affectionate mother and a valued friend. She was a woman of domestic habits, whose life was devoted to making home happy. PARMENTER, NAT.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Polk City. Was born in New Hampshire, Hillsborough county, December 12, 1828, and when 9 years of age his parents removed to Ohio and from there to this State in 1857. Has resided here for fifteen years. When about twelve years of age he began the carpenter and cabinet maker's trades, which he followed until 1861. Was elected a member of the Board of Supervisor's in the fall of 1873 and then was re-elected, serving for six years. He was superintendent of the poor farm from 1875 through the year 1879 and was also assessor of Saylor township and trustee in 1869. Was married in this county, September 19, 1860, to Miss Martha Norton, of Indiana. They have by this union a family of three daughters and one adopted son: Ora Agnes, Augusta O., Lennie R. and Fred N. PIERCE, ALEXANDER-Farmer, section 9, P. O. Sheldahl. Was born 1034 BIOGRAPHICAL. in White county, Tennessee, in 1826 and when about seven years of age his father emigrated to Illinois and remained there until 1837, when he removed to Arkansas and four years later to the southwest part of Missouri. He came from there to his present location in June of 1850. In 1860 he went to the Rocky Mountains and remained there one year and in October of 1861 he enlisted in company D, Sixteenth Iowa infantry and served till January, 1865 and was honorably discharged, his rank being that of sergeant during his service, He was captured July 22, 1864, and sent to Andersonville prison and kept for sixty-two days and then exchanged. He was married in Missouri, in 1842, to Miss Elizabeth Eslick, of Indiana. They have a family of eight children living: Thomas P., William B., Isaiah H., Sarah J., Frances B., Rebecca, Martha and Alice and have lost six. PROVOTT, THOMAS-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 27, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Indiana, January 2, 1833, and there was raised and also received his education. He was engaged in farming and stock-raising there until the spring of 1855, when he came to this county. Owns 190 acres of land. Was married in Kansas, on the 20th of November, 1874, to Miss Sarah E Terry. Their family circle is: Jennie, Harry and Alice. ROBINSON, A. R.-Farmer, section 16, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1841, and was raised in that State up to the time he came West with his parents, who settled first at Rising Sun, in May of 1851. His education was received partly in his native State and partly in this county, and he has since followed teaching more or less. At the outbreak of the late war he enlisted in company E, Fourth Iowa infantry volunteers, August 8, 1861, and served till the close of the war and participated in thirty battles and about one hundred skirmishes. He was wounded at Atlanta, Georgia, July 22,1864, and then transferred to second lieutenancy and afterward promoted to first lieutenant of the Second regular United States infantry. The latter part of his service was out on the plains. He was married in this county, November 30, 1865, to Miss Julia A. Demary, of Wisconsin, and they have by this union a family of six children living: Ida K., Annetta, Charles S., Harry Me., Daisy and an infant. They lost one, Maude. ROBINSON, S. S.-Dealer in drugs and groceries, Polk City. Was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 1, 1835, and when a child his parents immigrated to Beaver county, that State, and in 1856 came to this county. While young he worked at the printer's trade for about four years. His father was a blacksmith and he learned that trade also; which he followed, together with farming, up to the outbreak of the late war, when he enlisted in company C, Twenty-third regiment Iowa volunteers, in August, 1862, and served three years, and after, the war returned to this county and divided his time between farming and clerking up to the time that he engaged in his present business. He has been twice married; first, in this county, near Des Moines, May 12, .1869, to Miss Amelia Owen, of Pennsylvania, who died August 11, 1875, and left one son, Ira. His second marriage was in the fall of 1878 to Margaret Moore, a native of Ohio. ROGERS, JAMES D.-Farmer, section 20, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Onondaga county, New York, and when three years of age was taken by his parents to Pennsylvania. Then commenced farming, which he followed there until the fall of 1837, and then removed to Indiana. In MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1035 the fall of 1853 he went to Boone county, this State, and in 1859 came to this county and settled in this township. He owns 100 acres of land. Was married in Ohio December 13, 1841, to Miss Mary H. Durgin. She died November 10, 1878, leaving six children living and eight deceased. ROE, WILLIAM-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wayne county, Indiana, December 16, 1830, and when three years of age went with his parents to Michigan, and was raised there on a farm. He came to this county in June, 1848, and was married March 28, 1849, to Miss Martha J. Harvey, a native of Indiana. They have, by this union, a family of seven children living: George W., Sarah E., Joseph H., Daniel H., Sarah B., Florence E., Ulysses S. They have lost four: Lydia B., Martha E., Margaret E. and Lucretia J. He settled on his present farm in the fall of 1850, which now consists of 252 acres. SHEARER, J. R.-Farmer, section 19, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wayne county, Kentucky, July 15, 1834, and when seven years of age moved with his parents to Missouri. For three years he was engaged in teaching school, and then commenced farming, which he has continued to the present time. In the fall of 1854 he came to this county, and now owns 147 acres of land. In January, 1863, enlisted during the war in company D, Sixteenth Iowa infantry, and served until its close, when he was mustered out, and then returned home. He was married in this county December 28, 1854, to Miss Lucinda Runnion. They have a family of six children living: William M., Nancy C., Mary S., Luella L., A. Lincoln and Rachel G. Lost two, Curtis W. and James. SKINNER, J. O.-Physician and surgeon, Polk City. Was born in Meigs county, Ohio, September 6, 1824. His boyhood was spent on a farm, except that portion of his time that he spent in the schools of that county. He afterward read medicine with Dr. Rathbun, and during the winter of 1847 attended the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, and the following spring came to Lee county, of this State, and engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1849 he returned to Ohio, and graduated M. D. from the Starling Medical College in 1850. He again settled in Lee county, of this State, and resumed his practice. In February, 1855, he received the ad eundem degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk. In September, 1857, he came to East Des Moines, where he remained till the spring of 1877. On the 19th of August, 1862, he was regularly commissioned assistant surgeon in the Tenth Iowa regiment, and was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, at the close of the war. He has been identified with the Iowa Medical Society for about twenty-seven years and has been a member of the Polk County Medical Society since its organization, at which time he was made its vice- president. He was married in Lee county, this State, to Miss Margaret Everhart, of Pennsylvania; and by this union they have four children living: T. B., Linn M., Charles W. and Jennie. They have lost three. STUBBS, ROBERT W.-Of the firm of Ealeston & Stubbs, proprietors of the Polk City Flouring Mills. Was born Tuly 21, 1845, in Washington county, Ohio, and at nine years of age came to this State and settled in Warren county in 1854. He learned the milling business when about twelve .years old, and worked for his father on the Des Moines river for about seven years, and then engaged in a saw mill at Hartford. He remained here till the fall of 1864, when he returned to his native county and engaged in a saw mill, and the following summer went to the oil works 1036 B10GRAPHICAL in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and took charge of an engine. About eighteen months later, he returned to Des Moines, where his first work was for B. F. Allen and W. T. Smith. Shortly afterward, he engaged with the Eagle Mills as engineer, which position he filled for five years, and then engaged as a practical miller for the two following years. In June, 1874, he came to his present location, and at resent, is one of the trustees of his township His marriage was in Des Moines, June 26, 1870, to Miss Rachel K. Terrell of Ohio, but raised in this State. They have a family of four children living : Frederick J., Della B., Minnie . and Silas A.; one deceased, Robert SUMMEY, H. B.-Manufacturer of boots and shoes, Polk City. Was born in Owen county, Indiana, October 6, 1836, and came from there to his resent location on the 5th day of October, 1855. In his early boyhood he followed farming, but began a trade when about fourteen years of age. After three years, discontinued it, and engaged in a saw mill and followed that with various other occupations up to 1860, when he engaged at his present calling. In July, 1862, he enlisted in company B, Twenty-third Iowa infantry volunteers, and served three years, and was mustered out at Harrisburg, Texas. After the war he returned to Polk City, and since that time has been in the boot and shoe business. He is one of the present city council, a member of the I. O. O. F., and A. O. U. W. His marriage was in Dallas county, December 25, 1860, to Miss Terrissa Warden of Guernsey county, Ohio. They have, by this union; a family of two sons and three daughters living: James , Hezekiah, Helena M., Dora Etta and Madgie A. They have lost one daughter, Susan. SUTTER, P.-Farmer, section 34, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Wayne county, Ohio, July 14, 1830, and was raised there at farming as an occupation till sixteen years of age, when he came West, and was engaged at Burlington in a distillery for about three years. Then went to California, remained there two years, and returned to this county, settling on his present homestead of 390 acres, of which 250 are under cultivation. His marriage was in this county, December 25, 1855, to Miss Jane Miller, of Indiana. By this union they have a family of seven children living: Josephine, Martha J., Lewis, John F., Rosa Lee, Reuben and Clementine. VANDORN, A.-Polk City. Was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and when a boy his parents emigrated to Indiana. He was raised there, and also received his education in the schools of that county. He came to this county as early as the fall of 1848. Drove the first stake and helped to lay out the town of Polk City. Since a resident of this township he has held the office of constable two terms. He was married here October 1, 1857, to Miss Oner Hauser, of the State of Ohio, who died June 5, 1863, and left three children, of whom two are now living: Jacob and Willie, and one deceased, Isaac. WALKER, CAPT. J. M.-Farmer and stock-raiser, section 21, P. O. Polk City. Was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, November 10, 1835, and when four years old his parents came to Lee county, this State, where he was raised and received his early education, supplemented with a course at the Denmark Academy. He afterward read law with General Crocker, and was admitted to the bar in 1857. In 1862 he began the practice of his profession at Des Moines. In August, 1862, he, in company with C. J. Clark, recruited a company of one hundred men for the late war. Mr. Clark was elected captain, and Mr. Walker first lieutenant. He MADISON TOWNSHIP. 1037 served in that capacity four months, and was commissioned captain of company B, Twenty-third Regiment Iowa volunteers. - Served three years, and was mustered out in August, 1865. During the winter of 1864-5 he was, by special order, placed on the staff' of General Crocker, in New Mexico. In the winter of 1865 he went to Texas, and returned with 600 head of cattle. He was at this time in the law business, which he gave up on account of his love for agricultural pursuits. In May, 1866, he attended the Philadelphia Convention as a delegate from Central Iowa, and was made one of the secretaries of that body. Shortly afterward he was appointed United States Marshal under Andrew Johnson, which office he occupied for about eight months, and in the spring of 1867 came to his present home of Oakland Place. In the fall of that year be was elected Supervisor. During 1868-9 he was chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee of Iowa, and was succeeded by John P. Irish in 1870. He has been twice married. First, in Keokuk, to Miss Indie Marshall, of Indiana, who died in August, 1863, and left two daughters, Eliza M. and Indie B. His second marriage was November 29, 1865, to Miss Lou, daughter of J. C. Ramsey, of Wapello. They have one son, Ramsey M. WARREN, ROBERT-Farmer, section 23, P. O. Polk City. Was born in England, January 14, 1845, and there grew to manhood. He became a miner and followed that occupation until 1868, when he immigrated to America, landing in New York. From there he went to Ohio, where he continued his former occupation, and in 1876 came to this county and engaged in farming. Was married in South Wales, May 28, 1867, to Miss Mary Hewitt. By this union they have six children: Lillie, Eliza, May, Amy, Anna and Emma. WILSON, JAMES-Pastor of the United Brethren Church, of Polk City. Was born in Ireland, March 17, 1805, and was there raised. He was engaged in farming until August 13, 1826, when he immigrated to America, landing in Quebec. From there he removed to Vermont, and while there learned the tanner's trade and also that of shoemaking, continuing the same until August, 1832. He returned to Canada, bought a farm and in 1833 left for Ohio, where he became engaged in the shoe and also the tannery business. This he followed until 1849, when he closed out his business and became a minister of the gospel. He was married in Vermont, February 5, 1830, to Miss Marinda Nash. By this union they had nine children, of whom four are living: Robert, Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. Lost five: Clark (who was a soldier), Rebecca G., James N., Laura and one unnamed. ZERR, GEORGE-Farmer, section 14, P.O. Polk City. Was born in Germany, February 14, 1833, and at an early age commenced farming. In May, 1852, he immigrated to the United States and landed in New York, from which point he went to Wisconsin. In 1853 he went to Illinois, remaining there until 1856, when he came to this county. His home has since been here and he owns a farm of about 120 acres, with a good residence, etc. He was married in Illinois, June 16, 1856, to Miss Rebecca Slaten. They have a family of three children: John C., Lizzie A. and Robert.