Greene County >> 1887 Index

Biographical and Historical Record of Greene and Carroll Counties, Iowa
Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago  1887

Greene County

B

Biographies submitted by Nancee Seifert.

VALENTINE S. BABB, farmer, Grant Township, resides on section 36, and is the oldest settler now living within the limits of Greene County, the date of his settlement being June 22, 1850. There were two other families living in what is now Grant Township when he came, viz., Enos Butterick and Richard Hardin; both are now deceased. Truman Davis had made a settlement in what is now Franklin Township. He died many years ago, where he first settled. These men, with their families, constituted the population of Greene County when Mr. Babb came. His brother, William K. Babb, came with him. He was married, but had no children. He made a settlement adjoining his brother, where he lived until his death, which occurred four or five years later. His widow is now Mrs. Hannah Smith, of Jefferson. He left two children, both of whom died young. Mr. Babb found the whole country in its primitive condition. The Indians had been removed, but the remains of their wigwams were still to be seen. Wild game, including elk and deer, was abundant. The settlers went to Fort Des Moines to do their trading, and also had to go very near there to get their corn ground. Mr. Babb was born in Greene County, Tennessee, July 9, 1820, and was reared in Hawkins County. His parents were William and Mercy (Brown) Babb, the former a native of Tennessee, and the latter of Virginia. They spent the most of their lives in Tennessee, and died in that State. They had eight children, five sons and three daughters; the daughters and one brother are deceased. Mr. Babb was married in Tennessee to Lydia Crumley, and removed to Virginia May 1, 1850. He, with his family, his brother and the latter's wife, and William and S.G. Crumley, started for Iowa with a team of five horses attached to a wagon. There were seven persons in the company, Mr. and Mrs. Babb having one child. They stopped a few days in Dallas County, but Mr. Babb came almost immediately to Greene County and made his settlement as before stated, and here he has lived more than thirty-six years. His first house was a log cabin, where he lived with his family several years. He was a poor man when he came here. One of the horses previously mentioned belonged to him, and that constituted about all of his worldly possessions. He had not even money to enter his land, and was obliged to pay 40 per cent. interest in order to obtain the money. He pre-empted a quarter section, and about ten years ago added forty-five acres. He now has 205 acres of valuable land, and has sufficient means to make him and his family comfortable through life. His wife, who came here with him, died February 19, 1857. His second wife was formerly Abigail Bennett, whom he married August 9 of the same year. She died January 13, 1874. By his first marriage Mr. Babb had five children, three of whom died young. The living are -- Emily, who came with her parents to this county, and is now the wife of Luke Turpen, and Amanda Jane, wife of John Atkins. By his second marriage were seven children, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are Mrs. Mary Roberts, Oliver V., Amelia A., Alice M., Mrs. Belle Jackson and Walter. Politically Mr. Babb is a Democrat. In the early days Greene County was organized into one civil township, called Washington Township. Mr. Babb was the first justice of the peace in the county, and the first lawsuit was tried before him. A.J. Cain was elected justice at the same time, but Mr. Babb was the first to qualify, and performed the first duties of that office. He served one term as county clerk, and was assessor for many years. William K. Babb, the brother of our subject, was several years younger than V.S. He was quite successful in life, being the owner of 400 acres of land and considerable personal property. He was taken sick from exposure, and died of pneumonia. His widow afterward married Thomas J. Smith, who is also deceased. Mr. Babb has had poor health for many years. About the year 1854 he caught a severe cold which settled upon his lungs, and he has never fully recovered. In September, 1867, a horse ran away with him and broke his leg. This is also a source of considerable suffering.

A. B. BARKER, senior member of the firm of Barker & Sons, proprietors of the Valley Farm, and dealers in and breeders of thorough-bred stock, established their business in 1880, and it is one of the leading firms in Greene County engaged in the rearing of Hereford cattle. Mr. Barker was born in Oneida County, New York, December 18, 1823, where he was reared and educated. In 1844 he removed to Illinois, where he worked at the carpenter's trade about four years in Chicago and in the vicinity of that city, and in 1847 returned to his native State. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Miss E.A. Stantial, a native of New York, and soon after settled in Will County, Illinois, where he was engaged in contracting and building until 1862, then engaged in agriculture. In 1872 he embarked in the drug and grocery business, under the firm name of A.B. Barker & Son. Mr. and Mrs. Barker have three children -- H.S., H.F. and Mattie E. H.F. Barker, the junior member of the firm, was reared in Will County, Illinois, where he received his education. He was married in 1880 to Miss Annie McGlashan, and to this union have been born three children -- Corlis, Vera and Willie. The Barker residence is a fine two-story building, and everything about the farm indicates thrift and enterprise. Their herds are Nos. 10,807 and 15, 143, and are second to none in central Iowa. The firm owns 240 acres of well-improved land, and is one of the largest farms in the county. The barn is 60 x 96 feet, and will hold 100 head of cattle and 150 tons of hay. They have all the modern conveniences for the care and handling of stock. They are devoting all their time and a great deal of money in rearing of Herefords.

ISAAC M. BARNES, living on section 10, Highland Township, is one of the active farmers and stock-raisers of Greene County.  He was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, June 25, 1841, a son of Nathan and Mary Barnes, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively, both now deceased.  When he was ten years of age he was taken by his parents to Clinton, Iowa, remaining with them till about twenty years of age.  He then went to Illinois, and enlisted in the defense of his country, in Company F, Eighty-third Illinois Infantry.  He went with his regiment to Fort Donelson, where he was wounded January 29, 1863, remaining in the hospital six weeks, when he received an honorable discharge and was sent home.  Mr. Barnes, like many others, has never fully recovered from the effects of his Army experience.  Besides his loss of a limb he contracted heart disease, and now receives a pension.  His brother James was a member of Company H, Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Arkansas, and buried at St. Louis.  Another brother, Nathan Barnes, enlisted in Company F, Eighty-third Illinois Infantry, returning home with a broken limb.  After the war Isaac M. Barnes settled in Clinton County, Iowa, where he made his home till 1879.  He was married September 29, 1870, to Miss Laura Nowles, who was born in Ohio, December 9, 1849, her parents, G.R. and Emily Nowles, also being natives of Ohio.  They came to Iowa in 1850, being pioneers of Scott County, where Mrs. Barnes was reared.  Her parents still reside in Scott County.  Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the parents of seven children -- Mary Tacy, born August 7, 1871; Albert M., born September 2, 1872; Mabel, born September 2, 1875; Alice, born June 6, 1877; Laura, born March 6, 1879; Icyda, born January 22, 1882, and Lester, born March 16, 1885.  Mr. Barnes is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to the post at Scranton City, Iowa.  In politics he is a straight Republican.  Postoffice Churdan, Iowa. 

WILLIAM C. BARTH, general merchant at Dana, was born in Lewis County, New York, May l4, l853, son of Andrew Barth, of Humboldt County, Iowa, a native of Germany; he came to the United States when quite young. Our subject received a good education in Carthage, Jefferson County, New York, and came to Humboldt County in l870, where he worked on a farm for five years. He then came to Grand Junction and worked one year for Charles Metzger, of that place. He also attended school one year, then worked on the Des Moines & Ft. Dodge Railroad. Later, he was in the employ of Ed. Carlton, the stock-buyer, until l880, then worked three years in Parmenter's hardware store. In April, l883, he came to his present home and bought the stock and store-room of E.E. Hutchins. He carries a capital stock of $5,000, consisting of groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, notions, hardware, glass, queen'sware, in fact, everything usually kept in a first-class store. He does an annual business of $l7,000 to $l8,000, and it is constantly increasing. He also buys grain and deals in coal. He takes all kinds of produce and sells very cheap. This brings him a large patronage from other localities, and enables him to compete with Jefferson and Grand Junction. He is a wide-awake business man, and a benefit to the community. He was married May 30, l880, to Phebe A. Ashmore, daughter of Madison Ashmore, of Iowa County, Wisconsin. She is a telegraph operator by occupation, and worked five years for the chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, Prairie du Chien division. Mr. Barth began life with nothing, but by hard work, economy and good management, he has secured a competency. He has filled the office of postmaster for three and a half years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

CHARLES H. BASSETT, deceased, late of Grand Junction, was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, December 24, 1824. He was brought up and educated in his native place. At the age of fifteen years he went to sea, and followed it several years. On his last trip he only lacked the distance from here to his native place of going around the world. He stopped in California several years, was also through Oregon, Washington Territory, Sandwich Islands, etc. It was he who took the first cargo of goods to San Francisco County, early in 1849. He made a long voyage of three years on the whaling ship Milo. He related many interesting incidents of this voyage. December 7, 1839, his crew secured five whales, and on the fifteenth of the same month they secured three more. They endured many hardships and had many narrow escapes. He reached Grand Junction in September, 1869. Mr. Bassett died November 14, 1885, after an illness of seven weeks, leaving a wife and eight children to mourn his loss.

JACOB F. BEATY, farmer and stock-raiser, Junction Township, was born in Preston County, West Virginia, October 12, 1831 . His father, James Beaty, deceased, was a native of the same place; his brothers, Robert and Steven, were soldiers in the war of 1812. Our subject's grandfathers, Robert Beaty and Jacob Feather, were in the war of the Revolution. He was reared on a farm and educated in the log cabin subscription schools. The cabins had slabs for seats, and boards fastened on walls for desks, clapboard roof. He came to Iowa in 1853, settling in Washington County . The next year he went to Story County, and in 1864 to Keokuk County . He came here in the fall of 1881. He owns 240 acres of land here and 160 acres in Knox County, Nebraska He was married in December, 1859, to Elizabeth Blick, daughter of Joseph Blick, deceased. They have five children -- Marcellus E., Henry W., Huldah A., Elma E., and Margery A. Mr. Beaty has held several local offices here and also in other places. He is a member of the Odd Fellows society, and in religion is a Methodist. His wife and two daughters are also Methodists. His uncle, John Feather, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and received a bullet in his leg which remained until his death.

HENRY BEEBE has been a resident of Greene County since 1865.  At that time he settled upon 160 acres of land on section 35, Kendrick Township, which was then in its primitive condition.  He sold that farm and removed to his present home in Bristol Township in 18--, which is one of the most desirable farms in that part of the county. It comprises 270 acres of land in an excellent state of cultivation.  It is fenced into five fields.  His residence and other farm buildings are noticeably good.  Mr. Beebe was born in Steuben County, New York, November 20, 1840, son of Alonzo and Elizabeth Beebe.  He was the eldest of a family of six sons and three daughters.  When he was quite young his parents removed to Kendall County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood.  August 21, 1861, he volunteered in defense of his country, becoming a member of Company A, Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, at Pea Ridge, Arkansas .  He received his baptism of fire at Iuka and Corinth, where his regiment lost heavily.  He was again in the line of battle and in the campaign leading to the capture of Vicksburg, and afterward, with his regiment, was transferred to the Gulf department, and in the disastrous Red River campaign.  After three years' service he was honorably discharged and went home.  He again entered the service as an employe in the quartermaster's department, at Vicksburg, and at the close of the war he returned to Illinois, and thence to this county, January 1, 1866 .  He married Miss Mary Wright daughter of Willis Wright, of Jefferson .  She was born in Putnam County, Indiana, August 15, 1850 .  To this union five children have been born -- Orville, Willie (deceased), Myria, Orson and Hazen.  The parents of Mr. Beebe moved to Chicago in 1864, where they now live a retired life.  Their son John also lives in Chicago .  Mrs. Sarah Kinsley and Orsemus live in Bristol Township, near neighbors to Henry.  Orville lives in Kendall County, Illinois .  LeGrand lives in Chicago .  Mrs. Jennie Large, Mrs. Helen Sherman and Jerome live in California .  Orsemus served in the late war as a member of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and Orville served in the United States Navy.  In politics Mr. Beebe is an ardent Republican.

ELI B. BERRIEN, the present efficient mayor of Angus, and also a contractor and builder, is a native of New York City, born May 12, 1857 . His father, Cornelius Berrien, brought his family to Davenport, Iowa, in 1858; thence to Clinton, Iowa, in 1859, and there our subject was reared and educated, attending the high school. In October, 1877, he went to Rapids City, Illinois, and in December, 1882, came to Angus, Greene County, Iowa, where he has since resided, becoming one of its most prominent and popular citizens, and has erected during his residence at Angus many of the best and largest buildings of the place. November 7, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna H. Halpine, a daughter of Matthew Halpine, of La Salle, Illinois . They have had four children born to them, of whom one is deceased The names of those yet living are -- Nellie H., Orval B. and Leonard B. Mr. Berrien was elected mayor of Angus in March, 1886. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and belongs to the North Legion of Select Knights.

J. E. BERRY, farmer, section 27, Greenbrier Township, was born in Davis County, Iowa, April 23, 1846, son of James and Nancy (McConnell) Berry, who reared a family of eight children -- Thomas, J.E., John, Samuel, Ephraim, Margaret, William and Mary E.  Mr. Berry was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools.  He learned the carpenter's trade, and has followed it many years.  He was married March 9, 1873, to Lucinda Breeding, daughter of Alexander Breeding, a prominent pioneer of Davis County.  In 1879 he came to this county, locating upon his present farm, which was then in its wild state.  He has since made good improvements, has a comfortable house and a good barn and orchard.  His farm consists of 120 acres of good land as can be found in Greene County.  Mr. and Mrs. Berry have two sons -- William Guy, born May 1, 1876, and Thomas G., born June 20, 1881.  Politically Mr. Berry is a Republican.  He takes an active interest in educational matters, and in the improvement of Greene County.

HENRY M. BLAKE, who is numbered among the enterprising and public-spirited agriculturists of Highland Township, is a native of Ireland, his parents, Henry and Margaret (Magner) Blake, also being natives of the Emerald Isle. He was the fourth in a family of five children, and was born in County Clare, Ireland, the date of his birth being May 20, l839. He immigrated to America in the year, l85l, settling near Ottawa. At the age of fifteen years he commenced working on a farm for his board and clothes, which he followed till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion in l86l. He then enlisted in the defense of the Union, and was assigned to Company A, Eleventh Wisconsin Infantry, and re-enlisted as a veteran in Texas. He participated in the battles of Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Fort Blakely, Magnolia Hill, Big Black River, Jackson, Mississippi, and others of minor importance. He was discharged at Mobile, Alabama, in l865, having been in the service four years. October 24, l866, he was married to Miss Margaret Murphy, a native of Canada, born May l0, l844. The names of the children born to this union in order of their birth are as follows -- Mary E., Annie T., Margaret, James H., Sarah B., Elizabeth, Lucy, John S., Alice and George S., ten in all. After the war Mr. Blake resumed farming in Wisconsin, remaining in that State until l869. In November of that year he came to Greene County, Iowa, when he settled on his present farm in Highland Township, which is located on section 35. He has met with success since coming to Greene County, owing to his industrious habits and good management, and is now the owner of a well-cultivated farm of l60 acres, and during his residence in Highland Township has gained the confidence and esteem of all who know him. In his political views he is independent, voting for men, not party. Mr. Blake and his family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.

DANIEL I. BLANSHAN, one of the progressive farmers of Junction Township, Greene County, was born in Onondaga County, New York, November 29, 1850, a son of Matthew and Sarah Blanshan.  His youth was spent in assisting on the farm, his father being a farmer by occupation, and attending the common schools of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, and Grand Junction, Iowa.  He has lived in Junction Township since the fall of 1873, and has always followed the avocation of a farmer, and by his persevering industry and good management he has acquired his present fine farm on section 2, which contains 120 acres of choice land.  In connection with his general farming he devotes some attention to the raising of stock.  Mr. Blanshan is a member of the Odd Fellows order.  He was married January l, 1880, to Ella N. Mack, a daughter of Willard Mack, of Junction Township.  They are the parents of four children -- Melvin, Sarah, Merton and Laura.  Matthew Blanshan, the father of our subject, is a native of New York, born in Ulster County, January l9, 1825, his father, Daniel Blanshan, having been born in the same county.  He was reared a farmer, and has followed that avocation through life.  He grew to manhood in Onondaga County, New York, where his parents settled when he was but three months old, and there he was eduated in the common schools.  He was married January 1, 1850, to Sarah Decker, a daughter of Isaac Decker.  Of the six children born to this union, three are living -- Daniel I., the subject of this sketch; James, living in Junction Township, and William, who carries on his father's farm on section 2, of Junction Township.  James married Mary Zellhoefer, and has two children -- Calista and Victor.  William is married to Lena Davenport.  Matthew Blanshan enlisted in the late war September l, 1864, in Company F, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry. He took part in the battles of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, and received his discharge in August, 1865.  In 1873 he came with his family to Greene County, Iowa, locating in Grand Junction, where he lived for two years.  In November, 1875, he settled on section 2, Junction Township, where he owns forty acres of land, and where he has since made his home. 

JOHN BISH, one of the old pioneers of Greene County, was born in Highland County, Ohio, May 31, 1842, a son of Jacob Bish, who was born in Rockingham County, West Virginia. The father brought his family to Van Buren County, Iowa, in the fall of 1849, and in the spring of 1850 removed to Boone County, settling on Des Moines River near the present site of Rapids Mills, and here the father pre-empted land which he improved. Here the family experienced many of the hardships and privations of pioneer life, being in limited circumstances. Corn was then $2 per bushel, the father paying for it by working at fifty cents a day, and at that time there were nine persons in the family. Their nearest mill was forty miles distant. The country was then principally inhabited by Indians and wild animals, and their principal meat was wild game. They came to Greene County, Iowa, in 1854, settling in Washington Township. John Bish, the subject of this sketch, attended the rude log cabin subscription schools in his boyhood, receiving such education as could be obtained in the schools of that early day. He followed farming during the summers and in the winters followed trapping and hunting until 1861. August 10, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Tenth Iowa Infantry, as a private, and was discharged as Second Lieutenant, August 14, 1865. He took part in the battles of Chattanooga, Corinth, Iuka, Champion Hills, Mission Ridge, Vicksburg and others, and was wounded at the battles of Corinth and Mission Ridge. At the latter battle he was struck by a cannon ball and was carried off the field for dead. He was married November 23, 1865, to Miss Hattie E. Clark, a daughter of George Clark, deceased, who was an early settler of Greene County, having settled in Franklin Township in the spring of 1855. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bish -- Zuie A., born September 12, 1867; Charles, born May 13, 1875, died aged eight years, and Nora B., born April 16, 1878. Mr. Bish followed farming from the time he returned from the war till 1880, after which he was engaged in the mercantile business at Rippey for a time. March 2, 1882, he was appointed postmaster of Rippey, resigning that office January 1, 1886. He owns land in Colorado. Since becoming a resident of Greene County he has held several offices of trust, including school director, road supervisor, and township trustee. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order. In his religious faith he is a Baptist.

WILLIAM H. BISTLINE, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 17, Junction Township, was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1850, a son of George and Elizabeth (Bird) Bistline, the father being a native of Pennsylvania. Our subject was reared to the avocation of a farmer, his father being a farmer by occupation, and his education was received in the common schools and in Bloomfield Academy in his native county. He came to Ogle County, Illinois, in 1871, where he was united in marriage January 16, 1872, to Miss Mary Barrick, a daughter of Jacob Barrick, a resident of Ogle County. Six children have been born to this union -- Elizabeth E., Jennie B. Grace, Charles (deceased), William and Ethel. In 1876 Mr. Bistline visited his old home in Pennsylvania, and also visited the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia. The same year he came to Iowa, locating in Tama County, where he made his home till March, 1881. He then came to Greene County and has since followed farming on his present farm, which contains eighty acres of well-cultivated land. The father of our subject was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving nine months in Company E, Two Hundred and Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, participating in the battles of Nashville and Fredericksburg. He was of German ancestry, his great-grandfather coming from that country and settling in Pennsylvania, where his father was born. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject, George Miller, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The mother of our subject was also of German ancestry, her name being originally Vogel, the name being changed to Bird on the arrival of her ancestors in this country. Undoubtedly Mrs. Bistline would have fallen heir to a share of a large amount of money due to her family had the name not been changed. Margaret Barrick, the grandmother of Mrs. W.H. Bistline, died in 1882, at the advanced age of 106 years. She was born in Pennsylvania, and during her life was never out of her native State.

CHARLES BOFINK is one of the leading business men of Jefferson.  His business includes the sale of general hardware, farm implements, banking, dealing in live stock, etc.  He came to Jefferson August 3, 1866.  At that time he was engaged in the lumber trade, and shipped the first car-load of lumber to this town.  This was in the fall of 1866, when Jefferson  was the terminus of the Northwestern Railroad.  In 1867 he sold out to his competitors in trade, and went to Carroll City, where he also started the first lumber yard in that city.  He remained in Carroll about one year, then sold out and went to Dunlap, and there, with L.T. Coldren, opened the first lumber yard, Mr. Coldren taking charge at Dunlap, and Mr. Bofink at Carroll.  In 1868 he bought the business and furniture store of Franklin, Height, Bowman and Bingman, and continued in the furniture business two or three years, then engaged in the hardware business.  He has for many years been the leading dealer in hardware and agricultural implements in Greene County.  No man has done more toward building up the town of Jefferson than Mr. Bofink.  In 1876, with several other gentlemen, he built the Centennial Block, and with these same gentlemen started the City Bank, of which Mr. Bofink has been president since its organization.  He erected his elegant brick store in 1885.  His residence is one of the finest in the city.  The family settled in Pennsylvania, removing thence to Michigan, where the parents still reside.  Our subject came to Story County, this State, in 1864, and was engaged for about a year on the Northwestern Railroad as a newsboy.  From this beginning he has worked his way to his present financial condition.  Mrs. Bofink was formerly Miss Eliza E. Northway, a native of the State of New York.

BENJAMIN BOLIN, farmer and stockraiser, section 16, Junction Township, where he has eighty acres of choice land, was born in Owen County, Indiana, November 25, 1839, his father, Benajah Bolin, who is now deceased, having been born in the State of North Carolina .  Our subject was reared to the avocation of a farmer, which he has made his life-work, and received his education in the common schools of his native county.  He served as a soldier for three years during the War of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company H, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry, and participated in a number of battles, including the battles of Winchester, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, battle of the Wilderness and the seven day's fight on the peninsula.  After the war he returned to his native county, and in 1871 removed to Christian County, Indiana, where he remained until 1875.  In February of that year he came to Iowa, and lived in Boone County until 1876, since which he has made his home in Greene County, Iowa .  October 14, 1878, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Rilla Hagood, a daughter of Jesse Harden, deceased.  She has one child by her first husband, a son, named Charles E. Hagood.  In politics Mr. Bolin casts his suffrage with the Republican party.  He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.  Quiet, unassuming, industrious and strictly honorable in all his dealings, Mr. Bolin has gained the confidence and respect of all who know him.

JOHN P. BONTZ, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 18, Hardin Township, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born June 25, 1837, his parents, Jacob and Eve Bontz, also being natives of Bavaria. He was reared to the avocation of a farmer. He left his native country when about twelve years of age, sailing from Marseilles, France, in 1849, and landing at New Orleans. He immediately located in Peoria, Illinois, where he resided until 1862, in which year he went to Boulder County, Colorado, where he worked by the day in the gold and silver mines. In 1864 he went to Montana and commenced mining for himself, remaining there till 1866, when he returned to Colorado and engaged in farming, which he followed until 1869. He then came to Iowa, and was engaged in working in the coal mines in Boone County until 1872. He then removed to Greene County, and has since resided on his farm on section 18, Hardin Township. He was married in Greene County in February, 1875, to Miss Anna Shaw, who was born in Illinois in June, 1856, a daughter of Joseph and Harriet Shaw, natives of Canada. Three children have been born to this union -- Viola, Fred and Joseph. Mr. Bontz is one of the self-made men of Greene County. He came to America a poor boy, but by hard work and careful management he has met with good success, and is now classed among the best farmers of Hardin Township, where he owns 268 acres of choice land, 160 acres located on section 18, and the remainder on section 6. His farm is well improved and under good cultivation, and his residence and farm buildings are comfortable and commodious.

LOREN W. BOGGS, residing on section 9, Bristol Township, is one of the early settlers of his neighborhood, and has been one of its most active citizens.  His home farm of 160 acres has been improved from the naked prairie, and his buildings are first-class, comfortable and commodious.  He commenced building and improving his property in the spring of 1869.  In 1880 he bought 120 acres of land on section 10, Bristol Township .  Besides his family residence, Mr. Boggs owns two other houses.  He also owns a twelfth interest in 640 acres adjoining the city plat of Sioux City .  he was born in Franklin County, Ohio, January 12, 1830 .  His parents, Moses M. and Sarah (Skinner) Boggs, were natives of Virginia and New Jersey respectively.  While he was yet an infant his parents removed to Vermillion County, Indiana, where a portion of his youth was spent.  His father was a millwright and house carpenter by trade, and a general workman at any kind of wood-work.  He owned a farm and reared his children to farm life.  He died in Warren County, Indiana, in 1842, aged forty-one years.  When sixteen years of age our subject left his mother's home, and thus early in life encountered the world for himself.  He has made his own way unaided, never having a dollar not earned by himself.  From 1850 to 1854 he was engaged in the pineries of Michigan .  In April, 1854, he was united in marriage with Jane W. Morris, a native of the State of New York .  From Michigan Mr. Boggs came to Cedar Rapids, this State, where he lived until 1869, excepting the time he served in the Union army.  He enlisted august 13, 1862, in Company G, Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry.  His regiment was first under fire at Fort Gibson, in the campaign against Vicksburg .  In the battle of Champion Hills, May l6, 1863, the regiment and company G met with very heavy loss.  In the siege of Vicksburg, and the second battle of Jackson, after the surrender of Vicksburg, and in all that campaign and in all others in which his regiment participated, Mr. Boggs did a soldier's duty faithfully and well.  He was never excused nor asked to be excused from any duty.  After the Jackson campaign the regiment was transferred to the Gulf department, and embodied in the Nineteenth Corps, General Emory commanding.  The Twenty-fourth Iowa was also engaged in the ill-starred Red River campaign.  In July, 1864, the corps went east and defended Washington against General Early, thence to the valley of Virginia under General Sheridan, and was in the heroic battles of Winchester, Strasburg and Cedar Creek.  At the last-named battle Mr. Boggs received five shots through his clothes.  In January, 1865, the corps met Sherman at Savannah, Georgia .  At Goldsboro the regiment was present at the surrender of General Johnston's rebel army.  August 11 Mr. Boggs was commissioned by Governor Stone Second Lieutenant of his company, bearing date January 1, 1865, but through the lack of mail facilities the commission never reached the proper authorities early enough to permit of his being mustered in.  As Orderly Sergeant he was practically in command of his company the last nine and a half months of his service.  He was honorably discharged July 17, 1865, at Savannah, Georgia, and returned to his home at Cedar Rapids .  He still holds his commission as Lieutenant.  Mrs. Boggs died December 25, 1883, aged sixty-nine years.  Only one child survives - Henry M., born June 24, 1854 .  He has never married since the death of his wife.  In 1886 he was improving a farm in Dakota.  He has been a Republican in politics since 1860, though in local matters he is independent.

JOHN BOYDEN, grocer, Grand Junction, is a native of Jefferson County, New York, born September 6, 1828. His father, Samuel Boyden, was a native of Vermont and is now deceased. Our subject was educated in the common schools of his native county, and when young, learned the carpenter's trade. He followed this trade for twenty years. In 1869 he came to Grand Junction, and engaged in his present business in 1875. He has an extensive trade, and his genial manners and accommodating disposition has won for him hosts of friends. He sells his goods cheap, and can compete with any other establishment of the kind in the place. Mr. Boyden has never married, but is very happy and contented in his life of single blessedness.

JAMES F. M. BRADLEY, proprietor of the Rippey meat market, was born in Howard County, Missouri, April 18, 1834, a son of Thomas Bradley, a native of Madison County, Kentucky. His father was a farmer and saddler working at his trade when his farm did not require his attention. Our subject was reared a farmer, and as the schools of that day in Missouri were few and poor, the most of his youth was spent in assisting at home. During the war of the Rebellion he was in the service of the United States a short time as a member of the Missouri State Militia. From 1861 until 1868, with the exception of the time he was in the army, he was engaged in butchering and dealing in stock. In the fall of 1875 he came to Iowa and lived in Dallas County two years, and in the spring of 1877 moved to Greene County, where he lived until the fall of 1879, when he went to Ames, but in June, 1884, returned to Carroll County and opened his market in Rippey, where he now has a good and increasing trade. Mr. Bradley is a good business man, and is one of the representative citizens of the town. He takes an interest in everything that pertains to the public welfare of the town or county, but never seeks or desires official honors. He was married December 1, 1853, to Juda A. Burnett, daughter of Isom Burnett. Of the eight children born to them, but six are living -- Elizabeth M., Melvin B., William G., Joseph L., Benjamin F. and Maude.

FRANK BRADSHAW, farmer, section 21, Paton Township, was born in Wellsburg, Brooke County, West Virginia, (the center of the Pan Handle) May 3, 1841. His father, John Bradshaw, was a native of Lancashire, England, and came to Philadelphia in 1818, where he operated a woolen factory for several years. He then removed to Wellsburg, and was running a woolen factory there at the time of the birth of his son Frank. In 1842 he removed his family to Dayton, La Salle County, Illinois, and ran a factory there three years, then removed to Freedom Township, where he died August 28, 1856, from the effects of injuries sustained by a railroad train striking his wagon while crossing the track at Ottawa. Mr. Bradshaw's mother was formerly Rebecca J. Dodd. The parents had eight boys and two girls, all living except two boys. Our subject came to this county in the spring of 1876, settling in Dawson Township. He located upon his present farm in 1881, where he owns 160 acres of good land, and is engaged in general farming, also pays considerable attention to graded stock. February 21, 1867, he was married to Aner E. Smith, daughter of Alfred and Almira Smith, the former being deceased and the latter living in Dawson Township. Eight of their nine children are living -- Fannie M., Frank W., Ida A., Emma M., Mary M., Charles W. and Cassie C., twins, and John A. Mr. Bradshaw enlisted in the late war as a member of Company D, Second Illinois Light Artillery, and served over three years. He was engaged in the battle of Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, and several others. He served as Corporal most of the time. He has held several township offices, justice of the peace, township trustee, and is serving his third year as assessor, having been re-elected without a dissenting vote. He was census taker in 1884. He is a member of Gem Lodge, No. 429, A.F. & A.M., at Paton. Mrs. Bradshaw and her daughter Fannie are members of the Evangelical Association.

PETER B. BREINER, an old and honored pioneer of Greene County, Iowa, living on section 30, Highland Township, where he has eighty acres of choice land, is a native of New Jersey, born May 3, 1819, a son of Martin and Margarette (Port) Breiner, his father born in Pennsylvania, and his mother a native of France. Both parents are deceased, the father dying September 13, 1839, and the mother June 8, 1873. Peter B. Breiner was married January 1, 1842, to Mima Smith, born in Pennsylvania, but reared in New Jersey, her parents, William and Sarah (Farven) Smith, settling in that State when she was a child. Mr. Breiner was reared to the carpenter's trade, which he followed till coming to Greene County, when he engaged in farming. Mrs. Breiner was not permitted to spend many days in Greene County, she dying January 10, 1861, leaving at her death four children -- John, who was born October 19, 1842; William S., born February 10, 1845; Sarah, born June 7, 1847, and Stewart born July 8, 1852, all of whom are living. Mrs. Breiner was buried on the home farm in Highland Township. Mr. Breiner was married a second time February 2, 1876, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Mrs. E.A. Snyder, who was born near Centerville, Delaware, September 29, 1825, her parents, Perry and Rachel Carr, having been born in Delaware. Three children were born to Mr. Breiner's second marriage -- Eleanor, Jacob S. and Andrew Jackson, all of whom are living in the East. Mr. Breiner was one of the early pioneers of Greene County, Iowa, and was the first settler of Highland Township, and here he has endured all the hardships incident to the life of a pioneer. He was the only settler in Highland Township for ten years, before other settlers began to arrive, and in the whole of Greene County there were at that time but eighty-two voters. Jefferson had then but four houses. His trading was done at Des Moines, Iowa. He has lived to witness the many wonderful changes that have occurred, changing the wilderness into thriving towns and well-cultivated farms, and has himself become one of the most prominent citizens of Highland Township, being respected by all who know him. In politics Mr. Breiner is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church.

HENRY BUCHER, residing on section 14, Bristol Township, has been a resident of that township since 1874. His farm was then wild prairie. He was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1841, son of Martin and Mary Bucher, also natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa in 1841, locating at Mount Vernon, Linn County, where the father worked at the blacksmith's trade several years, then removed to Cedar County, where he made a home on a farm and worked at his trade until his advanced age compelled him to abandon it. The parents now live in Yates County, Nebraska. Of their eleven children Henry was the third and the oldest now living. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age; then, in the fall of 1864, enlisted as a soldier in the Union army. He was a member of Company A, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry. He joined the army of General Sherman at Atlanta, and was in the glorious march to the sea. He started with the army on its campaign through the Carolinas, but while in South Carolina sickness compelled him to go to the hospital, where he remained four weeks. He was cared for at Buford, and was then sent to Long Island, where he was carried from the steamer to the hospital, on a stretcher, and for nine weeks had a dear fight for life. Later he was sent to the convalescent camp at Keokuk, this State, and discharged at that place. He then returned to Cedar County and lived with his parents until September, 1870, when he married Miss Lena Herbst, daughter of Henry Herbst, a native of that county, born in 1850. They remained in Cedar County until 1874, then removed to their present home in Greene County, where they have a well-improved farm and a home with very pleasant surroundings. In the fall of 1886 Mr. Bucher bought an additional forty acres. They have four children -- Minnie, Edward, Ebby and Bertie. Willie, Georgia, Amelia and an infant unnamed are deceased. Politically Mr. Bucher is a Democrat.

EDWARD S. BUCHMILLER, an active, public-spirited agriculturist of Bristol Township, resides on section 9. His farm of 120 acres is well cultivated, and his residence is one of the best in this part of the county. He settled in his present home in 1876. Mr. Buchmiller was born in Henry County, Illinois, January 10, 1853, son of John D. and Frances Buchmiller, who were natives of the province of Baden, Germany . The father was born October 11, 1812, and the mother March 29, 1822 . They established their home in Henry County soon after coming to the United States . Their children are -- Edward S.; Bertha, wife of A.F. Knappen; Joseph, a resident of Bristol Township; Mary A., wife of M.W. Resser; John D., Herman, Frank and Elizabeth. The last three are living at the old homestead in Henry County, Illinois. Edward S. and Valaria M. Young were united in marriage in Henry County in 1873. Mrs. Buchmiller's parents, Felix W. and Catherine (Briton) Young, are natives of Kentucky, and are living in Bristol Township . Mr. and Mrs. Buchmiller have five children -- Odelia M., John E., Richard M., Ethel R. and Roxy B. Politically Mr. Buchmiller is prominently identified with the Democratic party, and has served many years as chairman of the township Democratic committee. He has held several offices of public trust, and has served creditably.

ARCHIBALD BURK, farmer, section 19, Washington Township, was born in Otsego County, New York, April 23, 1840. His father, Amos S. Burk, brought his family to this county in the spring of 1855, locating on the old Burk homestead, section 32, Washington Township, where he died several years ago. Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He has always followed the occupation of a farmer. During the late war he enlisted in Company H, Tenth Iowa Infantry, and participated in the battles of Madrid, the first and second battles of Corinth, Iuka, Jackson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg and Missionary Ridge. For these services rendered his country he draws a pension of $4 a month. He was married May 21, 1865, to Martha Heater, daughter of Jacob Heater, a pioneer of this county, and now deceased. They have four children -- Jennie A., James A., George E. and Nellie A., all at home. Mr. Burk owns 160 acres of land and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. When the family first came to this county they had to go to Des Moines to trade and also to do their milling, a distance of fifty miles. Mr. Burk is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity.

JOSHUA BURK, one of the self-made men of Greene County, and an old pioneer of Washington Township, was born in Oswego County, New York, March 31, 1833, a son of Amos S. Burk, who was a native of the same State.  The father removed with his family to Carroll County, Missouri, in 1844, and to McDonough County, Illinois, in 1846, where he lived till his death.  Joshua Burk, the subject of this sketch, went to Cass County, Illinois, in 1852, where he worked as a farm hand for one man for four years.  He was married in the spring of 1856 to Amanda C. Hall, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of John Hall, deceased.  They are the parents of eleven children -- Viola E., married Tupper Kirby, of Grand Junction, and has two children, named Osa Viola and Edgar P.; Catherine, wife of Frank Taylor, of Washington Township; Banyer, married Emma John, and lives in Washington Township; John and Amos, twins, living in Washington Township, the latter married to Cora White; Nicholas P., Hannah, Eliza, Lillian, Andrew J. and Isaac J.  Mr. Burk came to Iowa with his young wife the same year of their marriage, making the journey with an ox team in about three weeks, when they settled on the farm which has since been their home.  His first land purchased here was forty acres, for which he paid $l00 in work at forty or fifty cents per day, and a note for $54.  His first house was built of rough oak boards, and consisted of one room l4 x l6 feet in size.  He hauled lumber to the mill for a party, and for his services received a quarter of the lumber, and with this he built his house.  This house is still standing in the rear of his present residence.  When they first settled in Washington Township the surrounding country was in a wild state, Indians and wild animals being the principal inhabitants, and for several years they were well supplied with wild game.  Pork was scarce, selling at 25 cents a pound, and the price of flour in 1857 was $8.25 per hundred weight.  Their trading and milling was done at Des Moines.  Mr. Burk began life in Iowa without means, but by hard work and strick economy, assisted by the good management of his wife, he has become one of the prosperous citizens of Greene County.  He made his first money on buckwheat which he raised in 1857, taking l0l bushels to Des Moines, and after getting it ground at Walnut Creek Mills, sold it for $3.25 a hundred weight.  Mr. Burk is now the owner of 40l acres of valuable land, and has given to his children 240 acres.  Mr. Burk was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving in Company H, Tenth Iowa Infantry, almost three years.  He participated in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Missionary Ridge, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, and others of minor importance, and was wounded in the battles of Corinth and Missionary Ridge.

LEROY BURK, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 32, Washington Township, Greene County, and a teacher in district No. 4, of the same township, was born in McDonough County, Illinois, February 22, l855, his parents, Amos S. and Catharine A. Allen, being natives of the State of New York.  They had a family of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, nine still living -- James A., Joshua, Archibald, Albro A., Emeline, Fernando C., Leroy, Sarah J. and Samantha.  Selina, Goldsbrow B., Caroline, Mary L. and Celestia P. are deceased.  The father is deceased, and the mother still lives on the old homestead in Washington Township with our subject, aged seventy-two years.  Leroy Burk, whose name heads this sketch was brought to Greene County, Iowa, in l856, in which year his parents settled on the farm which is now owned and occupied by him, and here he grew to manhood, being reared to agricultural pursuits.  He received fair educational advantages, attending the Normal schools of Greene County, and at the age of eighteen years began his career as a teacher, and since that time has made teaching his principal occupation, becoming well and favorably known as a popular instructor.  He is quite a successful agriculturist, and owns eighty acres of choice land where he resides.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JAMES BURKE, of Kendrick Township, was born in Ireland, October 10, 1834, son of Miles and Ellen Burke. When he was twelve years of age his parents emigrated to America, locating in Cayuga County, New York. In 1855 he removed to Clark County, Wisconsin, where he resided until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted, August 23, 1861, in the First Wisconsin Battery Light Artillery, Colonel Jacob T. Foster commanding. December 23, 1864, he re-enlisted, and served until the close of the war. He took an active part in many of the historical battles of the war, and was in General Banks' Red River Expedition. He was honorably discharged July 18, 1865, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and returned to his home in Clark County, where he remained three months. He then removed to Hancock County, Mississippi, where he was engaged in lumbering and in railroad work for five years. In 1870 he removed to Johnson County, Iowa, living there one year. March 23, 1871, he was married to Miss Sarah Eason of that county, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, a daughter of Alexander and Mary Eason. During that same year he came to Greene County, locating near the Garland school-house in Kendrick Township, where he lived until 1879, then settled upon the farm where he now resides. His farm contains fifty acres of as good land as can be found in Greene County, and it is in a good state of cultivation. He has a one-and-a-half-story modern residence, well furnished and surrounded with shade trees. He has a large and commodious barn for stock and grain, a fine orchard and a native grove. Mr. and Mrs. Burke have one daughter, Ada May, born January 11, 1872. Politically Mr. Burke affiliates with the Republican party, and he is a member of the N.H. Powers Post, No. 111, G.A.R., at Scranton.

C. K. BURKHOLDER, farmer, section 33, Greenbrier Township, Greene County, post office Bagley, Guthrie County, was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, July 26, 1833, son of Samuel L. and Anna (Knopp) Burkholder, who are the parents of seven children, four boys and three girls, all of whom are living -- Jacob, of Leipsic, Putnam County, Ohio, married Malvina Elsworth, formerly of New York; Abram, residing near York Sulphur Springs, Adams County, married Lizzie Raffensbarger, of York County, Pennsylvania; Henery, residing near New Basel, Dickenson County, Kansas, married Susanna Harbolt, of Adams County, Pennsylvania; Hannah, single, lives on the old homestead in Adams County with her widowed mother; Mary, residing near East Berlin, Adams County, married Cornelius Mummert; Anna Maria, residing near East Berlin, Adams County, married John B. Ziglar. Cornelius K. Burkholder passed his youth on his father's farm, assisting his parents in agricultural pursuits and attending public school in the same district. At the age of eighteen years he engaged in the saddle and harness-making business as an apprentice, and worked at that trade for a number of years. In 1854 he went to Leipsic, Putnam County, Ohio, on a visit to his brother Jacob, and while there he concluded to engage in the saddle and harness business, which he continued for several years; then returned to Adams County, located in Abbottstown, at which place he remained two years, and then went to York Sulphur Springs, where he resided until the spring of 1868; thence to Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. In October, 1869, he embarked in the saddle, harness and wholesale fly-net business, and in April, 1871, John A. Eberly became associated with him, forming the firm of Burkholder & Eberly. They manufacture fly-nets, collars and winkers extensively for the wholesale trade, in addition to attending to their retail trade of saddles and harness Mr. Burkholder is the inventor and patentee of some important machinery belonging to the fly-net business. In 1874 they dissolved partnership and Mr. Burkholder and family moved to Ogle County, Illinois, where he gave his attention to farming. He bought 160 acres of raw prairie in Greenbrier Township, Greene County, Iowa, and moved on it in 1876. He has improved and cultivated it until it is one of the best farms in the township. He has a good house surrounded with shade and ornamental trees, a fine native grove a large orchard and fruit garden and a commodious barn, and is quite extensively engaged in raising fine cattle. Mr. Burkholder was married in January, 1866, to Anna Lizzie Mohler, who was born April 12, 1840, and is a daughter of John and Maria ( Hurst ) Mohler. Mr. and Mrs. Burkholder are the parents of two children, one now living -- Anna M., who was born October 14, 1866, in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and was married in November, 1886, to David M. Austin, of Greenbrier Township, formerly of Richland County, Wisconsin. Emma Clara was born August 10, 1872, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and died August 29, 1879, of diphtheria croup. Mr. Burkholder wife and daughter belong to the Church of the Brethren, sometimes known by the name of German Baptist, erroneously called Dunkards, originating from the German. They believe in the whole plan of salvation as taught by Christ and practiced by the apostles. Mr. Burkholder has taken an active part in his township schools, and is a strong advocate of temperance and anti-tobacco principles, and politically he affiliates with the Republican party.