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Biographical
and Historical Record of Greene and Carroll Counties, Iowa Greene County C Biographies submitted by Nancee Seifert. ABRAM CAIN, farmer, section 35, Greenbrier Township, is among the leading citizens of Greene County, and was born on the Isle of Man, May 30, 1840. His parents were Jehu and Jane (Eads) Cain, and they were the parents of ten children -- Sarah A., John, Abram, Edward, Robert, Jane, Elizabeth, Matilda (deceased), William and Morris E. Abram resided in his native country until he was twenty-five years of age, having been reared in the village of Balla Salla, where he received his education. He worked at blacksmithing for three and a half years, then came to America and settled in Warren County, Illinois, where he lived over four years, and then went to England. He was united in marriage October 10, 1869, to Miss Ellen J.K. Kermode, who was born on the Isle of Man, and a daughter of Jehu and Ellen (Cubbon) Kermode. After his marriage Mr. Cain returned to America, and resided in Warren County, Illinois, until 1876 when he came to Greene County and settled on section 35, Greenbrier Township. He came to his present farm in 1879, which was then in a wild state. He has cultivated and improved it until it is now one of the best farms in Greene County. It is situated one mile north of Bagley. He has a good one and a half story residence, built in modern style and well furnished, and a commodious barn and sheds for cattle. He is extensively engaged in stock-raising, stock-feeding, and dealing in stock to some extent. A windmill furnishes a power for a water supply. The farm is all seeded to grass, and everything about the premises indicates the industry and thrift of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Cain have four children -- Ella Jane, William Ed., Emma, and Harry K. Charles E., Ben F. and Arthur G. are deceased. Politically Mr. Cain is a Republican. He is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a local preacher of that church. He is numbered among the best citizens of the county. EDWARD CAIN, farmer,
section 35, Greenbrier Township, is a native of the Isle of Man, born
September 4, 1842, and is a son of John and Jane (Eads) Cain, the former
a native of the Isle of Man, and the mother of England. They were
the parents of ten children --Sarah, John, Abraham, Edward, Robert,
Jane, Elizabeth, Matilda, William and Morris. Edward passed his
youth at farm work, and attending the schools of his native island.
At the age of eighteen years he emigrated to the United States, locating
in Warren County, Illinois, where he lived three years. He then
removed to Knox County, same State, living there two years, then returned
to Warren County and lived until 1879. He then came to Greene
County, this State, and located upon his present farm, where he has
since resided. His farm contains 680 acres, 400 acres being in
Greene County, and 280 in Guthrie County. It is in a good state
of cultivation and well improved. He has a fine one and a half
story residence, built in modern style, and surrounded with shade and
ornamental trees. He has a large and commodious barn, and out-buildings
for stock and grain, and is extensively engaged in stock-raising, usually
keeping from 200 to 225 head of cattle, and buying from 10,000 to 12,000
bushels of corn a year. Mr. Cain was united in marriage March
4, 1868, to Miss Jane Gaunt, daughter of David and Ann (Charlesworth)
Gaunt, of England. They have five children -- Anna Jane, Ada M.,
Oscar E., Charles W. and Alice E. Politically Mr. Cain is a Republican,
and he is a worthy and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He started in life without means, but by industry and
good management he has acquired a fine property, and is one of the leading
men of Greene County. ROBERT CAIN, farmer, section 1, Willow Township, postoffice Scranton, is one of the early settlers of the township, and is a native of the Isle of Man, born April 18, 1844, son of John and Jane (Eads) Cain, who were the parents of ten children, Robert being the fifth child. When he was fourteen years of age he went to London, England, where he worked about eight years. He was united in marriage January 31, 1867, to Miss Lottie Redgrave, who was born in Essex County, England, December 4, 1843, daughter of Reuben and Mary (Reeve) Redgrave. Her parents had seven children, six of whom are living -- Jemima, George, Lottie, Ann R., Elizabeth, John, and James, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cain came to America soon after their marriage, and settled in Warren County, Illinois, where they resided until 1881, engaged in farming. He then came to Greene County, and settled in Willow Township, where he has since resided. His first purchase was 175 acres of partly improved land. He has since added to that amount until he now owns 335 acres of as fine land as can be found in Greene County, and it is well cultivated and improved. He has a comfortable residence, with good buildings for stock and grain, and an orchard consisting of three acres. Mr. and Mrs. Cain are the parents of five sons -- Robert Ernest, Herbert R.J., Frank George, Alfred R. and Chester G. Mr. Cain is a Republican in politics, and also a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Golden Gate Lodge, No. 402, at Scranton. Mr. and Mrs. Cain are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Cain has served as Steward and Sunday-school superintendent. He has always taken an active part in educational and religious matters, and is a liberal supporter of both. A. H. CAREY is one of the leading business men of Scranton, where he is extensively engaged in dealing in grain, lumber, coal and general merchandise. He is a representative of one of the early families of Iowa, his father, James Carey, having settled near Bellevue, Jackson County, in 1855. In 1865 the family removed to Jones County, where the father still lives, making his home at Monticello. A.H. Carey, the subject of this sketch, was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, in 1846, coming to Iowa with his parents in 1855. When about twenty years of age he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed about eight years. He was then engaged in the lumber business at Centre Junction, Iowa, for five years, when, in 1880, he came to Scranton, Greene County. He then succeeded S.H. Templeton in his lumber trade, and in April, 1883, he added to his business general merchandising. The same year he began dealing in farm implements, and in the fall of 1884, engaged in the grain and coal business. In his farm implement and hardware business he is associated with Mr. Fuller. Mr. Carey was married in Jones County, Iowa, to Miss Fannie Corbett, a native of Pennsylvania, and to them have been born four children -- Leon L., Charles J., Edith M. and Valentine. Mr. Carey has been identified with the early history of Scranton, although he did not locate here permanently until 1880. He visited this place in 1871 and 1872, when the town was in its infancy, and in fact purchased the third lot sold on the plat, and assisted in the building of the second, third and fourth buildings on the plat, and no man has done more to promote the interests of Scranton than he. As a citizen he is highly esteemed, both for his social qualities, and for his enterprising and progressive spirit as a business man. EDWIN O. CARLTON, stock-dealer at Grand Junction, was born in Windsor County, Vermont, July 24, 1838, son of Joseph and Lettie (Parker) Carlton, natives of Andover, Vermont, both of whom are deceased. He was reared on a farm and educated, principally, in the common schools. During the late war, he enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Vermont Infantry, and participated in the terrible battle of Gettysburg. He came to this county in 1869, settling where Grand Junction now stands. In 1870 he removed his family here, where he has since resided. He has been principally engaged in buying cattle, and for the past seven years has dealt in hogs. He was married in October, 1863, to Lura J. McIntyre, daughter of Leonard McIntyre, of Andover, Vermont. They have two children -- Eddie and Clarence. Mr. Carlton was marshal of Grand Junction three years, and has served as constable for three years past. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, also of the Grand Army of the Republic. E. H. CARTER, a
prominent merchant of Jefferson, is located on the east side of the square.
In 1875 he purchased an interest in the store of John D. Hall. Nearly two
years later he sold out to Hall and opened a store on the west side of the
square. In 1884 he erected his present fine brick building, which is
22x100 feet, two stories in height, with basement. He has met with marked
success in his business. From a small beginning he has built up his
present lucrative business. Mr. Carter was born in Vermont in 1852, and is
a son of Abel Carter, of Jackson Township, who emigrated with his family to
Illinois in 1867, thence to Greene County the following year. Our subject
was reared to the occupation of a farmer. In the fall of 1871 he went to
Ringwood, near Chicago, where he was engaged in clerking one year. He then
was also engaged in clerking. In 1875 he was married to Miss Amelia Ladd,
daughter of Wesley Ladd, one of the earliest settlers of McHenry County,
Illinois. They have one daughter, Mame, born in 1885. Abel Carter,
father of our subject, and one of the representative citizens of Jackson
Township, resides on section 11, where he established himself in 1869. His
farm contains eighty-one acres of choice land, in the valley of the North Coon
River. His land is well drained and easily worked, and is well adapted to
all crops as well as for stock-raising. Mr. Carter also owns eighty acres
on section l, Jackson Township, used for pasturing and for the production of
hay. He was born in Caledonia County, Vermont, June 9, 1829, son of Philip
and Nancy (Swain) Carter, both of whom were born, reared and married in the
State of New Hampshire. The mother died of consumption in 1839, at the old
homestead, where the children were all reared and where the father lived over
fifty years. He died in 1864, aged seventy-three years. Of their
eight children, the subject of this sketch was the youngest, and the only one
now living. The others were -- Ira, Jeremiah S., Philip, Moses, Sally,
Louisa and Huldah. Five of the family died of consumption. Abel
Carter was reared on a farm, and has always followed that avocation. March
23, 1851, he wedded Miss Lucy D. Clemens, daughter of Lewis and Lucy (Wells)
Clemens, natives of Vermont. Her father was killed while attempting to
board a railroad train at Burlington, in 1855. He was returning home after
two years' absence in California, and was within fifty miles of his home when he
met with his untimely fate. His age was sixty-three years. His widow
survived him about three years. Mrs. Carter was born in Hyde Park,
Vermont, August 21, 1839; has three sisters living near her -- Mrs. Pharisina
Carter, widow of Jeremiah S. Carter, Mrs. Pauline Dodge, and Chastina E. Way.
One brother, Rev. Sylvester Clemens, was a minister of the Methodist Church, of
Troy Conference, with a charge at Hagerman's Mills; died March 8, 1887.
One brother, Lucius Clemens, lives at Sacramento City, California. Mr. and Mrs. Carter have three children -- Edgar H., Mrs. Ella J. Wood, and Mrs. Etha A. Young, all living in Jefferson. Mrs. Carter has been a member of the Methodist Church forty-two years. Politically Mr. Carter is a Republican, of Whig ancestry. He has served as secretary of the school board and as township trustee. REV. JOHN C. CARTER, pastor of the Baptist church at Grand Junction, is a native of Illinois, born in Clinton County March 25, 1849, a son of Wiley L. Carter, now deceased, who was a native of the same county. His grandfather, John Carter, settled in Illinois in its territorial days. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk war. Our subject was reared to the avocation of a farmer. He was educated principally in Shurtliff College, of Alton, Illinois, graduating from that institution in 1881. He also attended the Agricultural College at Irvington, Illinois, for one year. He engaged in the ministry before finishing his college course, having been ordained at Diamond Springs church, in Clinton County, Illinois, in January, 1876. At the time of his graduation he was preaching in Troy, Illinois. In January, 1882, he came to Iowa and had charge of the church at Bowman's Grove, Shelby County, until May, 1883, when he went to Logan County, remaining there until the latter part of 1885, and January 1, 1886, he assumed the charge of the church at Grand Junction. May 11, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Marshall, daughter of Thomas Marshall, deceased. Of the five children born to this union four are living -- Grace T., Alva G., Gilman K. and Ray. Mr. Carter is a member of the Odd Fellows order. F. D. CASS,
physician and surgeon of Churdan, Iowa, is a native of the State of Illinois,
born December 6, 1832, a son of James and Ann Cass, who were natives
of Kentucky and Virginia respectively. Both parents are deceased, the
mother dying May 30, 1837, and his father in April, 1863. Dr. Cass lived
with his father till attaining the age of twenty-two years. In 1855 he
began the study of medicine, taking his first course of lectures at the Miami
Medical College in 1856, remaining in that institution one year. In 1857
he began the practice of medicine, which he followed until 1863, when he entered
Rush Medical College of Chicago, Illinois, from which he graduated in 1864.
After his graduation he settled in Logan County, Illinois, where he built up a
lucrative practice, remaining in that county until 1875. He then returned
to Miami College, graduating from that institution in 1876. He then
resumed his practice in Logan County. In 1882 he came to Greene County,
Iowa, and after spending a short time in Jefferson he removed to Churdan,
locating at that place August 31, 1882, and has since been successfully engaged
in the practice of his chosen profession. In July, 1885, he purchased a
stock of drugs. He has recently built a new store, and in connection with
his medical practice he deals in drugs, all kinds of stationery and school
books. Dr. Cass was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss Sarah G. Landis, a
daughter of P.K. and Eliza P. Landis, natives of Ohio. They are the
parents of one son -- Edward K., born December 17, 1859, who is now engaged in
the insurance business in Chicago, Illinois. In politics the doctor is a
staunch Republican. He was appointed First Assistant Surgeon of the One
Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, February 12,
1865, and served till the close of the war. HORACE L. CHILDS, proprietor of Eagle plow and machine shop at Grand Junction , was born in Vermont December 11, 1826 , son of Lyman Childs, a native of the same State, and now deceased. He early learned the use of tools, and served an apprenticeship at blacksmithing in Montpelier . He has been in manufacturing and machine shops ever since. In 1849 he came to McHenry County , Illinois , and the following spring removed to Putnam County , same State, where he worked at blacksmithing until 1855. He then came to Muscatine , this State, thence to Washington , in 1856, where he operated a job shop and manufactured farm implements until 1864, when he went to Des Moines and remained one year. In 1865 he came to Greene County , settling near Rippey, and in the fall of 1880 came to Grand Junction and built his present shop. He has since added the plow department, uses steam power and the Monarch engine (eight-horse power). He manufactures cultivators, does all kinds of repairing, and is well fixed in business. He was married in August, 1854, to Miss Samantha Gilliland, a daughter of Willis Gilliland, now deceased, and they have had eight children, five of whom are living -- Frank, Elmer, Emma, Lillie and Fred. Mr. Childs served as mayor of Grand Junction one term. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for the past thirty years; has been a Royal Arch Mason nearly that length of time. He has been successful in business, and is considered one of the solid men of Grand Junction . ZALA A. CHURCH,
the present attorney of Greene County, has been a member of the bar of this
county since May 14, 1878. In his earliest practice at Jefferson he formed
a partnership with Harvey Potter, Esq., which continued about eighteen months.
He was then associated with A.M. Head, the firm name being Head & Church.
This partnership lasted until July, 1881, since which time Mr. Church has been
alone in practice. He served as justice of the peace from 1880 until 1885,
and in 1884 was elected Mayor of Jefferson. After serving one year he was
elected county attorney. Mr. Church was born in the town of Dayton, Green
County, Wisconsin, May 28, 1852. He received his literary education at
Evansville, Wisconsin, and in the collegiate department of the Wisconsin State
University, and graduated in the law department of the Wisconsin State
University at Madison, June 20, 1876. After graduation he was engaged for
two years in teaching. He was married at Jefferson, May 4, 1881, to Miss
May McCully, daughter of D.B. McCully, deceased. They have one child, a
daughter -- Iza L. Politically Mr. Church is a Republican. He is a
member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, being a member both of the subordinate
lodge and the encampment. Also of the Masonic fraternity, being a member
of Blue Lodge, chapter and commandery, and is high priest of the chapter at
present writing. JOSEPH CHURDAN,
SR., is one of the oldest and most prominent pioneers of Highland
Township, coming here when there were only two log buildings in the
township, the date of his arrival being May 24, 1868. He is an
Englishman by birth, born in Cumberland County, April 25, 1824.
His parents, John and Ann Churdan, were both born in England, and lived
in their native country till their death, the mother dying eighteen
years ago. Joseph Churdan, the subject of this sketch, was reared
to the avocation of a farmer, remaining in his native country till twenty-six
years of age. He left England March 20, 1850, landing at New York
May 20, and first located in Saratoga, New York, where he was engaged
as overseer of a railroad tunnel being erected at the head of Lake Champlain,
and also of the laying of the Troy & Plattsburg Railroad, the work
being completed in eighteen months. He then went to Canada, but
in February, 1852, returned to the United States, settling in Indiana,
when he again entered the railroad employ. He started for Iowa
in November, 1852, his route being from Madison, Indiana down the Ohio
River to Cairo, Illinois, thence up the Mississippi River to Muscatine,
Iowa. No railroad being in the State at that time, he proceeded
by teams to Cedar Rapids. He settled in Linn County, and for sixteen
years followed farming in that county. In the spring of 1868 he
sold his farm in Linn County, and bought eighty acres of his present
farm in Highland Township, Greene County, and to his original purchase
he has added from time to time till he now has 170 acres of fine land,
well stocked. Mr. Churdan was united in marriage February 13,
1851, to Miss Eliza Kennedy, who was born in England, her parents living
in their native country (England) till their death. Of the seven
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Churdan, six are living -- Joseph, Jr.,
born December 26, 1852; Ann Fouts, living in Cedar Township, Greene
County, was born in Canada, November 6, 185l; John, born April 25, 1857;
Jennie Eliza Wilson, born March 16, 1854; Rosa Ellen Robinson, born
January 16, 1866, and Alfred Addison, born July ll, 1870. Robert
Amos died June 16, 1856. Mr. Churdan takes an active interest
in the growth and advancement of the village which was named Churdan
in honor of him. He has held the office of school treasurer for
several years, serving with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction
of his constituents. In politics he has affiliated with the Republican
party since its organization. Both Mr. and Mrs. Churdan are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having united with that religious
denomination in 1860. EDMOND C. CLARK,
attorney at law, Grand Junction, is a native of Broome County, New York, born at
Binghamton June 17, 1841, a son of Jesse Clark, deceased, who was born in
Schenectady, New York. The father being a contractor and builder, our
subject early in life learned the use of tools. He received good
educational advantages, attending the schools of New York City and the Methodist
Episcopal Seminary at Binghamton. He began life for himself as a farm
laborer, and was thus engaged two years, and for one summer drove horses on the
canal. During the early part of the late war he enlisted as a private in
Company E, Thirty-second New York Infantry, in which he served two years, taking
part in the engagements at West Point, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill,
Fredericksburg, first and second battles of Bull Run, and others of minor
importance. He was discharged with the rank of First Sergeant in June,
1863. In December, 1863, he re-enlisted in Company H, Sixth New York
Cavalry. He was detached by special order of the War Department, and
placed in command of Company B, Second Battalion, at the New York State
rendezvous, doing garrison duty at Albany and Hart Island, New York harbor, for
six months. He then returned to his regiment, and was again detached on
scouting duty in Maryland, continuing in that capacity until the campaign of
1865, when he rejoined his regiment. He remained in the service until
four months after the close of the war, during which time he was chief clerk in
Petersburg Post Hospital. He received an honorable discharge in September,
1865. He was married January 2, 1864, to Mary J., daughter of William Bown,
of Connecticut. They 1ave one child -- Gail B. After returning from
the war Mr. Clark followed farming until 1870, after which he was a member of
the police force of New York City for one year. Was variously employed for
two years, during which time he also perfected a law course which he had begun
some time before. In the winter of 1872-'73 he entered the employ of
Borden's Condensed Milk Company, of New York, and was sent to Texas, where he
was engaged in condensing beef for that company till the spring of 1873.
In 1880 he came to Jefferson, Greene County, where he was admitted to the bar,
and for four years practiced law at that place. In the spring of 1884 he
came to Grand Junction, where he has since done a general law practice, and has
become recognized as a leading lawyer of Greene County . Mr. Clark is a
writer of some merit, and has contributed many poems to the New York Ledger and
other papers, and now has a large volume of poetry in manuscript which has never
yet been published, among which is the famous "Address to the Flag,"
an acrostic, displaying great poetical genius. CHARLES L.
CLEVELAND, one of the leading agriculturists of Jackson Township,
resides on section 18, his homestead containing 200 acres of choice prairie
land, all well improved, and his residence and other buildings are all
noticeably good. He also owns forty acres of timber land on section 32,
Bristol Township. Mr. Cleveland was born in Chautauqua County, New York,
February 23, 1842, the only child of Nathan and Emeline (Raveline) Cleveland,
his father a native of New York, and his mother of Vermont. His father
died in 1844, and in 1845 his mother moved to Kane County, Illinois, and was
there married in 1847 to Eben Foss. She lived in Kane County until her
death, which occurred in November, 1885, aged sixty-seven years. Charles
L. Cleveland was reared on a farm in Kane County, living there until after the
breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. In August, 1862, he enlisted in
Company B, one Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and was with his
regiment at the engagements at Fort Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills,
Black River and the siege of Vicksburg, and at the storming of Fort Hill (at
Vicksburg) after it was blown up. Through this campaign he was under the
gallant John A Logan. After the latter campaign they were sent to the Gulf
Department, and under the gallant General A.J. Smith did meritorious service in
the relief of General Banks on his retreat from the disastrous Red River
expedition. Later, under General Smith, the regiment participated in the
assault on Spanish Fort, at Mobile, which was their last campaign. Mr.
Cleveland was discharged June 10, 1865, and returned to Kane County, Illinois,
and lived in Kane and De Kalb Counties until 1872, when he came to Iowa and
located in Greene County. As an agriculturist Mr. Cleveland is excelled by
none in the county. Understanding fully the needs of the times, his
methods are those adapted to the progressive age. He commenced in Greene
County on a small capital, although he had enough to pay for the tract of
prairie which is now his fine farm. He has prospered beyond his
expectations. He early turned his attention to stock-raising, and has
found in this industry the road to independence. Mr. Cleveland was married
in Kane County, Illinois, January 2, 1866, to Miss Wealthy A. Allen, a native of
Ohio, born October 25, 1841, a daughter of Levi Allen. They have two sons
-- Fred and Frank, aged respectively seventeen and thirteen years. Three
children, Alta, Nellie and Arthur, died in childhood. In politics Mr.
Cleveland is identified with the Democratic party. He is a member of N.H.
Powers Post, No. 111, G.A.R., and of Blackberry Lodge, No. 359, A.F. & A.M. WILLIAM CLIPPERTON, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 6, Highland Township , is a native of England , born September 15, 1819 . His parents, Austin and Annie Clipperton, were also natives of England . They were the parents of three sons and six daughters, our subject being the eldest child. They immigrated to America in an early day, settling in Canada . The father being a farmer, William was reared to the same occupation, which he has made his life work. He was reared in his native country till his seventeenth year when he sailed with his parents from Yarmouth harbor, landing at Quebec in August, 1836. He remained with his parents until reaching the age of twenty-four years, they having located near New London , Canada . He then bought 100 acres of timber land which he cleared and farmed for a time. He came to Greene County , Iowa , in March, 1870, and bought 200 acres of prairie land, for which he paid $3,400 in gold. For his wife he married Miss Jane Taylor, who was born in Ireland in September, 1830, her parents, John and Mary Taylor, also being natives of Ireland . The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clipperton -- Eliza A., Margaret J. (deceased), John, Neoma, Hannah, William, Margaret J., Mary, Thomas, Frank and Henry. Mr. Clipperton is a thorough, practical farmer, and since coming to Greene County has added to his original purchase till his farm now contains 640 acres of good land as the county affords. He has a fine orchard containing 400 trees, and his improvements are among the best in the township where he resides. In politics Mr. Clipperton casts his suffrage with the Republican party. ISAAC CLOPTON, a highly esteemed pioneer of Greene County, settled in Jackson Township in the spring of 1851. He has witnessed the growth and development of the county from its earliest infancy, being one of the twelve or fourteen families who first settled in the county. Few men have done more to advance the interests of the county than has Mr. Clopton, and few have made more friends. He was born in Cass County, Illinois, May 15, 1829. His parents were David and Lavinia Clopton, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Tennessee. They were married in Kentucky, and were among the first settlers of Cass County, Illinois. In 1841 the family removed to Harrison County, Missouri, where, November 29, 1850, Mr. Clopton was married to Miss Nancy Ann Salmon, daughter of William and Mary Salmon, who was born in Hardin County, Ohio, March 22, 1829, and lived there until eighteen years of age, then, with her parents, went to Harrison County. Later, her parents removed to Davis County, Missouri, where they remained until their decease. Mr. Clopton's parents had ten children, two of whom died young -- John, who resides in Jackson Township, where he settled in October, 1853; Robert, who settled in Madison County, this State, in an early day, entered the Union service during the late war and died at Cairo, Illinois, while in the army; Isaac, our subject; William, who came to this county when young and now lives in Greenbrier Township; David, who settled in Kansas; Mrs. Cynthia Duncan, who remained in Illinois; Mrs. Martha Hardin, of Davis County, Missouri, and Mrs. Lucy Ellis, who died in Dallas County. The parents came to Greene County about the same time their son Isaac came, and made their home on section l0, Jackson Township, about four years, then returned to Missouri and settled in Gentry County, where the father died soon after the war. The mother survived several years, and died at the residence of her son John, in Jackson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Clopton commenced their life in Greene County with no capital except strong and loving hands and a determination to deserve success by honest industry and frugality. The first few years were a constant struggle for the most common necessities of life. But the reward came, and they are now possessed of ample means to support them in their declining years; and in the affections of their children, and in the respect and confidence of a wide circle of friends they are rich indeed. Mr. Clopton owns 400 acres of excellent land, with two good dwelling houses. His residence is on section 13. His land is well adapted to stock-raising and he devotes his attention to that industry. He has meadow, upland and timber, well watered by the North Coon River, making it one of the best farms in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Clopton have had twelve children, who lived to be men and women, except one. Clara died at nine months, and all but two are now living. Their names are -- Robert and David A., now residents of Nebraska; William, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Mrs. Mary J. Millet, of Nebraska; Mrs. Cynthia A. Vader, of Scranton City; Mrs. Martha E. Lyon, of Jackson Township; Mrs. Sabra Tyrall and Mrs. Minnie Stevens, also of Jackson Township; Isaac, Marshall and Edmond D., are at home. Joseph Cochran,
resides on section 4, Kendrick Township, P.O., Scranton. He was
born in Ross County, Ohio, October 20, 1823, son of Hugh and Jane (Myers)
Cochran, who were the parents of nine children, our subject being the
sixth child. He resided in his native county until 1863, where
he was reared a farmer, and received his education in the common schools,
which were held in log school-houses. March 5, 1846, he was united
in marriage with Miss Margaret Camelin, who was also a native of Ross
County, Ohio. In 1863 Mr. Cochran, with his family, came to Greene
County and settled upon his present farm, which was then in its primitive
state. He built a log house, 16x18 feet, which answered for kitchen,
sleeping-room and parlor, and all visitors to this hospitable mansion
were sure of a warm reception. Mr. Cochran owns 156 acres of excellent
land, has a good house, and his farm buildings are commodious and comfortable.
Politically he is a Democrat, and is a worthy and consistent member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have had
seven children, four of whom are living -- Elizabeth Jane Stephenson,
who resides in Cedar Township; Hugh Allen, who resides in Churdan engaged
in the hardware business; Lafayette, a farmer residing in Cedar Township;
Charles, born January 25, 1864, lives at home and assists in the management
and care of the farm. Rhoda Ann Powers died in May, 1877, and
two died in infancy. DAVID CONANT,
farmer, resides on section 16, Bristol Township, where he owns 160 acres
of land. He settled upon his farm in 1869, coming from Dane County,
Wisconsin. In September, 1861, he enlisted as a soldier in Company
G, First Wisconsin Cavalry, under Colonel Daniels. Although his
regiment did very hard work in guarding property, keeping open lines
of communication, fighting guerrillas and bushwhackers, and passed through
many dangers, it never had the fortune to be engaged in any historic
battle. Mr. Conant suffered much while in the service and contracted
a disability from which he has never recovered. He was honorably
discharged at Calhoun, Georgia. Returning to Dane County, Wisconsin,
he wedded Miss Alice M. Wilson, daughter of William and Almira Wilson,
now residents of Jefferson, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Conant have
seven children -- Charles A., Almira L., Samuel E., Matthew A., Sarah
May, Olive Myrtle and Kate B. Mr. Conant was born in Lamoille
County, Vermont, April 6, 1839, son of James A. and Louisa (Carter)
Conant. The mother died in Vermont in 1845, and the father died
in the State of New York since the war. After his mother's death,
our subject was taken into the family of George W. Swaim, who reared
him. Mr. Swaim now lives in Dakota. JOSEPH COOMBS, one of Greene County 's worthy pioneers, came to this county with his family in April, 1855, making his first home on section 34, Bristol Township . He made the trip from Champaign County , Illinois , in a covered wagon, camping by the wayside every night for five nights. They lived a camp life until August after reaching the county, then occupied a log house erected on Mr. Coombs' land in October, 1856. Mr. Coombs settled in his present home on section 32, same township. The lumber with which he built his first small house he hauled across the prairie forty miles. His farm contains 326 acres, part upland meadow and part timber. It is watered by the North Coon River , making it one of the best stock farms in the county. he has erected large, substantial farm buildings of all kinds. A remarkable discovery of human remains, supposed to be those of Indians, occurred in excavating for the cellar of his residence. Nine skeletons, or parts of skeletons, were unearthed, and all were of unusually large proportions. Scientists believed the remains to belong to a race of giants about nine feet in height. Mr. Coombs was born in Clark County , Indiana , March 20, 1820 , son of Joseph and Rachel Coombs, the former a native of Pennsylvania , and the latter of Kentucky . They were married in Kentucky , and removed to Indiana in the pioneer days with their family of ten children. Two were born in Indiana . The parents died in Indiana many years ago. Our subject was reared a farmer, and has made that occupation his life-work. For his first wife he married Delilah Wright, and to this union four children were born -- Mrs. Emily J. Gray, of this county; William M., of Cherokee County ; Mrs. Netty Tyler, of Mills County , this State; Mrs. Martha Flicks, who died in this county. Mrs. Coombs died in September, 1847, and after her death Mr. Coombs returned to Indiana and lived in Putnam County until he came to Greene County . In 1849 he was married to Miss Amanda Wright, daughter of Isham Wright, and a cousin of his first wife. She was born in that county January 16, 1827. To this union nine children were born -- Delilah died at the age of seven years; David H. resides in Jackson Township; Mrs. Malinda Allstott, of Bristol Township; Joseph A. died young; Sarah Francis, Oliver H., Willis S. are also decesed; Clinton W. and George E. are at home. Mr. Coombs was formerly a Democrat, but is now identified with the Greenback party. FREEDOM P. COOPER,
proprietor of the livery and feed stable at Rippey, Greene County, was
born in Niagara, Canada, the date of his birth being June 14, 1847,
his father, Freedom Cooper, being now a resident of Ogden, Iowa.
In 1853 our subject was brought by his parents to Clarke County, Missouri,
and in September, 1859, to Boone County, Iowa, where the father has
since made his home. Freedom P. Cooper was reared to the avocation
which he has followed the greater part of his life, and in his youth
he attended the schools of his neighborhood, where he obtained a fair
common school education. He was united in marriage January 8,
1875, to Miss Margaret Ramsey, a daughter of John Ramsey, of Boone County,
Iowa. Four children have been born to this union of whom only
two are living -- Charles and Martha. Mr. Cooper followed farming
until 1884. In March, 1886, he came to Rippey, when he opened his present
stable, and by his gentlemanly and accommodating manners, and strict
attention to the wants of his customers he has succeeded in building
up a good business which is steadily increasing. JOHN COPELAND, coal merchant and gardener, Grand Junction, was born in Upper Canada on the Rider River, thirty miles north of Ogdensburg, July 6, 1832, son of James Copeland, a native of Ireland, who came to Canada when a young man and is now deceased. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native place. In 1851 he came to Oswego County , New York , where he lived until 1864, chopping wood, logging and working as boatman on the Erie Canal nine years. In 1864 he came to Tama County , this State, where he worked in a saw-mill seventeen years then came to Greene County , settling in Washington Township . Here he was engaged in farming until 1880, then removed to Grand Junction , where he has since resided. He purchased six acres of land and built a house. April 8, 1858 , he was married to Myrtilla Bridgeford, daughter of Joshua Bridgeford, now deceased. They have had four children, three living -- John E., Emory C. and Anna M. Guy, the youngest, died at the age of six years. Mr. Copeland is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and though not a church member, he is a regular attendant at church. SYDNEY
J. COUNCILMAN, one of the prominent farmers of Grant Township,
resides on section 34, his farm of 320 acres lying on sections 34 and
33. He paid $11 per acre for this farm, which was wholly unimproved,
but is now in a good state of cultivation. He was born in Broome
County, New York, July 18, 1838. His father, Frederick Councilman,
removed from the State of New York to Cook County, Illinois, thence
to Clinton County, Iowa, in 1853, where he died in 1884. Sydney
J. lived near De Witt, Clinton County, until he came to Greene County
in 1878. He married Miss Angeline Winchell, of Cascade, Dubuque
County, and they have six children, one son and five daughters.
Mr. Councilman has one of the most desirable farms in the township.
He has given much attention to fruit-raising, and has a fine orchard
which he set out in 1879, of the 300 trees which he set out at that
time only twenty have died. The orchard now contains about 600
trees. He raises apples and very fine small fruits, including
strawberries of an excellent quality. He has a taste for horticulture,
and has given considerable attention to that subject. In early
life he received a good education, and taught eight terms of winter
school in Clinton County. JAMES CRABB, farmer, section 31, Washington Township, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, May 12, 1823, son of JOHN CRABB, deceased. He was reared a farmer and educated in the log cabin subscription schools, in Vermillion, Illinois, where his parents removed when he was a child. The school-house had puncheon floors and scats, clapboard roof, a huge fire-place, and a hole cut in the logs for windows. Mr. Crabb came to Des Moines in the fall of 1854, and to this county in March of the following year, locating on his present farm which abounded in wild animals. His trading and milling were done at Des Moines, and he paid one dollar a bushel for corn. He owns 237 1/2 acres of land, all richly earned by his hard labor. He was married in November, 1841, to Phebe Adkins, daughter of Lewis Adkins, deceased, an early settler of Dallas County. Seven of their twelve children are living -- James A., William H., Jemima, Ellen, Grant, Jeannette and Phillip. Mr. and Mrs. Crabb are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Crabb is a Republican in politics. LEWIS B. CRANDALL, residing on section 9, Washington Township, was born in the town of Horseheads, Chemung County, State of New York, August 3l, 1835. His father, Archibald Crandall, was born near Seneca Lake, New York, and his mother, Betsey A. (Strait) Crandall, was born in the town of Horseheads. He was brought up on a farm, and obtained his education in the common schools of his native county. He came to this county in the fall of 1867, settling upon his present farm, which was then entirely unfenced. A shanty had been built, and there was also a small stable on the place. Mr. Crandall has planted trees, groves and hedges, and has the farm well improved. He owns l99 acres, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was married in the State of New York, March 18, 1861, to Alena A. Boyer, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Griffith) Boyer, both of whom are deceased. They have had ten children, five of whom are living -- James K., Lewis B., Mabel L., Nettie E. and George W. Mr. Crandall held the office of township trustee one term, but he never seeks official honors. WILLIAM M. CROW, druggist, Grand Junction, was born in Warren County, Indiana, February 20, 1844. His father, John Crow, is a native of Dansville, Kentucky, and now resides in Polk County, this State. William M. was reared a farmer, and was educated in the high school at Des Moines, and also at Worthington and Warner's Commercial College of the same city. He came with his parents to Des Moines in 1850. In many respects he is a self-made man, having taught school sixteen years. He taught in Polk, Jasper, Dallas and Greene Counties; he also taught in Kansas. His mother was formerly Medina Mace, a sister of Hon. Daniel Mace, who represented the La Fayette, Indiana, district from 1852 to 1856, and it was he who presented the name of Andrew Johnson for Vice-President of the United States. He was a celebrated lawyer, and was the attorney of the famous criminal, Bowles. Afterward, while talking with President Johnson, he was stricken with paralysis, from which he never recovered. Mr. Crow came to Grand Junction in 1878, and engaged in his present business. He carries a capital stock of $2,500, consisting of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, books, stationery, school books, notions, and everything usually kept in a first-class drug store. He does an annual business of $8,000. He was married September l, 1874, to Mary E. Jenks, daughter of William C. Jenks, deceased, and they have three children -- R. Ernest, Arthur M. and Hazel. The latter was named for the heroine of the beautiful drama, Hazel Kirk. Mr. Crow is serving as president of the school board. Mrs. Crow is a member of the Presbyterian Church. WILLIAM G. CROWDER, farmer, section 4, Paton Township, was born in Canada, forty miles above Cornwall, November 18, 1841. His father, Paul Crowder, now a resident of Winnebago County, Illinois, is also a native of Canada, and removed to Illinois in 1852. He came to this county in June, 1876, settling on his present farm the following fall. At the time of his settlement here there were but two or three houses in sight, but twenty-eight were built that season. He has operated or helped to operate a threshing machine every season since he was eighteen years old. He was married January 10, 1860, to Miss Eliza C. Otto, daughter of Peter Otto, now deceased. She is also a native of Canada. Seven of their eight children are living -- Frank W., George W., Sherman A. and Sheridan H. (twins), Louisa A., Fannie M. and Ralph D. Ross F. died in his third year. Mr. Crowder owns 120 acres of land, and devotes his time to farming and stock-raising, giving considerable attention to graded stock. He has held a few local offices, is a member of the Odd Fellows order, the Good Templars, and belongs to the Methodist Church. His son Sheridan is a prominent teacher in this county. Fannie is also a teacher. In April, 1882, a cyclone tore his house to pieces, destroying nearly all its contents. There were five persons in the house at the time, but no one was seriously injured. Sheridan was the only one that could extricate himself, and he assisted the others. The loss was about $600. JOHN M. CULLEY,
one of the pioneers of Greene County, came to Jefferson January 26,
1856, when that city had but two log houses and one frame house.
In one of the log houses George S. Walton kept a hotel and store.
Dr. Lewis lived in the other log house, and Robert M. Rippey lived in
the frame house; he was a lawyer and land agent. Neither of them
now live in the county. Mr. Culley, Robert Rippey and Dr. W.S.
McBride erected a steam saw-mill at Jefferson in 1856, which was operated
by Mr. Culley about three years. He then followed farming one
year, and in 1860, was appointed clerk of the court, which at that time
included the duties now performed by the auditor. He served two
years, and then became a contractor for furnishing railroad ties in
Boone County, for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. In
1866 he engaged in the hardware and farm implement trade, which he continued
until 1877, since which time he has been interested in milling and farming.
He was engaged in milling at Grand Junction four years, and now resides
on section 10, Jackson Township, where he settled in May, 1884.
Mr. Culley has witnessed the changes in the county, from its earliest
history, when his postoffice was at Des Moines, where his milling was
also done. His son Charles, now a business man at Jefferson, was
the first white male child born in Jefferson. Mr. Culley was born
at Milan, Huron County, Ohio, October 20, 1830, a son of M.D. Culley.
When he was ten years of age his parents removed to Ashtabula County,
where he grew to manhood. When a young man he learned the tinner's
and coppersmith's trades which he followed until he came to Iowa.
At Lancaster, New York, he married Miss Sarah Ann Hamilton, in June,
1852. Mrs. Culley died at Jefferson December 11, 1862, aged twenty-nine
years. She left two children -- Charley and Will D., who are now
the firm of Culley Brothers, engaged in a restaurant and bakery at Jefferson.
For a second wife Mr. Culley married April 1, 1864, Miss Hattie E. Beers,
daughter of Jesse Beers, of Delaware County, New York, and to this union
were born four children, all of whom died young. Mr. and Mrs.
Culley are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Culley is one of
the charter members of Morning Star Lodge, No. 159, A.F. & A.M.,
at Jefferson, and is the only one of the charter members now living
in Greene County. He has held the office of senior and junior
warden, and has held many offices of trust in the township. Politically,
he is a Republican. PROF. JOHN F. CURRAN, principal of the Angus schools is a native of Dublin , Ireland , born September 9, 1841 , a son of Timothy Curran, who was born in Kings County , Ireland . His father immigrated to the United States in 1850, and died in New Orleans of yellow fever in 1853. The subject of this sketch was educated in his native country, and graduated from the Dublin model schools. August 2, 1860 , he was appointed tutor of a special class, which position he held from September, 1860, until March, 1862, when he came to America , and for almost three years was employed as shipping clerk for the wholesale boot and shoe house of Simpson & Co. August 2, 1867 , he was married to Miss Jennie Cook, who was born in Cookstown, now Fayette City , Pennsylvania , near the birthplace of James G. Blaine, she being a daughter of George B. Cook and a great-granddaughter of Colonel Cook, the founder of Cookstown , Pennsylvania . Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Curran, whose names are Walter W. and J. Tyndall. Professor Curran came to Iowa in the fall of 1869 and accepted the principalship of the schools at Moingona remaining there until March, 1878. He then took charge of the Van Meter schools until 1880, and in September of the same year he became principal of the schools at Dallas Centre, which position he filled until 1883, when he came to Angus, where he has since had charge of the schools, teaching the first school in the independent district of Angus. Professor Curran is a popular instructor and successful disciplinarian, and keeps abreast with the educational interests of the day, using the best and most approved methods in his school, and wherever he has been called to teach has filled his position with entire satisfaction. He is a noted etymologist, of which subject he makes a specialty in the high school. The professor is also well known in conducting normal institutes. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic orders, and holds the office of secretary in the Masonic lodge. |