William J. Young

WILLIAM J. YOUNG, an enterprising and progressive citizen of Knox Township, residing on section 21, was born in Warren County, Ohio, August 6, 1847, a son of Peter and Eliza (Whitaker) Young, the father a native of New Jersey, and the mother born in Clermont County, Ohio. They were the parents of seven children – Margaret, Elizabeth, John, Naomi, Alfred, William J. and Samuel. Our subject lived in his native county till eight years of age, when he went with his parents to Knox County, Illinois, and there he was reared to manhood. He attended the common schools during his youth, completing his education at Abingdon College, of Knox County.  During the late war he went to the defense of his country’s flag, enlisting February 14, 1864, in Company A, Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry. He participated in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, and in General Sherman’s campaign. He was in all of Generals Stoneman and Cook’s engagements in which the Fourteenth took part. Mr. Young was captured by the rebels at Atlanta, and was first taken to Athens, then to Andersonville, where he was confined for five months. After enduring all the hardships and privation known only to those who were confined there, he was removed to Charleston, and three weeks later to Florence, and after being confined at the latter place eight weeks he was paroled. In December, 1864, he was taken to Charleston, then to Annapolis, Maryland, where he lay in a hospital for many days at the point of death, but through the kind and attentive nursing of the Sisters of Charity he recovered, and in January, 1865, returned to his home, when he was taken with a relapse, and for many days his life was again despaired of. He received an honorable discharge at Camp Chase, Ohio, in April, 1865, when he returned to his home in Knox County, Illinois.  In 1866 he went to southwestern Missouri, returning to Knox County in 1869, remaining there till 1870. November 24, 1870, he was married to Louisa Hendricks , who was born and reared in Knox County, Illinois, a daughter of William and Amanda Hendricks. They have six children – Charlie, Loyd, Bessie, Albert, Rolla and Oscar. Mr. Young removed to Vermillion County, Illinois, in 1870, and after residing there four years came to Clarke County, Iowa, when he settled on his present farm in Knox Township, which contains eighty-five acres of well-improved land under a high state of cultivation. He has a commodious and comfortably furnished residence, and good farm buildings for the accommodation of his stock, and in his general farming and stock-raising he is meeting with success. Mr. Young is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is commander of Knox Center Post, No. 189. He has served efficiently as clerk of his township. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has by his fair and honest dealings won the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 409

Henry D. Woodward

HENRY D. WOODWARD, of the firm of C. T. Haskins & Co., dealers in lumber and hardware, Murray, Clarke County, Iowa, was born in Allegany (now Wyoming County), New York, the date of his birth being May 26, 1844, a son of Horace Woodward who was a native of Vermont. Our subject was reared and educated in the schools of his native county and at the age of 22 years he learned the carpenter's trade. He came to Iowa in 1859, locating in Black Hawk County. He enlisted in the late war in Company A, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, in which he served two years and eight months during which time he was mostly on detached duty. He re-enlisted as a veteran in Company K, Seventh Iowa Cavalry and took part in most of the engagements with the Indians. Mr. Woodward was married in December 1872 to Miss Barbara O. Shreves, a daughter of John Shreves, of Greenfield, Adair County, Iowa and to this union have been born three children – Loren S., Belle O., and John A. Mr. Woodward left Black Hawk County in 1871, removing to Adair County, where he remained till 1873. He then came to Murray, Clarke County, Iowa, where he has since resided with the exception of two years, which he spent in Adair County and during his residence here has been engaged in the lumber, hardware and furniture business. He has been elected to several local offices, and is at present, a member of the town council and of the school board. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 268

William W. Williams

W. W. WILLIAMS, deputy sheriff of Clarke County, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, May 15, 1842. His parents, James and Sarah (Wilson) Williams, were also natives of Ohio. When he was four years of age his mother died. He remained with his father until he was thirteen years old; then came to Clarke County with Garner Hunt, with whom he lived until the outbreak of the civil war.  He then enlisted in Company I, Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Infantry, which belonged to the Army of the Tennessee. His first engagement was at the battle of Shiloh. In the early part of the battle he had command of a squad of sixteen men, who carried ammunition from the boat. He lost six of the sixteen men. He participated in the battles of Atlanta, Corning, and the siege of Vicksburg. Just before the battle of Atlanta he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He had charge of thirty-seven men, and came out with seven. He was in the famous march to the sea, and was then ordered to Washington for the grand review. Here Mr. Williams took command of his company, and was then ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, thence to Chicago, thence to Davenport, where he was mustered out in June, 1865, having served three years and seven months.  He then returned to Osceola. In 1864 he married Miss Eliza McDonald, of Keokuk, Iowa, and a native of Virginia. After his return from the war he engaged in agricultural pursuits two years, then came to Osceola and started a livery, with J.M. Ball as partner, which business he followed for eight years. After this he was appointed deputy sheriff, under J. M. Ballou, serving in this capacity four years. He was then appointed Government storekeeper, at Atlantic, Iowa, and remained there until the office was abolished. In 1883 he was again appointed deputy sheriff, under E. E. Rankin, and upon the election of J. C. Bonar, was re-appointed.  Mr. and Mrs. Williams have three daughters – Della, wife of Edwin Sperry, Sophronia, and Nellie May. Mr. Williams belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He served as vice-president of the Clarke County Agricultural Society.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 406

Joshua B. Wells

J. B. WELLS, dealer in wood and coal, at Osceola, was born August 14, 1838, in Belmont County, Ohio. His father, Isaac Wells, was a carpenter by trade, and J. B. learned the same trade, which he followed for several years. His mother was Provy (Byers) Wells, a native of Maryland. In 1853 the family started for Iowa, coming by way of Alexandria, Missouri. While at this place the father died. The family then came to Clarke County and settled on Otter Creek, in Osceola Township. Here the family separated. The mother had died one year previous to their leaving Ohio, and J. B. was thus early thrown upon his own resources.  His first work was to carry mortar for the plastering of the old court-house, which is still standing, but abandoned. He rented a farm one year, and after putting in a corn crop, sold that and moved to Osceola, where he engaged in carrying the mail from Osceola to Afton. In the fall of 1856 he went to Nebraska, remained three years and returned to Osceola. Later he again went to Nebraska, thence to Denver, Colorado, returning to Nebraska, and, finally, came to Mahaska County, Iowa.  In 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-third Regiment Iowa Infantry, as a private soldier. He was promoted to First Orderly Sergeant, then to First Lieutenant, and in 1864, to Captain of his company, in which rank he served until the close of the war. He was mustered out July 17, 1865, at New Orleans. He took part in the battle at Jenkins’ Ferry, April 30, 1864, Helena, Arkansas, July 4, 1863, and many small engagements. At Jenkins’ Ferry he received a gun-shot wound through the right thigh, for which he receives a pension.  After being honorably discharged, Mr. Wells went to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and remained there until the fall of 1866, engaging in auctioneering and subsequently ran a meat market and grocery, then removed to Osceola and worked at his trade one year; then followed teaming for about three years, after which he again turned his attention to his trade. Later he took a trip to Old Mexico (in the interest of the Knott’s Mexican Silver Mining Company), then returned to Osceola and engaged in the stock and grain business, shipping to Chicago and Peoria. This he continued until 1881, when he commenced dealing in wood and coal. He discontinued the cattle and grain trade. He is located on Main street, one half block from the southeast corner of the square. He is doing a thriving business.  In 1865, Mr. Wells married Miss Harriet S., daughter of John Chick, of Oskaloosa. They have two children, – Nellie F., wife of Charles H. Currier, cashier of the Osceola Bank, and Grace, who lives at home. Mr. Wells has served as township clerk, four, and as trustee two years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, the Good Templars, the Grand Army of the Republic, and V. A. S.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 339-40

William C. Watson

W. C. WATSON, section 8, Jackson Township, Clarke County, Iowa, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 22, 1840. His father, Hugh Watson, was born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1809, and died in Dunlap, Michigan, in 1873. His mother, whose maiden name was Isabella Chisholm, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1814, and died in her native county in 1847.   W. C. was the second of a family of four children. His only brother, Alexander, was born February 2, 1838, and died while in the service of his country, at Bowling Green, Kentucky, February 7, 1863. He was a member of Company K, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry. His sister, Margaret, born in March, 1842, and Jennet, born in May, 1844, are living, the former in Iowa, and the latter in Michigan. After the death of his mother, when eight years old, he went to live with an uncle, William Chisholm, and with him came to Iowa in 1861.  August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, but was unable to serve his entire term of enlistment, as he was taken sick with typhus fever, which resulted in total deafness, and he was discharged at the general hospital at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, February 27, 1863. From 1863 till 1869, he was under the care of physicians, trying to regain his health and hearing. Although not successful in the latter he has never regretted the part he took in saving his country from her enemies, and the nation’s flag from dishonor.  During these years following his return from the war, he made his home with his uncle, William Chisholm, in Monroe County, Iowa. In December, 1869, he formed a partnership with Isaac Elder, of Eddyville, Wapello County, and engaged in farming, and feeding and herding cattle, Mr. Elder furnishing $25,000 worth of property, and Mr. Watson giving his experience and time to the management of the work.  In April, 1873, he moved to Clarke County, Iowa, and bought ninety acres of land of Joseph Heasley, forty acres of which had been improved. To this he has added at different times until he now owns 220 acres, 200 acres being under cultivation, and twenty acres timber land. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, and claims to have as fine herds of high-grade, short-horn cattle, Berkshire hogs, and Clydesdale horses as can be found in the county.  Although he has never been well since leaving the army, being totally deaf and suffering constantly with a pain in his head, he has been ambitious and has been successful beyond his most sanguine expectations. Few men in his condition physically, would think themselves able to perform manual labor, but notwithstanding the difficulties which are constantly to be encountered he has persevered, and save the small pension given him by the Government, has supported his family and acquired a good home.  Mr. Watson was married December 22, 1872, to Martha E. Hamilton, daughter of Alexander and Freelove Hamilton of Monroe County, Iowa. They have five children – Hugh Alexander, William, Matilda, Charles and Jennet; aged respectively fourteen, twelve, ten, eight and six years.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 295-6

John M. Wallace

JOHN M. WALLACE, a successful and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 36, Green Bay Township, was born January 8, 1833, in Ross County, Ohio. His parents, John and Jane (McCune) Wallace, had a family of six children – Sarah, Caroline, Mary, Elizabeth, John and Ellen. John M. was two years old when his parents removed with their family to Jasper County, Indiana, where the father died some six years later. After the father’s death the mother and her children settled in Cumberland, Pennsylvania. John M. Wallace was reared to maturity on a farm, receiving his education at the common schools. At the age of eighteen years he went to Clarke County, Ohio, remaining there three years, when he went to Knox County, Illinois. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company E., Eighty-third Illinois Infantry. He was at Fort Donelson, Fort Henry, Clarksville, and in the campaign from Nashville to Florence, Alabama. He was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, June 26, 1865, and mustered out of the service at Chicago, Illinois when he returned to Knox County, Illinois. He remained there till the fall of 1868, when he came to Clarke County, Iowa, locating in Green Bay Township, on the farm where he still resides. He has brought his land from a wild state into a well-improved farm, has erected a substantial residence, which is comfortably furnished throughout, and has good barns and out-buildings for the accommodation of his stock. His farm now contains 225 acres of choice land, under the best of cultivation, and he is numbered among the representative men of his township, where he has made his home for so many years. Mr. Wallace was married October 19, 1865, to Mrs. Priscilla (Westfall) Hall, of Knox County, Illinois, and to this union have been born five children – Frank C., John E., Jenny M., Harvey E. and Frederick E. (twins). Mrs. Wallace has two children by her first marriage – George W. and Ella S. In politics Mr. Wallace is a Republican. He has served efficiently as township trustee for two or three terms.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 338-9

James A. Wade

JAMES A. WADE, one of the enterprising and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Green Bay Township, residing on section 8, was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, February 8, 1844, a son of Isaac and Elinor (Barnhill) Wade, who were natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. They reared a family of nine children – W. S., Sarah Elizabeth, James A., Mary Alice, Eliza Jane, John Henry, Martha Ann, Charles Harvey and Nellie Myrtle.  When our subject was two years old his parents came to Iowa, locating in Des Moines County, where the family lived for ten years, coming in 1856 to Clarke County, and settling in Green Bay Township. James A. was reared to manhood on a farm in Clarke County, receiving his education in the common schools of this and Des Moines counties.  In October, 1863, he enlisted in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, Company H, and was engaged with his regiment in fighting guerrillas and bushwhackers in Missouri and Arkansas, and had many hard-fought skirmishes and battles with those noted rebels. He received an honorable discharge at Davenport, Iowa, when he returned to his home in Clarke County.  Mr. Wade was married March 6, 1870, to Miss Eliza Jane Harbin, a daughter of John and Providence (Gardner) Harbin, her father being a prominent pioneer and wealthy citizen of Clarke County. Mr. and Mrs. Wade have four children – Levina Eleanor, Nellie Myrtle, Archibald Fred and Alfred Leslie. Mr. Wade is engaged in stock-raising, feeding and dealing in stock, in which pursuit he has met with good success. His farm contains 340 acres of choice land under fine cultivation, with good, two-story residence, a fine orchard and commodious out-buildings and large barn.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 432-3

Thomas G. Vinson

THOMAS G. VINSON, who has been identified with Clarke County for many years, is a native of Wapello County, Iowa, where he was born March 7, 1845. His parents, Isaac and Charity (Glenn) Vinson, were natives of Tennessee and Indiana respectively, and were among the first settlers of Wapello County, Iowa. They had a family of eleven children – Joseph, Thomas T., Martha J, William, Elizabeth, Jesse, David, Mary, Sarah Ann, Susannah and Belle.  Our subject was quite young when his parents moved to Jefferson County, and some time later they removed to Marion County, where they resided till Thomas G. was about twelve years old. In 1857 they located in Clarke County, Iowa, near Lacelle, in Knox township, where our subject was reared to manhood, receiving a limited education in the common schools.  In February, 1864, he enlisted in the late war in Company F., Sixth Iowa Infantry, and was with General Sherman in his famous march to the sea. He was shot through the hand by a minie ball, at Atlanta, and was in a hospital for some time. On the way to join his regiment he was taken sick, and was sent to Fairfax Hospital, where he lay at the point of death for many days. On his recovery he was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, and returned to his home in Clarke County.  He has been a resident of his present farm since 1882. It is located on section 33, Knox Township, and contains 290 acres of well-improved land, which he has made by his own untiring efforts, he having commenced life without means. He devotes considerable attention to dealing in stock, raising, feeding, selling and buying, and is meeting with good success.  Mr. Vinson was married July 14, 1868, to Julia Ann Chaney, daughter of Francis Chaney. Mrs. Vinson died February 28, 1872. To them were born two children – Alpha Omega and Walter L.; Alpha died before her mother, and Walter two months after. Mr. Vinson was again married September 10, 1873, to Margaret Emily Barr, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Barr, and to this union have been born four children – Julia Ann, George H. William H. and Samuel Isaac. Mr. Vinson is a comrade of Lacelle Post, G.A.R. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 356

George W. Vaught

GEORGE W. VAUGHT, an old pioneer who has been identified with the growth and advancement of Clarke County for over thirty years, is a native of Clark County, Indiana, born December 12, 1828. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Giltner) Vaught, were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively, and to them were born fourteen children, of whom our subject was the second child. He passed his early life in working on the home farm, his education being limited to the log school-houses of those early days. For several years he was engaged in flat-boating on the Ohio river, freighting wood and hay to the Louisville market.  At the age of twenty-one years he came to the then Territory of Iowa, locating in Jefferson County, and a short time later removed to Appanoose County, where he resided until 1854. He then came to Clarke County, Iowa, and located on Government land in Green Bay Township.  August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company D., Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and at the battle of Parker’s Cross-Roads he was shot through the left arm at the elbow.  He was then confined in the hospital six months, and from the hospital was sent to Memphis, Tennessee, but being unfit for active duty in the field on account of his wound, he was placed on duty in the Provost Marshal’s guard, where he served till his discharge, August 11, 1865, just three years from the date of his enlistment.  He then returned to his home in Clarke County, remaining there till he removed to his present farm in 1879. His farm is located on section 30, Green Bay Township, and contains eighty-five acres of choice land under a high state of cultivation, with comfortable house and farm buildings for stock, a fine orchard, etc. He is still engaged in general farming and stock-raising, in which vocation he has met with success.  Mr. Vaught was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Melissa S. Sherlow, of Appanoose County, Iowa. They have seven children living – Sophrona, Leonidas, Savilla, Dora, Ellsworth, Libbie and Isabelle. In politics Mr. Vaught is a Republican. He is in religious faith a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. During his long residence here he has taken a deep interest in everything connected with the welfare of the township, and has become widely known and universally respected throughout the county.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 316-7

Tobias Teller

TOBIAS TELLER, one of the active and enterprising agriculturists of Washington Township, was born in Schenectady County, New York, December 12, 1830, a son of W. I. and Catherine (McClain) Teller, his parents being natives of New York State, the mother born in June, 1796. They were the parents of eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom six are still living. The parents immigrated with their family to Illinois, in 1854, and settled in Whiteside County, where the father died in May, 1860. After his death the mother returned to New York, and later went to Vermont, where she remained till her death in 1884.  Tobias Teller, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood in his native county, and received his education in the village schools. He accompanied his parents to Illinois, remaining there till 1859, when he crossed the plains for California with an ox-team, being on the way six months and eighteen days, and while there was engaged in mining.  He enlisted in the service of his country in the Fourth California Infantry, and was sent to Puget Sound to relieve some regulars who were stationed there. He was afterward sent to Fort Yuma, in Southern California, were he was discharged in September, 1864. He then returned to Illinois, going thence to Washington, D.C. where he reenlisted in Company A, United States Veterans, and was sent to Winchester, Virginia, where he was engaged in burying the remains of those who were killed in the battle of the Wilderness, which at that time were principally bones. He was mustered out at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland, as First Sergeant, being discharged in 1865.  After the war Mr. Teller returned to Illinois, where he worked at the carpenter’s trade. In 1868 he was married to Mary Holden, a native of New York, and they have had born to them two children – William B. and Charles Roy. After his marriage Mr. Teller settled in Sterling, Illinois, where he followed carpentering. In 1871 he removed with his family to Clarke County, locating on a farm of eighty acres, on section 15, Washington Township, which he still owns, occupying this land till 1881. He then removed to the farm where he has since made his home, and in connection with his general farming he is devoting considerable attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of cattle and horses.  Mr. Teller has served Washington Township as clerk, assessor, and school treasurer. He was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors of Clarke County, in 1881, which office he still holds, having been re-elected in the fall of 1884. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Osceola Lodge, No. 77, and the Royal Arch Chapter, No. 23.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 384-5

William H. Stevens

W. H. STEVENS, an enterprising and successful farmer and stock-raiser of Green Bay Township, residing on section 36, is a native of Maine, born near Bangor, his parents, William and Cynthia (Oaks) Stevens, being natives of the same State. They had a family of ten children – Eunice, William, Lucy, Frances, Cynthia, Nancy, Lorenzo, Augustus, John F. and William H., our subject, who was the youngest child. When about four years of age he was taken by his parents to Philadelphia, they residing there three years, and in 1840 the family removed to Meigs County, Ohio, where our subject was reared to manhood. His early life was passed on a farm, and his education was received at the public schools.  He was united in marriage September 28, 1858, to Miss Martha Hogue, who was born and reared in Meigs County, Ohio, a daughter of James and Christina (Patterson) Hogue. Her parents were natives of Scotland, being born near Edinburgh. They reared a family of seven children – William, Alexander, Margaret, James, Jane, John and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have three sons – Harvey E., Delmont D. and James F.  During the late war Mr. Stevens enlisted in Company D, Fifteenth Ohio National Guards, the date of his enlistment being June 16, 1863. He participated in the raid against Morgan in Ohio, and had a skirmish with that bold rebel leader. January 15, 1864, he re-enlisted in the three years’ service, in Company A, Second West Virginia Cavalry, and was at the battles of Cedar Creek and Winchester. After being in the service about eighteen months he was honorably discharged at Wheeling, West Virginia, July 4, 1865.  He then returned to Meigs County, Ohio, where he followed farming and carpentering till 1869. He then came to Green Bay township, Clarke County, Iowa, and located on his present farm, which at that time was entirely unimproved, where he is still engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His farm now contains 265 acres of as good land as can be found in the township, well improved and under high cultivation. He has a good residence, surrounded by shade and ornamental trees, and commodious farm buildings for his stock. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are consistent members of the Free-Will Baptist church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Jacinth Lodge, No.443, A.F. & A.M. and is one of the representative men of Clarke County.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 309

Francis M. Sherer

FRANCIS M. SHERER, one of the pioneers of Clarke County, and an enterprising citizen of Ward Township, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, June 5, 1836, where he was reared till the fall of 1849. His father, John Sherer, then removed with his family to Iowa, spending the first winter at Pella, and in the following March came to Clarke County, locating four miles south of Osceola, where he entered 160 acres of land.  In the fall of 1850 he went with his family to Osceola, where he built a double log house, in which he kept an hotel, this being the only hotel in the place at that time. He ran the hotel till 1856, when he sold out and established an hotel in the north part of the town, which he kept for two years. He then removed to a farm two miles from Osceola, where he followed farming till 1861, when disposing of his farm, he returned to Osceola. In 1863 he went to California, where he met his death.  Francis M., whose name heads this sketch, received a rudimentary education in the old court-house, which is still standing on the north side of the square, remaining with his parents till arriving at maturity. During the war he enlisted for three years in Company H, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, and in 1863 he was promoted to hospital steward, serving in that capacity till his term of enlistment had expired. He received an honorable discharge, being mustered out in April, 1865.  He then returned to Clarke County, and for the two years following he was employed in clerking for E. Rankin. In 1866 he engaged in the furniture business, and in 1867 became engaged in the insurance business, acting as agent for several reliable Eastern companies until 1872. He then removed to section 23, Ward Township, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits, devoting some attention to stock-raising. His farm, which contains 140 acres, is under a high state of cultivation, and the surroundings of the place show the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer.  Mr. Sherer has been twice married, his first marriage taking place in 1870, to Barbara Switzer, who died leaving four small children – Theodore M., born October 21, 1871; Belle A., born April 19, 1873; Henry F., born June 20, 1875, and John S., born November 25, 1876. Mr. Sherer was again married in 1878, to Mrs. Emma P. (Neikirke) Johnson, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1841. This union has been blessed with three children – Mabel L., born August 11, 1880; David A., born May 14, 1883, and George N. born August 23, 1885. Mr. Sherer is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 342-3

Abisha Sanders

ABISHA SANDERS, farmer and stock raiser, living on section 5, Knox township, was born in Perry County, Ohio, April 2, 1848, a son of Jesse and Epsey (Battin) Sanders, the father being a native of Georgia, and the mother born in Columbiana County, Ohio. They were the parents of nine children – Benjamin, Matilda, Simeon, Myrom, Clarinda, Jesse, John, Sarah and Abisha. Abisha spent his youth on a farm, his education being obtained in the common schools.  He enlisted in the defense of his country at the early age of fifteen years, he being one of the youngest soldiers in the company. He joined Company B, Tenth Ohio Cavalry, in February, 1863, and participated in many engagements, and was with Sherman in his grand march to the sea.  He was in General Kilpatrick’s command. He was honorably discharged at Cleveland, Ohio, in August 1865, when he returned to his home in Perry County, Ohio.  October 21, 1868, he was married to Phebe Travis, of Perry County, and they have eleven children living – Matilda, Albert S., Stella A., Effie Alice, Carrie Irena, Ora Centennial, Orle F., Vernon P., Charlotte, Lora Blaine, and an infant unnamed. Mr. Sanders has been a resident of Clarke County, Iowa, since the spring of 1878, when he located on his present farm in Knox Township. His farm contains 200 acres of as good land as can be found in Clarke County, and is all under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Sanders is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Post No. 189.  In politics he is a Republican.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 294

Andrew J. Ronk

ANDREW J. RONK, farmer and stock-raiser, section 11, Madison Township, was born in Greenbrier County, Virginia, August 24, 1842. His father, George W. Ronk, was a native of the same State, born in Roanoke County, but is now deceased. He being a farmer, our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving such education as the rude log-cabin subscription schools of his neighborhood afforded.  In 1861 he went to Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, where he remained about eight years, working at coopering, wagon-making and carpentering. He was a member of the State militia during the John Brown raid in 1861, and was sent into the Confederate army, but after serving four months he deserted, and joined the Union troops in Illinois, enlisting in the Sixty-seventh Infantry, Company F, and was appointed Orderly Sergeant.  March 10, 1864, he was married to Rachel Briley, and to them have been born eight children – George W., Edith M., Daisy G., John A., Cecil H., Ora B., Olive U. and Amy P.  Mr. Ronk came to Clarke County, Iowa, in the fall of 1870, and has since made his home on section 11, Madison Township, where he has 183 acres of fine land. In politics he is a Democrat, taking an active interest in that political party, and June 30, 1886, he attended the State Nominating Convention held at Des Moines. Mr. Ronk never seeks official honors, but has served his township several terms as trustee, with credit to himself and his constituents. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 294

Peter Rinner

PETER RINNER, farmer and stock-raiser, section 23, Madison Township, was born in Germany, near the river Rhine, November 14, 1831. His father, Peter Rinner, came with his family to America in 1836, and settled at Lockport, Ohio, where he died nine weeks after his arrival. Our subject, on the death of his father, was taken by David Stiffler, of Beaver Dam, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, by whom he was reared to agricultural pursuits.  He entered the United States army during the Mexican war when in his sixteenth year, under Scott, and was at the battles of St. Augustine, wounded at Cherebusco, Mellina, Del Ray, Chapultepac, and at the taking of Mexico. He reentered the United States service in 1850, and spent two and a half years in teaching recruits. He then entered the cavalry of the Second United States dragoons in 1855, remaining in the service till February, 1864, when he was discharged as Second lieutenant.  During the late civil war he participated in the battles of First Bull Run, after which battle he carried the first white flag to the rebel army. Williamsport, battle of the Wilderness, the seven days fight on the peninsula, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Culpeper, and others of minor importance. Before the war of the Rebellion he was engaged in fighting with Indians in Utah, and while there part of the time his company had but two ounces of flour for each man for their daily allowance, and for a while they lived on nettles cooked as greens. He served his country as a soldier fifteen years and eight months.  Mr. Rinner came to Iowa in 1864, locating at Des Moines, where he remained till 1871. He then came to Clarke County, where he has since followed farming and stock-raising on his present farm, where he has 126 acres of well-improved land. He began life a poor boy, but his habits of industry and economy have been crowned with success, he having acquired his present fine property by his own efforts.  Mr. Rinner was married January 14, 1874, to Diantha Gray, a daughter of William Gray, of Rush County, Kansas. They have had six children, four still living – Franklin P., Margaret E., George L. and Katherine D. Mr. Rinner still has in his possession his old sword which was given him by General Pleasanton.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 341

James H. Read

JAMES H. READ, grocer, Osceola, established his business at this point in 1867. Soon after he formed a partnership with J. C. Harrison under the firm name of Read & Harrison. This partnership continued until 1878 when he sold out and went to Kansas, returning in the fall of 1880, and January 1, 1881, opened up his present business. He is well established and carries a complete stock of groceries. He is well known to the public, and defies competition.  Mr. Read was born in Beardstown, Illinois, August 2, 1839. His father, Haywood Read, was a native of Maine, and his mother, Ann (Black) Read, was a native of Kentucky. They settled in Beardstown where his father carried on the mercantile trade, and also operated a flouring mill. His business was carried on very extensively. At one time he was elected Mayor of Beardstown. He died in California in 1851, and his wife died in Henry County, Iowa, in 1852.  James remained at home until eleven years of age, then lived with a farmer until he was fifteen, then went to Wisconsin pineries, working in mills and as a raftsman, and in the fall of 1859 went to Texas and served one year as a cow-boy. In the fall of 1860 he returned to Illinois, and enlisted as a private in Company K, Forty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Infantry, and served until May, 1863, when he was promoted to First Lieutenant, Third United States Heavy Artillery, and was mustered out with the rank of Captain, April 30, 1866, having served four and a half years.  September 16, 1866, Mr. Read was married to Miss Hannah M. Waller, of Henderson County, Iowa [sic]. They removed to Osceola April 1, 1867. He has served one year as alderman in Osceola. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, the Knights of Pythias, Grand Army of the Republic, and Good Templars.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 293-4

Adam C. Rarick

ADAM C. RARICK, a successful and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Darke County, Ohio, born July 5, 1841. At the age of eleven years he was taken by his parents, Philip and Sarah (Chenoweth) Rarick, to Jay County, Indiana, where the mother died in 1862. The father still makes his home in Jay County, being now about seventy-eight years of age.  Adam C. Rarick remained in Jay County till attaining the age of nineteen years, when, in 1860, he came to Clarke County, Iowa. He received but a limited education in the district schools, but by private study he secured a fair education, and the first winter spent in Clarke County, he was engaged in teaching school.  In July, 1861, he enlisted in defense of the union, in Company F, Sixth Iowa Infantry, serving till the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Chattanooga, and Atlanta, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, July 7, 1865, being mustered out at Davenport, Iowa. He then returned to Clarke County, and has since been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits.  He was married in the fall of 1866, to Miss Lizzie Adkins, daughter of Wyatt Adkins, an old resident of Clarke County. Of the seven children born to this union, four are living – Wyatt W., Earley E., Chester C. and Jesse J.  In 1875 Mr. Rarick removed to his present farm, where he has 340 acres located on sections 17 and 18, of Ward Township, his land being all well improved. He is an enterprising citizen and is classed among the self-made men of Clarke County, he having begun life here without means, but by his persevering industry and good management has prospered in all his undertakings. He is a successful stock-raiser, and has at present on his farm 120 head of high-grade short-horn cattle. He lost a fine barn by fire in July, 1883, which has since been replaced by a more substantial and commodious one.  Mr. Rarick has served two terms as assessor, and was clerk of his township for four years. He has also served on the School board. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 397-8

Abraham C. Rarick

A. C. RARICK, one of the old and honored pioneers of Clarke County, is a native of Darke County, Ohio, born April 12, 1833, a son of Philip and Sarah (Chenoweth) Rarick. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, a son of Philip R., Sr. and Susan (Hikeswell) Rarick, who were among the first pioneers of Darke County, Ohio, locating in that county about the year 1818. They were the parents of thirteen children. Ten children were born to Philip and Sarah Rarick of whom our subject is the eldest. Eight of the children still survive – A. C., Isaac, Jacob, Adam, Charles W., Ira O, Susan and Caroline. David and Catherine are deceased.   A. C. spent his youth in assisting on the farm, and in attending the district schools. In 1851 he went with his father’s family to Jay County, Indiana, remaining there four years, completing his education in a college of that county.   In the fall of 1855 he started for Iowa, being about thirty days on the way. He first located in Knox Township, Clarke County, where he pre-empted a claim in the fall of 1856, proving 160 acres the following fall, which he still owns.  He was married September 7, 1859, to Mary Hunt born in Virginia, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Clarke County, Iowa, a daughter of James and Sarah (Garretson) Hunt. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rarick only four are living – Monroe, Allen, Alice and Eva. Those deceased are – Sarah, Sherman, Lydia and Charlie.  Mr. Rarick enlisted in the late war, in July, 1861, a member of Company [F], Sixth Iowa Infantry, and participated in the battles of Shiloh, Jackson, Mississippi, and siege of Vicksburg. He was wounded in the neck, being struck by a piece of shell. During the war he was promoted to Second Lieutenant, but resigned this position August 2, 1863, and returned to his home in Clarke County.   In 1864 he was appointed postmaster, holding that office one year. Mr. Rarick has met with success in his farming and stock-raising, and is now the owner of 240 acres of well-improved land under a good state of cultivation. He was appointed deputy surveyor in 1858, and in 1859 was elected county surveyor, and held the same office till 1861, when he resigned that he might go to the defense of his country’s flag. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Leslie Post, No. 189. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rarick are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are numbered among the best citizens of Knox Township. In politics Mr. Rarick is a Greenbacker.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 377

St. Clair Powell

ST. CLAIR POWELL, one of the enterprising and prosperous farmers of Liberty township, residing on section 35, was born in Marion County, Indiana, January 31, 1842, a son of Lewis B. and Jane (Smith) Powell. His parents were born and reared in the State of Virginia, living there till after their marriage. They were early settlers of Marion County, Indiana, where they made a home out of the dense forest, both dying at their pioneer home. Their family consisted of four sons and four daughters, of whom our subject was the seventh child. Only two besides our subject are now living: Mrs. Frances Morein, living in Hiawatha, Kansas, and John B., the youngest of the family, living in Grundy County, Iowa.  St.Clair Powell was united in marriage in June, 1862, to Miss Savilla Shinn, in Henry County, Illinois, and to this union were born two children – Merrick, who died at the age of thirteen years and Adella. In August, 1862, Mr. Powell enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Second Illinois Infantry, and in November, 1862, was broken down by a forced march of his regiment, going to the relief of Frankfort, Kentucky. After an attack of bilious fever he rejoined his regiment, but failing health necessitated his discharge at Gallatin, Tennessee, in March, 1863.  Mr. Powell located in Grundy County, Iowa, in 1865, buying property there with the intention of improving and making a home, but his wife’s health failing made a change necessary. He then sold the property and went to Coffey County, Kansas, where his wife died in October, 1867. Mr. Powell then returned to Grundy County, Iowa, with his two children, where he remained until coming to Clarke County, Iowa, in March, 1871.  He has brought his land from a wild state to a well-cultivated farm, and has made all the improvements on his place. Not a tree had been planted nor a furrow turned. Now his buildings are sheltered by a fine maple grove, raised from seed planted twelve years before, the trees being now fully twenty feet in height. His fine farm contains 400 acres of as good land as can be found in the township, and the products of the farm are used for feeding his stock, his attention being devoted to stock-raising. September 8, 1872, Mr. Powell married for his second wife Miss Maria J. Barnes, and to them have been born seven children – William J., Lottie M., Annie B., Charles, Frank E., Bertie and Hattie. In politics Mr. Powell is an ardent Republican.  He is a member of Unity Lodge, No. 212, A.F. & A.M. of Woodburn, and is a highly-respected citizen of Liberty Township.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 333

Christopher C. Perdue

CHRISTOPHER C. PERDUE, farmer, section 22 Liberty Township, was born in West Virginia, October 11, 1841, the youngest of ten children. When he was six years old his father died, and at the age of eleven his mother died. He was then practically thrown upon his own resources. August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Eighty third Regiment. His brother Daniel was in the same company. He was engaged in the third battle of Fort Donelson in February, 1863. In that battle Daniel was shot through the body, and only through the careful nursing of his brother was his recovery made possible. He was honorably discharged July 5, 1865, and returned to Warren County, Illinois, and afterward came to this county. Isaiah, member of the Ninth Iowa, died in Arkansas. Thomas, in Thirty-second Iowa, now lives in Nebraska. Christopher worked on rented land until he purchased his present home in the spring of 1869.  August 29, 1866 he was married to Miss Nancy La Follette, daughter of William La Follette, who settled in Liberty Township in 1855. Both parents are deceased, the mother dying in February, 1868, and the father in February, 1881, aged sixty-one years. Mrs. Perdue was born in Boone County, Indiana, September 21, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Perdue have nine children James W., Francis M., Ella May, Clarence E., Hattie V., Giles C., Susan A., Martha J. and Mary E., twins. Ella May died at the age of two years. Mr. Perdue commenced here on wild land. He first purchased eighty acres and now owns 185, 120 under cultivation. He has held every position of public trust in the township except justice of the peace. In politics he is identified with the Greenback party.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 306-7