ANDERSON, JOSEPH W., stock and grain
dealer, P. O. Riverton; born February 14, 1842, in Clay county, Missouri, and was educated
in the Clay county high school. Engaged in farming until 1865, when he moved to Fremont
county, and continued in the same avocation. From 1869 to 1871 he clerked for his brother
in Sidney, and then bought him out and moved his stock to Riverton, taking as a partner
Thomas Maloy. In 1872 he sold out, and engaged in the stock business with Moses Samuels,
who afterwards sold out to Mr. I. R. Kidd, Mr. Anderson's present partner. After two years
they bought a warehouse and added grain buying to their other business, and have a large
trade. January 19, 1871, Mr. Anderson was married to Mrs. Susan Dennis Spratten, of
Sidney, Iowa. They have one child, Maud E., born September 29, 1872. Mrs. Anderson has
five children by her first husband: Edward, Alice, Frank, Ada and Louise. Mr. Anderson is
a member of the Chapter and Blue Lodges of the Masonic fraternity.
BALL, JOHN H., restaurant, P. O. Riverton;
born March 16, 1840, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. In 1855 moved with his parents to La
Salle county, Illinois, and engaged in farming until 1868, when he engaged in butchering.
In 1870 he moved to Sidney, Fremont county, and opened a restaurant. In 1873 he opened a
restaurant and boarding house in Riverton. He was married April 12, 1867, to Miss Juliet
Franklin, a native of New York. They have three children: Alice E., William J., and Wesley
H. Two deceased. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the I.O.O.F.
BATCHELDOR, GEORGE D., carpenter
and joiner, P. O. Riverton; born in Nelson county, Kentucky, September 3, 1844. Learned
the carpenter trade with his father, who was an architect. In 1869 he moved to Fremont
county, locating at Sidney, engaging at his trade for one year, and then moved to Riverton
and has worked at his trade continuously ever since, building many of the houses and
stores in that place. He was united in marriage September 9, 1873, to Miss Martha J.
Buttercase of Riverton. They have three children: Addie J., James D., and Robert. Mr.
Batcheldor is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
BUTTERCASE, JANE, section 32, P. O.
Riverton; was born in Scotland, December 22, 1816, her maiden name being Beverige. She was
married November 16, 1839, to Robert Buttercase, who was born in Fifeshire, Scotland,
August 27, 1814. They emigrated to America in 1848, locating at Utica, New York, and Mr.
Buttercase engaged in milling; from there he moved to Hendricks county, Indiana, and in
1858 to Fremont county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred
November 29, 1874. She has two children living: Margaret J., born January 19, 1853, now
the wife of Geo. Batcheldor; Christina, born June 18, 1835(?), wife of Thomas Thompson.
Two deceased: James, killed in battle August 22, 1863; Alexander, died November 28, 1879.
Mrs. Buttercase owns a fine farm of two hundred acres, and has a fine home in which to
pass her declining years.
COWGER, EVAN F., physician and surgeon,
P. O. Riverton; was born August 30, 1843, in Rushville, Indiana. At the age of ten years
moved with his parents to Jefferson county, Iowa, and was educated in the Fairfield
College, since changed to Parsons College. July 25, 1862, at the age of eighteen he
enlisted in company D., nineteenth regiment, Iowa volunteers. Participated in the battles
of Prairie Grove, siege of Vicksburg and other engagements shown in the history of the
regiment in this book. He was wounded at Prairie Grove, and draws a pension for it. After
serving three years he was promoted to lieutenant in the United States volunteers, and
served two years, and was mustered out March 30, 1868. He then commenced the study of
medicine and graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Keokuk, Iowa. He
commenced practice at Abington, Iowa, in March 1872, and at Riverton, September, 1873. He
has an extensive practice, and makes surgery a specialty. August 10, 1865, he was married
to Miss Susan Cline of Jefferson county, Iowa. they have four children: Mary E., Richard
J., Annie L. and Edward E. Dr. Cowger was elected on the greenback ticket to the office of
coroner of Fremont county in 1879.
CLARK, CHARLES T., physician and
druggist, P. O. Riverton; is a native of Virginia and was born in Washington county,
January 18, 18--. He was educated at the University of Virginia and graduated with the
degrees of A. B. and M. D. He afterwards received the degree of A. M. from the Iowa
Central University at Pella. After following the medical profession at the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of New York City, he located in Riverton where he has since
continued to practice, and has been engaged extensively in the drug business. He was the
nominee of the democratic party for state representative in 1879. June 10, 1877, he was
married to Miss Clara Gaffney, of Riverton. They have two children: Edna and Charles T.
CASSEL, HENRY, farmer, P. O. Riverton; is
a native of Miami county, Ohio, and was born September 17, 1833. In 1847 he moved to
Schuyler county, Illinois, and remained there until 1856, when he went to California, and
in 1860 returned to Miami county, Ohio. In 1863 he moved to Hancock county, Illinois, and
remained two years, and then purchased a farm in Schuyler county, on which he remained
until 1877, when he came to Fremont county, locating on the farm now owned by him. While
crossing the Isthmus in 1856 he was in the railroad accident which occurred May 7. His
first experience on the California coast was beholding two bodies suspended, which had
been hung by vigilantes. He was married January 3, 1860, to Miss Nancy Ann Thompson. They
have six children: William Oscar, Ada, Nellie, Daisy, Minnie and Fred H. He owns 160 acres
of well improved land.
CHANDLER, JOSEPH W., grain dealer,
P. O. Riverton; is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and was born December 15, 1820; he
resided at the place of his nativity until he attained man's estate, following farming as
an occupation. In 1839 he moved to Fulton county, Illinois, and continued the occupation
of his youth. After moving in 1843 to Adams county, Illinois, and in 1849 to Grant county,
Wisconsin, he came in 1861 to Fremont county, locating on a farm in Madison township,
where he still resides. In 1872 he engaged in milling for two years, he then moved his
mill to Riverton and in February, 1880, formed a copartnership with W. P. Davis and
engaged in the grain business. On November 15, 1843, he was united in marriage to Miss
Matilda Savage of Fulton, Illinois, who died August 7, 1879. He has three children: Thomas
J., Harriet M. and Emery W. Two deceased.
CLAMMER, REV. GEORGE, pastor M. E.
church, P. O. Riverton. Mr. Clammer was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, March 14,
1834. At the age of fifteen he moved to Pennsylvania and learned the blacksmith trade, and
after moving to West Virginia he returned to Pennsylvania, and in 1855 moved to Mahaska
county, Iowa, and engaged in farming. February 14, 1857, he was licensed as a local
preacher in the M. E. church, and on September 22nd of the same year was received into the
Iowa annual conference of the city of Des Moines. At the expiration of eight years he was
admitted to the Des Moines conference, of which he is still a member. He was married July
19, 1859, to Miss Elsa D. Bowman, of Mahaska county, Iowa, who died November 19, 1861. By
this union he had one child, now deceased. He was again married April 27, 1864, to Mrs.
Abigail A. Sampson, widow of John Sampson. They have six children: Mintie A., Hattie E.,
Mertie E., George P., Raymond M., and Blanche.
DAVIS, WILLIAM P., grain dealer, P. O.
Riverton. Mr. Davis is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and was born October 3d, 1834. His
early life was spent on a farm, and in 1853 he moved to McDonough county, Illinois, and
engaged in teaching school, which he continued for about ten years. He also engaged in the
boot and shoe business. In 1868 he moved to Fremont county and engaged in farming and
stock buying. In 1877 he moved to Riverton and continued buying and shipping stock. In
1878 he commenced merchandising, but was burned out in February, 1880, and then purchased
an interest in a grain elevator, and formed with Mr. Chandler the firm of Davis &
Chandler. He was married September 4, 1856, to Miss Nancy Dunkan, of Illinois. they have
seven children: Wilbur R., Charles H., Mary E., Iva C., Ollie J., Paul B., and Edna. One
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the M. E. church. He still owns his fine farm
on section 11 in Madison township.
ESTES, WOODSON S., tinner, P. O.
Riverton; born June 14, 1832, in Clay county, Missouri; at a youthful age moved to St.
Joseph and received his education in Cook's college. From 1849 until 1853 he engaged in
the hardware business in the same city, when he moved to Sidney, Fremont county, and
engaged in the same business until 1869. Then returning to St. Joseph he, in 1861, entered
the army as captain of company K, eighteenth regiment Missouri infantry. Participated in
the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Iuka, and many minor engagements. He was twice
wounded. After serving about three years he returned to Sidney and again engaged in the
hardware business. In 1874 he moved to Riverton and enlarged his business. He was the
first District Deputy Grand Master of the I.O.O.F. in this district, and organized the
first lodge in Fremont county. Captain Estes was married November 13, 1850, to Miss
Elizabeth E. Wilson, of Lexington, Kentucky. they have three children: Amos B., Ella, and
Jones W. Three deceased.
FOUTS, WM. H., merchant, P. O. Riverton;
is a native of Fulton county, Illinois, and was born March 12, 1854. Here he grew to
manhood, receiving his education in the common schools and the commercial school at
Keokuk, Iowa. In 1869 he locted in fremont county and engaged in farming. In May 1879, he
purchased the grocery store of Daniel Bailey, which burned Februry 10, 1880. After a short
season spent in Colorado, he returned and engaged in the mercantile business, which he now
follows for a livelihood. He is an Ancient Odd Fellow and a member of the A.O.U.W.
FEIL, PETER, farmer, section 36; is a native
of Holstein, Germany, and was born May 20, 1844, and was educated in a private school. He
emigrated to America in 1866, and located in Davenport, Iowa. In the spring of 1867 he
went to Montana, remaining there two years; he then settled in Fremont county. He was
united in marriage April 6, 1874, to Miss Annie Lau, of Holstein, Germany; by this union
they have three children living: Bertha, born December 4, 1874; George W., born November
4, 1876; Peter E., born January 12, 1879; one deceased. Mr. Feil received his
naturalization papers in 1873. He owns 280 acres of fine land and is engaged extensively
in stock raising.
GREEDY, GEORGE, farmer, section 12, P. O.
Riverton; born in Somersetshire, England, October 7, 1833, remained there until twenty-one
years of age, when he emigrated to America, settling in Ogdensburg, New York; after
remaining two years he went to Illinois, where he remained four years, and then moved to
Taylor county, Iowa; from there he went to Worth county, Miisouri, and remained ten years,
when he came to Fremont county locating on the farm now owned by him, containing 530
acres. He was married in Knox county, Illinois, February 21, 1861, to Miss Hannah Beach.
By this union they have seven children living: Francis A., Lee E., Mary J., Lily D., Emma
E., Hattie A. and Jessie - one deceased. Mr. Greedy has through his industry and energy
accumulated a fine propery; he makes stock raising a specialty and does a large business.
HOY, ROLAND, liveryman, P. O. Riverton; was
born August 10, 1838, in Platt county, Missouri, engaged in farming and receiving his
education until twenty-one years of age, when he moved to Jefferson county, Kansas, and
engaged in teaching. After living in various places he moved in 1869 to Johnson county,
Kansas, and after engaging in farming for a short time he entered the hardware trade,
which he followed until 1874, when he moved to Riverton and engaged in his present
business. He was united in marriage to Miss Belle L. Anderson, of Fremont county,
September 18, 1866. They have one child, Fanny May - four deceased. Mr. Hoy is a member of
the Baptist church, and the Masonic fraternity.
HOUGH, JAMES H., merchant, P. O.
Riverton. Mr. Hough was born in Grafton, New Hampshire, August 3, 18--. At the age of
seven years he moved with his parents to Calhoun county, Michigan, where he grew to
manhood, receiving his education in Olivet college. In 1855 he moved to Appanoose county,
Iowa, where he served as county surveyor, county treasurer, and recorder. In 1864 he
engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Burlington, Iowa. He came to Fremont county
in 1874, and engaged in the wholesale grocery business, which he still follows
successfully. He was married January 11, 1860, to Miss Hattie Barden, a native of
Michigan, who died October 23, 1862. By this union he has one child: Barden J. He was
again married June 15, 1864, to Miss Emma Barden, a native of Michigan. they have two
children: Mary and Carrie. Mr. Hough is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
HATTEN, SEBASTIAN C., druggist,
Riverton; born in Putnam county, Virginia, November 7, 1848. Removed with his parents to
Holt county, Missouri, when three years of age; came to this county thirteen years later.
Educated in the common schools and in the high school department of the Sidney school. He
taught school for three years, and took charge of the drug store of T. G. Stephens, at
Riverton, in 1873. In 1878 he purchased the stock of G. D. Reynolds and engaged in
business for himself. In 1880 he was nominated by the greenback party as a candidate for
clerk of the courts, but declined before election day. Mr. Hatten was married November 23,
1876, to Miss Ella Estes, of Riverton. They are the parents of two children: Ora and Earl.
Mr. H., is a Royal Arach Mason, being a member of Shekinah chapter, No. 44.
JUNGQUIST, JOHN, P. O. Riverton; is a
native of lower Sweden, and was born June 11, 1850. In 1869 he emigrated to America,
locating in Champaign county, Illinois, and from there went to Mills county, Iowa, and
engaged in working for the C. B. & Q. R.R. Co. for three years when he returned to
Sweden. After remaining eight months he crossed the ocean for the second time and located
in Riverton, in the employ of the C. B. & Q. R.R. Co. He was married to Miss L. Hock,
November 30, 1876. She was born in Germany, July 6, 1859. They have had one child: Carl
F., who died July 15, 1878. Mr. Jungquist is a member of the I.O.O.F., and owns a good
farm and his residence in Riverton.
JOHNSON, CHRISTIAN C., brickmaker,
P. O. Riverton; was born May 5, 1849, in Denmark, and in 1868 he emigrated to America,
locating at Racine, Wisconsin. In the spring of 1869 he went to Nebraska City and moved to
Riverton in 1877. Here he opened a brick yard, which does an extensive business. He was
united in marriage August 16, 1870, to Miss Annie Oleson, and has by this union three
children: Ezra, Frederic and John F. He has been successful in business and owns valuable
property.
KIDD, ISAAC R., grain and stock dealer,
P. O. Riverton; is a native of Illinois, and was born June 10, 1838; at two years of age
moved with his parents to Macoupin county, the same state, and grew to manhood on a farm.
In August 1861, he enlisted in company H, thirtieth regiment Illinois volunteers.
Participated in the battles of Belmont, Fort Donelson, Corinth, Vicksburg and other minor
engagements. was promoted from private to orderly sergeant, then to second lieutenant, and
finally to first lieutenant, and was mustered out October 27, 1864, when he engaged in
farming in Mercer county, Illinois. In 1871 he moved to Fremont county and opened a
grocery store in Riverton but afterwards commenced dealing in grain and stock and has
built up a fine business. He was married January 28, 1864, to Miss Catherine Mills, of
Aledo, Mercer county, Illinois; by this union they have five children: Albert F., Ernest
M., Lewis, Ine U. and Charles. Is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
LUSBY, THOMAS, brick mason, P. O.
Riverton; is a native of Lincolnshire, England, and was born April 6, 1832. At the age of
nineteen he commenced learning the brick mason trade, and in 1852 emigrated to Canada, and
served four years as an apprentice at Bradford, Canada West. After working in Chicago,
Bloomington, Illinois, and New London, Henry county, Iowa, he moved to Fremont county,
building the First Baptist church of Sidney, the first brick church in the county. He
built the first brick house in Hamburg, and has built a majority of the brick buildings in
Riverton. He was married March 19, 1858 to Miss Elizabeth J. Thomas, of Fremont county.
they have two children living: George W., born February 12, 1865; Charles W., born Februry
3, 1860; one deceased. Mr. Lusby has a good farm which is chiefly managed by his wife.
LOVELAND, FREDERICK L., farmer,
section 21, P. O. Riverton; is a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio, and was born June 10,
1833. At the age of four years he moved with his parents to Putnam county, Indiana,
remaining there until 1846, when he moved to Lee county, Iowa. In 1856 he moved to Fremont
county and entered the land now occupied by him. From 1859 to 1870 he spent on the Pacific
slope, and returned to Fremont county in February 1870. He was united in marriage in the
spring of 1870 to Miss Julia Cowles, of Sidney, Fremont county, who died June 9, 1871. He
was again married March 7, 1873, to Miss Anna Bosworth, of Tabor, Fremont county; by this
union they have two children living: Nellie Blanche, born May 19, 1875; Louisa Inez, born
July 30, 1880. One deceased. Mr. Loveland's farm contains 330 acres, and is one of the
best in the county.
MALEHAM, JOSEPH, grain dealer, P. O.
Riverton; is a native of Ohio and was born in Cincinnati, December 24, 1846. Was educated
in the common schools and Mainville Academy, Ohio. In April, 1863, moved to Marshall
county, Illinois, and enlisted in company F, 139th volunteers, in April, 1864. After being
discharged he returned to Marshall county and engaged in farming for two years, when he
went into the lumber business in Illinois, and after one year sold out and went into the
drug business, which he followed until 1876. In the meantime he traveled one year as
salesman in the crockery business. In March 1877, he moved to Fremont county, locating in
Riverton, and engaged in the grain business with Mr. O. Parrott. They do an extensive
business. Mr. Maleham is the general manager and chemist of the Riverton Family Medicine
Company.
MARVIN, MARY M., section 20, P. O.,
Riverton; was born July 7, 1823, in Fairfield county, Ohio. At the age of eighteen moved
to Hancock county, Ohio, and was married November 2, 1845, to Reuben Marvin, of the same
county, who was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1822, and died of
chronic army disease January 20, 1877. In 1854 they moved to Fremont county, locating in
Sidney. Mr. Marvin was a carpenter by trade, and filled the offices of sheriff of Fremont
county, and deputy United States marshal. He entered the army in 1862, as first lieutenant
of company A, 8th Iowa cavalry, and was promoted to captain, participating in the fortunes
of his regiment. After the war he purchased the place now the home of his wife. Mrs.
Marvin has five children living: Susanna, Mabel, Rebecca J., Francis E., and Emily G.; two
deceased.
MURRAY, JAMES A., merchant, P. O.
Riverton; was born in Fremont county, Iowa, December 2, 1856, and received his education
in the common schools of his district, and Tabor college. Was engaged with his father in
the banking business until 1878, when he and his brother engaged in the mercantile
business, which they still continue with ability and success. He was united in marriage to
Miss Clara A. Gardner, of Riverton, December 6, 1877. He is the son of George B. Murray,
who died in 1875.
PERRY THOMAS J. R., Jr., P. O.
Riverton; is a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and was born January 18, 1838.
At the age of seven years he moved with his parents to Burlington, Iowa, and received his
education at the Burlington University. In June 1861, he enlisted in the first regiment
Iowa cavalry, company H., and was promoted first to orderly sergeant, then to first
lieutenant and finally to captain. Engaged in the battles of Little Rock, Little Missouri
and minor engagements, after serving three years was mustered out, and re-enlisted,
serving until the close of the war. After making two trips to New Mexico he engaged in
1869 in the drug business in Burlington. In 1873 he was engaged as principal of the West
Hill school, Burlington and filled that position until 1875 when he moved to Riverton,
where he organized the Riverton school and acted as principal until 1878. He then engaged
in banking, filling the position of cashier until 1879. He was chosen principal of the
school in 1879, and after its close was chosen principal of the Sidney public schools. He
was married October 31, 1869, to Miss Ruth E. Gregg, a native of Iowa, who died June 17,
1871. They have one child, Evelin C. He was again married June 17, 1876, to Miss Louanna
Anderson of Riverton. They have one child, H. H. Prof. Perry is a deacon in the Baptist
church and a member of the I.O.O.F., A.F. and A.M. and the A.O.U.W.
PARDEE, SAMUEL B., farmer, section 10,
P. O. Riverton; born February 12, 1836, in Portage county, Ohio, and grew to manhood in
his native place. In 1854 he moved to Kankakee county, Illinois, and resided there and in
Will and Whiteside counties until 1868, when he moved to Fremont county, locating on the
farm where he now resides. He was married Mrch 25, 1875, to Miss Estella Frazier, of
Fremont county. They have three children: Otway, Coleman and an infant. Mr. and Mrs.
Pardee ae members of the M. E. church. He owns a fine farm of 250 acres, and has a fine
residence.
ROBERTS, WILLIAM M., mayor and
justice of the peace, P. O. Riverton; is a native of Virginia and was born April 3, 1829.
At the age of fourteen he began life as a shoemaker, and has followed that avocation the
greater portion of his life. In 1849 he moved to Henry county, Iowa, and engaged in his
trade for eighteen years. He then operated a farm until 1873, when he moved to Riverton
and again engaged at his trade, which he followed until 1875. In 1877 he was elected mayor
of Riverton, and in 1878 justice of the peace. He was married February 19, 1853, to Miss
Susan V. Helferstory, of Virginia. They have nine children: John W., Nathan, Laura,
Asbury, Mary, Samuel S., Henry M., Nellie and Ella. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and of the M. E. church.
ROBERTS, JAMES C., hardware dealer,
Riverton; born in Sangamon county, Illinois, October 31, 1851. Was educated at Berlin,
Illinois. Became a clerk at the age of sixteen, and engaged in business at twenty. was a
merchant in Illinois until 1874, when he removed to this county. He first engaged in
farming, and in feeding and shipping stock. In January, 1876, he engaged in the drug
business at Riverton. In October 1877, in company with Thomas Thomson, he established the
large and prosperous hardware store of which he is now an inmate (sic). He is a member of
the Christian Church, and of the A.O.U.W. Mr. Roberts was married in Sangamon county,
Illinois, June 19, 1872, to Miss Mary J. Marmaduke, of Loudon county, Virginia. They are
the parents of three children: Richard J., Grace Lee, and Katie May.
ROCKAFELLOW, E. J., farmer, Riverton
township, section 13, P. O. Farragut; born March 16, 1849, in Northumberland county,
Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1870, when he removed to this county. He received a
common school education and learned the carpenter's trade. In company with C. Johnson he
burned the first brick burned in Riverton. He engaged in brick making for some years, and
then purchased the eighty-acre farm on which he now resides. Mr. Rockafellow was married
December 16, 1874, at Riverton, to Miss Addie I. Adams, who was born in St. Lawrence
county, New York, in 1855, and came to Fremont county the year of her marriage. They have
three children: Carrie E., Sidney A., and Nellie V. Mr. R. came to this county in
straightened circumstances, but is now the owner of a nice little farm, which he has under
good cultivation and well stocked, with an excellent prospect in life before him.
REPLOGLE, J. M., P. O. Riverton; was
born in Wayne county, Indiana, January 1, 1833. In 1854, he moved to Appanoose county,
Iowa, remaining there until 1875, when he came to Riverton and engaged in milling. He is
the inventor of a mill spindle which is in use and works successfully. He has given his
attention to milling since thirty years of age and has been very successful as a miller.
He was married to Miss Elizabeth Clemons, of Iowa, October 9, 1857. They have seven
children living: Samuel M., Jacob H., David A., Barbara E., Maggie R., Kate E. and
Ursulam. One deceased, John A., who died April 16, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Replogle are members
of the German Baptist church.
SMITH, ISAAC, farmer, section 29; is a
native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and was born August 9, 1833. In 1857 he
moved to Fremont county, locating on the land now occupied by the thriving town of
Riverton. May 31, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Rockafellow, a native of
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. By this union they have seven children living:
Albert, Sherman, Alum, Chester C., Gerro, Eva and Stella. Three deceased. Mr. Smith is
proprietor of the property known as the "Mill Creek Mill," and owns a fine
residence and much valuable property.
SMITH, COLEMAN, farmer, section 20; was
born July 6, 1831, in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and resided there until 1860,
when he moved to Fremont county, locating at his present home. He was married to Miss
Georgilla Zimmerman, of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1849. By this
union they have five children: Ursula, Morris, Emanuel, Isaac S. and Susan L. Two
deceased. Mrs. Smith's mother, Hannah L. Zimmerman, resides with her daughter, and was
born November 7, 1812. Mr. Smith resides in a fine dwelling in Riverton, and owns much
valuable property.
SMITH, HENRY S., saddler, P. O.
Riverton; is a native of Oswego county, New York, and was born October 9, 1840. Received
his education in the common schools and Mexico Academy. At the age of nineteen he learned
the trade of saddler and harness maker, which he has made his permanent business; he
however spent three years in farming after his locating in Fremont county in 1869. He owns
the pioneer harness shop of Riverton. He was united in marriage August 3, 1862, to Francis
A. Hart, a native of Oneida county, New York; by this union they have two children living:
George H. and Fred F. They have lost one, Mary F., who died September 24, 1863. Mr. Smith
is a member of the I.O.O.F.
SEXTON, O. G., banker, P. O. Riverton; was
born December 18, 1848, in Walworth county, Wisconsin. at the age of twelve years he moved
to Adams county, Wisconsin. He received his education in Tabor College, Fremont county,
Iowa, and began the study of law in 1876, and has practiced in the courts of Iowa since
his admission to the bar. He was united in marriage March 7, 1878, to Miss Willella
Warder, a native of Illinois; by this union they have one child: Corrie W., born November
19, 1879. Mr. Sexton has been a member of the Baptist church since 1868, and is a member
of the A.F. & A.M. order. Is one of the firm of Davis & Sexton, attorneys at law
and bankers.
SMITH, ISAAC S., P. O. Riverton; born in
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1858; came to Fremont county in 1860,
where he has lived ever since. He attended the common schools from the age of eight years
until the spring of 1876, when he went to Simpson Centenary College, at Indianola, where
he remained for three years. He taught country schools for three terms, and in September,
1880, took charge of the Riverton public school as principal, being the youngest principal
of one of the best schools in southwestern Iowa.
SWINEFORD, AUSTIN M., merchant, P.
O. Riverton; born December 2, 1838, in Ashland county, Ohio, and grew to manhood's estate
at his native place. Engaged in farming during the greater portion of his life, but
learned the carpenter trade during his youth. In 1871 he moved to Fremont county and
engaged in farming until 1876, when he moved to Riverton and engaged in carpentering for
one year, he then opened a furniture store in connection with Mr. Davies, but finally
bought out his partner, and is doing a good business. He was, on the 4th of October, 1866,
married to Miss Mary M. Martein, of Ashland county, Ohio. they have an adopted child: Lula
May. Mr. Swineford is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and Baptist church. Mr.
Swineford is a member of the same church.
SHOEMAKER, ALBERT, carpenter and
joiner, P. O. Riverton; was born in Holmes county, Ohio, September 30, 1836. At the age of
four years moved to Porter county, Indiana. In 1865 moved to Albion, Marshall county,
Iowa, and engaged in the furniture business for two years, and then spent two years in the
grocery trade. After engaging at the carpenter trade and living in Webster county as a
farmer, he moved in 1872 to Fremont county and located in Riverton, and has followed
various avocations since. He is at present engaged as a carpenter and joiner. He enlisted
in February, 1865, in company E, 151st regiment Indiana volunteers. August 21, 1861, he
was married to Miss Melvina Maulsby, of Iowa, who died April 24, 1864. He was again
married February 3, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Maulsby. They have four children: Orella R.,
Frank J., Viola M., and Everett M. Three deceased.
TROBEE, FRANCIS M., general agent
Riverton Family Medicine Company, P. O. Riverton; was born June 10, 1835, in Morgan, Ohio.
At the age of eight years moved with his parents to Burlington, Iowa, and from there to
Jefferson county, Iowa, where he received his education in the high school of Henry
county. He engaged in the mercantile business until August 8, 1862, when he enlisted in
company D, nineteenth regiment Iowa volunteers - participated in the battles of Prairie
Grove, seige of Vicksburg, and minor engagements. was promoted to sergeant-major of the
fifty-sixth United States colored regiment February 10, 1864, and to second lieutenant
April 24th; to 1st lieutenant and regimental quartermaster June 20th, and served as
quartermaster until the close of the war. After being promoted to quartermaster was
detailed as acting assistant quartermaster and commissary of subsistence for the eastern
district of Arkansas. Was mustered out August 16, 1866. After returning to Jefferson
county and remaining until 1872, he came to Riverton and engaged in the mercantile
business until 1878. In the spring of 1880 he assisted in organizing the Riverton Family
Medicine Company, and is their general agent. It is a stock company and has a flattering
prospect for a successful future. He was married November 19, 1857, to Miss Rachiel A.
McCrery, who died February 10, 1867. He was again married October 19, 1869, to Miss Louisa
A. Gardner. they have two children: Carrie M., and Grace R. Mr. Trobee is a member of the
Baptist church, and of the A.F. and A.M.
THATCHER, LEWIS A., blacksmith, P. O.
Riverton; born September 6, 1813, in Huntington county, New Jersey. when but seven years
of age, his father died, and he was bound to J. R. Tilus for seven years and five months.
He then engaged with J. B. Smith, for four years and seven months, learning the blacksmith
trade. At the age of twenty one he went to Long Island, and from there to Ohio. After
engaging in blacksmithing in Peoria county, Illinois, from 1837 to 1872, he came to
Riverton, Fremont county, and located at his present stand. He has worked faithfully at
his trade for over fifty years. He was married August 17, 1838, to Miss Sarah J. Prosser,
who died January 1, 1867. He has three children, Jonas, born April 30, 1840; William, born
May 15, 1846; Wiley W., born Mrch 26, 1857.
THOMSON, THOMAS, hardware dealer,
Riverton; born in Linlithgowshire, Scotland, December 22, 1841; removed to America in
1842, locating in this county. Engaged in farming and stock feeding up to 1874, when he
removed to Riverton and engaged in banking for two and a half years, and then became
connected with Mr. J. C. Roberts in the hardware trade. Mr. T. still owns one farm, but
the greater portion of his property is in Riverton. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and of the United Workmen. In religion he is a Baptist. He has filled many
township offices very acceptably, but latterly has devoted his entire time to the business
in which he is engaged, and which is one of the best of the kind in the county. Mr.
Thomson was married in 1864 to Christena Buttercase, of Fremont county. They have six
children living: Robert, James, Catharine, Christena, Alice and Nellie.
WILLIAMS, WILLIAM M., lumber
dealer, P. O. Riverton; is a native of Porter county, Indiana, and was born September 26,
1850. At the age of fourteen moved with his parents to Delaware county, Iowa, and was
educated at the Hopkinton academy, Hopkinton, Iowa. He engaged in teaching for several
years and moved to Riverton, Fremont county, in 1872. Here he engaged in teaching and
clerking until 1873, then engaged as book-keeper in the lumber yard now owned by Perry
& Williams, of which firm he is a member. He was married February 18, 1875, to Miss
Jennie Mason, of Fremont county, Iowa. They have two children: Fred H. and Ethel E. Mr.
Williams is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been secretary of his lodge for
seven years. He has by his energy and industry accumulated considerable property and won
for himself an enviable reputation.
WINKLER, JULIUS F., farmer, section
9, P. O. Riverton; is a native of Saalfeld, Germany, and was born January 4, 1836; here he
grew to manhood, learning the cooper's trade. In 1861, he emigrated to America, locating
in Baltimore, remaining there until 1863, when he moved to Fremont county, and bought the
farm on which he now resides. He was married August 11, 1864, to Miss Ann Elizabeth
Birkel, who was born in Germany, December 30, 1838. They have two children: Christopher
H., born May 21, 1865, and Emma H., born December 23, 1867. Mr. Winkler owns a good well
improved farm.
WELLINGTON, ELWIN, farmer and bee
raiser, section 32, P. O. Riverton; was born December 14, 1842 in Madison county, Indiana,
and in October, 1851, moved to Fremont county, Iowa, locating in Riverton township, and is
the oldest living settler of that township. He enlisted March 22, 1862, in company D, 5th
M.S.M., and was mustered out June 22, 1863, when he re-enlisted in the fourteenth regiment
Kansas cavalry, company C. He was promoted to orderly sergeant, and was mustered out in
August, 1865, when he returned to his farm and has made bee raising a specialty, having
one hundred colonies. Has taken the first premium for bees for three years at the
Shenandoah fair. He was married in 1867, to Miss Catherine K. McIntosh, of Fremont county.
they have five children living: Fannie, Elizabeth, Amie, James and Edwin, two deceased.
Mr. Wellington is a member of the I.O.O.F.
YARDY, WILLIAM F., blacksmith, P. O.
Riverton; is a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and was born January 10,
1839. At the age of seventeen he commenced serving his apprenticeship as a blacksmith. In
May 1861, he enlisted in company E, sixth Pennsylvania reserve infantry, and participated
in the battles Drainsville, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam. He was wounded at
the battle of Fredericksburg; after about one year he returned to his regiment and shared
its fortunes until they were mustered out. He was one of fourteen of the original number.
At the close of the war he worked at his trade in Pennsylvania, and moved to Riverton
October 2, 1872, and engaged in blacksmithing. August 30, 1864, he was married to Miss
Lucinda Hammond, of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Yardy are members of the M. E. Church. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity.