NEEDHAM, G.S.—Grinnell Twp—pg 916. Dealer in groceries and queensware, Grinnell. Was born in Wyoming county, New York, November 28, 1838, and at the age of eleven years removed with his parents to Henry county, Illinois, and in 1855 moved to Galesburg, same State. There he received his education, and in the spring of 1858 came to Mitchell county, this State, where he was engaged in farming for about six years. In the fall of 1864 he was elected Recorder of Mitchell county, and held that office for three terms; and in February, 1871, he went to Dickinson county; there continued farming, and in the fall of 1871 was elected Treasurer of that county, holding that office until December, 1874, having performed the duties with satisfaction to all concerned. He then went to California and engaged in teaching vocal music, remaining until June, 1876, when he returned to Dickinson county, and in October, 1876, came to this county. He is now engaged in teaching vocal music in the public schools of Grinnell. Mr. Needham was married, June 27, 1860, in Mitchell county, this State, to Miss Mary L. Smith, who was born in Chautauqua county, New York, June 20, 1843. At an early age she developed a taste for music, and is now a very efficient and successful music teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Needham have two children: Francis S. and Mary A.

NELSON, SAMUEL—Grinnell Twp—pg 916. Dealer in general merchandise. Was born in Ireland in November, 1843, and was there raised and educated. In the fall of 1867 he immigrated to America, landing in Quebec, and from there went to Kingston, Canada, where he became engaged in the grocery business, and followed the same until the spring of 1872. Then came to this county settling in Grinnell, and is now enjoying a good trade in his line. He was married in Canada on the tenth day of January, 1871, at which time Miss Annie Campbell became his wife. The result of this union is four children: Mamie, William J., Gracie and Samuel S.

PALMER, E.T.—Grinnell Twp—pg 916-17. Manufacturer of carriages, wagons and general repairing. Was born near Kingston, Canada. He was there partially raised, educated, and commenced the trade he now pursues. Came to Muscatine, Iowa, from Canada, where he completed his trade and resided fourteen years. In 1864 he came to Poweshiek county, locating in Grinnell, where he has since resided. Mr. Palmer was married, October 1, 1860, to Miss Hannah Jane Parvin, of Muscatine. The family consists of three children living: Amanda Matilda, Charles Walter and Ethelbert Tillman. In 1861 he tendered his services to this country, enlisting in company D, Fourth Iowa cavalry, participating in many of the leading engagements, among which were Siege of Vicksburg, Columbia and others. Was honorably discharged in 1865. Mr. Palmer is a member of the A.O.U.W. and is identified among the leading manufacturers of the town.

PEARCE, C.W.—Grinnell Twp—pg 917. Farmer and stock-raiser, section 32, P.O. Grinnell. Was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, March 22, 1839. Removed with his parents to Illinois at an early age where his father, P.S., resided until 1848, when he came to Iowa with his family, among whom was C.W., locating in Poweshiek county, being among the pioneers. Mr. Pearce’s farm consists of 320 acres. He makes a specialty of stock-raising and has breeds that will compare favorably with any in the township. His home is pleasantly situated and his orchard, which contains 150 apple trees, is in a thrifty condition. Mr. Pearce was married, in 1864, to Miss Matilda G. Brown, of England. By this union they have five children: George G., Franklin H., Seth J., Nellie M., Herbert J.

PEIRCE, G.C.—Grinnell Twp—pg 917. Farmer and stock-breeder. Prominent among the business men of Grinnell township is the subject of this notice, who was born February 15, 1836, in Chautauqua county, New York. He there spent his days on a farm until he attained his sixteenth year, when he moved to Ontario county, same State. He remained there with his uncle one summer, then went to Illinois, residing about ten years in the counties of Kane and Kendall. In the spring of 1863 he came to this county, arriving here on May 7^th, and settled in his present location, where he owns a valuable farm of 320 acres. He is engaged in breeding fine stock. He is now devoting his attention to Short-Horn cattle, Poland-China swine and Clydesdale horses. He has won the admiration of all stock lovers for his successful efforts in this line. Has followed his present line of business for his avocation since his early youth, except about seven years that he was engaged in the mercantile business in the capacity of a clerk. Has held many offices and positions of trust, the duties of which he always discharged faithfully and with credit to himself and the satisfaction of the public. He was married, September 27, 1860, to Miss Esther M. Snow, a native of New Hampshire. They have eight children: P. Austin, Burt Bryan, Edna L., Mary Geneva, Lucy Estella, Goodwin, Helen T. and William Astor. Lost two, both infants.

PEXTON, WILLIAM—Grinnell Twp—pg 918. City marshal, Grinnell. Was born in Oneida county, New York, July 24, 1832, and there grew to manhood. After his education was completed he learned the harness-making trade, which he followed until the spring of 1853. Then obtained a situation as a deck-hand and fireman on a steamboat running from Albany to New York, and in the fall of 1853 he learned the trade of moulder, which he followed until the fall of 1857. In the spring of 1858 he came to Poweshiek county and settled in this city. In the spring of 1877 he was elected city marshal and held that office until 1878. In 1879 was re-elected, which position he is now filling. He was married in Hannibal, Missouri, May 8, 1878, to Mrs. Maria A. Abbott.

PHELPS, LOYAL C.—Grinnell Twp—pg 918-19. On the streets of Grinnell may be seen an elderly gentleman, on whom Time has lightly laid his hand. Erect and hearty he passes among his fellow-citizens respected and beloved for his life of unselfish usefulness. To Loyal C. Phelps, perhaps, more than any other man is due the existence and location of the town of Grinnell in Iowa. In a correspondence with Hon J.B. Grinnell, when he was solicited to join in founding a Congregational colony in Missouri, Mr. Phelps stated that he would not settle in a slave State, but wanted to go where they could have schools. Since his arrival in April, 1854, Mr. Phelps has always been keenly alive to the best interests of the town and has given freely of time and money to further its prosperity. He was born in New Haven, Vermont, January 16, 1807. His father, Matthew, died in the War of 1812, when his son was seven years old. At the age when boys were usually apprenticed he was bound out by his uncle and guardian to a hatter; but this trade being distasteful to him, he did not follow it after the completion of his apprenticeship. Endowed with energy and hope young Phelps went out West, and soon became acquainted with a large part of the western and southern United States. He was in business at different times in Rochester and Buffalo, New York. He was also connected with the first line of transportation on the Ohio Canal and business manager of a line of steamers on the great lakes. In 1839 he returned to his native town and married Miss Jennietta Cook, the eldest daughter of Hubbard Cook. The next year the young couple came to Benton, Lake county, Illinois, and opened a farm where they lived the hard and toilsome life of the early pioneers. Sometime after they returned to Vermont, where Mr. Phelps was connected with the Burlington and Rutland Railroad. From Vermont Mr. Phelps again followed the star of empire to Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming until 1854, when the family moved to their present home. The people of Grinnell, always enthusiastic on the subject of education, early established a literary fund, of which Mr. Phelps was a trustee and afterward the president. The East College building was built by his fund, and afterward donated to Iowa College upon its removal from Davenport. He was for many years a trustee, and also auditor of Iowa College after its location at Grinnell. He was mayor of the town three terms, and was postmaster for a number of years. He was removed form the latter office by Andrew Johnson, for refusing to subscribe for the circulation of Johnson’ "My Policy" doctrine. In the same letter Mr. Phelps showed his principles and Yankee grit by telling Johnson that he would contribute for the dissemination of Thad Stephen’s speeches in opposition thereto. Mr. Phelps has always held a prominent place in the home of his choice, and is now spending the closing years of his life happy and contented, surrounded by the culture and intelligence of the community he so greatly helped to establish; respected for his far-sightedness in business affairs and honored for the integrity of his life and character.

PHELPS, MATT.—Grinnell Twp—pg 919. Firm of Phelps & Moer, attorneys at law. Born in Lake county, Illinois, near Waukegan, on the 23d day of July, 1843, he removed with his parents soon after to Vermont, and afterward to Wisconsin. Came to this county July 19, 1854. He was educated and a graduate of the Iowa College, and also a graduate of the Iowa Law School of Des Moines, now of Iowa City; he also attended the Ann Arbor Law School, in Michigan. He was admitted to practice in 1867, and commenced the practice of his profession in Grinnell, where he has succeeded by his own unaided efforts in building up a large and lucrative business, and is the attorney for the C., R.I. & P. Railroad. Mr. Phelps was married to Miss Marielma Paige, of Iowa Falls, in September, 1870. She died August 12, 1879, leaving one little daughter, Marielma F. (aged two and a half years).

PHILLIPS, ERNEST L.—Grinnell Twp—pg 919. Of the firm of Phillips & Co., hardware merchants. Is the son of A.L. Phillips and was born in Henry county, Illinois, January 8, 1858. When nine years of age he came with his parents to Iowa, locating in Grinnell, where he has been educated. In the fall of 1875 he went to the Davenport Business College, and graduated in the spring of 1876. Then returned to Grinnell where he taught school for one term, and then engaged in his present business. His marriage was in Grinnell, September 3, 1879, to Miss Anna Belle Ferguson. Their family consists of one child, Vena Olio (born July 16, 1880).

PHILLIPS, A.P.—Grinnell Twp—pg 919-20. Of the firm of Phillips & Co., hardware merchants. Was born in New York, February 13, 1828, and was there raised and educated. He became engaged in teaching school and music, and continued the same until the spring of 1855, when he removed to Henry county, Illinois. Was there engaged in farming until the fall of 1867, when he came to Grinnell and in the spring of 1871 commenced his present business, in which he has been very successful. Was married in New York, March 25, 1854, to Miss Maria Griswold. They have three children by this union: Sarah M., Ernest L. and Grace E.

PITMAN, HENRY.—Grinnell Twp—pg 920. Of the firm of Pitman & Co., butchers, Grinnell. Was born in England, January 30, 1845, and at the age of ten years immigrated with his mother to America, landing in New York. From there he went to Wisconsin, where he attended school, after which he commenced farming and lumbering, and continued the same until the spring of 1869. Then came to Poweshiek county, settling in this city, and engaged in his present business. August 11, 1862, Mr. P. enlisted in company B, Thirty-first regiment Wisconsin Volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged July 6, 1865. His marriage was in Wisconsin, December 4, 1870, to Miss Cornelia Hatch. Their family consists of three children: Samuel A., Harry A. and Hattie C.

POWELL, J.C.—Grinnell Twp—pg 920. Carpenter and builder, Grinnell. This gentleman owes his nativity to Pennsylvania, where he was born on the 17^th of September, 1836. After leaving school he learned the carpenter’s trade, and, with saw-milling, followed it until 1861, when he enlisted in company E, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserve Corps and served three years and three months, when he was honorably discharged. Was in the battles of Lewisburg, McClellan’s Campaign and several others equally as severe. After receiving his discharge he returned to Pennsylvania and continued his trade until 1866, when he went to Illinois, and in the fall of 1868 came to Grinnell and is now doing the largest business in contracting and building in the city. In the spring of 1878 he was elected a member of the city council, which position he now holds. He was married in Grinnell, May 28, 1873, to Miss Ida M. Quivey. They have four children: Mary E., Maud A., Willie and Mabel J.

PRESTON, S.J.—Grinnell Twp—pg 920-21. Proprietor of Opera House, Grinnell. Was born in New York, September 3, 1832, and when five years of age was deprived of the care of a father and mother by death. His education was received in his native place, and he followed farming until the spring of 1857, when he came West and located in Davenport, Scott county, Iowa. In the spring of 1869 he came to this county and located where he now resides. He is doing a large business in the bakery and grocery line, under the firm name of Joy & Preston. Through his integrity and perseverance he has worked himself to the position and high standing he now holds, having commenced life with nothing. He was married in New York, October 28, 1852, to Miss Martha Johnson. They had one son, Dorr (born in March, 1854; died in October, 1854). His second marriage was in Scott county, Iowa, March 24, 1858. The result of this union is three children: Carrie A., Mary E., Harry F.

PRESTON, S.S.—Grinnell Twp—pg 921. Proprietor of stock farm, P.O. Grinnell. Was born in Orange county, Vermont, on the 7^th day of December, 1832, and resided there until twenty years of age, when he went to Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. He remained there for four years, with the exception of two terms, when he gave up his studies on account of ill health, and in the spring of 1857 came to Iowa, locating in Jasper county. There engaged in farming until 1870, when he came to this county and settled in Grinnell, where he engaged in the general mechandise business. In the spring of 1880 he sold out to his sons, B.W. and H.B., and J.W. Kendall. Mr. Preston has a fine stock farm of 250 acres, and also owns 480 acres of improved land in Jasper county. In 1861 he became connected with the quartermaster’s department, remaining for three years. His marriage was in Orange county, Vermont, September 4, 1856, to Miss Amelia M. Wilde. By this union there are nine children living: Byron W., Herbert B., Arthur L., Elmer S., Myrtie L., Virgil G., Viola G., Fred A. and George W. Lost one, Thomas A.

PROCTOR, H.P.—Grinnell Twp—pg 921. Dealer in jewelry, etc., Grinnell. Was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, January 14, 1855, and was there partly educated. When nine years of age he went to Jasper county, Iowa, remaining for five years, when he came to this county and located in this city and here finished his schooling. He then learned the jeweler’s trade and has since followed it as his occupation, having one of the finest stores in the county. In the spring of 1874, he went to Fontanelle, Adair county, where he first started the jewelry business, but only remained until the spring of 1876 and then returned here. He also deals in two kinds of sewing machines. Mr. Proctor was married in Grinnell, October 23, 1867, to Miss Emma P. Hamlin. They have one child, Hattie (born August 25, 1879).

PROPST, W.A.—Grinnell Twp—pg 921-22. Dealer in groceries and provisions. Was born April 29, 1829, and is a native of West Virginia, where he was raised and educated. He commenced farming while young and continued it until the fall of 1851, when he came to Iowa, locating in Scott county, where he remained until the spring of 1868. Then came to Grinnell and since that time has been engaged in his present business. Mr. Propst has been twice married; first, in Scott county, November 7, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth A. Cunningham. They had by this union six children: Frank, Ida May, Emma J. Minnie B., Sarah and Charlie. His second marriage was in Illinois, June 15, 1875, to Miss C.J. Propps. They have one child, Bertie.

RAMEY, K.M.—Grinnell Twp—pg 922. Furniture dealer. Was born in Knox (now Morrow) county, Ohio, June 2, 1838. Was there raised and educated. His father, John Ramey, was an agriculturalist in that State. In early life K. M. pursued school-teaching. In the spring of 1869 he came to Iowa, locating at Monroe, Jasper county, where he resided for a time and taught school. In 1871 he removed to Marengo, where he engaged in the furniture trade. Came to Grinnell in 1875 and he has since been in trade. Was married, in 1865, to Miss Mary K Howard, of Ohio, a lady of culture and refinement. Mr. Ramey is among the solid business men of Grinnell and carries a stock of furniture that will compare favorably with any in the county. Mrs. R. is also a teacher, which occupation she has followed most of the time since her marriage, having taught for some time in the graded school of Marengo and for the last five years in the graded schools of Grinnell.

ROLLINS, J.S.—Grinnell Twp—pg 922. Farmer and stock-raiser, section 18, P.O. Grinnell. Born in Kennebec county, Maine, November 26, 1836; was there raised and educated and resided until 1857, when he came West, locating in Cedar county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming and resided until 1875, when he came to Poweshiek county, locating where he now resides. He was married, January 3, 1860, to Miss Matilda J. Fuller, a native of Ohio. By this union they have had three children, two of whom are now living: John S. (born January 4, 1861), Annie J. (born July 11, 1866). They lost one (born June 3, 1870). Mr. Rollins enlisted August 13, 1862, in company B, Twenty-fourth Iowa volunteer infantry. He was honorably discharged August 3, 1864. His farm consists of 160 acres, one and one-half miles from Grinnell. His orchard consists of 175 apple trees and smaller fruits in proportion. He makes a specialty of stock-raising.