Jefferson County >> 1912 Index

History of Jefferson County, Iowa
by Charles J. Fulton. 2 vols. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1912.

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Unless otherwise specified, all biographies have been submitted by Debbie Nash.

LEWIS ACHENBACH , well-known as a prosperous representative of the agricultural interests of Jefferson county, was born on the farm in which he now operates, May 23, 1865. His parents, Ludwig and Margaret (Theophel) Achenbach, were natives of Germany. His father, on his arrival in this country, in 1849, located in Ohio, but soon went farther west, choosing Jefferson county, Iowa, for his home. Here, he located near the town of Lockridge and secured employment with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, which was then constructing its road through this region. He continued at this work for several years, when he bought forty acres of land in Lockridge township and engaged in farming. From time to time, he bought more land, increasing the size of his farm, until it comprised one hundred and seventy acres. He cultivated this land till eight or ten years before his death, when he rented it to his sons, and retired to live free from responsibilities thenceforth. His death occurred in July, 1898. His wife passed away many years earlier, in December, 1882.

WILLIAM ACHENBACH

In Lockridge township, Jefferson county, Iowa, the name Achenbach has come to connote certain sterling qualities that reflect enviable distinction upon its bearer and assures him undeniable rank in the agricultural world. Thus William Achenbach enjoys a standing in his community of which he can be as justly proud as can his brother Lewis Achenbach who is three years his senior. They are both high-minded men, noble in their dealings with others, men who live simply but fully, who have discovered the philosopher's stone in honest toil, in the use of the hand and the brain. To their father, Ludwig Achenbach, who went before and blazed the trail that made their rise possible, they must give thanks for the boon of such a heritage.

William Achenbach was born in Lockridge township, Jefferson county, Iowa, December 8, 1859. He was a son of Ludwig and Margaret (Thopal) Achenbach. As noted in the sketch of Lewis Achenbach, his parents were natives of Germany. His father, on coming to this country in 1849, located in Ohio. He remained there only a short time, however, when he went to Iowa and settled in Lockridge, where he worked on the construction crew of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, then engaged in building their road through this section of the country. After having remained at this employment several years he took up farming, buying twenty acres in Lockridge township. He improved and operated his property and kept on purchasing additional land until he became the owner of a farm of one hundred and seventy acres. Eight or ten years before his death, which occurred in 1898, he retired and rented the land to his sons. His wife died in December, 1882.

William Achenbach attended the district school in Lockridge township. When he attained his majority he left home and rented a farm in Osceola, Iowa. He operated this tract for two years, when he returned to Jefferson county, Iowa, and bought two hundred and forty acres in his native locality. This land he improved and cultivated in part. Now he rents out a large portion of it, retaining the remainder for his own use. He raises forty head of hogs annually, owns eight head of Jersey cattle and one team of horses. Some years ago he bought five hundred and sixty acres of cut-timber land in Wisconsin, later selling one hundred and sixty acres of the same.
The marriage of William Achenbach and Miss Mary Langner was solemnized March 5, 1891. She was a daughter of John and Eleanor (Reeder) Langner, natives of Poland, who came to this country in 1854 and located in Lockridge township, Jefferson county, Iowa. Here Mr. Langner bought a farm and engaged in agriculture until his death in March, 1894. His widow survived him two years, passing away in April, 1896.

A daughter, Irma Cornelia, born to Mr. and Mrs. Achenbach, April 26, 1907, died January 8, 1911, her death being due to infection from eating impure candy.

William Achenbach has served as school director of his district. He is a loyal republican and with his wife subscribes to the tenets of the Lutheran church. They have a very pleasant home in which hospitality is dispensed with a generous hand and their many friends are given a warm welcome.

HENRY C. ALSTON

The attractiveness of Jefferson county as a place of residence is indicated in the fact that many of her native sons elect to remain within her borders and enjoy the opportunities here offered, feeling that no better advantages in a business way can be obtained elsewhere. Of this class Henry C. Alston is a representative and that he has made good use of time and opportunity is indicated in the creditable position to which he has attained in the business world. He is now engaged in real-estate operations, is also president of the Fairfield Gas & Electric Light Company and is identified financially with other important industrial and financial interests. He was born near Fairfield, October 31, 1862, a son of William and Martha (Vaughn) Alston. Little is known concerning his maternal ancestry, for his mother died during the infancy of the son Henry. The father, who was born in England, in 1811, came alone to America and settled in Illinois in 1849. For a time he worked in that state and then went to Alexander, Iowa, after which he came to Fairfield about 1843. This district was then largely wild and unimproved and from the government he entered a tract of land about three miles west of the city. The greater part of his life was spent in Fairfield, his time and attention being largely given to the development of a farm a mile and a half from the city and in addition he also conducted a general store for a number of years, continuing actively in that business until about 1875, when he retired from the mercantile field. Later he concentrated his energies upon the real-estate business, dealing extensively in land and negotiating many important property transfers. For a number of years he served as a member of the city council, to which position he was elected on the democratic ticket, having always been a stanch supporter of the party. His death occurred March 9, 1896. Of his family of ten children the following reached years of maturity: William E., living in Fairfield; Mary, the wife of P. C. Barnes, of Los Angeles, California; and Henry C.

The last named has spent his entire life in Jefferson county and after attending the public schools he continued his education in Burlington Business College. He made his initial step in the business world as an employee in the Fairfield Furniture Factory, where he remained four years. Subsequently he was engaged in the dairy business two years and afterward devoted fourteen years to the laundry business, establishing the first steam laundry of the city. That undertaking brought him a substantial measure of prosperity and since his retirement from that field of activity he has been dealing in real estate with good success. He is likewise well known as an orchardist, as the president of the Fairfield Gas & Electric Light Company and as a stockholder in the Iowa Malleable Iron Company and the First National Bank of Fairfield. His interests are thus varied and important but his resourcefulness and energy enable him to meet every condition that arises and to readily and correctly solve the business problems which are always to be met in the conduct of any commercial or industrial undertaking.

In 1884, Mr. Alston was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Richardson, who was born in Jefferson county, Iowa, in 1865. Both Mr. and Mrs. Alston hold membership in the Presbyterian church and in Fairfield and throughout the county have many warm friends. His political allegiance has been given to the democratic party and his fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Commercial Club and cooperates in its various projects for the business unbuilding and improvement of Fairfield in many ways. He has always lived in Jefferson county and the comrades of his youth have become the friends of his manhood-a fact which is indicative of a well spent, quiet and useful life.

ANDREW ANDERSON

Throughout his life Andrew Anderson was one of the most prosperous farmers of Polk township, where he was residing at the time of his death on the 19th of February, 1903, and he was one of the early Swedish settlers of this section. His birth occurred in Rossberry, Sweden, June 23, 1849, his parents being John and Anna Mary Anderson. The father, who is an agriculturalist in his native land, came to America when a young man for a year's visit, after which he returned to Sweden, where he lived up to the time of his death.

Andrew Anderson began earning his own livelihood very early, his first employment being as a driver for a livery stable in his native town, this being an important business as, in those early days before the installation of railroads, everything was necessarily transported by wagon. After he was fourteen years of age he took up farming, which he carried on for the next five years, at the same time attending school whenever his labors permitted it. Being very ambitious and having heard of the opportunities in the new world, he set out for America with his sister Mary in 1868 and immediately after their arrival in New York came to Polk township, Jefferson county, Iowa, where they located on section 24. For the following two years Mr. Anderson accepted employment on the various farms of the neighborhood, although he still made his home with his sister. In 1870 he began his independent career by purchasing one hundred acres on section 22 and later added one hundred and sixty acres, where his widow and son, Grant Clarence, now reside. Meeting with great success in the development and cultivation of this property, he was induced to purchase eighty acres on section 22 and subsequently the one hundred and sixty acres on sections 22 and 23 where his daughter, Mrs. Lilly Fray, is now living. About thirty years ago Mr. Anderson moved to the present homestead and resided there continuously until his death in 1903, at which time he was the owner of about five hundred acres of very valuable and highly developed land. This property is still owned by Mrs. Anderson, although, until her son was old enough to assume charge of the place, she rented out the land or was required to hire help to carry on the general farming. The appearance of the farm was greatly improved in 1911, when Mrs. Anderson erected a very modern and commodious residence, which is wholly in keeping with the generally improved and well equipped condition of her property. Mr. Anderson had been among the early settlers in the county which has proved to be so rich agriculturally and, witnessing its development, he also participated in its improvement and his name appears among those of the men who have rendered their fellowmen substantial and invaluable service.

On the 3d of May, 1883, occurred the marriage of Mr. Anderson to Miss Sophia Swanson, who is a daughter of Isaac and Annie Christina (Hammangson) Swanson, who were natives of Kisa, Sweden. In his native country Mr. Swanson carried on agricultural pursuits but subsequently to his marriage, twenty-nine years ago, he removed to America. He came to Polk township, Jefferson county, where he located upon a farm, and the following year Mrs. Swanson joined her husband. After it was decided to start a settlement where Packwood now stands, Mr. and Mrs. Swanson removed there, their house being the first built in the town. Although residing in Packwood, Mr. Swanson carried on farming until the ill health of Mrs. Swanson necessitated their removal to the home of their daughter, Mrs. Anderson, where the mother's death occurred October 27, 1911. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson two children were born: Lilly Josephine Emily, who married Ivan C. Fray, a well known farmer residing on a part of the home place, and who is the mother of two children, Violet Arlene and Alice Iola; and Grant Clarence Gifford, residing with his mother, who is ably managing the home place and also the one hundred and eighty acres given to him by his father. Clarence Anderson is married to Miss Neva E. Hadley, a daughter of A. D. and Kate L. Hadley of Richland, Iowa.

In politics Mr. Anderson was a republican and had served as school director in his home district for several terms. In religious faith the family have always been members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Packwood, in which they are both active and helpful. He was very highly esteemed by those who came in contact with him in public and private life, for honesty and integrity ever marked his acts. [Photo available - Contact Jefferson County Genealogy Society]

ANDREW W. ANDERSON, who for many years was identified with agricultural pursuits in Jefferson county, was one of the estimable citizens Sweden has furnished Iowa. His birth occurred on the 14th of February, 1856, his parents being Karl and Mary C. (Anderson) Anderson, also natives of Sweden. The father engaged in farming in his native land until 1877 when he and his wife emigrated to the United States. During the early months of his residence here he worked at various occupations by the day, subsequently obtaining a position in a section crew on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He was accidentally killed while at his work by a passing train, about 1879. The mother later married Joseph Peterson and continues to make her home in Lockridge.

The first sixteen years of his life Andrew W. Anderson spent amid the scenes of his birth, obtaining his education in the common schools of his native land. An ambitious, energetic lad, he was not content with conditions in the old country and from his earliest youth directed his efforts toward acquiring sufficient money to bring him to America, the land, as he felt, not only of promise but of fulfillment. His dream was realized in 1872 and he crossed the Atlantic with the United States as his destination. Upon his arrival here he made his way inland to Jefferson county, where an uncle, John Anderson, owned and operated a farm located in Lockridge township. He immediately obtained employment by the month as a farm hand, and for many years was in the service of Mr. John Heron. He never forgot his parents in the old country and sent them a portion of his wages each month until they, too, were able to become citizens of the new world. By means of industry and thrift he eventually accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to begin operations for himself and he rented the farm of John Anderson, which he cultivated for two years. Intense and attentive cultivation proved as remunerative under his capable supervision that he was in a position at the expiration of that period to buy eighty acres of land in Round Prairie township. He continued to operate this place until 1901, and in April of that year he sold his farm and moving to Lockridge purchased one and a quarter acres of land, upon which he erected a fine residence. There he lived, retired, enjoying the ease and comfort provided by the fruits of his early toil, until he passed away on Thursday, February 24, 1910.

For his wife Mr. Anderson chose Miss Carrie D. Reeder, to whom he was united on March 27, 1884. Mrs. Anderson is a daughter of Lewis and Sarah S. (Shanberger) Reeder, natives of Germany. The father emigrated to this country in a very early day, first locating in Pennsylvania whence he later removed to Jefferson county, where he bought and operated a farm during the remainder of his active life. In 1885 he retired to Lockridge and there he passed away four years later at the age of seventy-seven years. Mrs. Reeder had passed the eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey at the time of her demise on October 4, 1907. The father was one of the prominent citizens of the county, always having taken an active part in all political affairs, and for some years represented his district in the state assembly.

Mr. Anderson always gave his political support to the republican party, but was too deeply engrossed in the development of his private interests to figure as candidate for any public office in his township. He was an earnest member of the Lutheran church, as is also his widow, who numbers among the members of its congregation many friends of long years standing.

CHARLES A. ANDERSON, who was the popular host of the Q Hotel at Fairfield, was born in Sweden, January 7, 1862, his parents being A. Peter and Elizabeth (Anderson) Anderson, who were likewise natives of Sweden, in which country the father carried on farming until 1868. He then sailed with his family for the new world, making his way into the interior of the country. He settled in Round Prairie township, this county, where he invested his savings in a tract of land. It was totally unimproved at that time but he cleared and developed it and converted it into a valuable farm which he cultivated throughout his remaining days. He died in June, 1893, while his wife survived him for about fifteen years, passing away July 6, 1908.

Charles A. Anderson was reared and educated in Round Prairie township, being but six years of age when the family came to this country. He attended the district schools and also worked in the fields as his age and strength permitted. When a youth of sixteen years he started out in life on his own account and worked as a farm hand, being thus employed until 1899, when, desiring that his labors should more directly benefit himself, he rented a farm which he cultivated until 1901. In that year he removed to Fairfield and for some time was in the employ of the Louden Manufacturing Company. At length he sold his home and went to Burlington, Iowa, but remained there for only a brief period, returning to Fairfield. Here Mr. Anderson purchased the Q Hotel, near the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad depot, and continued in the hotel business until his death, proving a popular host who carefully looked after the comfort of his guests. He was thus engaged in business when, on the 19th of May, 1908, his life's labors were ended in death.
On the 27th of October, 1887, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. Archibald, a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Paxton) Archibald. They had two children: Elizabeth Pearl, twenty-three years of age, who is the wife of Ray Augstead, of Fairfield; and Otto, aged seventeen, now living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson also reared an adopted daughter, Goldie May, now ten years of age.

Mr. Anderson belonged to the Fairfield Lodge No. 4, I. O. O. F., and also to the Rebekah degree. His political support was given to the democratic party and his religious faith was that of the Methodist church. He was always loyal to the principles which he professed and his name came to be a synonym for reliability as well as activity in business. His manner was genial, his cordiality unfeigned, and he won many friends. His widow since his death has purchased ground and erected an attractive residence at No. 202 South H street where she resides.

WILLIAM J. ANKROM, who is engaged in operating a farm in Cedar township that has been in the family for over seventy-five years, was born in Utah, April 25, 1875, and is a son of William and Nancy D. (Gilbert) Ankrom. The father was born in Tyler county, Virginia, and was of Welsh and English extraction, while the mother was born near Lorne, County Antrim, Ireland, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. William Ankrom came to Iowa with his parents in 1836, first locating in Burlington, where they remained for a year. His father, John Ankrom moved on to Jefferson county and preempted a quarter section of land in Cedar township that he entered when the government threw it open to settlement in 1837 or 1838. The family remained in Burlington while he erected such buildings upon the place as were necessary for their comfort and the protection of his stock, among them being the old log house, that is still standing on the homestead. Here John Ankrom passed away in 1881. He was only a boy when he located in Iowa with his parents passing practically his entire life on his father's farm. He helped to hew and prepare the logs for the first school house erected on the present site of what is now known as the Ankrom school, and there he completed his education. In common with other lads of the pioneer period he early assumed much of the responsibility connected with the operation of the farm, which he ultimately acquired. He added to his holdings from time to time, some of which he later sold, until the place now contains two hundred acres, all of it being under a high state of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Ankrom were married in 1874, and to them were born three children: William J., our subject; M. Grace; and Eva L. The two daughters are living in Seattle, where they own a confectionary store, and the mother is now making her home with them, the father having passed away in 1910, his death occurring on the old farmstead. There are only two members of the family of John Ankrom now living in Jefferson county: Mrs. William Coop, of Cedar township; and Mrs. H. B. Keltner, who is a twin sister of Mrs. Coop, of Fairfield, Iowa. There has always been more or less controversy about who was the first white child born in Jefferson county, and William Ankrom always maintained that it was Cyrus Walker, now of Van Buren county, his birth occurring in March, 1837. There were three white children born that year, William Coop, whose birth occurred in June and Daniel Moore, who was born in September, being the other two.

William J. Ankrom was reared on his grandfather's farm and obtained his education in the Ankrom school, remaining at home until he had attained his majority. When old enough for life's work, he went to Fairfield, where he learned the molder's trade, and was for some years thereafter employed in the plant of the Malleable Iron Company there. He subsequently withdrew from this occupation and returned to the farm, which he is now renting from his mother. Mr. Ankrom is meeting with good success in his agricultural pursuits, and is one of the capable farmers of the county.

Fairfield was the scene of the marriage of Mr. Ankrom and Miss Lydia L. Mullenix, on the 22nd of August, 1901, and there they spent the early years of their domestic life. Mrs. Ankrom is a daughter of J. P. and Margaret (Long) Mullenix, of Fairfield, where they located in 1881. They were natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Illinois, and from there to Jefferson county, Mr. Mullenix having for many years been engaged in the insurance business in Fairfield. He still continues to reside there, while the mother had passed away in 1909. Mr. Mullenix is a veteran of the Civil war.

In his political views Mr. Ankrom is a democrat, as was also his father and grandfather. He served for two terms as justice of the peace and was elected for a third but would not qualify, preferring to give his entire attention to the development of his personal interests. He is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 15,A. F. and A. M.; and Jefferson Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., both of Fairfield, while both he and Mrs. Ankrom hold membership in the Presbyterian church of Fairfield. For thirteen years Mr. Ankrom served as a member of the Iowa National Guard, and he was also a volunteer in the Spanish-American war, having enlisted in Company M, Fiftieth Iowa United States Volunteers at Fairfield, remaining in the service for seven months, mostly spent in camp at Jacksonville, Florida. He is a worthy representative of one of Jefferson County's highly esteemed pioneer families, and is held in favorable regard by his many friends in Cedar township.

ISAAC ARCHIBALD, a retired farmer now living in Glasgow, belongs to the rapidly thinning ranks of those who donned the blue and so valiantly defended the Union during the early '60s. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 24th of October, 1836, and is a son of Benjamin and Nancy (Hall) Archibald. The parents were also natives of Ohio, where the father was employed on the river boats until 1847 when he removed to Iowa, locating in Jefferson county. Upon his arrival here he settled on a hundred and sixty acres of land at Coal Port, Lockridge township, that he had subsequently purchased. But fifteen acres of this was cleared and after erecting such buildings as were essential for the immediate comfort of the family, he applied himself to clearing and operating his land. He resided there for some time, then disposing of his property purchased an eighty-acre tract in Round Prairie township that he operated for a time. This he also subsequently sold and went to Birmingham, where he lived for a year. At the expiration of that time he bought a farm in Davis county, this state, that he improved and cultivated until his death in 1875. The mother passed away in 1837, while the family were residents of Ohio.

His introduction to the rudiments of English learning Isaac Archibald obtained in common schools of his native state, where he spent the first eleven years of his life. This was later supplemented by further study in the district schools of Jefferson county, which he attended until it was considered he had sufficient knowledge to enable him to assume the heavier responsibilities of life. As he was a youth of eleven when he removed to the farm with his father, he was sufficiently developed to assist in the work of the fields and care of the stock, so by the time he had obtained his maturity he was well qualified for the duties of an agriculturist. He left home when he was twenty-one and went to work in a sawmill, remaining there for one year. At the end of that time he returned to country life in the capacity of a farm hand, following that occupation until 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He remained at the front from the period of his enlistment until the close of hostilities, then returned to Iowa and went to work on the railroad. This work promised but a vague and unsatisfactory future, so he once more returned to agricultural pursuits, this time as a renter. He continued to follow farming in this county until 1891, meeting with such lucrative returns from the tilling of his fields and stock-raising that he was able to retire. Removing to Glasgow he purchased a nice residence and an acre of ground, and is now enjoying the well earned rest made possible by the thrift and industry of his earlier years.
On the 1st of January, 1868, Mr. Archibald was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Paxton, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Farley) Paxton, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. Paxton came to Henry county, Iowa, in the early 50's and bought and improved a farm that he operated for a good many years. The latter years of his life were spent in retirement in Rome, where he passed away in 1872. The mother survived him until 1891. Mr. Paxton was another of those who responded to his country's call during the Civil war, by enlisting and going to the front where he remained until the restoration of peace.

Mr. and Mrs. Archibald were the parents of four children: Cora B., the widow of Charles Anderson, who is living in Fairfield; Ross, who is now forty-one years of age and a resident of Burlington; Minnie L., twenty-seven years of age, the wife of Henry Bartin, a farmer of Henry county; and Jesse M., who is thirty-two years of age, a resident of Oskaloosa, where he is following the barber trade.

In matters of faith both Mr. and Mrs. Archibald are Methodist and politically he is a republican. He has always maintained relations with his comrades of the field through the medium of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is affiliated with the Pierce Post of Glasgow. Mr. Archibald's residence in Jefferson county covers a period of sixty-four years, the time of its greatest progress and highest development. He has been the interested observer of the many notable changes that have acompanied the introduction of modern inventions and conveniences, revolutionizing both commercial and industrial as well as agricultural methods. Despite his seventy-five years he is still active, and takes a keen interest in all the affairs of the day, while he is ever ready to relate one of his many reminiscences of the war or the pioneer days of Iowa.

CLARKSON ASHMEAD

One by one the soldiers of the Civil war answer to the last roll call and pass on to join the greater army of the boys in blue, who have gone before. Clarkson Ashmead was among those who were spared to enjoy for many years the peace and prosperity which came to the country following the cessation of hostilities between the north and the south. Patriotism ever remained one of his dominant qualities, for he was as loyal to his country in times of peace as he was when he followed the nation's starry banner on the battlefields of the south. His birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 8, 1829, his parents being Samuel and Abigail (Milleson) Ashmead, who were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and for many years cultivated a tract of land in the Keystone state but in 1855 he left the east and came to Iowa, settling in Jefferson county. He purchased and improved a farm in Cedar township, continuing its cultivation until his death, and his wife also passed away upon the old homestead.

Clarkson Ashmead came to Jefferson county with his parents when a young man of twenty-six years. He had acquired his education in the schools of Pennsylvania and had afterward learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until he came to Iowa. He then took up farming in connection with his father and following the latter's death, he rented a farm, which he operated for a year. At the end of that time he went to Missouri, where he purchased an improved tract of land, making his home thereon for ten years. He returned to Iowa and purchased a farm near Brookville, to the further development and cultivation of which he devoted his energies until 1901, when his children having married and left home and his own health being somewhat impaired he retired from the farm and removed to Fairfield, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in February, 1903. As an agriculturist he had labored diligently and untiringly and had converted the once wild prairie into a productive tract, gathering large harvests as a reward of his persistent and practical methods. He kept everything about the place in a state of good repair and neatness, and thrift pervaded every part of the farm.

On the 8th of January, 1852, Mr. Ashmead was married to Miss Jane McCutcheon, a daughter of John and Mary (McCutcheon) McCutcheon, who though of the same name were not relatives. The father was born in Ireland and the mother in Pennsylvania. When he was but twelve years of age the family came to the new world, settling in the Keystone state, where he secured employment in the iron works of Pittsburg. Later he engaged in farming for a number of years and was a resident of that part of the country up to the time of his death, which occurred in the city of Pittsburg. His wife passed away in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Ashmead were born five children, two of whom died in Pennsylvania in infancy. Those still living are: Benson C., a resident farmer of Davis county, Iowa; Addie May, the wife of Moses B. Shelby, a resident farmer of the state of Washington; and Uel J., who is also engaged in farming in Washington.

While Mr. Ashmead devoted the greater part of his life to general agricultural pursuits he allowed nothing to interfere with what he considered his duty to his country in the dark days of the Civil war. Responding to the call for aid he enlisted as a member of Company E, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry and the hardships and rigors of war were such that his health became undermined and his death was really the result of his military experience. He held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic in connection with the post at Batavia and he thus enjoyed meeting with his old comrades. He always voted with the republican party and his religious faith was that of the Methodist church, to which his wife and family belonged. For many years he was a resident of Jefferson county and his good qualities were recognized by all with whom he came in contact. He worked earnestly and persistently in the cultivation and improvement of his farm, was ever willing to give his support to progressive measures for the benefit of the community and at all times cast his influence on the side of the right, justice and truth. Mrs. Ashmead still survives her husband and now resides in a pleasant home, at No. 406 West Briggs street in Fairfield.