James C. Harrison

JAMES C. HARRISON, dealer in groceries, boots and shoes, at Osceola, established his present business in 1867. It was first carried on under the firm name of Read & Harrison. In 1878 Mr. Harrison purchased his partner’s interest, and in 1880 added boots and shoes to his stock.  Mr. Harrison was born in Clinton, Oneida County, New York, June 20, 1843. His parents, Francis and Catharine (Ward) Harrison, removed to McHenry County, Illinois, where his father died in 1880; his mother still lives in that county. James remained at home until he had attained his eighteenth year, then enlisted as a private in Company F, Fifteenth Regiment, Illinois Infantry.  He remained with his regiment until 1863, when he was promoted to Second Lieutenant of Third Regiment, United States Artillery. He took part in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, and in several skirmishes. He was honorably discharged in April, 1866, at Memphis, Tennessee, and then returned to McHenry County.  In July, 1867, he came to Osceola. In 1870 Mr. Harrison married Margaret C. Hess, of Osceola. They have two children – Grace and James E.  Mr. Harrison has served as alderman several terms. He belongs to the Odd Fellows order, and the Knights of Pythias.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 413-4

William E. Harper

WILLIAM E. HARPER, recorder of Clarke County, was born in Kosciusko County, Indiana, near the city of Warsaw, November 9, 1844. He was the third of seven children, four of whom are now living. The father, James Harper, is a native of Indiana. The mother, Delilah (Mason) Harper, was also a native of Indiana.  They immigrated to Clarke County in 1857, and settled n a farm, where they remained many years. They then moved to Osceola, where they still reside. William E. passed his boyhood on a farm, and received such educational advantages as the common schools of that day afforded.  At the outbreak of the civil war, when he was but eighteen years of age, he entered the service as a private soldier, enlisting in Company D, Eighth Regiment, Iowa Cavalry, and served faithfully two years in the Western army. He took an active part in the Atlanta campaign with his regiment, also in the last campaign of the war; he with his regiment in 1865 was with General Wilson’s cavalry corps when they made their famous raid toward Mobile, Selma, Tuskaloosa and other points, after which he returned to Georgia, where he was mustered out August 13, 1865.  After being honorably discharged, Mr. Harper returned to Clarke County, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. September 26, 1865, he married Miss Emarilla, daughter of G. N. Tillotson, of Clarke County. They have two children – Levi S. and Addie L.  In 1873 Mr. Harper left the farm and moved to the city where he accepted a clerkship in a store. In 1882 he was the Republican nominee for county recorder, and was elected by a large majority. So well did he discharge the duties of his office, that in 1884 he was re-elected. Mr. Harper is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is well known, and by his genial manner has won many friends.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 323

William J. Hamilton

W. J. HAMILTON, is a native of DeWitt County, Illinois, born July 1, 1843, a son of Absalom and Ollie (Hutchins) Hamilton. When he was six years of age his parents died leaving him a penniless boy, but he found a friend in Captain S.P. Glenn, who took him home and cared for him until he was old enough to depend upon his own exertions. He remained with Captain Glenn until seventeen years old, accompanying him, in 1853, to Iowa.  In 1861 he enlisted in defense of his country, and was assigned to Company B., Sixth Iowa Infantry. He participated in many hard-fought battles, his regiment being engaged in twenty-seven, and marched 4,000 miles, but a part of the time he was absent on account of wounds received at Shiloh. He was wounded twice, in the arm and leg, and was absent from his company several weeks. He was at the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, Lookout Mountain and the siege of Vicksburg. He started on the Atlanta campaign, but was wounded at the battle of Resaca.  He was in the fight at Macon, Georgia, the siege of Savannah and at the surrender near Goldsboro. He then marched to Washington and was in line at the grand review of Grant’s and Sherman’s armies. He was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and discharged at Davenport, Iowa, July 20, 1865, having served over four years.  While at home on furlough, after his wounds at Shiloh, a band of rebels collected at the resident of Mr. Goble, for the purpose of killing the wounded soldiers then at home, but being suspected Captain Glenn took out his company of home guards and captured the entire number. They fired upon the guards but the troop closed in upon them and took their arms. Two of the number were killed and the rest were taken to Osceola, but on taking the oath of allegiance were released the next day.  After the war closed Mr. Hamilton returned to Iowa and rented land of Captain Glenn, about two years. He then bought a farm of 200 acres which he improved, and then exchanged it for 200 acres of his present farm, to which he has since added 120 acres on sections 34 and 35. He is the owner of one of the best farms in the county, which he has acquired by industry, frugality and good management. He is one of the substantial and esteemed citizens of the township, having gained the confidence of all who know him, by his strict business integrity and straightforward dealing. In politics he is a staunch Republican. He is now Captain of Company A, Fifth Infantry, Iowa National Guards.  He was married November 25, 1869, to Miss Amy R. Winters, daughter of John and Emma Winters, of Henry County, Iowa. They have had nine children – John A. (deceased), Willie F., Jesse S., Susan L., Robert Glenn, Clarence Blaine, and three who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are members of the Christian church, and are among its earnest and liberal supporters.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 436-9

John G. Halloway

John G. Halloway, enlisted in Company D, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, September 27, 1861, and served his country thirty-eight months. He was wounded in the right hip at Pittsburgh Landing, and later was taken with typhoid fever and confined in the hospital at Keokuk. He rejoined his regiment at Vicksburg after the surrender of that city, and was in the campaign against Johnston’s army. He suffered from sunstroke in July, 1864, and the following November received an honorable discharge, and is now residing on section 10, in Liberty Township. He was married September 8, 1863, to Lida Seeker, while on detached duty at Keokuk. Six children were born to this union, of whom five still survive – Mrs. Cetta Trumbo, Bertie L., Jessie E., Mary J. and Willie. A son, James, is deceased. For his services to his country John G. Halloway receives a pension. He was bereaved by the death of his wife, August 25, 1880.

SOURCE: Abstracted from the biographical sketch of his father, James P. Halloway, in Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 383

John W. Hall

JOHN W. HALL, proprietor of the Osceola creamery, is a native of Whitehall, Indiana, born December 27, 1841. He came to Iowa with his parents, Warren and Cynthia (Parks) Hall, in 1851, they locating near Leon, in Decatur County, where the mother died. The father died in Clarke County.  John W. Hall came to Clarke County in 1860 and settled at Green Bay, where he was engaged in carpentering and contracting for a time. He subsequently engaged in farming, which he followed till 1872.  He was married in Mills County, Iowa, in 1868, to Sarah A. Scott, a native of Wisconsin, but at the time of her marriage living in Mills County. Mr. Hall came to Osceola, where he again began contracting and building, erecting creameries in different parts of the State, and was the contractor on the State Asylum for the feeble-minded. He continued contracting till he engaged in his present business, as successor to I. W. Johnson.  The business was established by Holt & Hall, in 1878, and has always been carried on with success. The building is 30 x 120 feet in size, the rear part being the creamery department, and the front devoted to their butter-and-eggs business. They manufacture about twenty-five hundred pounds of butter daily, and also deal extensively in eggs, shipping a car load a week, their average shipment per year being about 30,000 dozen.

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

George Gutches

GEORGE GUTCHES, one of the early settlers of Clarke County, and a prominent farmer of Osceola Township, was born near the city of Columbus, in Franklin county, Ohio, November 29, 1821, his parents, John and Nancy (Waits) Goetchius being natives of New York, the father being born in Dutchess County. They moved to Ohio when quite young, remaining in that State till their death. John Goetchius died in 1875, aged eighty-two years and five days and Nancy in 1835, aged forty-four years. They had a family of nine children of whom four yet survive. George Gutches, our subject, passed his youth on a farm, and in attending the common schools, remaining with his parents till twenty-four years of age.  He was united in marriage in 1844 to Miss Alcinda Armstrong, after which he rented a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account, continuing to reside on rented land till 1854. He then came to Clarke County, Iowa, and entered 120 acres of land from the Government, on which he erected a small log cabin, and in the fall of the same year removed his family to his new farm, where he has since made his home. His wife died in 1858, leaving five children – William W. and George, both living in Columbus; Emeline, wife of George Briggs, now of Colorado; Sarah A., married to W. R. Jones, who is engaged in the stock business in Colorado; Anna, wife of Harry Teller, a merchant, of Colorado. For his present wife he married Mrs. Ellen J. Owen, a daughter of Thomas and Christena Taylor, natives of Scotland, both of whom died in Jefferson County, Indiana.  Mr. Gutches entered the service of his country in 1861, enlisting in Company F, Sixth Iowa Infantry, as a fifer, and participated with his regiment in twenty-seven hard-fought battles, among which were the following: Shiloh, siege of Vicksburg, Mission Ridge. He re-enlisted as a veteran, and took part in all the battles of his regiment, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was mustered out at Louisville, and sent to Davenport, where he received his pay. He then returned to his home in Clarke County, where his wife had carried on the farm and cared for the family while he was at the front.  He now has eighty acres of well cultivated land in his farm which is located on section 24 of Osceola Township. His property has been acquired by years of hard toil and industry, he having commenced life for himself without capital. In his political views Mr. Gutches is a staunch Republican. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years, uniting with that denomination when a boy.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 352

Robert C. Grigg

ROBERT C. GRIGG, physician and surgeon and druggist, residing in Murray, was born in Cumberland County, Kentucky, May 14, 1838, a son of Joseph W. Grigg, of Warren County, Illinois, who was a native of Virginia. Robert C. spent his youth on a farm, receiving a good education in Hedding Seminary (now college) in Abingdon, Illinois.  He began the study of medicine with Dr. Madison Reece, of Abingdon, and later attended Rush Medical College, of Chicago, Illinois, from which institution he graduated February 1, 1871. The same year he came to Murray, Clarke County, and immediately began the practice of medicine, he having previously practiced for a time with his preceptor in Abingdon, Illinois.  Doctor Grigg was united in marriage January 9, 1872, to Miss Maria Dolph, and they are the parents of two children – Rubie Olive and Milton Fowler. The doctor still follows his profession, and has built up a good practice. He engaged in the drug business in 1879, building his two-story brick business house which is 22x72 feet, in 1881. He carries a full line of drugs, medicines, paints and oils, books and stationery, cutlery, wall paper and fancy goods, and is carrying on a good business.  During the late war the doctor enlisted in Company H, Eighty-third Illinois Infantry, for three years, and participated in the battles of Garretsburg, Fort Donelson, and other engagements. He was wounded at Fort Donelson, which crippled him for life. Doctor Grigg is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Grand Army of the Republic.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 246-7

Wesley Gregg

WESLEY GREGG, one of the oldest residents of Clarke County, was born in Peoria County, Illinois, the date of his birth being April 1, 1843. His father, Thomas Gregg, brought his family to Iowa in 1844, living in Lee County till the fall of 1851, when he removed his family to Clarke County, and settled in Doyle Township among the Indians and wild animals, and in his youth our subject often visited the Indian camps. Our subject was reared on the old homestead, his education being limited to the pioneer subscription schools held in log cabins with puncheon floors, clapboard roofs, slab seats, huge fireplaces, and stick-and-mud chimneys. During the late war he enlisted in the defense of the Union, in Company D, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, serving only eight months. He was disabled while in the service, on account of which he was discharged, and now draws a pension.  He was married September 28, 1869, to Ada O. Brown, a daughter of Chester Brown who is deceased. They have four children living – Anna O., Frances E., Thomas K. and Cyrus S. Four of their children are deceased.  Mr. Gregg followed farming till the fall of 1884, when he came to Hopeville, where he has since made his home. Mr. Gregg has served as justice of the peace about five years, beside holding other offices of trust and responsibility. He was elected assessor but declined to serve. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife and daughter, Anna O., are members of the United Brethren church.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 246

James E. Green

JAMES E. GREEN, a native of Harrison County, West Virginia, a son of Job and Eliza (Stout) Green, was born December 28, 1840. He was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools. When seven years of age he went to live with his Grandfather Green, remaining with him until twenty years of age, when his grandfather becoming disabled they returned to his father’s home, and at the time of the breaking out of the Rebellion he was engaged in superintending an oil well which he was forced to leave by the rebels.  He was then employed by the Government as teamster three years. In March, 1864, he enlisted in Company L, Third West Virginia Cavalry, and served over two years. He participated in several skirmishes but no important battles, being mostly engaged on guard duty.   He was discharged July 10, 1865, and after the close of the war engaged in the mercantile business at Romine’s Mills with Robert Davis, under the firm name of Green & Davis. A year later he bought the interest of Davis, and continued the business alone until the fall of 1867, when he sold out and engaged in buying and shipping stock until his removal to Iowa in 1868. He carried on his father’s farm five years and then bought forty acres, to which he has since added 140 acres, and now has one of the best farms in the county. His land was wholly unimproved, but he has brought it under a fine state of cultivation and erected good and substantial buildings.  He was married September 4, 1873, to Miss Mary C. Stickle, daughter of Nicholas E. Stickle. They have one daughter – Iris L. In politics Mr. Green is a Republican.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 286-7

S. P. Glenn

S. P. GLENN is a native of Sangamon County, Illinois, a son of Thomas M. and Anna (Scott) Glenn, natives of South Carolina. He was born November 6, 1825, and was reared on a farm, making his home with his parents, and obtained his education in the common schools, which he attended in the winter. When twenty years of age he enlisted in the Mexican war in Colonel Baker’s regiment, Company E, Fourth Illinois, from DeWitt County. He was absent from home just twelve months, his most important engagements being the siege of Vera Cruz and the battle of Cerro Gordo. He returned to his home in Illinois and engaged in farming.  In 1853 he with his family and parents, moved to Clarke County, Iowa, and entered 160 acres of Government land on the northwest quarter of section 27, township 73, range 25 west, Fremont Township. He at once went to work to build a cabin in which to shelter his family, which consisted of a wife and two children. Here he lived two years, when he sold out at an advance on the purchase price, and bought an adjoining farm, which he afterward sold and moved to Kansas. Meeting with reverses there he returned to Iowa where he has since lived.  At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he raised what was known as Company F, Sixth Iowa Infantry, which was the first company to leave for the field from Clarke County. He participated in the battle of Shiloh and had many narrow escapes, but was by shot or shell uninjured.  He was married July 1, 1847, to Frances Orlena Hamilton, and to them were born nine children –Thomas M., Olive A., James K., Samuel P., Orlena, Tabitha, Ruth, George and Fanny. James K., Samuel P., Orlena and George are deceased. Mrs. Glenn died February 3, 1866, and in 1867 Mr. Glenn married Miss Sarah E. Harlan, a daughter of Aaron and Jemima (Polly) Harlan, early settlers of Clarke County. Mr. Harlan was born in Barren County, Kentucky, January 13, 1803, and in his infancy his father moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, and thence in 1807 to Wayne County, Indiana, where he lived until manhood. He married Jemima, daughter of William and Jemima (Kelsoe) Polly, and to them were born eight children – James R., Stephen, Hosea, Noah, Aaron, Edee, Nancy and Sarah E. Mr. Harlan came to Clarke County in the fall of 1853, and first purchased eighty acres of land in Osceola Township, northeast of the village. He afterward bought forty-five acres in Fremont Township. He is now in the seventy-fourth year of his age and is one of the oldest residents of Clarke County.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 232

Philip L. Fowler

PHILIP L. FOWLER, ex-county auditor, of Clarke County, is a native of Ohio, born in Tuscarawas County, September 3, 1845, a son of L. D. and Joanna (Laffer) Fowler, natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively. The father moved his family to Clarke County, Iowa, in 1854, locating in Osceola. He was an active business man and had purchased the ground where the Arlington Hotel now stands (southwest corner of the public square) and was building a frame hotel, when he was accidently killed in a sawmill then located in the northeast part of Osceola, August 26, 1854. He was engaged in moving a slab and a wrong step caused him to be thrown against a saw, which caused his death almost instantly. The mother is still a resident of Clarke County.  Philip L. Fowler was but eight years of age when he accompanied his parents to Osceola. He attended the public schools of Osceola and later entered a select school, where he made rapid progress in his studies. At the age of seventeen he entered the clerk’s office, as deputy under A. H. Burrows.   In 1864, at the age of eighteen, he entered the army, enlisting in Company H, Forty-sixth Iowa. At the close of the war he returned to the clerk’s office and remained in that office a number of years. In 1873 he was elected auditor of Clarke County, which office he held for two terms of two years each. Retiring from office he contracted with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad to work out their road taxes upon the highways through the State, which contract he has had ever since.  In 1880 he went to Kentucky where he purchased a car load of fine Jersey cattle, and was the first to introduce a herd of this celebrated stock into Clarke County. He owns 300 acres of the best land for stock-raising in Osceola Township. It is well stocked with cattle and horses, among the latter being specimens of the celebrated Hambletonian roadsters.  Mr. Fowler was married in 1871, to Maggie A. McKee, of Osceola, a daughter of Professor W. A. McKee, who is now a resident of Knoxville, Iowa. Mr. Fowler has been president of the Clarke County Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Agricultural Society for several years, which has proved very successful under his management. He is also president of the Old Settlers’ Association. Mr. Fowler is not only an active man in the stock interests of his county, but is first and foremost in every enterprise which tends to the public good. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and takes an active interest in the Sabbath-school of which he is superintendent.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 357-8

William Ford

WILLIAM FORD, one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of Knox Township, residing on section 9, and an old and respected pioneer of Clarke County, was born in Harrison County, West Virginia, December 8, 1824, a son of Elisha and Nancy (Feul) Ford. The father was born in East Virginia, a son of Henry Ford, who was also a native of East Virginia, of Irish ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Ford were the parents of twelve children – eleven sons and one daughter – their names being James Henry, Polly, William, Isaac, Abraham, Jacob, Peyton, Thornton, Alpheus, Joseph, Elam and George. William Ford was reared to manhood in Virginia, receiving a limited education in the subscription schools and by study at home. At the age of nineteen years he began learning the tanner’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of two years, living some time at Hagerstown, Maryland. He then returned to Virginia, and a short time after started on a western trip, down the Ohio River, then up the Mississippi to Fort Madison, Iowa, going from there by stage to Iowa City, where he spent the winter of 1847. The following spring he went to Grand County, Wisconsin, where he operated a saw-mill on the Little Platte River for eighteen months. In the fall of 1849 he returned to Virginia. In 1850 he removed to Marshall County, Illinois, where he resided about five years.  He came to Knox Township, Clarke County, Iowa, May 17, 1855, and settled on 160 acres of land, which he had entered the year previous. He then built a log cabin 16 x 22 feet, the logs being taken from Long Creek, which was considered one of the best houses in that part of the county at that time. This house is still standing, and is now used as a stable. He built his present residence in 1866. He has now 310 acres of finely-cultivated land, with good farm buildings, his barn being one of the best in the township. In size it is 36 x 50 feet, 16-foot posts, stone basement, and is well arranged for the convenience of stock, and for hay and grain. He devotes considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock, and has some fine specimens of thorough-bred and high-grade cattle.  He was married in the fall of 1849 to Sarah Dillon, of West Virginia, daughter of John and Maria Dillon. They have nine children – W. S., Mary, Jennie, Josephine, Loretta, H. G., Myra, Katy and Frederick. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Ford enlisted in Company B, Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, and served twenty months. He received an honorable discharge at Little Rock, Arkansas. He was elected county supervisor under the old law, and has also served under the present system, with credit to himself and to the best interest of his county. He has held most of the town offices of his township, and is one of the most respected men of Knox Township. He is one of the self-made men of Clarke County, beginning life without means, and by his own industry and good management has acquired his present fine property. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but now affiliates with the Greenback party. He takes an active interest in all things that are for the advancement of his county, and is one of the pioneers who has assisted in building roads, schools and churches.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 380-1

Robert S. Findlay

ROBERT S. FINDLAY, clerk of the courts of Clarke County, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Franklin County, near Chambersburg, March 29, 1832, the only son of John and Sarah (Smith) Findlay, natives also of the Keystone State, but of Scotch descent. Robert S. passed his boyhood and youth in his native county, attending the common schools and later Marshall College, at Mercersburg. After leaving school he was employed as a clerk in a mercantile house three years and then engaged in business on his own account.  During the war of the Rebellion he was a staunch Union man, and enlisted in defense of the old flag, and was assigned to Company C., One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry. He served nine months, participating in the battles at Fredericksburg, Antietam and Chancellorsville. In 1868 he came to Iowa and settled in Woodburn, Clarke County, where he lived until 1880 engaged in the mercantile business.  In the fall of 1880 he was elected clerk of the courts, and removed to Osceola, assuming the duties of his office in January, 1881. He was re-elected in 1882, and again in 1884, serving now his third term. He is an efficient and reliable officer, serving his county with perfect satisfaction to his constituents.  Mr. Findlay was married in 1876, to Miss Emma J. Lash, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. They have a family of five children, two sons and three daughters. Mr. Findlay is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and has passed all the chairs of his lodge. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, serv-[ing] his post as commander. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 373-4

Esau A. Erb

ESAU A. ERB, residing on section 21, Franklin township, was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 4, 1841. His father, Christopher Erb, now lives in Wabash County, Indiana. His mother, Elizabeth (Buckingham) Erb, died when Esau was but thirteen days old. He was adopted by his maternal grandparents, Esau and Eliza Buckingham, then residents of Richland County.  In 1850 they became settlers of Iowa, and in 1851 pioneers of Green Bay Township, Clarke County. Shortly afterward they settled on section 16, Franklin township, where they passed the greater part of their lives. The grandfather died at the age of eighty years; his widow surviving him four years. They reared a large family – James W., who lives in Franklin Township; Joshua, a resident of Green Bay Township; Eliza Jane, McAllister, in Washington Township; Mrs. Alice Holmes, Great Bend, Kansas; Mrs. Mary Gafford, Dakota; Mrs. Sarah Harwood, Red Oak, Iowa; Elizabeth, deceased, mother of Esau; Wilson; Mrs. Urith Taylor and Mrs. Margaret E. Boserman. Mr. Erb, the subject of this sketch, was given a good education. He learned the saddle and harness trade in Osceola.  August 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Eighteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, served under General Steele, and in February, 1863, was discharged for disability. Regaining his health, he again enlisted in 1864, in Company B, Forty-sixth Regiment, and served until the close of the war.  April 4,1870, he was married to Mrs. Martha Lavalle, widow of Newton Posten, and daughter of Henry Lavalle. She was born March 22, 1845. Her first husband was a member of the Thirty-ninth Iowa Volunteers, and died in the Atlanta campaign, leaving two children – Etta, wife of Enoch Luger, and Anna, now deceased.  After marriage Mr. Erb lived a short time in Union Township, Lucas County, then moved to his present home. He owns the homestead of his grandparents, forty acres on section 16. In all, his property contains 180 acres of land, with a fine residence. Their children are Nellie, Phebe, Mary E., Edna, Louis, Otis, William, Josephine, deceased. Mr. Erb is a member of the Masonic fraternity; affiliates with Unity Lodge No. 212, at Woodburn, and Davenport Post, No. 385, G.A.R. In politics he is a Republican.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 405

Hugh R. Duke

HUGH R. DUKE, of the village of Woodburn, was born in Clarke County, Virginia, November 28, 1836. His parents, Thomas and Sidney (Johnson) Duke, were born and reared in Virginia. His grandfather was one of the patriots who served in the war for American independence, and his father served in the war of 1812. He was in the garrison at Fort Henry, Baltimore, at the time of its bombardment by the British forces.  In 1853 the family removed to Logan County, Ohio, where the father died in 1855, aged sixty-three years. Hugh, being the eldest child at home then had charge of the family. They moved to Jefferson County, Virginia [sic], and lived on rented land.  July 18, 1861, Hugh enlisted in Company K, Seventh Iowa Infantry, in defense of the Union. His first action was at the battle of Fort Donelson; next in the terrible two days’ battle at Shiloh, and later the siege of Corinth. He was in the battle of Iuka and Corinth in 1862. In Middle Tennessee the regiment was doing hard duty until the relief of General Thomas’ army at Chattanooga. The regiment then joined the Fifteenth Corps, under command of General Logan, and became a part of Sherman’s grand army in its campaign against Johnston’s army; and at Atlanta, in the heroic campaign that followed, the Seventh bore an honorable part. In the battles that occurred between Chattanooga and Atlanta the Seventh also bore an honorable part, being nearly sixty days under fire. July 22 the regiment was engaged at Atlanta where General McPherson was killed; Sergeant Duke saw him fall and carried from the field. It was at the battle of Jonesboro; following the banners of Sherman to the sea; up through the Carolinas, and in the line of the grand review at Washington. While at Petersburg, Sergeant Duke was permitted to visit his sister, Mrs. Emily Writt, at Sutherland Station, Dinwiddie County, Virginia. He was honorably discharged July 22, 1865. The service of Sergeant Duke was honorable in the highest degree. He was in the hospital at Bird’s Point, in October, 1863, two weeks; participated in all the battles of his regiment, terminating only with the surrender of the rebel General Johnston’s army.  He returned to Jefferson County, and June 13, 1867, was united in marriage with Miss Mary Frush, daughter of George Frush of Clarke county. She was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, August 3, 1841. In 1870 Mr. and Mrs. Duke went to LaBette County, Kansas, intending to remain, but being unable to get a good title to the railroad land upon which they had settled, they went to the northwestern part of the State and located a soldier’s warrant. After the loss of several successive crops by grasshoppers, Mr. Duke abandoned all hope of living in Kansas and returned to Jefferson County.  In 1881 he removed to the village of Woodburn. He owns ninety-three acres, all within the corporation of Woodburn. He is a member and Adjutant of Davenport Post, No. 385, G.A.R. and both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have five children living – Orrin D., Elmer E., Mary E., Ida May and Clyde Otho. Roscoe J. died of croup in February, 1881, aged two years and three months. Mr. Duke’s mother died in 1874 in Jefferson County, aged seventy-four years. One brother, Thomas, and sister, Emily, live in Virginia.  Two brothers, David and William L., live in Jefferson County. A sister, Mrs. Sarah Johnson, lives in Woodburn, and Mrs. Mary Jane Drenner lives in Kansas. In politics Mr. Duke is a Republican.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 322-3

John Diehl

JOHN DIEHL, of Osceola Township, was born near Eaton, in Preble County, Ohio, February 27, 1835, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Good) Diehl, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. They had a family of ten children, of whom six still survive, John being the fifth child. His father went to Ohio in his youth, and was married near Germantown in that State, the mother dying in her native State in 1852. The father subsequently married again, and moved to Illinois, where his death occurred in 1873.  John Diehl was reared on a farm till his fifteenth year, when he began learning the blacksmith’s trade, which he followed until coming West in 1860. Mr. Diehl has been twice married. His first wife, Lydia A. Boadle, was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio. She died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving one daughter, Mary. Mr. Diehl was again married in 1859, to Sarah A. Carnahan, of Darke County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Sarah (Adams) Carnahan. They have four children living – Charley B., Minnie E., Dellie V., and John Richard.  In 1860 Mr. Diehl left Ohio, coming to Clarke County, Iowa, when he located on his present farm on section 4, Osceola Township, on the Knoxville Road. In July 1861, he enlisted in Company F., Sixth Iowa Infantry, in the three years’ service, and was in the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain, after which he was transferred to Battery D of the Fourth Missouri Artillery, in which he served six months, when he was detailed head blacksmith in the Fourth Division, in which capacity he served till he was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, in July, 1864. Soon after his discharge he recruited a company, of which he was appointed First Lieutenant, and later promoted to Captain, but his company did not go into active service.  Since his return from the war, Mr. Diehl has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with success, and is now the owner of 400 acres of choice land, which is well improved and under fine cultivation. He is now classed among the prosperous and enterprising citizens of Clarke County, most of his property being made by his stock-raising, he having been very successful in the raising of cattle and hogs. Mr. Diehl has been president of the Clarke County Agricultural Society, and has served his township as trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a comrade of the Grand Army post, of which he is at present senior vice-commander. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, attending Union Chapel, and are respected members of society.

                                                

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 314-5

T. J. Denly

T. J. DENLY, one of the progressive farmers of Knox Township, residing on section 9, is a native of Wiltshire, England, born April 23, 1838, the eldest son of John and Sarah (Gilmore) Denly, who were the parents of ten children – Thomas J., Emily, Daniel, Fanny, Edward, John, Sarah, Hannah, Martha and a daughter Mary, who is now deceased. Thomas J. was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of his native country.  He came to America in January, 1857, and for two years lived in New York and vicinity. He then removed to Pike County, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming two years. April 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Fourth Regular Artillery, and was in the service three years. He participated in the engagements at Yorktown Peninsula, second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburgh, Chancellorsville and Gettysburgh. He was honorably discharged at Rappahannock, Virginia, in April 1864.  After the war he located in Wayne County, Ohio. August 23, 1864, he was married to Mary Gilmore, of Holmes County, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Dorothy (Young) Gilmore. They have seven children living – James Alfred, Mary Emily, Ellen Elizabeth, Martha L., Jane, Ira E., Fanny E. A son named Wesley E. is deceased.  After leaving Wayne County, Ohio, Mr. Denly settled in Knox County, Illinois, remaining two and a half years. He then came to Clarke County, Iowa, and made his home in Ward Township for seven years, and in the spring of 1883 bought the farm where he has since resided. His farm is one of the best located in Knox Township, and contains 140 acres of improved land under the best of cultivation. He has a comfortable residence surrounded by shade and ornamental trees, out buildings for the accommodation of his stock, and a fine orchard on his farm. This fine property has been acquired by years of industrious toil and persevering energy. Mr. Denly being a poor man when he commenced life for himself, and is numbered among the self-made men of Clarke county, where he is much respected for his fair and honorable dealings. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but now affiliates with the Greenback party.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 237

Thomas W. Day

THOMAS W. DAY, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 27, Madison Township, Clarke County, was born in Clay County, Indiana, October 23, 1841, his father being a native of Wayne County, Kentucky. Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits which he has made the principal vocation of his life, and in his youth received a common school education. In 1854 the father came with his family to Iowa, locating in Des Moines County, and in 1855 removed to Clarke County, when he settled with his family in what is now Jackson township. The surrounding country was then in a wild state, and was principally inhabited with Indians and wild animals.  During the late war our subject enlisted in Company B., Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, and served faithfully for three years. He participated in the battles of Springfield, Missouri, Saline River and Poison Springs, Arkansas, and Prairie De Hand, besides others of minor importance.  Mr. Day was united in marriage October 4, 1871, to Margaret Little, a daughter of Hugh Little, a resident of Madison Township, Clarke County. Six children have been born to this union, of whom two are deceased. Those living are – Bryan, Mary J., Roy and Rubie. Mr. Day came to his present farm in 1871, where he has since resided with the exception of three years spent in Rice County, Kansas. He has met with fair success in his farming pursuits, and now owns sixty acres where he resides, in Madison township, besides a farm of 160 acres in Rice County, Kansas. Mr. Day is an active and enterprising citizen, and is at present serving as township trustee and constable. 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. 237-8

H. L. Karr

H. L. KARR, attorney at law, Osceola, is a native of Meigs County, Ohio, born August 13, 1839, a son of William and Jane (Murray) Karr. The father was born in the old fort at Marietta, Ohio, and the mother was a native of Clarksburg, Virginia. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was Captain Hamilton Karr, the pioneer Indian hunter of Ohio. H. L. Karr, our subject, received his primary education in the common schools of Ohio, and later, entered Lombard University, at Galesburg, Illinois, where he pursued his studies four years, graduating from that institution in the class of 1862.  He returned home immediately after commencement day, and enlisted as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, but was soon appointed First Lieutenant of his company, and a few months later promoted to Captain of the same company. Subsequently he was commissioned Major of his regiment, and also made Brevet-Major of United States Volunteers by the War Department “for gallant and meritorious services during the war.” Major Karr participated in all the campaigns of Generals Milroy, Sigel, Hunter and Sheridan, respectively, in the Shenandoah Valley, including the three noted victories of General Sheridan over General Early at Opequon (sometimes called the battle of Winchester), Fisher’s Hill and Cedar Creek. At the battle of Opequon he had his horse killed under him, and at the battle of Cedar Creek, received a considerable bruise on the right knee from a spent ball; but, aside from these trivial casualties, passed safely through the war. In December, 1864, the division to which Major Karr belonged was transferred to the Twenty-fourth Army Corps, in front of Richmond, and he consequently took part in the final engagements about Richmond, and was also at Appomattox at the surrender of General Lee’s army. He was mustered out of the service in June, 1865, after the close of the war, and returned to his home in Ohio.  He attended the law department of the Michigan University one year, and returned to Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1866. Practiced in the State of Ohio for one year, and in 1868 located at Osceola, Iowa, where he has ever since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He has built up a large and quite lucrative practice, and gained the confidence and esteem of a large business public. For a number of years he had associated with him Henry Stivers as his law partner, but since 1876 has practiced alone.  In 1871 Major Karr was united in marriage with Miss Anna F. Wonner, of the city in which they now reside, and of whom he thus speaks: “Since my marriage, whatever good I have accomplished and whatever successes I have achieved I attribute directly to my wife, whose wise counsels, earnest support, uncommon patience and purest love have never for one moment been withheld from me.” From this union they have been blessed with two sons – Frederick William and Hamilton L., Jr.  Mr. Karr is an energetic, industrious man, who believes that every man should have full compensation for his labor, but deprecates the idea of having something for nothing. He is kind and courteous to his friends, and frank and plain with his enemies. He is a radical Republican in politics, and strictly temperate both in theory and practice. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and at this time active and in good standing in the lodge, chapter and commandery at Osceola. In his religious views he is a Universalist.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 369-70

Hamilton L. Karr

Captain, Co. G, 116th Ohio Infantry
Maple Hill Cemetery, Osceola, Iowa