Jedidiah Knotts

JEDIDIAH KNOTTS, farmer and raiser and dealer in stock, residing on section 11, Troy Township, Clarke County, Iowa, was born in Taylor County, West Virginia November 12, 1841. His father, Absalom Knotts, was a native of the same county, then known as Monongahela County, and was a merchant, and contractor on public works. In 1853 he came to Iowa, locating in Warren County, where he laid out the town of New Virginia, and improved a large farm. He returned to Virginia and came with the family to Warren County in the fall of 1857. In the spring of 1861 he removed with them to Osceola, and engaged in the mercantile business. He lived some time at Council Bluffs, Iowa, but subsequently settled in Lucas, Lucas County, Iowa, where he died several years later, his death occurring February 27,1885. He was an active business man, a public-spirited citizen, and made many friends wherever he resided. He was twice married, his first wife being Matilda Sayre, by whom he had ten children, eight reaching maturity, of whom six still survive – Joseph, of Council Bluffs; Mrs. Polly A. McGee, of Indianola, Iowa; Jedidiah, our subject; Elijah W., of Lucas, Iowa; Mrs. Susannah Daily, of Lucas, and James B., of Indianola. For his second wife Mr. Knotts married Mrs. Maria Marsh. Jedidiah Knotts, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in his youth received the benefit of the common schools. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company H, Forty-sixth Iowa Infantry, and was on guard duty most of the time while in the service. September 7, 1865, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Hudgel, a native of Auglaize County, Ohio, and daughter of Thomas Hudgel, who is now deceased. They have seven children – Matilda E., William L., Lillie M., Edwin P., Charles S., Ernest W. and Lena L. He settled on his farm in Troy Township, which he still owns, and which contains 460 acres of choice land under good cultivation. He left his farm in 1872, and was a resident of Murray until March, 1882, when he moved again to the farm, where he has since lived. On coming to Murray he began dealing in grain and stock, which he followed for five years, and is at present engaged in buying and shipping stock. Mr. Knotts is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a comrade of the Grand Army post at Murray.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 337

Theobald Klein

THEOBALD KLEIN, deceased, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, born February 22, 1840, a son of Theobald Klein, who is also deceased. Our subject was reared and educated in his native country, remaining there till reaching maturity. When a young man he immigrated to America, and first settled in Des Moines County, Iowa, where he made his home for a number of years. He was united in marriage May 14, 1868, to Miss Mary C. Stifel, she being a daughter of Jacob Stifel of Burlington, Iowa. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Klein five are living – Jacob, Annie, Minnie M., Emma C. and Kate C.  Mr. Klein was a cooper by trade which vocation he followed the greater part of his life. He became a resident of Clarke County, Iowa, in the Spring of 1876 when he located on section 4, Madison Township, living there till his death which occurred November 28, 1884. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and a good citizen and neighbor, and during his residence in the county won the respect of all who knew him by his honest and upright dealings with his fellow citizens. May 14, 1861, Mr. Klein enlisted in Company D, First Iowa Infantry, and served three months. December 14, 1863, he enlisted in Company K, Second Iowa Cavalry and served until the regiment was mustered out June 7, 1865. He was taken prisoner December 17, 1864, at the battle of Franklin, Tennesse, and was held captive until exchanged at the close of the war.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 439-40

Mathias Kerr

MATTHIAS KERR, living on section 3, Liberty Township, is a son of Arthur and Hannah Kerr, pioneers of that township, they being the first settlers in the northeastern part of the same. The parents were born and reared in Pennsylvania, but married in Ohio, and when our subject was about five years of age they located in De Witt County, Illinois, coming thence to Clarke County in the spring of 1853, when they settled on section 3, Liberty Township. Here the father improved a farm and followed agricultural pursuits successfully till his death, having at that time a valuable farm of 160 acres. He died October 29, 1882, at the age of seventy-two years. He was one of the most active and energetic of the pioneers, and won the confidence and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. His widow still survives, and is making her home with her son John in Fremont Township, this county.  They reared a family of nine children of whom eight still survive – James, a resident of Montana since 1861; John, of Fremont Township; Matthias, our subject; Mrs. Margaret Ann Davison, of Osceola Township; Mrs. Isabell Hite, of Warren County; Isaac of Sac County, Iowa; William of Warren County, and Mrs. Ellen Michaels, of Van Wert, Decatur County. Marion, the sixth child, contracted disease while in the army and died about thirteen years later of consumption.  Matthias Kerr, our subject, is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born February 5, 1839. He remained with his parents until 20 years of age when he went to McLean County, Illinois, and enlisted in the defense of his country, July 25, 1861, a member of Company D, Seventh Illinois Infantry.  Illinois had sent six regiments to the Mexican war, thus the first regiment in the civil war was called the seventh. Mr. Kerr participated in the hardly-contested battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh and the battle of Corinth in October 1862. His regiment was at and in the vicinity of Corinth in the fall of 1863 and there re-enlisted as veterans and in May 1864 joined Sherman's forces. Mr. Kerr was taken prisoner while on scouting duty and for a time was confined in Andersonville Prison and the suffering he underwent while in that Southern prison pen has aged him fast. He left there under special cartel for exchange of sick November 20, 1864 and was discharged on account of disability from Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, June 15, 1865. While in Andersonville he lost part of his right foot by gangrene and now receives a pension of $12 a month.  After leaving the army he returned to Illinois, and in the spring of 1866 married Mary Allen and immediately after their marriage went to Madison County, Nebraska, Mr. Kerr building the first house in that county, where the city of Norfolk now stands. Mrs. Kerr died of consumption in June 1867, aged 25 years, leaving at her death, one child, Harland, who is now with his father. After the death of his wife Mr. Kerr came to Liberty Township, Clarke County, Iowa where he has since resided. For his second wife he married Hannah J. Trumbo, July 25, 1869, a daughter of the pioneers John and Sophia Trumbo. Her parents came from Allen County, Indiana to Liberty Township, Clarke County, Iowa in 1855 and are still living on their old homestead on section 2. Mrs. Kerr is a native of Allen County, Indiana the date of her birth being January 18, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr have 5 children – Bertie May, Mary Ann, Frederick O., Don and Bessie Ellen.  Mr. Kerr now has a fine home on section 3 where he owns 120 acres of choice land under excellent cultivation. In politics he is a Republican. He has served his township as trustee and by his upright and honorable dealings, he has gained the confidence and respect of all who know him.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 267-8

John Kerr

JOHN KERR, son of Arthur and Hannah (Bellers) Kerr, is a native of Carroll County, Ohio, born May 11, 1836. In 1853 he accompanied his parents to Clarke County, Iowa. His father took up a claim in Knox Township, but soon exchanged it and entered 200 acres of land in Liberty township, and eighty acres in Warren County. The father died October 19, 1882, and the mother now makes her home with her son John. Their family consisted of nine children – James, John, Margaret, Mathias, Isabel, Isaac, William, Ellen and Marion.  In August, 1862, our subject enlisted in Company D, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and served his country three years, participating in numerous skirmishes, but no important battle. He was for some time wagon-master of the Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, Captain Benjamin being Quartermaster.  After the war he returned home, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of 525 acres of finely improved land, all under cultivation, his residence being on section 27, Fremont Township. He is one of the representative citizens of the county, and a self-made man, accumulating his property by his own exertions. He hauled the first run of burrs that ever was brought to Clarke County, with a team of oxen, and assisted in building the first sawmill in the county, located in Osceola. Mr. Kerr has taken an active interest in the local affairs of his township, and has served fourteen consecutive years as trustee. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Osceola Lodge, No. 32. In politics he is a Republican.  He was married October 17, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Glenn, and to them were born eight children –Thomas A., Dora B., Cora D., Lon C., Marion P. Abe C., Annie H. and John H. Thomas married Miss Ida Rackley, and Dora is the wife of Lafayette Harlan. Mrs. Kerr died December 24, 1879.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 240-1

John B. Jones

John B. Jones served in the late war three and a half years, enlisting in the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, with which he participated in the battle of Shiloh. He was discharged on account of disability, but re-enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, taking part in all the battles and campaigns in which his regiment participated.

SOURCE: Abstracted from the biographical sketch of his father, John A. Jones, in Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 342

Newton J. Jolly

NEWTON J. JOLLY, an active and enterprising farmer of Ward township, residing on section 29, is a native of Lawrence County, Indiana, born near the town of Bedford, September 12, 1845. His parents, Edward and Fanny (Jones) Jolly, were natives of Pennsylvania and Mississippi respectively. They were among the early settlers of Indiana, living there till their death. Both died of spotted fever, in 1863. They reared fourteen children to maturity, eleven sons and three daughters.  Eight of the sons served in the late war, four of whom returned home at the end of the war. Two died of wounds and two of disease contracted in the army. Newton J., our subject, enlisted in April, 1862, in Company H., Sixteenth Indiana Infantry, in which he served till 1864, when he was discharged on account of disability. He re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana Infantry to serve six months. He again enlisted in the United States Veteran Volunteers, being on garrison duty one year after the war closed. He took part in the following battles: Blue Springs, Knoxville, Jackson, Mississippi, battle of Nashville, battle of the Wilderness. He received an honorable discharge in March, 1866, when he returned to his home in Indiana.  Mr. Jolly was united in marriage in November, 1866, to Mary E. Busick, of Lawrence County, Indiana, a daughter of Kindred Busick, and to them have been born four children – Maggie E., a school teacher; Susie L., William W. and Alva E.  Mr. Jolly left his native State in the spring of 1869, coming with his family to Clarke County, Iowa. He then settled on a farm in Washington Township, five miles west of Osceola, where he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1885. He then sold his farm and removed to Osceola, but during the fall of the same year, settled on his present farm on section 29, Ward Township, where he has eighty acres of well-improved land under high cultivation, a neat and substantial residence, and comfortable farm buildings. In connection with his general farming Mr. Jolly devotes considerable attention to stock-raising, in which he is meeting with success, and has at present on his farm about thirty head of cattle. Mr. Jolly is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 412

William H. Johnson

WILLIAM H. JOHNSON, was born in Morgan County, Indiana, January 18, 1844, a son of Thomas E. and Lydia (Davis) Johnson. His parents came to Iowa in 1861, and settled in Jackson Township, Clarke County, where his mother died. His father is now a resident of the village of Woodburn.  January 15, 1862, our subject enlisted in the defense of his country, and was assigned to Company I, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. He soon after went to the front, his first battle being Shiloh, where his regiment and company lost heavily. His colonel and captain were wounded, and his Lieutenant, Robert Hamilton, was killed. On account of failing health Mr. Johnson was discharged in the summer of 1862, and returned home. regaining his health he again enlisted, and was assigned to his old company, but was again taken sick, and did not recover in time to take part in any active service. He was discharged May 6, 1865, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns a good farm of 120 acres on section 34, Jackson Township, where he has lived since his marriage. He was married in the fall of 1865 to Rebecca Laval, daughter of Joseph Laval, of Wayne County. They have four children – Franklin A., Sylvia, Calvin B. and Robert S. Mr. Johnson is a member of Post No. 385, G.A.R. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 385-6

Moses T. Johnson

MOSES T. JOHNSON, dealer in hardware and agricultural implements for the Osceola Hardware Company, is a native of Indiana, born in Owens County, August 19, 1846, a son of F. W. and Electa J. Johnson, who were both natives of Indiana, the mother born near Greencastle. His paternal grandfather, David Johnson, was a native of Virginia, and his maternal grandfather, Frederick Barrows, was a native of Vermont, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject’s parents had a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, seven still living, three sons and four daughters.  Moses T., the subject of this sketch, was but eight years old when his parents moved from Indiana to Clarke County, Iowa. They settled some five miles northwest of Osceola on a farm, remaining there two years, when they removed to Osceola where Moses T. was reared to manhood, attending the schools of that town, and later entered the State University, at Iowa City, where he pursued his studies for one year, after which he spent two terms at Adrian College, Michigan. He then returned to Osceola, and entered his father’s dry-gods store, assisting his father till he was twenty-four years of age, when he was married to Miss Samantha J. Ream, of Osceola, a native of Pennsylvania. Soon after his marriage Mr. Johnson went to Montgomery County, Kansas, where he ran a store at Radical City, his father being associated with him in the business. He subsequently returned to Osceola, Iowa, and was variously engaged for a time, when embarked in the general grocery business which he followed about four years. He then disposed of his business and settled on a farm where he followed farming for two years, when he again located in Osceola. In 1884 he entered the hardware store of the Osceola Hardware Company in the capacity of clerk, which position he still holds to the entire satisfaction of his employers. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one daughter named Pearl. Mr. Johnson was elected a member of the city council in March, 1886. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, an organization in which he takes an active interest. In 1875 he went on an extended tour through California, then to Oregon and from there to Washington Territory. Mr. Johnson is associated with his brother, Thomas A. Johnson, in raising and dealing in cattle in which they are meeting with fair success.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 265

Frederick Johnson

Frederick Johnson enlisted in the Union army in 1862, a member of Company F, Sixth Iowa Infantry. He received a gun shot wound at the battle of Missionary Ridge, from the effects of which he died in 1868. He was a special favorite with all his acquaintances, and his death was a source of universal regret.

SOURCE: Abstracted from the biographical sketch of his father, Freeborn W. Johnson in Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 333

Calvin R. Johnson

CALVIN R. JOHNSON died at his residence in Washington, D.C., May 21, 1879, in the sixtieth year of his age. he was a native of Portage County, Ohio, in which State and Pennsylvania he spent his early life, coming to Iowa about a quarter of a century ago. He employed himself for the first few years after coming to this State in teaching principally, being eminently successful as a teacher, having taught in Ottumwa, Osceola and Hopeville.  In 1857 he began to take a prominent part in the affairs and history of Clarke County, having that year been elected to the office of county assessor. In 1858 he was elected clerk of the district Court, over M. R. Lamson, a very popular and efficient officer, by a majority of three votes, which office he filled one term with much honor and acceptance. In 1863 he was elected to the Legislature as representative from Clarke County, and served in that capacity for one term, taking a prominent part in the leading and exciting political measures incident to the turbulent scenes of the great war of the rebellion.  He had during that year entered the military branch of the service of his country, going out as Captain of Company H, Ninth Iowa Cavalry. It was during the summer of 1864, in the State of Arkansas, that he contracted the disease which clung to him with remarkable tenacity all the weary days of his life, until finally, after fifteen years of almost incessant suffering he yielded to the inexorable demands of the grim monster, death.  Mr. Johnson was connected with the pension department at the time of his death, and had been for the last thirteen years of his life. He was a man of fine business capacity – fully competent for any position to which he was ever called. He was also a man of more than ordinary ability as a speaker, being thoroughly posted in all the leading moral, political, scientific and religious questions of the day. His mind was well disciplined, and with a ready flow of the most expressive language he was at once ready to discuss, intelligently, privately or publicly, any of the leading issues of the times in which he lived.  He left to mourn his loss a wife and daughter in Washington, and five sons in Iowa, and a daughter in Maryland; also many warm friends in this community and throughout the county.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 434

Aaron S. Johnson

AARON S. JOHNSON, dealer in real estate, Osceola, and one of the pioneer business men of Clarke County, was born in Spencer, Owen County, Indiana, September 20, 1836. His father, David Johnson, was a native of Virginia, born at the base of the Monongahela Mountains, and during his early years was a noted hunter, the bear being his favorite game. He was by occupation a farmer, which he followed the greater part of his life.  He was twice married, his first marriage taking place when he was but fifteen years of age. He was married to his second wife, Frances McDaniel, in Indiana, she being a native of Stokes County, North Carolina, our subject being the youngest child of this union. The father was one of the early settlers of Indiana, remaining in that State until his death at the age of seventy-four years.  Aaron S. Johnson, our subject, passed his boyhood days on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools of his native county. He remained with his parents till reaching his majority, and in the spring of 1857 went to Kansas. In July of that same year he came to Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa, where he followed farming for two years.  At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in the Sixth Iowa Infantry as a member of the band and was at the hard-fought battle of Shiloh. He was mustered out in 1862, but reenlisted in 1863, and for five months was with the Forty-sixth Iowa Infantry as First Orderly, and was sent south to Tennessee and Alabama. He was in the service nearly three years, when he was honorably discharged.  He then returned to Osceola, and for several years he was engaged in the mercantile business. He then engaged in his present business, which he has since followed with success.  He was married in 1864 to Miss Maria E. Middleswart, of Clarke County, Iowa, and to this union has been born one daughter – Fannie C. Mr. Johnson was Provost-Marshal for Clarke, Union and Decatur counties for one year. For many years he was a notary public. He has served as school trustee and as councilman of the city of Osceola.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 381

John H. Jamison

JOHN H. JAMISON, a prominent citizen of Osceola, and a representative of one of the pioneer families of Clarke County, is a native of Washington County, Indiana, born near Salem, September 8, 1846. He is the eldest son of Robert and Christina (Kyte) Jamison, his father being a native of Kentucky and his mother of Indiana. In 1848 his parents moved to the State of Iowa, and lived two years in Monroe county. In the spring of 1850 they moved to Clarke County, where they still live. John H. was reared in Clarke County, attending in his youth the schools at Garden Grove, Decatur County.  When seventeen years old he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion and was assigned to the Sixth Iowa Infantry, serving eighteen months. He participated in the battle at Dallas, Georgia, where he was wounded. He was mustered out in July, 1865, and returned to Clarke County, Iowa.  He attended school at Garden Grove three years, and then went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and took a commercial course. After leaving school he began teaching, his first school being in his home district, and the following spring was appointed superintendent of the Clarke County school, and served until the next autumn. He again taught in his own district during the winter, and then gave his attention to agriculture until the fall of 1872, when he was nominated and elected clerk of the District and Circuit Courts of Clarke County, assuming the duties of his office in January, 1873. This position he held by reelection eight years. From 1881 till 1884 he was cashier of the Clarke County bank, and the next year engaged in the boot and shoe business. In June, 1885, he was appointed agent of the American Express Company at Osceola, a position he still holds.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic. He was married in December, 1877, to Miss Laura Davis of Washington, Iowa, daughter of J. D. Davis, now of Des Moines. They have one daughter – Helen E.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 371-2

James Humiston

JAMES HUMISTON, one of Woodburn’s active business men, was born at Wallingford, New Haven County, Connecticut, August 16, 1835. His parents, Charles and Lucy (Bronson) Humiston, were natives of Connecticut. His father died in that State in 1842. His widow and her four children, James, John, Ann E. and Lucy A., emigrated to Iowa in 1845, six months before its admission into the union, and settled upon a farm in Louisa County. James left home when eighteen years of age, and learned the tinner’s trade at Wapello and Muscatine. In 1857 he established himself in the hardware business at Wapello. One year later he was carried by the gold fever to California, remaining only part of a year. He then returned and engaged in farming in Louisa County.  September 16, 1861, Mr. Humiston enlisted in Company K, Engineer Corps, known as “The Engineer Regiment of the West.” He entered the service under Fremont; later the regiment was under Generals Halleck, Grant and Sherman. Mr. Humiston was in action at New Madrid, Island No. 10, siege of Corinth, battle of Corinth in 1862, siege of Vicksburg, in the campaign under Sherman culminating in the capture of Atlanta, and battle at Jonesboro. At the expiration of his term of service, in November, 1864, as non-commissioned officer he was honorably discharged. He passed through the entire service unscathed and without a day’s sickness.  He returned to Louisa County and engaged in farming, then purchased a land claim in Neosho County, Kansas. Not liking that climate, he returned to Louisa County in 1871, remaining two years; then went to Boone County, farming one year; then to Clarke County. Two years following he was landlord of the Buckeye House at Woodburn, also engaged in the hardware and implements trade. In 1880 he bought the dry-goods and grocery store there, then owned by J. Findlay Smith. The latter business he has prosecuted vigorously up to the present date.  New Year’s eve, 1856, Mr. Humiston was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Trible, in Louisa County. They have had nine children, seven living – Ellen J., wife of George S. Zaller, of Cedar Rapids; Charles P., died February 4, 1886, aged twenty-seven years; Horace L., died April 23, 1886, aged twenty-four years and nine months; Lucy, wife of J.S. Hill; Hattie, a teacher; Arthur, a clerk in his father’s store; Edith, Iola and Sadie. The death of his two sons, promising young men of whom so much was hoped for, was a terrible shock to the bereaved family, caused universal sympathy and regret.  Mr. Humiston’s mother lives in the old home in Marshall Township, Louisa County, occupying the first frame house built in that township. She is now in her eightieth year, and still retains her mental and physical vigor to a remarkable degree. Mr. Humiston entered the army a war Democrat, and was a follower of Stephen A. Douglas. Since the war he has been an ardent Republican. He is a member of Davenport Post, No. 385, G.A.R. He owns a house and two lots in Osceola, and a fine residence in Woodburn, besides his business property.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 324-5

Reuben W. Huff

REUBEN W. HUFF, farmer and stock raiser, living in Doyle township, on section 21, was born in Hancock County, Indiana, a son of Henry Huff, who was a native of Kentucky, and an early settler of the State of Indiana. Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has made his life’s work, and in his youth attended the log-cabin subscription schools, receiving such education as the schools of that early day afforded. In August, 1854, he came to Clarke County, Iowa, settling in Doyle Township, on the farm where he now resides, but in April of the next year he removed to Ringgold County, Iowa, where he made his home for twenty-five years. He enlisted in the late war in Company B., Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, and was in the service of his country for eighteen months.  He was married March 9, 1854, to Miss Sarah Lytle, a daughter of the late Francis Lytle. To this union were born nine children – Aaron, Henry, Luther, Reuben W. and Minnie, and four who are deceased. Aaron and Henry live in Wheeler County, Nebraska. The former married Lucy Combs, and has six children, and Henry married Arcela McCutchon by whom he has had one child. Mr. Huff returned to Clarke County in the fall of 1881, settling on the old homestead, on section 21, Doyle township, where he has 100 acres of choice land, and has since been successfully engaged in his agricultural pursuits. He is a member of the Christian church. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. While living in Ringgold County he held the office of constable.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 325-6

Reason T. Hudgel

REASON T. HUDGEL was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, October 31, 1839. His parents, Thomas and Ellen Hudgel, were born, reared and married in Virginia, emigrating to Ohio ten years after marriage. Reason was reared a farmer.  In October, 1856, the family came to Clarke County, and for two or three years the father rented land. He then purchased 120 acres in Liberty Township. He died in 1875, aged sixty-two years. His wife died January 27, 1883, in her sixty-seventh year. She had been a member of the Methodist church over fifty years, and her husband over forty years. Both are well remembered by all the old settlers for their many excellent qualities of mind and heart.  In 1860 Reason T. Hudgel left the parental home and started out himself. The gold fever took him to California, where he was moderately successful. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company M, First Colorado Cavalry. Serving out his time he re-enlisted in Company H, and remained in the service four years and two and a half months. He participated in several campaigns against the Indians, and was honorably discharged late in the year of 1865.  He returned to Clarke County, and June 3, 1866, was married to Miss Martishy, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Williamson, of Liberty Township. Her parents are pioneers of Clarke County. [See biography of R. Williamson.] Soon after their marriage they settled in Liberty Township. Their home consists of 160 acres of land, 120 being under improvement. They have had no children. The brothers and sisters of Mr. Hudgel are – Mrs. Ann Miller, of Warren County; William, of Monona County; Knotts, of Murray, Clarke County; Mrs. Susan Proudfoot, of Liberty Village; Angeline, died at the age of sixteen years; Mrs. Amanda Pattison, of Warren County; John Wesley, died young in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hudgel are members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Hudgel is a Republican.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 399

Thomas W. Holloway

THOMAS W. HOLLOWAY, of Woodburn, a dealer in coal, street commissioner, and conducting a drayage and express business, has been a resident of that place fourteen years. He was born in Alabama, June 2, 1844. His parents, Samuel and Mary (Reynolds) Holloway, were natives of Virginia, and several years after marriage made their home in Alabama. His father was a shoemaker by trade and was one of the pioneers of Ottumwa, where he located in 1846. Two years later he moved to Polk County, and in 1858 to Newburn, Lucas County. In 1859 he went to southeastern Nebraska to select a home. While at Falls City, Richardson County, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary J. Henry, at the age of nearly sixty years he died. His widow survived him eleven years, and died in Dallas County, Texas.  August 12, 1862, Thomas W. volunteered in defense of the Union, in Company E, Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteers Infantry.  He participated in the battle at Haines’ Bluff, the defense of Vicksburg, under General Sherman in December, 1862; was at the capture of Fort Hindman and Arkansas Post; was detailed with the guard to take prisoners to St. Louis and from there to City Point, Virginia, for exchange; was in the campaign against General Marmaduke; was at the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and later in the Thirteenth Corps under General Banks at New Orleans; while there was accidentally injured, necessitating his discharge, October 16, 1863.  Returning to Lucas County, Mr. Holloway married Miss Sarah, daughter of Joseph Mumford, November 10, 1864. Mrs. Holloway was born in Maryland, November 21, 1848, and came to Iowa at the age of ten years. Her mother died in Maryland; her father lives in Jackson township.  In 1867 Mr. Holloway took his widowed mother with him and went to Texas, and engaged in farming in Dallas county, where as stated before, his mother died in 1870. In 1872 he returned to Iowa and made his home at Woodburn. He owns a fine residence and four city lots, also eleven acres of land adjoining the city.  Mr. and Mrs. Holloway have five children –Ida May, born August 28, 1866; Effie D., born December 13, 1867; Ollie B., born March 4, 1870; Mary E. born December 31, 1873, and Addie L., April 25, 1882.  Mr. Holloway is a member of G.A.R. Post No. 385, Woodburn, and is junior vice commander; is a member of Unity Lodge, 212, A.F. & A.M.; also a member of the School Board.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 386

Nicholas Hoffman

NICHOLAS HOFFMAN, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 33, Madison Township, is a native of Prussia, Germany, born on a branch of the river Rhine, December 8, 1840, a son of Matthias Hoffmann. Our subject came to the United States in 1853, and after living five years in Steuben County, New York, he came to Iowa, locating in Dubuque.  During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company E., Twenty-first Iowa Infantry under Colonel Samuel Merrill, who afterward became Governor of the State of Iowa. He participated with his regiment in the battles of Hartville, Missouri, Port Gibson, Mississippi, Raymond, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, and others of minor importance, and through the Mobile campaign, returning to his home without receiving even a scratch.  July 25, 1865, Mr. Hoffmann was married in New York State to Katie Kirsch, a daughter of Michael Kirsch, deceased. Of the six children born to them five are living – Matthew, Hannah, Katie, Annie and John. Mr. Hoffmann came to Clarke County in the fall of 1865, and has since devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, his home farm containing 120 acres of choice land. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In his religious views he is a Roman Catholic.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 253

Charles Hodges

CHARLES HODGES, one of the old pioneers of Clarke County, living in Green Bay Township, on section 28, is a native of Wyoming County, New York, where he was born April 19, 1821. His parents, William and Abigail (Howard) Hodges, were natives of Taunton, Massachusetts, and Vermont, respectively. They had a family of eight children – Simeon, John, Sally, Julia, William, Charles, Albert and Mary. Our subject was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools of his native State.  He was married July 30, 1854, to Lydia Jane Williams, who was born and reared in Wyoming County, New York. In the fall of the same year he came to Iowa, and entered land from the Government, where he now lives in Green Bay Township, Clarke County. He then built the frame house which he still occupies, and commenced to make a permanent home for himself and family. He has been very successful in his farming and stock-raising, and is now the owner of 400 acres of choice land, which is well adapted to the raising of grain and grass.  During the late war Mr. Hodges enlisted in the Thirty-ninth Infantry, the date of enlistment being August 9, 1862. He was on detached duty the greater part of the time. He was discharged at Clinton, Iowa, June 5, 1865, when he returned to his farm in Green Bay Township.  Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hodges, only two survive – Fanny Minerva and John. Mr. Hodges has held the office of township treasurer for several years, and has been a member of the School Board. Although he started in life without means he has been successful in all his undertakings, owing to his persevering industry and good management, and has a competence for his declining years. He has one of the best barns in Clarke County, erected in 1875, at a cost of $2,400, its size being 40 x 60 feet, with twenty-foot posts, with a stone basement, seven feet in height.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 344

Henry B. Hermance

HENRY B. HERMANCE, insurance and real-estate agent, and dealer in agricultural implements at Murray, was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, February 13, 1830, his father, James Hermance, who is now deceased, being a native of Kinderhook, New York, and a wagon maker by trade. At the age of fifteen years, our subject began learning the machinist’s trade in Guilford, Connecticut, which he made the principal avocation of his life till 1885. He went to Cleveland, Ohio, in September, 1856, thence to Cuyahoga Falls, and other places, subsequently locating in Salem, Ohio, where he lived till 1872.  He was married October 25, 1857, to Elizabeth A. McCave, a daughter of Daniel McCave. They have seven children – Ivy C., Alice E., Mary M, Carrie A., Henry A., Charles E. and Cora M.  During the late war Mr. Hermance enlisted in Company H, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, and served over three years. He participated in the battles of Rich Mountain, Shiloh, Stone River, Kennesaw Mountain, through the Atlanta campaign, the battles of Franklin, Nashville, and other minor engagements. He was on detached service much of the time, acting as scout and spy, and once was taken prisoner, but by the aid of a friendly rebel he succeeded in making good his escape.  In 1872 Mr. Hermance left Salem and located in Alliance, Ohio, and in 1874 came to Murray, Clarke County, Iowa, where he has since made his home. Since coming to this county he has held the office of justice of the peace for five years, and is at present notary public and township clerk. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a comrade of the Grand Army post. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 363-4

Elijah Hart

ELIJAH HART, an enterprising farmer of Osceola Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Muskingum County, December 10, 1833. His father, John Hart, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Ohio. The mother died when Elijah was quite small, and his father afterward moved to Morrow County, where he was reared and educated. In 1853 he came to Iowa and lived in Muscatine County eighteen months.  In the winter of 1856 he located on Clarke County, on what is known as the old Mormon Trace, in the southern part of the county, where he lived until after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in the defense of his country, and was assigned to Company F, Sixth Iowa Infantry. He was with his regiment at Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, New Hope Church, and with Sherman on his march to the sea, his last battle being at Griswoldsville. He served faithfully four years and received an honorable discharge in July, 1865.  After the war he came again to Iowa, and engaged in farming in Clarke County. He was married in February, 1866, to Miss S. E. Wade, and after his marriage located on the farm where he now lives, on section 1, township 72, range 25, which contains 200 acres of valuable land, the most of which is now under cultivation. He has given considerable attention to stock-raising, and has been successful in that industry, having a fine grade of horses, cattle and hogs. Mr. Hart was elected justice of the peace in 1881 and served four years. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, taking an interest in everything that pertains to his comrades in arms. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, which he served as elder. They have two children – William and Effie E.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 428-9