History of
Fremont County, Iowa
Des Moines: Iowa Hist. Co.,
1881.
Locust Grove Township
Transcribed by Cay Merryman
BENNETT, D. W., farmer, P. O.,
Walkerville; born in New York, in 1822; removed with his parents, when young, to
Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood; was educated in the common schools. Mr. Bennett
was married in 1848 to Miss Mary A. Dodge, a native of Pennsylvania, and is the father of
seven living children: Rotilla A., Ann Eliza, Dora, Sarah L., Vinus D., Mary A. and Anson
B., (the latter adopted) and three dead: Olive, Mary and Daniel. Mr. B. came to Iowa in
1879. Mrs. Bennett is a member of the church of Latter Day Saints.
BRUCE, SAMUEL, farmer, P. O. Walkerville,
lives on section 28; born in Monroe county, Ohio, October 28, 1841. Removed to Hamilton
county, Iowa, in 1859; attended school at Boonsborough, Iowa, one year. Spent his early
life carrying mail, in working in a mill, on a farm, etc. Came to Fremont county in 1878.
He enlisted in the army September 28, 1861, in the famous 8th Missouri infantry. Was with
his regiment at Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Missionary Ridge,
and other engagements, sixteen in all. He was discharged by reason of expiration of term
of service. Mr. Bruce re-enlisted December 5, 1864, in company E, 53d Illinois infantry.
Was in the engagement at Raleigh, North Carolina, and mustered out July 22, 1865. He was
married February 17, 1867, to Miss Anna Pratz, a native of Stark county, Illinois. They
have four children living: Ivan, John, Mary and Bertha, and one dead. The parents are
consistent members of the Christian church. Mr. Bruce has a farm of 160 acres, a good
house, barn, orchard, etc., and his home is surrounded by a beautiful grove.
BRICKER, H. M., farmer, P. O. High Creek;
born in 1829 in Columbiana county, Ohio; was educated in the common schools; worked on a
farm; moved to Missouri in 1868, and to Wisconsin the same year; came to Iowa in 1873;
located on his present farm in 1877. He has followed moulding for two years, and
railroading at intervals for four years. Mr. Bricker has been twice married. His first
wife was Miss Susan Miller, of Ohio, by whom he had one child, Elizabeth, now married and
living in Michigan. His first marriage took place in 1852. His second marriage was to Miss
Barbara Tzand, a native of Switzerland, in 1860. They have four children: Emeline S., Mary
H., Linnaeus and Ulysses O. Emeline is maried. Mr. B. has a good farm orchard, etc.
BENTLEY, J. J., farmer, P. O.
Walkersville; born in King George county, Virginia in 1835; removed to Pennsylvania when
young; learned the trade of carpenter; came to Iowa in 1852; was one of the first settlers
of Wayne county; came to this county in 1873. He enlisted in November, 1861, in company H,
Fifth Kansas, and was engaged in twenty-six battles. He was wounded at the battle of Mt.
Vernon, May 11, 1863, by a shot through the body, for which he receives as a pension the
insignificant sum of $2 per month. Mr. Bently was married in 1860 to Miss Mahala Fugitt, a
native of Indiana. they are the parents of seven children: Nancy, Jesse, Freddie, Janie,
Sarah A., William, and James E. Nancy is the wife of Mr. H. Morgan, of Sidney. He is a
member of the United Brethren Church.
BLOOM, J. K. P., farmer, section 24, P.
O. Walkerville; born in 1843, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania; removed to Will county,
Illinois, in 1851; to Green county, Wisconsin, in 1857, and to his present residence in
1877. May 29, 1864, he enlisted in the army and served until August 5, 1865; was in the
battles before Petersburg and at North Fork. During his service he contracted severe
diseases. Mr. Bloom was married February 6, 1870, to Miss Elizabeth Eley, a native of
Green county, Wisconsin, born April 22, 1847. They have three children: Warren, Theodore,
and Dora. Mr. Bloom is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and a well-respected citizen.
He has a good farm house, orchard, etc.
CAMPBELL, CHAUNCEY, farmer, P. O.
High Creek; born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1839; removed to Allen county when 15 years of
age; was educated in the public schools of Allen and Knox counties; spent his youth on a
farm. He came to Van Buren county, Iowa, in 1869, and to this county in 1874, locating on
his present farm the next year. He was married to Miss Mary M. Gardiner, a native of Van
Buren county, in 1872. Mr. Campbell owns a good farm of 80 acres, lives in a good house,
has a promising young orchard, and bids fair to succeed well in life.
COUCH, J. B., farmer, P.O. High Creek; born
in 1837 in Randolph county, Illinois; educated in the common schools; spent his youth
working on a farm. Mr. Couch enlisted in the Illinois state service May, 1861, serving one
month, when he was mustered into the United States service as a member of company H, 22d
Illinois infantry. He was in the battles of Belmont, Stone River, Chickamauyga, Missionary
Ridge, and many skirmishes. He was mustered out with the rank of sergeant, July 20, 1864,
and re-enlisted in February, 1865, in company F, 154th Illinois, and was elected captain
upon the organization of the company, and served until August, 1865. Captain Couch was
married in 1865, and is the father of six children: Mary, William, Edna, James B., Fred
and Charles.
CAMPBELL, A., section 18, P. O. Farragut,
farmer; born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1843; came to America with his parents when three
years of age, locating in Illinois. Mr. Campbell enlisted at Peoria, May 3, 1864, as a
member of the 11th Illinois cavalry, and served until November, 1865, when he was mustered
out by special order of the war department. Mr. Campbell was married in 1877 to Miss Eliza
M. Gurney, a native of New York. Two children have been born to them: George A., and
Bessie W. He resides on an excellent farm and is very comfortably situated.
ROBY, J. B., section 8, P. O. Farragut,
farmer; born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1827. Removed to Randolph county, Indiana, when
ten years of age; was educated by his own efforts in the common schools. Learned the trade
of chair-making with his father, and was able to do good work when ten years old. He also
followed the trade of carpenter for twenty-five years. He was married in 1847 to Miss
Sarah Davis, a native of Ohio. They have three living children: Sarah, Martha, and Minnie.
Silas R. and Mary E. are dead. Mr. Roby removed to Iowa in 1854, to Fremont county in
1867, and to his present home in 1875. In 1865 he was enrolled in the 59th regiment
Misssouri state militia. He has followed farming for the past eight years and owns a good
farm, which he cultivates carefully.
DARBYSHIRE, JOHN, farmer, P. O.
Walkerville; born in Washington, Iowa in 1851; was educated in the common schools; spent
his early life on a farm. He came to this county in 1875, and located on his present farm,
which is a good one of eighty acres and contains a good house and other buildings and is
under a hedge fence.
DAY, E. H., section 17, P. O. Walkerville,
occupation farmer; born at Jamestown, Ohio, in 1831; removed with his parents to Cass
county, Indiana, in 1838; received his education in the common schools. Mr. Day came to
Iowa in 1855. August 15, 1862, he enlisted in company B., fortieth infantry, and served
until May 17, 1865. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, at the capture of Little
Rock, Yazoo City, and Duvall's Bluff. He was sick from lung disease while at Columbus,
Ky., and again at Little Rock, from which place he was sent to the hospital at Keokuk,
Iowa. Mr. Day spent his youth in the service of his father in a tannery, but since
attaining manhood his principal occupation has been that of a farmer. He was married in
1855 to Miss Louisa Dalbey, a native of Ohio. They have three children, Frank, Carrie and
Cora, all of whom are at home. Mr. Day owns a snug little farm of 40 acres, which is in a
high state of cultivation, has a good house, an excellent orchard, and plenty of small
fruits, etc.
FINLEY, WILLIAM, farmer, P. O.
Walkerville, section 26; born in Stark county, Illinois, in 1856; educated in the common
schools; spent his youth on a farm. Mr. Finley was married in 1877 to Miss Sarah Snider,
of Butler county, Ohio. They have one child: Edith. Mr. F. removed to his present farm in
1879. He is comfortably situated, his farm being in an excellent state of cultivation with
a good house and other buildings, a young orchard, grove, etc.
FLETCHER, JOSEPH, farmer, P. O.
Shenandoah; born at Berwick, Warren county, Illinois, in 1855; educated in the common
schools; spent his early life on a farm; came to Iowa in 1875, locating at Shenandoah,
where he remained two years and then went to Oregon, engaging in fruit-drying, and was for
a time connected with a government surveying corps. Mr. F. returned to Iowa in the spring
of 1880, and was married shortly after his return to Miss A. B. Sloan. They live on a fine
little farm of 80 acres, and their prospects for future happiness and prosperity are very
glowing indeed.
FEIL, HENRY E., section 15, P. O.
Walkerville, farmer; born in 1853 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, where he was educated;
emigrated to America in 1869, locating in this county, near Riverton. He went to
California in 1873, but returned after an absence of one year, and settled on the farm
where he now lives. He was married in 1876, to Miss Matilda Borchers, a native of
Nebraska. They have two children: Oscar and Rosa. Mr. F. has always been a farmer and now
owns an excellent farm of 160 acres. He lives in a good house, surrounded by a beautiful
grove, orchards, etc.
GARNER, J. T., section 5, P. O. Farragut,
farmer and dealer in blooded stock; born in Huron county, Ohio, in 1851. His parents died
when he was quite young. He was reared in Henry county, Illinois, receiving his education
in the common schools. His youth was spent in working on a farm, and he has always
followed the profession of farming. Mr. Garner was married to Miss Lydia M. Himes, a
native of Stark county, Illinois, in 1872. They have one child, Della M. Mr. Garner came
to his present location in 1878. He is a farmer at present, owning a good farm. He also
has a fine orchard containing ten acres.
GARDNER, R. T., farmer, section 14, P. O.
Walkerville; was born in 1846, in Van Buren county, Iowa, and remained there during his
early life, receiving an education in the common schools. In 1873 he moved to Riverton
township, Fremont county, and settled at his present home in 1878. In 1872 was united by
the bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah E. Campbell, a native of Ohio, and has four children:
Musa L., Leon, Nelson A., and Hugh A. Owns eighty acres of well improved land. Is the
oldest living son of Aaron and Clarissa Gardner, natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Iowa
when the country was first settled. The father died in 1865, and the mother came west with
her sons in 1873. They had nine children: Sarah E., Lucinda J., Wm. H., Robert T., John
H., Mary M., James M., Clara A., and Louisa A. Is a member of the Baptist church.
HAMBLIN, JOHN, farmer, P. O. Walkerville;
Mr. Hamblin was born on an island in the Missouri river, near Nebraska City, which has now
washed away. His parents removed to Illinois when he was quite young. His youth was spent
in farming, which has always been his chief occupation.
HAMBLIN, JACOB, proprietor of sample room
at Walkerville; born in Michigan in 1855; removed with his parents to Henderson county,
Illinois, where he grew to young manhood. In 1879 he came to Iowa, locating first in the
township, and removing to Walkerville the same year. Mr. Hamblin was married in 1877, to
Miss Elizabeth Wheatley, a native of Illinois. They have one child, Florence. Mr. Hamblin
is a member in good standing of the I.O.O.F. Wm. V. Hamblin was born in Racine county,
Wisconsin, in 1847. After living in various places he settled at Walkerville in 1879; has
always been a farmer. In 1871 he married Miss Amanda Darwin, a native of Illinois. They
have two children, Mary and Jacob.
HAYWARD, EDWARD P., section 4, P. O.
Farragut, farmer; born in Ohio in 1850. Removed at an early age with his parents to Knox
county, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. Educated in the common schools and at Kewaunee
Seminary and Abingdon College. Mr. Hayward was married in 1877 to Miss Emma Fuller, a
native of Henry county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. H. are now members of the M. E. church, and
have been from their youth. Mr. Hayward has always followed farming as a vocation, and has
a nice farm of 80 acres, with a good house, barn, orchrd, etc.
HOWARD, C. T., farmer, section 11, P. O.
Shenandoah; was born at Monmouth, Warren county, Illinois, March 25th, 1844, and remained
there until 1870, when he removed to Fremont county. His boyhood days were spent in
farming and securing an education, which was commenced in the common schools and finished
at the Abingdon high school, Knox county, Illinois. He enlisted March 18th in the
Thirty-seventh Illinois cavalry, and was discharged at Nashville after eight month's
service. Was married in 1866 to Miss Clara A. Day, a native of Illinois They have six
children: Della L., Mamie I., Edward E., Cora M., Clara G., and Laura E. Owns 80 acres of
good land well improved, with a fine orchard.
HAMANN, CHRIST, farmer, section 5, P. O.
Farragut; was born in 1824 at Hessen, Germany, after receiving his education at a private
school, he emigrated to America and located in New York City in 1865. In 1868 he started
for a new home in the great west and located in Sidney township, Fremont county, removing
from there to his present home in 1873. In 1847 on the 4th day of December he was married
to Miss Catherine Fuchs. They have one child: Catherine. After the death of his wife
Catherine he married in 1852 Miss Catherine Dorr, a native of Germany, by this union he
has two children: Mirie(sic) and Henry. He owns 160 acres well cultivated land, and has
accumulated wealth by hard work and patient industry.
JOHNSTON, ANDREW, farmer, section 14,
P. O. Walkerville; born in Henry county, Iowa, in 1848, removed to Appanoose county in
1858; to Mercer county, Mo., in 1860; to Decatur county, Iowa, in 1865; from thence to
Madison county; to this county in 1869. In 1873 he went to California, remaining only one
year. Mr. Johnston was married in December, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Krout, a native of
Taylor county, Iowa. They are the parents of three children: Arthur W., Minnie L., and
Orville. Mr. Johnston came to Fremont county with but limited means, but now owns a good
farm of 140 acres, fenced with hedge, and containing an orchard, excellent buildings, etc.
KEASEY, JOHN, farmer, section 2, P. O.
Shenandoah; was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1838. Here he passed his early
life and received a common school education and devoted his time to farming. In 1861 at
the first call of his country he enlisted in the three months service. At the expiration
of this term he re-enlisted in company G, 126th Pennsylvania infantry, served until the
expiration of this term of service and re-enlisted for the third time in company I, 201
Pennsylvania infantry and served until the close of the war, and was discharged with the
rank of second sergeant in June 1864. He participated in the battle of Chancellorville and
other engagements. In 1860 he was married to Miss Judith A. McElhaney, a native of
Pennsylvania and has seven children living: William B., Jennie A., John F., Mary C.,
Nannie B., Thomas W. and Addie A.; has lost two by death. In 1878 he located on the farm
he now occupies, which contains 80 acres of fine land and is well improved, and ornamented
with shade trees, and a good orchard.
LUSH, GEORGE, farmer and stock raiser, P.
O. High Creek; born in London, England, in 1850; educated in Westminster parish normal
school, spent his youth in a store and in attending school; engaged in the china and
glassware trade on his own account for some time. Upon the death of his parents in 1867,
Mr. Lush emigrated to America, locating in this county in 1871. He was married in 1873.
His wife is a native of Sweden. They have three children: James, Frederic and Hattie. Mr.
Lush has held several township offices, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his
fellow-citizens. He has a good farm, residence, two acres of orchard, etc.
MEWHOR, JOHN, farmer, section 8, P. O.
Riverton; was born in Ireland in the year 1830, living there until he became fifteen years
of age, when he emigrated to America, and settled in the state of New York. After spending
three years in California he turned his footsteps eastward again and located at Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, remaining there until 1872, from which place he moved to Fremont county,
locating at his present home in 1875. In 1873 he married Miss Sarah Thompson, a native of
Pennsylvania. They have four children: Ellen, James, Mary and Sarah, and are members of
the M. E. church. He received a portion of his education in his own country and the
remainder in his adopted, America. Has 80 acres of fine land, with a good orchard and a
grove.
PUTMAN, G. M., farmer, P. O. High Creek;
born in Fulton county, Illinois, in 1835, removed to Davis county, Iowa, in 1847; after
living in Mercer county, Missouri, and again in Davis county, he came to this county in
1869, locating on his present farm in 1877. Mr. Putman was married in 1854 to Miss Mary
Kelsey, a native of Indiana. They have been blessed with eleven children, living: Franklin
H., Jane E., Tilford L., Clara M., Sarah F., Omer, Emma, Mattie, Cora, Nellie, Maggie and
one - Freddie - dead. Mr. P. has always followed farming for a livelihood, occasionally
working with a threshing machine.
POULSON, THOMAS, section 21, P. O.
Farragut, farmer; born in Monmouthshire, England, in 1852; came to America twenty years
later, settling in Farragut. Mr. Poulson was married in 1873 to Miss Jane Greedy, a native
of England. To them have been born three children: Emily M., Minnie F. and Nellie J. Mr.
and Mrs. P. are members of the Church of England. When Mr. Poulson came to America he had
nothing, comparatively, but by industry and careful economy he is now in comfortable
circumstances, owning a farm of 160 acres, whereon are situated a good house and other
buildings, and from which he reaps a bountiful harvest each year.
RICE, REVILLO, section 30, P. O. High
Creek, farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Rice was born in 1833 in Ashland county, Ohio. At the
age of 16 he went to learn the trade of a carpenter, which he followed continously for ten
years, and which he has pursued at intervals since. He enlisted in the 182d Ohio infantry
in 1864 and was discharged at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, in 1865. During his term of
service he was engaged in the construction of a fort at Cedar Point, Ohio, and for good
conduct was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Mr. Rice was married October 16, 1859, to
Miss Frances A. Clark, a native of Caledonia county, Vermont. Six children have been given
them: Lucy L., Chas. H., Walter A., Ambrose C., Francis A., and Grace. The first named,
Lucy, is married to A. S. Lytle, and resides in Madison township. Mr. Rice removed to his
present farm - one of 160 acres - in 1866. His farm is made doubly valuable by reason of a
spendid orchard situated thereon and by its excellent state of cultivation. The house is
surrounded by a beautiful grove of four acres in extent. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have been
consistent members of the Free Will Baptist church from youth.
THAYER, GEORGE W., farmer and
mechanic, P. O. High Creek; born in Livingston county, New York, in 1817. Learned the
trade of wagonmaker at the age of twenty-three, and pursued that vocation for seventeen
years, and has engaged in it at intervals throughout his life. He has also worked at
carpentering, blacksmithing, broom-making, and other trades. He removed to Knox county,
Illinois, in 1855, and to where he now lives in 1858. Mr. Thayer was married January 1,
1841, to Mrs. Candace Hayward, originally Miss Rising. They are the parents of two
children: George H. and Eloise, both of whom are married. The latter is married to Geo.
Wolf and resides in this township. Mr. Thayer is the oldest settler in his neighborhood.
He settled where he now lives when the country was new, and endured many privations. At
one time he lost his farm through his desire to accomodate his friends. G. H. Thayer, son
of the subject of the preceding sketch, was born in Livingston county, New York, in 1842,
and has shared his father's fortunes since that time. He was married in 1867, to Miss
Isena M. Weaver, a native of New York. They have five children: Chas. E., Mary C.,
Josephine, Ada, and Harry. Mr. Thayer enlisted in the United States army in 1863, and
served a year and a half. He was engaged in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, and shared
the fortunes of his regiment generally.
TULL, B. C., residence section 16,
occupation farmer, P. O. Walkerville. Mr. Tull was born in Hancock county, Illinois, where
he was educated in the common schools and grew to manhood. Removed to this county in 1873,
settling first at Riverton, and coming to where he now lives in 1876. He was married
December 14, 1867, to Mrs. Lucinda Waller, who was born in Indiana. They have had three
children: Bert., Frank., and Edith E. Mrs. Tull's maiden name was Gardener. She was
married first to J. K. Waller, by whom she had two children: Clara E. and Wm. C. The
former is now married and resides at Walkerville. Mr. Tull spent two years in mining in
Montana territory; three in the grain business at Riverton, and the rest of his life has
been spent in farming. He has a farm of 160 acres in a good state of cultivation, a good
house and outbuildings, an orchard, plenty of meadow land, and is quite comfortably
situated generally.
WHISTLER, J. M., farmer, section 5, P.
O. Farragut; born in Indiana in 1849. Removed to Appanoose county, Iowa, when two years of
age, where he grew to manhood. He spent his early life in working on a farm, attending
common school in the winter. Mr. Whistler came to Fremont county in 1874, locating at
first in Fisher township; afterwards, in 1875, removing to where he now resides. He was
married in 1870, to Miss Maria C. Gunter, a native of Monroe county, Iowa. Five children
have been born to them: Charlie E., Frank E., Henry A., Willie E., and Dora B. When Mr.
Whistler first came to the county he had almost nothing but his stout heart, his strong
hands, and his faithful wife. He now owns a fine farm of 160 acres, and in a good state of
cultivation, with an orchard, grove, etc., all of which has been acquired by industry and
economy.
WHETSTONE, JAMES E., farmer, section
7, P. O. Farragut; was born in Harrison county, Iowa, in 1841. Moved with his parents when
quite small to Henry county, Iowa. After serving his country from November 14, 1861, in
company H, 5th Kansas cavalry, and participating in the battles of Helena, Little Rock,
Pine Bluff, and other minor engagements, he was honorably discharged December 18, 1864. In
1873 he located at his present home in Fremont county. On the 19th of April, 1866, he was
married to Miss Littie Springer, of Ohio, and has three children: Charles, Edwin and Emma.
Has followed the business of farming from his youth, and owns forty acres of good improved
land and a good orchard. Has served as township clerk and school director. Was educated in
the common schools.
|
