Lucas County >> 1881 index

History of Lucas County, Iowa
Des Moines, State Historical Company, 1881.

H

Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Dick Barton.

HALE, EZEKIEL, farmer, section fourteen, post-office, Belinda. Was born in Floyd County, Kentucky, December 25, 1813, and resided there the first twenty years of his life, attending the common schools, and assisting on the farm. In 1834, he moved to Henry county, Iowa, remaining there six years, and then went to Wapello county, residing there three years. He also resided in Mahaska county till 1863, in Monroe county till 1866, and then came to Lucas county. Mr. Hale was married in June, 1840, to Harriet Freedly, of Philadelphia. This union has brought them seven boys: Henry, John, Robert, Albert, William, Matthew, and and Mack. He has a good farm of 120 acres, and is a hospitable gentleman.

HALL, Mrs. M. C., post-office, Chariton. She is a native of Richmond, Virginia, and the daughter of Samuel and Rebecca A. Walthrall. When thirteen years old, her parents moved to Hendrix county, Indiana, where she reached maturity and was married. In October, 1851, she with a few relatives, came to Chariton, being among the very first settlers of the place. Mrs. Hall is a lady of active business capacity, energy and untiring zeal for the welfare of her family and the common interests of the community. She is a consistent member of the Baptist Church and one who is respected py all who know her. She has shared the privation and comforts of Chariton for thirty years; and has lived to find herself the possessor of a neat cottage residence, making for her a comfortable and happy home. She was married to Mr. W. J. Hall, March 10, 1843. This union brought to them ten children: William F., James H., John S., Jennie (deceased), J. P., Byrom B., Ida May and Maggie, two deceased in infancy.

HAYS, Father EDMONDS, pastor Catholic Church, post-office, Chariton. Born in County Cork, Ireland, June 4, 1851; where he resided until fifteen years old. Came to America in the spring of 1866, landing at San Francisco. Attended public school, Lincoln school, and then entered St. Mary's College, where he spent five years, receiving the degree of A. B. and also in 1867 the degree of A. M. During this time he worked and paid his way. After graduating he went to Montreal, Canado, where he spent three and a half years in the study of theology, and was ordained priest in the fall of 1879. Was professor of St. Joseph College in Dubuque, also assistant at the Cathedral. He took charge of the church at Chariton, August 15, 1879.

HICKMAN, STEPHEN D., attorney and real estate agent, postoffice, Chariton. Born in Green county, Pennsylvania, July 10,1836, where he lived until eighteen years of age, when he went to Coles county, Illinois, in 1855. Broke prairie and shook with the ague for eighteen months, when he returned to his native state, and engaged in teaching in winter and going to school, about five years. In 1863 bought horses and sold to the army, and also bought army horses, taking them home where he fitted them up, selling them to private parties. Came to Iowa in 1864, settling in Appanoose county, teaching school, his wife assisting him. Returned to Pennsylvania in the fall of 1865, and in 1866 came back to Iowa, stopped in Albia until fall, when he came to Chariton and engaged as principal of the public schools, his wife as assistant. Taught nine months, and then ran a broom factory for a short time. Was admitted to the bar at Chariton, in 1873. Married March 7,1868, at Albia, to Miss Elizabeth L. ________ They have five children: Steven D., Elizabeth, Charles V., James H., and Ida, all living. Owns 255 acres of land, and the largest amount of property in town.

HOLMES, JOHN A., farmer, section one, post-office, Chariton. Born in Sweden, December 14, 1844; was reared and educated in the land of his nativity. Came to Lucas county, Iowa, in the spring of 1868, where he has since resided. Was married to Mary J. Holmes (also from Sweden ) May 19, 1870. They have four children: Andrew, Fritchof, Alfred and Victorine. Mr. Holmes is located on a good farm of 320 acres, well improved. Is engaged in stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are worthy members of the Lutheran Church; are kind neighbors, and good citizens.

HOUSTON, S. D., post-office, Chariton. One of the pioneers of Benton township, and commands the respect of his neighbors. Born in Green county, Tennessee, November, 1826. When four years of age his parents moved to Hendrix, Indiana, where he resided until 1849, on a farm, being educated in the common schools, and also attending Danville Academy. Came to Iowa in the spring of 1849, and entered 120 acres of land in this township. Returned to Indiana, and came again to Monroe county, Iowa, making the trip on horseback. He remained there two years, teaching in winter and farming in summer. In August, 1851, he moved to his present location, being the third settler in the township. He was married April 10, 1851, to Miss Marrena J. McKinley, whose parents were the first settlers of Washington township. Are the parents of ten children, Melissa J., Charles T., Ellen E., Tillman H., (deceased) Lucy B., Samuel W., Anna F., Walter G., Ethel F. and Carrie L. Mr. Houston owns a fine farm of 230 acres, well improved, and adorned with ornamental trees; good barn and all the necessary facilities for stock-raising. Has filled various township offices, and been county clerk. Is a member of the M. E. Church.