Ellis Township

Sylvester Axtell was born May 5, 1824, in Mercer county, Pa.  When sixteen years of age his father moved, with his family, to Warren county, Ill., where his father died.  He went with his mother to Knox county, where his mother died.  He received a common school education.  In 1852 he came to Muscatine county, Iowa, locating on section 27, where he still lives.  Since coming to the town he has held the office of Trustee, Road Supervisor and School Director.  He was married October 15, 1850, to Miss C. C. Finch, who was born in Troy, N. Y.  When eleven years of age her parents came with a colony that founded Knox College, at Galesburg, Ill., where she remained until she was married.  Phoeba Caroline, Cora Ermina, Mary Elizabeth, Willie Sylvester, Orin Lincoln, and Hattie Clarinda, are their children

Joseph Barber was born April 2, 1819, in Essex county, N. Y.   His parents moved to Otsego county when he was seven years of age, where he grew to manhood, receiving a common school education.  In 1865 he went to DuPage county, Ill., remaining until 1868, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 10, where he still lives.  Since coming to the town he has held the office of Road Supervisor.  He was married June 25, 1843, to Hannah Pettingil, born in Otsego county, N. Y., where she was married [sic, born?].  They are the parents of seven children, four of whom are living: Mary Elizabeth, Homer Eugene, Anna Manning, and Joseph.

A. B. Baxter was born August 8, 1843 , in Lamoille county, Vt. At the age of nine years he went with his parents to Green county, Wis. , where he received a common school education. On August 7, 1864 , he enlisted in Company H, 38 th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, serving until June, 1865, when he was discharged by reason of close of the war. He took part in the battle of Hatch's Run, also Pittsburg , besides other skirmishes. After receiving his discharge, he returned to Wisconsin , remaining until June, 1869, when he came to the town of Ellis , Hardin county, Iowa , locating on section 16, where he still lives. He was married April 28, 1866 , to Mandana Adams, born in Green county, Wis. He received a good, liberal common school education, and also attended a graded school at Monticello , Green county, Wis. He commenced teaching school when fourteen years of age, which profession he followed until seventeen years of age. Eva C., Henry and Mamie are their children.

F. E. Bunce, a farmer, was born May 10, 1844 , in Litchfield , Conn. When 12 years of age, his parents moved to Winnesheik county, Iowa . He remained here until Aug., 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, 9 th Iowa Infantry Volunteers. He was with his company in the battles of Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Bayou Metre and Little Rock , Ark. , besides other skirmishes; and in the latter part of his service, he was on detached service at division headquarters, in the Quartermaster's Department. He received his discharge, he returned to Winnesheik county, and in the fall of the same year he came to the town of Ellis , Hardin county, Iowa, where he still lives. He was married in 1868, to Louisa Kent, born in Chicago. When fourteen years of age, her parents moved to Stephenson county, Ill. , remaining here until 1866, when they came to the town of Ellis , Hardin county, where she was married. Mr. Bunce's wife died March 12, 1881 , leaving him four children – Alice, Lucy, Mary and Jimmy.

Lyman Bunce was born in 1811, in Litchfield , Conn. , where he grew to manhood and received a common school education. He worked in the iron works nine seasons at Canaan , also in the charcoal business and farming. In 1856 he came to Winnesheik county, Iowa, where he remained until 1865, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, and settled on section 34, where he still lives. He was married in 1833 to Miss Lucy M. Boardman, born in Litchfield county, Conn. In 1843 his wife died, leaving him two children – Helen and Charles. Charles died when twenty-one years of age. In 1853 Mr. Bunce married Miss Lucy Kent, born in Canaan , Litchfield county, Conn. They have had four children, two of whom are living – Frank E., William, Harriet and Alice. William enlisted and went South, and died at Memphis , Tenn. , in 1864, and Alice died when six years of age.

W. A. Caraway was born September 26, 1840 , in Adams county, Ohio . When fifteen years of age, he came with his parents to Cedar county, Iowa . After remaining here about six months, he went in the fall to Linn county, remaining through the winter. In the spring of 1856, he came to the town of Sherman , Hardin county, locating on section 1, where his father built a small log house, being the first house in the town. He remained here until 1860, when he came to the town of Ellis , locating on section 28, where he still lives. On the outbreak of the rebellion, he took up arms in defense of his country, enlisting in Company C, 6 th Iowa Cavalry, serving until November, 1866. He was with General Sully through the Sioux campaign in Northern Dakota. The last year of his service was in the Quartermaster's department six months, when he was transferred to the Commissary department, which position he held until his discharge. In the fall of 1880, he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, which office he still holds. He received a common school education. He was married April 18, 1871 , to Julia A. Mires, born in Hardin county, Iowa, where she received a common school education, and where she was married. They are the parents of five children, four of whom are living – Mabel, Gorden, Harry and Katie.

Rev. A. Carpenter was born January 3, 1824, in Windsor county, Vt., where he received an academic education, at Westford.  In 1846 he went to Stevenson county, Ill.  He experienced religion in 184, and joined the Baptist Church, at that time known as the Yellow River Church; the name has been changed to Lena Church.  In 1852 he was ordained minister of the Gospel, in the Lena Church, which calling he still follows, and is at the present time pastor of the Baptist Church, at Eldora.  In 1866 he bought a farm on section 24, Ellis township, where he went with his family to live.   After remaining here about nine months, he was called to take charge of the Xenia Church, remaining three years.  Eighteen months of this time he preached one-half the time in Grund Center, Grundy county.  After finishing his labors in the Xenia Church, he was called to Grundy Center.  He organized the church at that place, and the church building was built under his labors.  After remaining here seven years, he returned to his farm in Ellis township, where he now lives.  He was married in September, 1850, to Rebecca Shrader, who was born in Union county, Pa.  In 1847 she came to Carroll county, Ill., where she was married.  They are the parents of eight children, three living -- Lowell, Edson E. and Mary E.

Walter Carpenter was born September 6, 1840 , in Alegheney [sic] county, N. Y. He came with his parents to Jefferson county, Wis. , in 1847. He remained here until August 27, 1862 , when he enlisted in Company L, 1 st Wisconsin Cavalry. He remained in the service until July 22, 1865 , when he was discharged by special order from the Department of War. He took part in the battle of Cape Girardeau , in Missouri . He went from there to Tennessee , and took part in the battles of Chattanooga and Chicamauga, and from there he went to Knoxville , Tenn. , and was with Sherman until after the taking of Atlanta , Ga. He was also at the taking of Selma , Ala. , in 1865. On April 14, 1865 , he was in an engagement near Montgomery , where he received a wound in the head, from the effects of which he now draws a pension. After receiving his discharge he returned to Wisconsin , remaining until the spring of 1866, when he came to the town of Ellis , Hardin county, Iowa , arriving here June 11 th , and bought the farm where he now lives. Since coming to this town he has held the office of Trustee, Clerk and Assessor. He is Trustee at the present time. He was married September 14, 1867 , to Sarah E. Bump, born in New York State . She came to Wisconsin in 1850, thence to the town of Ellis , Hardin county, in 1863, where she was married. She is the mother of six children, four of whom are living: Orval S., Walter E., Lavern B. and Irvin D.

William Caverhill was born July 28, 1838, in New Brunswick.  When eight years of age, he came with his parents to Oxford county, Canada, where he grew to manhood, and received a common school education.  He remained here until 1861, when he went to Adams county, Wis., remaining there until 1868, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa.  He now lives on section 29.  Mr. Caverhill was married, July 13, 1868, to Mary Tenney, who was born in England.  When four years of age, she came with her parents to New York State.  After remaining there a short time, she went to Beaver Dam, Dodge county, Wis., where she remained until 1867, when she went to Adams county, where she was married.  Their children are:  Hattie May, Nellie Mabel, and Mary Myrtle.

J. R. Chatfield was born November 17, 1844, in Lisle, DuPage county, Ill.  He attended the Naperville Graded Schools, at Naperville, DuPage county, Ill., one term.  In the fall of 1867, went to Mineral Point, Wis.; taught school that winter, returning to his home in Illinois in the spring.  In the winter of 1868, he taught school at Lisle.  In September, 1869, he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 4, where he now lives.  He has held the office of Clerk of his town and Director of his School District.  He was married August 5, 1869, to Euphemia Howell, who was born in the town of Franklin, Luzerne county, Pa.  She attended the Naperville Graded Schools two years.  She was married at Kingston, Luzerne county, where her parents then lived.  Guy Alonzo and Levi Howell, are their children.

K. C. Curtis was born March 25, 1856, in Olive township, Clinton county, Iowa.  He attended the common schools, and also in 1872, he attended Wilton Collegiate Institute, at Wilton, Muscatine county, in fifteen months.  After leaving school he turned his attention to farming, which business he still follows.  In 1876 he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, locating on section 22 where he now lives.  At the present time he is Assessor, which office he has held three years.  He was married June 5, 1877, to Miss M. J. Curtis, born in Erie county, N. Y., when fourteen years of age she came with her parents to Clinton county, Iowa, where she was married.  She received a common school education.  They have one child, named Ada Viola.

L. T. Eaton was born in 1818, in Ashtabula county, Ohio.  When fifteen years of age, he went to Geauga county; remained there until 1841, when he went to Iowa county, Wis.; remained there until 1863, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, and now lives on section 22.  At the age of eighteen, Mr. E. experienced religion and joined the M. E. Church, of which he is still a member.  After being a member forty-six years, he finds religion to be no fable.  He has held the office of steward and class-leader of the church a great share of the time since he became a Christian, and has held the office of Trustee of this town.  He was married in the spring of 1841, to Samantha Sweat, who was born in Vermont.  When a child her parents went to Geauga county, Ohio, where she was married.  They are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living -- Almira, Alonzo, Caroline, James Milton, Adelade and Euphemia.

Daniel Eiler

Mr. Eiler's sketch should appear among the members of the bar, but was misplaced, and is therefore given in this connection:

Daniel Eiler is a son of Philip and Fredreka Eiler, and was born in Waukesha, Wis., on the 21st day of January, 1857.  In 1868 the family came to Iowa, and settled at Cedar Falls.  Here the subject of this sketch entered the public schools, and subsequently the State Normal School, where he graduated in 1879.  After leaving school, Mr. Eiler pursued the study of law with J. J. Tolerton as Preceptor; in January, 1882, was admitted to the bar, at Waterloo, and has since been located at Ackley, engaged in a general law and collection business.

C. E. Gilbert was born April 9, 1853, in the town of Guilford, Winnebago county, Ill., where he grew to manhood and received a common school education, and attended a graded school one term, remained there until March 14, 1878, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 4, where he still lives.  He was married January 12, 1876, to Ella Teeple, born April 19, 1857, in Belvidere, Boone county, Ill.  She attended Professor Lounsburg's Academic Classical Institute, at Rockford, Ill.  After finishing her studies, she taught school both in Winnebago and Boone counties, which profession she followed until she was married.  At the present time she is Librarian of Ellis Library.

James Hartinger was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, July 12, 1844.  When fifteen years of age, he came with this parents to Union township, Hardin county, Iowa.  August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, 32d Iowa Infantry, and was with his company on an expedition up the Red river, in Louisiana, under General A. J. Smith; was also at Tupelo, Miss., and Montgomery, Ala.  He was discharged August 22, 1865, when he returned to Union township; and in 1867, he came to Ellis township, buying the farm where he now lives.  Mr. H. has held the office of Constable nine years, Road Supervisor two years and School Director and Treasurer two years.  He was married in November, 1866, to Mary Ann Shephard, who was born in Illinois, and came to the town of Ellis, where she was married.  Charles Luther and Clarence R. are their children.

John Hutchinson, farmer, was born in 1832, in Ireland.  He came to New York State with his father, when fourteen years of age, and received common school education.  He remained in New York until 1848, when he removed to Illinois, and thence to Minnesota.  In 1869, he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 7, where he still lives.  He was married November 22, 1860, to Mary Giltrap, who was born in Ireland.  When fourteen years of age she came to New York, and thence to Illinois.  They were married in Chicago.

W. C. Jackman was born January 1, 1825 , at Enfield , Grafton county, N. H. He received a common school education. He was married March 20, 1850 , to Lydia B. Brownell, born in Saratoga county, N. Y. Her parents moved to Jefferson county, where she was married in 1854. She went with his family to Sauk county, Wis. While on their way his wife took the measles, from the effects of which she died, May 29, leaving two children. Mr. Jackman remained in Wisconsin until 1856, when he returned to New Hampshire with his children, and thence to Boston , Mass. , where he remained until 1862, and then returned to Sauk county, Wis. He remained here until 1867, and thence to the town of Ellis , Hardin county, Iowa , where he still lives. Mr. Jackman was again married March 28, 1876 , to Ellen M. Sowl, born in the town of Collins , Erie county, N. Y. When a child she went with her parents to Hamburgh, where she was married. They have one child, Abram Tibbits, born February 24, 1878 .

A. P. Jensen was born April 17, 1851, in Denmark, where he learned the blacksmith trade.  When sixteen years of age, he came to New York; worked at his trade here and in New Jersey, six months, when he came to Webster City, Hamilton county, Iowa.  He worked at his trade here until 1874, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, where he is now engaged in the blacksmith business.  He received a common school education.  He was married in 1874, to Mary L. Bronson, who was born in Wisconsin.  She came to the town of Ellis, where she was married.  Adeline, Frederick and Andrew, are their children.

Milton Kennedy was born March 6, 1829, in Sciota county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and received a common school education.  In May, 1850, he came to Hardin county, remaining until October, when he returned to Ohio, remaining until the spring of 1851, when he returned to Hardin county, being one of the pioneers of the county.  He is now living on section 28.  He was elected to the office of Assessor of Ellis township on its organization.  Mr. Kennedy was married March 18, 1857, to Margaret A. Caraway, who was born in Adams county, Ohio.  They are the parents of seven children -- Sarah Ellen, Roxy Belle, Marilla Jane, Lyman Finley, Edith, Willie Edgar, Nellie May.

R. Kennedy was born in Adams township, Sciota county, Ohio, March 20, 1831. He grew to manhood in his native county, and in 1855 came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 19, on the farm now owned by T. I. McChesny, and now lives on section 30, where he has a nice farm, containing 300 acres. On the organization of his town, he was elected Town Trustee, and on the organization of the School District, was elected School Director, which office he has held at different times since. He was married March 8, 1855, to Eliza White, who was born at Glasgow, Scotland. At the age of nine months she came with her parents to Allegheny City, Pa.; remained there until twenty-three years of age, when she went to Sciota county, Ohio, where she was married. They are the parents of five children -- Martha A., born January 16, 1856; Celia, born May 16, 1858; Nathaniel, born August 10, 1860; X. J., born May 12, 1862; Gratha Belle, born August 10, 1871.

F. Lake, farmer, was born February 28, 1832, in Keshockton county, Ohio.  When eleven years of age he went with his parents to Kosciusko county, Indiana.  He received a common school education.  In 1853 he came to Linn county, Iowa, and remained until the spring of 1860, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, and now lives on section 20.  He was married April 10, 1856, to Adelia Scott, born in Indiana.  She came, when an infant, with her parents, to Linn county, Iowa.  She received a common school education.  They had nine children. The living ones are: Mary F., Harrison N., John W., James S., William T., Cornelius A. and Nell S.

E. H. Little was born May 28, 1821, in Crawford county, Pa., where he grew to manhood, and received a common school education.  In 1846 he went to Buffalo, N. Y., remaining until 1856, when he came to DeKalb county, Ill.  In 1857 he came to Cedar Falls, Iowa, remaining until 1859, when he came to the town of Etna, Hardin county, remaining until September 2, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, 32d Iowa Infantry Volunteers, serving until March 4, 1863, when he was discharged by reason of chronic bronchitis, contracted in the army.  He returned to Hardin county, and is now living on section 18, in Ellis township.  He has held the office of School Director in Franklin county.  He was married November 10, 1842, to Helen Church, born in New York, where she grew to womanhood and received a common school education.  When fifteen years of age, she went to Pennsylvania, where she was married.

L. W. Lord was born July 12, 1835, in Stonstad county, Canada East.  When three years of age, he came with his parents to St. Lawrence county, N. Y.  Mr. Lord received a common school education.  In 1856, he went to the town of Decatur, Green county, Wis., remaining there until 1866, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 16, where he still lives, and at the present time holds the office of Road Overseer.  Mr. Lord was married November 25, 1862, to Adeline Walters, who was born in Trumbull county, Ohio.  When a child, she went with her parents to Decatur, Green county, Wis., where she was married.  They have eight children living -- Vina, Chloe, Charles W., William P., Harry, Mabel, Laura and Lorin.

Robert Marrow, farmer, was born August 8, 1837, in Belfast, Ireland.  When thirteen years of age he came with his uncle to the United States, landing in New York City.  He entered the employ of the Manhatten Gas Company, corner of Fourteenth street and Avenue "C."  He remained here until 1862, when he went to Chicago, working for the Chicago Gas Light and Coke Company.  Remained in the employ of this company until 1870, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, locating on section 9, where he still lives.  Mr. Morrow was married in 1860, to Jane Twible, who was born in Ireland.  When a child she came to New York City, where she was married.  Mr. and Mrs. Morrow have each received a good common school education.

T. I. McChesney was born May 25, 1828, in Warren county, Ohio.  When ten years of age, he went with his parents to Preble county, where he received a common school education.  He remained in this county until 1844, when he went into the employ of the Western Stage Company, traveling through the States of Indiana, Illinois and Ohio.  He remained with this company until 1854, when he came to Iowa, and engaged in the staging business until 1868, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, and bought a farm on section 19, where he still lives.  Mr. McChesney has held the office of School Director ever since he has been a resident of the town.  He has also held the offices of Town Clerk and Town Trustee.  He was married, December 18, 1861, to Maria F. Martin, born at Enfield, New Hampshire, where he grew to womanhood, and received her education.  After teaching school a number of terms, she left her native State, arriving at Des Moines in the fall of 1855, where she again turned her attention to school teaching.  She remained there until 1857, when she came to Iowa Falls, where she was married.  They have three children -- Mary, Edah and Mable.

C. T. McMillen, a farmer, was born July 10, 1845, in the town of Collins, Erie county, N. Y.  When fourteen years of age, he came with his parents to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa.  He resides on section 4, and has 125 acres of land, valued at $20 per acre.  He received a common school education.  Mr. McMillen was married October 25, 1870, to Loie Abby Oviatt, born in Green county, Wis., and who came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, in 1856, where she was married.  Norris Leonard, Lottie Lucretia and Estelle Emerett are their children.

G. D. McMillen was born September 23, 1851, in Gowanda, town of Collins, Erie county, N. Y.  His parents moved to Iowa in June, 1859, settling on section 5, Ellis township, Hardin county, where he has made his home ever since.  In the spring of 1872, he went into the sewing-machine business, with headquarters at Eldora, and remained in this business until the fall of 1873, when he went to manufacturing cheese, which business he has followed ever since.  He was married May 10, 1876, to Viola Young, born in Marshall county, Iowa.  When a child, her parents came to the town of Tipton, Hardin county, where she was married.  Eleanor and Eliza Jane are their children.

John B. Miller, farmer, was born in 1832, in Sciota county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and received a common school education.  In 1856 he came to Cedar county, Iowa, remaining there until 1861, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, where he now lives and has a farm containing 80 acres, which is valued at $18 per acre.  Since coming to the town he has held the office of Road Supervisor.  He was married in 1855 to Sarah Caraway, born in Sciota county, Ohio, where she was married.  They have six children: Thomas, James, Mary, Agnes, Louisa and Hattie.

B. F. Orr, farmer, was born January 21, 1849, in Canada East.  When eighteen years of age he went to Lapere county, Mich.; received a common school education; remained there until 1877; then came to Masonville, Delaware county, Iowa, remaining until 1879; then to the town of Ellis, locating on section 7, where he still lives.  When a resident of Michigan, he held the office of Constable.  He was married January 1, 1878, to Susan Haven, born in Illinois.  When a child she came with her parents to Manchester, Delaware county, Iowa.  Her parents subsequently went to Buchanan county, where they still live, and where she was married.  They have three children -- Clinton Franklin, Lewis Mervin and Charles.

W. H. Oviatt, Farmer, born April 17, 1842, in Trumbell county, Ohio.  When a child he went with his parents to Green county, Wisconsin, remaining until 1856, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, where he still lives.  He has held the offices of Clerk, Trustee and Assessor, and at the present time is Justice of Peace.  July 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company "C" 6th Iowa Infantry, serving until December 31, 1863, when he was discharged by reason of re-enlistment as a Veteran Volunteer in Company "C", same company and regiment, January 1, 1864.  He was promoted to 1st Sergeant, November 1, 1864, and March 29, 1865, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in Company "H," same Regiment, which position he held until the close of the war.  He was with General Grant until he took command of the Army of the Potomac.  He was under Sherman in his march to the sea, and most of the battles of that campaign.  He was also at Washington, at the Grand Review.  He received a wound in the shoulder, while on a charge before Jackson, Mississippi, and one in the face from a musket ball at the siege of Atlanta, Ga., where he had command of a portion of the skirmish line.  He was married October 6, 1864, to Augusta Murphy, born in Albany county, New York.  When 12 years of age she came to Iowa Falls, Hardin county, Iowa, where she was married.  They have five children -- Frank E., Edna E., James M., Edith C. and Gertie L.

Charles H. Packard was born January 31, 1836, in Franklin county, Mass., where he grew to manhood and received a common school education.  In 1856 he went to Walworth county, Wis., remaining until the fall of 1864, when he came to Iowa Falls, Hardin county, Iowa, where he remained until 1875, when he came to the town of Ellis, locating on section 6, where he now lives.  While living in Wisconsin, he was School Superintendent one year.  Since coming to the town of Ellis, he has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Town Trustee.  He was married March 25, 1858, to Lovina Lyon, born in Genessee county, N. Y.  When a child, she went with her parents to Walworth county, where she received a common school education and was married.  She is the mother of five children, four living -- Elsie, Annie, Walter and Judson.  Mr. Packard has taught school constantly for twenty-four years.  He has always taken a great interest in schools, and is connected with all the temperance movements.

William W. Rickel was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1843.  When a child, his parents went to Henry county, Ill.  When fourteen years of age, he came to the town of Hardin, Hardin county, Ill. [sic]  He received a common school education.  In the spring of 1861, he went to Colorado.  August 12, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, 1st Colorado Infantry Volunteers.  He went with his regiment to New Mexico, and took part in the battle of Pigeon's Ranch, in March, 1862, against rebel troops commanded by General Sibley.  In the summer of 1862, his regiment was transferred to cavalry.  He served in this regiment until December, 1863, when he re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer, in the same company and regiment, serving until December, 1865.  Towards the latter part of his service, he was detailed on detached duty as messenger to General Connor, commanding the Department of the Plains.  He returned to Hardin count, where he has since lived.  Mr. R. was married December 24, 1874, to Gertrude Courtney, who was born in Muscatine, Iowa.  Maudie and Clayton Courtney are their children.

John Riley, farmer, was born in 1826, in Pennsylvania.  He received a common school education.  In 1847 he went to Lafayette county, Wis., remaining until 1864, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, where he now lives.  Since living in this town, he has held the office of Trustee two terms.   He was married in 1849, to Miss Phrectima Rawdon, who was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio.  When she was fifteen years of age, she went to Lafayette county, Wis., where she was married.  They are the parents of eight children -- Henry, Albert, Ezra J., Preston, Eda, Frank, Martha and Minnie.

George H. Ross was born December 15, 1837, at Ludlow, Windsor county, Vt.  At the age of fifteen, he went with his parents to Exeter, Green county, Wis.  He received a common school education.  He enlisted, March, 1865, in Company G, 49th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, and was discharged December, 1865, by reason of the close of the war.  After receiving his discharge, he returned to Wisconsin, remaining here until the spring of 1866, when he came to the town of Hardin, Hardin county, Iowa, where he remained one year.  He then went to Grundy Center, Grundy county, remaining there on year, when he returned to Hardin county, Buckeye township.  He remained there until 1870, when he came to the town of Ellis, and located on section 16, where he now lives.  Mr. Ross has held the office of Road Supervisor in Buckeye township, also in Ellis.  He has also held the office of School Director six years.  He was married January, 1862, to Caroline Wilson, born in Michigan.  She came to Green county, Wis., when sixteen years of age, where she was married.  Eight children were born unto them.  Those living are, Edgar A., David A., Jesse J., Annie, Alvord and Clarence.

L. J. Shepherd was born January 3, 1818, in Pittsburg, Pa., where he grew to manhood and received a common school education.  He followed the profession of school teaching one year.  In 1839 he went to sea in the fishing business on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.  He was in San Francisco Harbor in 1839.  He remained in this business until 1842, when he came to Jersey and Montgomery counties, Ill., remaining until 1864, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 29, where he still lives, being one of the pioneers of the county.   Since the organization of his town, he has held the offices of Trustee and Justice of the Peace.  While Mr. Shepherd was a resident of Illinois, Governor Yates gave him a commission to deliver vegetables to invalid soldiers at Vicksburg, and while living in Montgomery county, Illinois, was elected to the office of Sheriff of that county, which office he held six years.  He was married April 7, 1844, to Eleanor A. N. Cain, born in Mercer county, Ky., where she received a common school education.  She went to Jersey county, Ill., where she was married.  They have had six children; the oldest was killed in the army, and the youngest shot accidentally.  Julia Ann, Nancy Caroline, Mary Ann and Levi James are still living.

Jonas W. Simpson was born July 13, 1851, in Illinois.  When five years of age, his parents moved to Hardin township, Hardin county, Iowa, wher they purchased a farm.  After living here a short time, bought a farm in Jackson township, where they now live, on section 4.  While a resident of Jackson township, he held the office of Road Supervisor.  In 1879 he came to the town of Ellis, section 1, where he now lives.  Mr. Simpson was married August 15, 1875, to Miss Martha A. Fiddler, born in Richland county, Ohio.  When an infant, her parents came to Hardin township, Hardin county, locating on section 29, where they still live.

Stacy's Ditcher

W. Stacy some few years ago invented a ditching machine, which has proven an unqualified success. Mr. Stacy has a manufactory located on section 26, where these machines are made, together with the Boss Washing Machine. The building is a frame structure, 22 x 30, with sheds on either side. It was erected in 1877. The machinery is run by engine and horse power. Mr. Stacy is now doing a business amounting to $10,000 per year. He has, up to the present time, manufactured and sent out twenty machines, and has orders for many more.

W. Stacy was born January 11, 1841, in Parish of Cornwell, England. In 1851 his father died, and the next year he came with his mother, to DuPage county, Ill., remaining there until 1854, when she came to Earlville, Delaware county, Iowa, where she remained until 1856, when she came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, locating on section 35, where she still lives. Since arriving at manhood, Mr. Stacy has been farming and selling machinery, and in 1868 commenced manufacturing ditching machines, which business he followed in a small way until 1870, when he received a patent on his ditcher. He then erected a building with necessary machinery, since which time he has been carrying on the business on a more extensive scale. He has held the office of Trustee of his town, one term. Justice of the peace six years, and Constable. He was married April 2d, 1868, to Harriet E. Bunce, born May 29, 1846, near Waterbury, Conn. She came with her parents to Winneshiek county, Iowa, when twelve years of age. She remained there until the spring of 1867, when she came to town of Ellis, Hardin county, where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Stacy are the parents of two children -- Charles and Elmer, who are still living. In the fall of 1866 he visited England, remaining until the spring of 1867, when he returned to his home in Iowa, bringing his brother Edward with him. In 1876 he attended the Centennial, besides visiting different places of note in the Eastern States. In 1877 he went to California for his health, visiting Sacramento City, San Francisco and Los Angeles, buying property at the last named place, which he still owns. In 1881 he went to Manitoba, and took a Government contract ditching, which business he is now following.

Ira B. Stuart, farmer, was born April 24, 1837, in Erie county, N. Y., where he received a common school education.  He remained in Erie county until 1868, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 6, where he still lives.  On the outbreak of the rebellion, he took up arms in defense of his country, enlisting in Company A, 64th New York Volunteer Infantry.  He took part in the battle of Fair Oaks, where he received a wound in the side from a minnie ball.  He went to Canada in 1862, returning in 1865.  He was married April 4, 1866, to Harriet Elizabeth Seely, born in New Brunswick.  When a child she went to Canada, where she was married.  Cynthia, Edith G., Esabella, Emma, Ida G., Nathan B., Louis A., Ira B. and Thaddeus S. are their children.

L. M. Stuart, farmer, was born March 13, 1807, in Onondaga county, N. Y., where he grew to manhood and received a common school education.  He remained here until 1868, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa.  He is now living on section 5.  Mr. Stuart was married January 7, 1830, to Cynthia Beal, born in Wayne county, N. Y., where she grew to womanhood and received a common school education.  She remained in this county until 1839, when she went to Erie county, where she was married.  She is the mother of ten children, eight of whom are living -- Hannah, Emeline, Ira, Martha, Anson, Sarah, Matthew and Alice.

E. D. Thayer was born March 27, 1841, in the town of DeKalb, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., where he received a common school education. April 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, 60th New York Volunteers. He took part in the first battle of Bull Run, was with General Banks on his retreat from Port Royal to Harper's Ferry, and was also in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. He had the thumb shot off his left hand while on guard. He was discharged November 28, 1862, by reason of surgeon's certificate of disability. After receiving his discharge, he returned to New York, and, in September, 1863, came to Winnebago county, Ill. August 6, 1864, Mr. T. re-enlisted at Beloit, Wis., in Company H, 42d Wisconsin Volunteer serving until June 28, 1865, when he was discharged by reason of close of the war. He then returned to Illinois, where he remained until 1876, when he came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 27, where he still lives. At the present time he is Trustee of his town. Mr. T. was married October 27, 1867, to Minerva H. Chandler, who was born in the town of Rumney, Grafton county, N. H. When six years of age she came with her parents to Illinois, where she was married.

W. Wait, born May 27, 1823, in Albany, N. Y., where he received a common school education.  In 1844 he went to Kane county, Illinois, where he remained until 1850; went to Columbia county, Wisconsin, and remained until 1865, and then came to Ellis township, Hardin county, Iowa, and now lives on section 9.  He was married May 3, 1849, to Caroline R. Pratt, born in Columbia county, New York.  She attended Chase's Columbia College one term.  When eighteen years of age she accompanied her parents to DeKalb county, Ill., where she taught school until she was married.  She is the last of her father's family.

Daniel White was born December 8, 1827, in the town of Webster, Androscoggin county, Maine, where he grew to manhood and received a common school education.  In 1846 he went to Boston, Massachusetts, serving an apprenticeship at bricklaying, worked at this trade in Boston and vicinity until 1852, taking passage on a vessel from New York, via the Isthmus of Panama, for California, arriving at San Francisco after a voyage of 75 days.  He went immediately to the mines, remaining until February of 1855, when he returned to Boston, and  in 1856 came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 9 where he still lives.  Since living here he has held the office of Town Trustee and Justice of the Peace.  He was married March 13, 1857, to L. Lucretia Oviatt, born in Trumbell county, Ohio.  When five years of age, she went with her parents to Green county, Wisconsin, where she received a common school education.  In 1856 she came to the town of Ellis, Hardin county, Iowa, where she was married.  They have eight children -- Clara E., Mary E., Bethia E., Ellis F., George H., Clarence L., Laura L. and Islethera L.