William O. Parrish

WILLIAM O. PARRISH, M.D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Hopeville, is a native of Jackson County, Michigan, born March 8, 1839, a son of Orrin H. Parrish, who was born in Ohio, and is now deceased. His father being a farmer, our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, passing his youth on his father’s farm. He received good educational advantages, and for a time attended Central University at Pella, Marion County, Iowa, his parents having settled in that county in 1857.  He was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Company B., Third Iowa Infantry, and serving over four years. He took part in the engagements at Blue Mills, Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh, Hatchie River, sieges of Vicksburg and Atlanta, with Sherman to the sea; thence to Richmond, and from there went to Washington where he participated in the grand review.  Our subject attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa, from which institution he graduated February 25, 1868, and the same year located in Galesburg, Iowa, where he began his life’s work.  November 22, 1871, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Emma A. Butin, a daughter of Madison Moore. Five children have been born to them, of whom four still survive – Earl O., Guy D., Jennie M. and William L. The doctor followed his profession in Galesburg till 1877, when he came to Hopeville, where he has since resided, and since coming here has become well and favorably known as a skillful practitioner, and has succeeded in establishing a large and lucrative practice. Doctor Parrish is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Christian church.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 239-40

Sherow W. Parker

SHEROW W. PARKER, an active and enterprising farmer, and the present justice of the peace of Madison Township, residing on section 15, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, April 22, 1840, his father, Richard Parker, who is now deceased, being a native of the same county, and a carpenter and farmer by occupation.  Sherow W. Parker attended the common schools of his native county, where he received a fair education. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has made his life’s work, and by his persevering, industry and good management he has met with success.  He was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Company C, Fifty-second Ohio Infantry, and during his term of service he was sick at Jeffersonville, Indiana, for five months. He participated in a number of engagements, among which were, Perryville, Kentucky, Chickamauga, Buzzard’s Roost, Rome, Georgia, and Kenesaw Mountain.  Mr. Parker was married March 20, 1866, to Miss Lizette Crew, a daughter of the late James Crew. Twelve children have been born to them – Katie, Sherman, Charles, Richard, Franklin, Homer, Alburtus, John, Lizetta M., Josiah, George and one deceased.  Mr. Parker located in Fulton County, Illinois, in the fall of 1865, living near Canton till the fall of 1869. He then came to Clarke County, Iowa, and the following spring settled on the farm where he has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising, his farm containing 156 acres of choice land. Mr. Parker has held several offices of trust since locating in Madison Township, serving as township clerk, road supervisor, assessor and justice of the peace, and for eight or ten years has been clerk 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. 285-6

James C. Painter

JAMES C. PAINTER, proprietor of the flour-mills at Osceola, is a native of England, born in Berks County. He came to America when quite young, locating in the State of Illinois. He began learning the miller’s trade in Fulton County, Illinois, finishing his trade at Peoria.  He enlisted in the Union Army in 1862 in Company F, Fifty-seventh Illinois Infantry to serve three months. At the expiration of his term of service he reenlisted in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, in which he served till June 30, 1863. Mr. Painter is a thorough, practical miller, and has been connected with the milling business since 1861.  He came to Clarke County, Iowa, in 1868, and for about ten months worked for Raymond & Kelley, proprietors of the City Mills, at Osceola. He then went to Union County, Iowa, becoming a partner in the Afton Mills, being associated with the Grant Brothers, under the firm name of Grant, Painter & Grant. About five years later he disposed of his interest in the Afton Mills and returned to Osceola, Clarke County, forming a partnership with D. R. Raymond, which continued until June, 1881, when he sold his interest to his partner, and in October of the same year built his present mills, which are the principal flouring mills in the county. It is run by the roller process and turn out about forty barrels in twenty-four hours.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 390

William Green Otis

WILLIAM GREEN OTIS, one of the oldest pioneers of Knox Township, was born in Washington County, Ohio, October 28, 1829, a son of James and Ellice (Bainter) Otis, the father a native of Vermont, who served in the war of 1812, and the mother born in Zanesville, Ohio. Her father was a wheelwright by trade, and was the first mechanic who settled in Zanesville. He was of German descent. James Otis was a son of Barnabas Otis, a descendant of the Puritans who came to America in the Mayflower, he being a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. and Mrs. James Otis were the parents of six children – Lydia M., James H., William G., Henry Clay, John B., and one who died in infancy.  William G. was nine years of age when his parents removed to Marion County, where he was reared. His early life was spent in helping with the farm work, and in attending the subscription schools of his neighborhood.  In 1848 he came to Iowa, and in the spring of 1849 he started on a trip through the State. He then returned to Ohio, and in September, 1850, came again to Iowa with a two-horse team, when he entered land from the Government on section 8, Knox township, where he has since resided.  During the late war he enlisted in the defense of his county, August 22, 1862, in Company K, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, and participated in several skirmishes and engagements.  Prior to this he had joined the Iowa State Militia, and had marched through St. Joe, Missouri, where he was on guard duty for sometime. He received an honorable discharge at Washington City, June 5, 1865, when he returned to his home in Knox Township, where he has since followed agricultural pursuits.  Mr. Otis was united in marriage February 25, 1872, to Miss E. M. Morgan. Six children have been born to this union – Mary Estella, Elinor Morgan, Martha Ellen and three who died in infancy. Mr. Otis was elected justice of the peace in 1884, and served justice in an impartial manner to all who called before his jurisdiction, filling the office with credit for himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Greenback party. He is a comrade of Knox Post, G.A.R. He has a snug farm of fifty-six acres, his land being under fine cultivation. His residence and farm buildings are comfortable and commodious, and he has one of the best spring houses in the county.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 244

John Newsome

JOHN NEWSOME has been a resident of Clarke County since 1868. His home is in the northeast quarter of section 2, Franklin Township. He has a fine stock farm of 215 acres, consisting of upland, meadow and timber land, on the main branch of Whitebreast Creek. He has made nearly all of the improvements since he occupied the place.  Mr. Newsome was born November 13, 1834, in West Riding, Yorkshire, England. His parents were James and Rebecca (Illingworth) Newsome, who reared a family of ten children, all of whom are living and prospering. All except the eldest, William, are living in the United States. James Newsome, in early life, was a weaver by occupation, and his son John, the subject of this sketch, was reared to the same calling.  He embarked from Liverpool for the United States on the “City of Manchester,” March 21, 1854, reaching Philadelphia May 10. Near this point he engaged work in a cotton mill for a short time. In June, of the same year, he went to work in a woolen mill at Rockdale, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where he remained until he volunteered in defense of his adopted country, under the first call of President Lincoln for volunteers.  He enlisted in the Anderson guards, Philadelphia, April 16, 1861, and would have started for Washington, D.C., on the evening of the 19th, but for the attack of the Baltimore mob on the Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers and three companies of their regiment, who were unarmed and got back to Philadelphia with great difficulty. They were eventually mustered into the United States service on May 25, as Company B., Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Colonel Small, for three years or during the war. August, 1861, Company B was detached to guard Government stores, in Washington, D.C.  In the spring of 1862, when General McClellan was about to start on the Peninsula campaign, Sergeant Newsome wrote a petition which all the non-commissioned officers signed, asking to take the field with the regiment. The petition failed, but a second petition, January, 1863, was granted by General Hooker, who formerly commanded their brigade, and was then commanding the Army of the Potomac. The company met its baptism of fire at Chancellorsville, losing very heavily. Sergeant Newsome was wounded in the right thigh and taken prisoner. He was exchanged and rejoined his regiment the following September. In the movements of the army, before the close of 1863, Mr. Newsome bore an honorable part. He re-enlisted as a veteran in January, 1864.  While on furlough, March 10, 1864, he was married at Rockdale, to Miss Elizabeth Murphy, who was born in Philadelphia, December 25, 1836. She was a daughter of Moses and Elizabeth Murphy.  Rejoining the Army of the Potomac, he was mustered in as Lieutenant of his company, in April 1864, and from that time until the 27th of May, took part in the battles under Grant.  June 18 he was honorably discharged at Philadelphia. During the raid of General Early on Washington, Lieutenant Newsome again tendered his services, but was not accepted owing to disease contracted in the service.  Mr. and Mrs. Newsome continued to live in Rockdale until 1868 and then came to Clarke County. Mr. Newsome’s record has been, in all respects, an honorable one. They have four children – Frank, Bertha, Rebecca E. and Mabel.  James H., a twin brother, died at the age of three months.  The parents of Mr. Newsome came to the United States in 1856. They died in Union township, Lucas County. Of their sons and daughters living in the United States, besides John, there are James, Samuel, Daniel, Mrs. Sarah Gore, Mrs. Rebecca Gore, reside in Delaware County, Pennsylvania; Wright, Mrs. Ann Perkins, and Mrs. Mary Maloney live in Lucas County.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 307-8

Chillion W. Neal

CHILION W. NEAL, a resident of section 20, of Jackson Township, came to Clarke County in 1857 with his parents, James B. and Anna (Adamson) Neal. He was then but fifteen years of age, having been born October 10, 1841, in Grant County, Indiana, next to the eldest in a family of nine children, all of whom were with their parents on their emigration to this county. The names of the others are – Mahlon W., now a resident of Osborn county; Sarah, died March 29, 1869, aged twenty-four years; John A., died January 29, 1860, aged fifteen years; Mary N., wife of Jeremiah Brisbin, of Franklin County, Nebraska; Elvira C., died June 29, 1868, aged eighteen years; Joseph A., died July 7, 1877, aged twenty-six years; Margaret Jane, wife of H. H. Lowery, died March 19, 1879, aged twenty-five years; Eri R., a resident of Jewell County, Kansas.  Mr. Neal’s parents made a home on section 36, Jackson township and improved eighty acres of land. Here they passed the remainder of their lives. The mother belonged to the Seventh-day Adventists, and died October 22, 1869, aged fifty years. The father was a member of the Christian church, and died April 4, 1871, aged fifty-five years.  August 15, 1862, the subject of this sketch enlisted in Company D, Thirty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry; was first engaged at Parker’s Cross-Roads, in Tennessee, December, 1862; was under the lamented General McPherson at Atlanta; followed Sherman in his march to the sea, and was in the lines of the review of Sherman’s Grand Army at the National Capitol. He was honorably discharged at Washington in June, 1865.  June 9, 1867, Mr. Neal was married to Miss Mary A. Lewis, daughter of John Lewis, the first settler of Jackson Township. She was born in Monroe County, Iowa, February 27, 1851, and was six weeks old when her parents moved to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Neal settled on section 20 April 16, 1869. Their homestead consists of 160 acres of land, all improved. They have had six children. Their first born died in infancy. The others are – Lizzie L., Rose A., J. Lewis, Agnes G. and Mary M. Mr. and Mrs. Neal are Seventh-day Adventists. Mr. Neal has been identified with the Greenback party.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 425

Samuel G. Musselman

SAMUEL G. MUSSELMAN, a son of John and Keziah (Odell) Musselman, was born in Missouri, February 8, 1845. When he was an infant his mother died, and his father soon after took the family to Darke County, Ohio, subsequently, however, moving to Clarke County, Iowa, where he remained until seventeen years of age.  In 1862 he enlisted in defense of his country, and was assigned to Company B, Sixth Iowa Infantry and served three years. He participated in many severe battles, including Jackson, Vicksburg and Chattanooga. He started with Sherman to the sea, but at the battle of Resaca, May 14, 1864, was wounded, and was in the hospital ten months, rejoining his regiment at Raleigh. He was in line at the grand review of the army at Washington, and was soon after discharged and returned home, to Clarke County, Iowa, and went to work by the month.  He had saved his salary while in the service, and with this money bought 100 acres of land, to which he afterward added 206 acres, and this is now his fine farm, which he has improved and brought under a good state of cultivation. He is one of the substantial citizens of Fremont Township, and his property, which is one of the finest in the county, has been acquired by industry and good management.  He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Osceola Lodge, and also of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Musselman was married December 16, 1866, to Miss Barbara E. Glenn, and to them have been born five children, two sons and three daughters – Charles F., Thomas O., Myrtie O., Fanny A. and Susan A.  Charles F. and Myrtie O. are deceased.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 396-7

William E. Morrow

WILLIAM E. MORROW, dealer in agricultural implements, Osceola, and one of the early settlers of Clarke County, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, near Fort Washington, May 15, 1846, a son of Thomas A. and Esther (Scott) Morrow, the father a native of Belmont County, Ohio, born September 26, 1814, and the mother born August 26, 1815, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The father is now deceased, his death occurring July 29, 1884. The mother is still living. They had born to them four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom are yet living.  William E. Morrow was brought by his parents to Clarke County, Iowa, when he was but ten years of age, they locating in Knox Township. He was reared on a farm, his education being received in the common schools of his neighborhood, and at the graded school at Garden Grove, Iowa. After finishing his education he began his career as a teacher, following that profession both winter and summer till after his marriage when he taught only during the winter terms.  He was united in marriage October 20, 1869, to Mary M. Whisler, of Clarke County, her father, Thomas L. Whisler, having come to this county in 1854 from Marion County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow have two sons – Francis E. and Robert E.  After his marriage Mr. Morrow settled on a farm where he followed agricultural pursuits till 1873, when he moved to Osceola, and became associated with his father in the agricultural implement business. He disposed of his interest to his father in 1876, who carried on the business until his death. In the meantime William E. Morrow had spent a year in Colorado, but on the death of his father in 1884 he returned to Osceola, and took charge of the business in which he is still engaged. He keeps a full line of everything pertaining to his business, and has a well-established trade, his business house being located on the west side of the square. Mr. Morrow is a member of the Masonic order, 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. 264

EDITOR’S NOTE: William E. Morrow was a Private in Company H, 46th Iowa Infantry.

Rev. J. A. Morris

REV. J. A. MORRIS was born in Harrison County, West Virginia, July 1, 1833. His parents, Joseph and Nancy (Davison) Morris, were reared in Virginia. His father was a Baptist minister; was in the ministry fifty years.  He died in Harrison County at his old home in 1863, aged eighty-one years. He had a brother, Hon. Thomas Morris, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who at one time was a member of the United States Senate. His mother died at the old home in 1868, aged nearly eighty years.  Rev. J. A. Morris was the youngest of thirteen children. Three brothers and one sister are living – Calvert L., of Medora, Warren County, this State; William N., a resident of Gilmer County, West Virginia; Allen J., of Lewis County, West Virginia; Mrs. Harriet Cozad, now living in Corydon, Iowa.  Mr. Morris was reared on a farm. A portion of his time was spent in a mill and in carpenter work. His educational advantages were good for that period, and he early qualified himself for teaching. Being a natural student, much of his education was acquired outside of the school room. In 1855 he was converted to the cause of Christ, and joined the Methodist Episcopal church. He was soon after made a class-leader; was licensed exhorter on the 12th of March, 1859; was ordained deacon in 1863, and was ordained elder in 1870. He was appointed chaplain of the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Virginia Militia during the war.  March 15, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia J. Read, daughter of Francis and Arah Read. She, also, was the youngest of thirteen children, and was born in Barbour County, West Virginia, August 17, 1833.  Mr. and Mrs. Morris lived in West Virginia until they came to Liberty Township in 1864. In that year he purchased his homestead. He owns 350 acres on sections 7, 8 and 20; forty acres of timber being on section 20. The residence portion was purchased of Rev. A. W. H. Millard, now deceased. The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Morris is one of the best in Clarke County. It was built partly by himself with a view to comfort and convenience.  They have had nine children – Louella is a literary and music teacher, now engaged in Fairview, Warren County; Michael C., now attending Simpson College, at Indianola; Waitman T., now teaching in Liberty village; Emeline V., Boyd T., Arah May, Rose Altha, and Martha V.  Anna, the eight child, an infant, died in 1872.  While at all times holding himself ready to work in the Master’s vineyard, Mr. Morris is not regularly engaged in ministerial labor. His services are always to be relied upon in the upbuilding of the cause, or in any other good work. He always endeavors to deal justly and fairly with all men, and if he makes mistakes they are of the head and not of the heart. As a writer he is forcible; as a speaker he always commands attention. In early days Mr. Morris was a Whig, but is now a Republican.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 287-8

Stephen C. Messenger

STEPHEN C. MESSENGER, a successful and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, residing in Troy Township, on section 16, was born in Richland (now Morrow) County, Ohio, the date of his birth being April 11, 1833. His parents, James and Rachel (Corwin) Messenger, were natives of the State of Pennsylvania, the father born in Greene and the mother in Washington County. Since the father’s death the mother makes her home with our subject, being now seventy one years of age. Stephen C. Messenger passed his youth on the farm, being reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has made the principal avocation of his life. His education was obtained in the common schools of his native county.  He was united in marriage August 19,1854, to Miss Bethenia Truex, who was born in Southern Ohio, a daughter of John P. Truex, deceased. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Messenger, only three now living – William H., who married Mina Axtel, lives on section 7; Mary Ellen, wife of Walter H. Moffitt, of Union County, and John N.  Mr. Messenger came to Iowa in the fall of 1859, when he located in Union County, his home there being but three and a half miles from his present farm. During the late war he enlisted in Company B, Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, but only served five months, being sick most of his term of service.  In April, 1882, Mr. Messenger settled on his farm in Troy Township, where he has since followed farming and stock-raising with excellent success, being now the owner of 400 acres of valuable land. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 344-5

Philip H. McCartney

PHILIP H. McCARTNEY, an enterprising and successful agriculturist of Washington Township, was born in the town of Martinsburg, in Butler County, Pennsylvania, the date of his birth being April 11, 1838. When about twelve years of age he accompanied his parents, William and Elizabeth (Haines) McCartney, to Adams County, Ohio, where the family resided till the father died, his death being the result of a wound received at the battle of Shiloh while serving with the Seventieth Ohio Infantry. After the death of her husband the mother went to Peoria County, Illinois, where she still makes her home.  Philip H., our subject, passed most of his youth in Adams County, Ohio. In the fall of 1856 he went to Peoria County, Illinois, locating on a farm in 1857. He was married in 1858, to Sarah A. Patton, of Peoria County, a daughter of Joseph B. Patton, a resident of the same county.  He continued farming in Peoria County till August, 1862, when he enlisted in the service of his country, a member of Company C, Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry. He served two years and four months, and during this time participated in the battles of Mission Ridge, Helena, siege of Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, the Red River Campaign, and was with Sherman on his grand march to the sea. He was mustered out of the service at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, in February, 1864.  He then returned to his farm in Peoria County, Illinois, where he remained till March 1876. He was bereaved by the death of his wife in 1874, who left three children – William P., Walter A. and Luella G. For his present wife he married Isabelle Nicholson, a native of England, but at the time of her marriage living in Peoria County. To this union have been born four children – Maud E., Winfield G. B., Harry J. and Zelda L. Mrs. McCartney is a daughter of Thomas Nicholson, a native of England.  Mr. McCartney came with his family to Clarke County, Iowa, in March, 1876, when he settled on his present farm on section 12, Washington Township, where he has eighty acres of choice land. He has met with success in his agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of 246 acres, most of which is well improved and under fine cultivation. Besides his home farm in Washington Township, he has 161 acres in Fremont Township, on section 7, and five acres of timber land. The first three years of his residence in Clarke County, besides running his farm, he was largely engaged in buying and shipping stock. Of late years he has turned his attention to the raising of stock, and is making a specialty of high-grade cattle and Poland-China hogs. In the year 1885 he raised 160 hogs. Mr. McCartney has served as a member of the School Board.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 389-90

Daniel K. Maxwell

D. K. MAXWELL, an enterprising citizen of Green Bay Township, residing on section 30, is a native of Fulton County, Illinois, born August 8, 1842, a son of Absalom and Polly Ann (Cameron) Maxwell, the father a native of Virginia, and a pioneer of Fulton County, and the mother born in Florida. They were married in Sangamon County, Illinois, and to them were born nine children – William, Martin, Thomas, Tabitha, David, Martha, Albert, Daniel K. and Emma. Daniel K. passed his early life in assisting on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools of his neighborhood.  August 5, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry, in answer to the call of Abraham Lincoln for more men. He participated in some of the most important battles of the war, among which may be mentioned Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, Champion Hills, Raymond, Siege of Vicksburg, and Kenesaw Mountain. At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain he was wounded in the right leg by a minie ball and confined in the hospital for some time, when he was granted a furlough for five months. He was in the hospital at Quincy, Illinois, for three months, when he was discharged, March 10, 1865, and returned to his home in Fulton County.  He came to Clarke County, Iowa, in February, 1868, and settled on his present farm in Green Bay Township, which was at that time entirely unimproved. He was married March 31, 1871, to Sarah Ellen Tanner, of Farmington, Fulton county, a daughter of Daniel and Susan (Berry) Tanner, who were pioneers of Fulton County. To Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell were born five children – Ora M., Angie G., Florence C., Herbert D. and Bertha G.  In 1881 Mr. Maxwell removed to Weldon and purchased a hotel, which he conducted till the winter of 1886, and from 1884 until January 1886, he filled the position of postmaster at Weldon with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He returned to his farm in April, 1886, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm now contains 200 acres of choice land which is well improved and under high cultivation, and is located three miles northwest of Weldon. In politics Mr. Maxwell is a Republican. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Weldon Lodge, No. 441.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 414

William T. Mathews

W. T. MATHEWS, one of the enterprising and successful pioneers of Clarke County, living in Green Bay Township, on section 24, was born in Murray County, Tennessee, July 18, 1827. His parents, Charneall and Sarah (Shinall) Mathews, were both natives of Virginia. Eight children were born to them, as follows – Mary Ann, W. T. (our subject), Elizabeth, Jackson, Elisha F., George, Charles and John Felix. The parents removed to Washington County, Illinois, when our subject was an infant, and there he was reared, his youth being passed in assisting on the farm and in attending the common schools.  In July, 1847, he enlisted in the Mexican war, in Company H, Second Illinois Infantry, and after serving one year was honorably discharged. He was married December 13,1849, to Catherine Logan, of Washington County, Illinois, and to this union were born seven children – Martha R., Hiram W., Harriet E., Lewis E., C. C., George M., And Frankie B.  Mr. Mathews came to Iowa in 1851, locating in Poweshiek County, Where he remained about four years. In 1855 he came with his family to Clarke County, buying 180 acres of land, on which he resided three years. He then exchanged his land for mill property on section 24, Green Bay Township, where he operated a mill for four years. Mr. Mathews enlisted in the late war August 13, 1862, in Company D, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry; and participated in the engagements at Parker’s Cross-Roads, Snake Creek Gap,. Little Ogeechee River, Columbia, Bentonville, near Goldsborough, besides a number of skirmishes. During the war he was appointed First Lieutenant, and served as such till his discharge at Clinton, Iowa, June 5, 1865. He then returned to Clarke County and settled on his present farm, where his wife died October 8, 1869.  He was again united in marriage June 23, 1874, to Mrs. Catherine (Rainy) Meachum, and of the two children born to this union only one is living – a daughter, Minnie L.  Molly is deceased. Mr. Mathews has met with success in his general farming and stock-raising, and is now the owner of his fine farm which contains 230 acres of highly cultivated land, with good residence, well furnished and commodious, barn and out-buildings. Mr. Mathews was elected county supervisor in 1876, and served three years to the best interests of Clarke County. He has also filled the offices of clerk and trustee of Green Bay Township and has been a member of the School Board. He is a member of Jacinth Lodge No. 443, A.F. & A.M. of Weldon. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, being class-leader and trustee of the same. In politics he is a staunch Republican.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 326

John H. Martindale

JOHN H. MARTINDALE, editor and proprietor of the Murray News, is a son of Mason and Mary (Simonds) Martindale, natives of New York. They came to Clarke County in 1869, where the mother is yet living. John H. lived with his parents until twenty years old, receiving a common English education. He then learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he followed for a time and then engaged in farming.  In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-second New York Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war, and receiving his discharge in July 1865.  He came to Muscatine County, Iowa, and in 1866 rented a farm in Clarke County. When the village of Murray was started he found profitable employment once more as a carpenter.  From 1873 to 1876 he was engaged in merchandising. He was then occupied as postmaster and justice of the peace until 1880. In 1879 he was chosen representative from this county to the General Assembly, in which he served one term. In 1881 he entered upon journalism, to which he has since devoted his time.  Mr. Martindale was married June 26, 1866, at Nichollville, St. Lawrence County, New York, to Jane D. Clark. Their six children are named – Ella J., now Mrs. Dewey; Hersey M., now Mrs. Kadel; Edmund M., Mary D., Ralph M. and Gertrude L. Mr. Martindale is a Republican, a Good Templar and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic; and, with his wife, belongs to the Baptist church.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 360

Dr. Marion T. Martin

DR. MARION T. MARTIN, a physician of Woodburn, Clarke County, is a native of Hancock County, Illinois, born July 10,1840; a son of Dr. John and Philanda (Couch) Martin, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter born in Meigs County, Ohio. Both parents are yet living, residents of Jamesport, Davis County, Missouri, were the father is still engaged in the practice of medicine.  When five years of age our subject was taken by his parents to Sullivan County, Missouri, where he lived till 1864, receiving his primary education in the schools of that region. At the age of eighteen years he began the study of medicine in his father’s office where he remained some time.  August 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company A., Twenty-third Missouri Infantry, the first engagement in which his regiment participated being the battle of Shiloh, where they were taken prisoners. The Doctor was first taken to Montgomery, Alabama, remaining there six weeks, when he was placed under parole and taken to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and from there to Macon, Georgia, where he remained till October 9, 1862. He was then sent North by way of Richmond, and exchanged. While at Macon the Doctor and three others escaped from their prison and took to the woods, but were finally recaptured at the end of nine days, and for punishment they were staked to the ground two hours at a time. After his exchange the Doctor was taken to Washington, where he was in Emory Hospital ten days, then taken to Camp Parole, Alexandria, where he was discharged on account of disability, December 7, 1862, and arrived home December 21, 1862.  He again studied medicine with his father in Sullivan County, Missouri, and afterward assisted him in his practice, remaining in that locality till December 28, 1864. He then went to Last Chance, Lucas County, Iowa, before that place was organized, remaining there till January 19, 1875, when he came to Woodburn, Clarke County, and has since been engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, building up a large and lucrative practice.  Doctor Martin was married January 19, 1860, to Miss Hannah J. Stout, a native of Washington County, Indiana, and a daughter of Benjamin H. and Sallie (Ruberson) Stout. Eight children have been born to this union – Elmina R., Harriet E. Russia F., Cortez Prentiss, Stephen L., Lilly (deceased), Della E., Charlie B.  In 1873 while a resident of Last Chance, the Doctor was appointed postmaster of that village, and at the same time engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed for three years when he failed in business, owing to the panic, and lost the savings of his life. Since coming here he has taken an active interest in the advancement of this place, and was one of the commissioners through whose influence the town was incorporated. He has been a member of the city council since its incorporation and was president of the coal-mining company of Woodburn during the year 1883. He is also holding the office of mayor at the present time. He is a member of Unity Lodge, No. 212, A.F. & A.M., of Woodburn, of which he is senior warden, and is also surgeon of the Davenport Post, No. 385, G.A.R., of the same place. He and his wife and two of their children, a son and daughter, are members of the Christian church.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 247-8

Benjamin H. Manly

BENJAMIN H. MANLY, son of Benjamin and Mary (Riley) Manly, was born in Jefferson County, Tennessee, December 12, 1843. His father died in 1858, and his mother, at the old homestead, in 1870. He was reared on the old homestead in his native county, living there till he volunteered in defense of the union, in April, 1863, enlisting in Battery B, First Tennessee Light Artillery. He served under General Burnside in the East Tennessee campaign in the fall of 1863, taking part in the engagement at Blue Springs, in November, 1863. He was in garrison at Cumberland Gap the following fifteen months, serving the rest of the time in that department. He received an honorable discharge at Nashville, Tennessee, in July, 1865.  He was united in marriage January 1, 1868, to Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Vance, who was born in Smith county, Virginia, March 9, 1843, a daughter of Samuel Philips. To this union have been born eight children – Mary G., Nannie L., Sarah Nettie, Samuel B., Robert J., Blanche A., Vesta J. and Marion W. By her first husband Mrs. Manly had one son – Eli B. Vance, who died September 8, 1884, in his twenty-second year.  Mr. Manly came to Iowa in the spring of 1876; and after living on rented land in Lee County for three years, he bought and removed to his present farm on section 25, Liberty Township, Clarke County, Iowa, locating on this farm in January, 1879. His farm contains 100 acres of good land, eighty acres being under a high state of cultivation, and is classed among the best farms in the township. In politics Mr. Manly is a staunch Republican, having always affiliated with that party. He is a member of Davenport Post, No. 385, G.A.R., of Woodburn, Iowa.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 362-3

James Lent

JAMES LENT, a prosperous merchant of Hopeville, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, July 9, 1829, a son of John Lent, who was a native of Vermont. Our subject passed his youth on the home farm, receiving a common-school education in the rude log-cabin subscription schools of his native county.  He was married May 1, 1851, to Miss Mary A. Allison, daughter of James Allison. To this union were born eleven children, seven still living – Melville, Lewis, Low A., Samuel, Leonard, Lillie and Elwood. Mr. Lent came to Clarke County, Iowa, when he settled in Doyle Township.  He enlisted in the late war in Company I, Missouri State Militia, in which he served fifteen months. He re-enlisted and served a year and ten months in Company L, Third Iowa Cavalry. He participated in the battles of Ebenezer Church, Selma, Macon and Columbus, Georgia; Lexington, Missouri, Independence, Blue Hill, Harrisonville, and other engagements of minor importance.  Since returning from the war he has made farming his principal vocation, although he has sold goods and kept hotel for several years, and is still proprietor of a hotel. He is at present dealing in hardware, farm implements, barb-wire, furniture and tinware, and is carrying on a good business.  Mr. Lent has been constable several years, and has filled other local offices of trust. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for twenty-one years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows’ order, to which he has belonged for twenty-two years. He is also 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. 399-400

Robert J. Leavel

ROBERT J. LEAVEL, resides on section 35 of Jackson Township. He was born in Knox County, Ohio, March 8,1840. His parents, Joseph and Harriet C. (Beans) Leavel, were born and reared in Virginia, removing a few years later to Ohio, where his father was engaged in the milling business many years. He also owned a farm which was worked by renters. There were thirteen children only four of whom are now living. They settled in Monroe County, Iowa, in 1852, where Joseph Leavel improved a farm, and also followed milling.  In 1858 the family came to Clarke County and settled in Jackson township, where they improved a farm. The mother died a month later. The father disposed of his property in 1860, and for a few years engaged in the saw-mill business in Lucas County. He then removed to Wayne County, where he now resides near Humiston, and follows bee-keeping. The names of the children are – Rebecca, wife of William Johnson; Margaret, wife of David Ulm; Joseph and Robert J., the subject of this sketch. Joseph was a babe at the time of his mother’s death, and was afterward adopted by John Baldwin.  September 12, 1861, Robert enlisted in Company I, Eighth Iowa Volunteers. He was engaged in the battle of Shiloh, in the division of General Prentiss, and with that gallant commander was captured May 6, 1862, and was held prisoner two months and eight days, confined most of the time in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Having been paroled and exchanged in February, 1863, he rejoined his regiment. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, and the following winter visited home on veteran furlough. At the time General Forrest raided Memphis, Mr. Leavel again became a prisoner, and thirty-eight days later was exchanged. He was engaged in the siege of Mobile, and his regiment, the gallant Iowa Eighth, was the first to enter Spanish Fort. He was honorably discharged at Selma, Alabama, in April, 1866, and now receives a pension for disability contracted in the army.  After returning to Monroe County, he went to Lucas County, and July 2, 1868, married Miss Martha Wells, daughter of Thomas and Mary Wells, who came from Virginia that same year; they now live in the village of Woodburn. Mrs. Leavel was born in Marion County, West Virginia, April 20, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Leavel lived two years in Jackson Township, Lucas County, then returned to Clarke County, where Mr. Leavel engaged in farming. In 1873 they removed to Hamilton County, Nebraska, where they remained two years, then returned to their old home in Jackson township. They moved to their present home in February, 1881, where they own forty acres of land.  They have had one child, that died in infancy. Mr. Leavel is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Davenport Post, No. 385, at Woodburn. In politics he is a Republican.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 296

Edward Lawrence

EDWARD LAWRENCE, physician and surgeon, Osceola, was born in the city of Alton, Illinois, March 3, 1836. His parents, John and Keziah Lawrence, were natives of New Jersey. They removed to Randolph County, Illinois, when Edward was a small boy, making a permanent home. Here the mother died in 1878, and the father then removed to Osceola and made his home with Edward, where he died at the advanced age of ninety-eight years.  Edward received his primary education in the common schools, where he gained a sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach. He followed teaching four years, and during the time studied medicine under Dr. Joseph McDonald, of St. Louis, a professor in the Missouri Medical College, of which Dr. Lawrence is a graduate – of 1859-‘60.  His first practice was in Wayne County, Missouri.  Upon the breaking out of the civil war, the doctor left the State and went over into Illinois. He enlisted in the Eleventh Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, as Assistant Surgeon. He served eighteen months, and was mustered out at New Orleans in July, 1865.  He then came to Scott County, Iowa, locating in Davenport, where he pursued the practice of his profession until 1876, when he removed to Osceola. At one time the doctor was associated with Dr. Laws, now deceased. The partnership continued about eighteen months and was dissolved by mutual consent. Since then Dr. Lawrence has conducted his business alone. He is acknowledged to be the leading surgeon of the county.  In 1858 he was married to Miss Winifred Dollarhide, a native of Muscatine County. Her father was one of the pioneers who came to Iowa from Warren County, Indiana, in 1832. They are the parents of five children – Emma R., Edward J., Harry K., William E., and Ada E.  The doctor is a thorough student and is regarded as a fine chemist; has all the appliances for making chemical tests, and for chemical analysis. He is a member of the Masonic order, also of the Sons of Temperance. While residing in Davenport he was a member of the School Board.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 415

Francis M. Kyte

FRANCIS M. KYTE, auditor of Clarke County, Iowa, is a native of the State of Indiana, born in Washington County, near Salem, March 4, 1839, a son of Lewis and Catherine (Colglazier) Kyte, natives of Ohio, and early settlers of Indiana, where the father died in 1851. His mother is still living in Clarke County, Iowa, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. Her family consisted of eight sons and three daughters, all but one of whom lived till maturity, the eldest one now living being seventy-one years old.  F.M. Kyte passed his boyhood on a farm in his native county, living there until after the death of his father, when he was thirteen years old. In the fall of 1852 his mother removed with her family to Iowa, and located in Clarke County, where he passed his youth and early manhood.  In July 1861, he enlisted in the defense of the Union, and was assigned to company F, Sixth Iowa Infantry, and served as Sergeant until January, 1864, when he re-enlisted and was promoted to First Lieutenant, serving as such until mustered out in July, 1865. He participated in the battle at Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, Mission Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, and in the march to Savannah, then back to Rolla and Bentonville.  After the war he returned to Osceola and attended Bryant & Stratton’s business college, and then taught school two years. He was elected auditor of Clarke County in the fall of 1869, and served until January, 1874. The next four years he engaged in the grocery business, when he was again elected county auditor, assuming the duties of his office in January, 1878, and has served to the present time, having proved himself to be a reliable and efficient public servant.  Mr. Kyte was married in August, 1868, to Miss Nancy L. Key, daughter of Nathan Key, of Clarke County. They have a family of three children – Charles, Laura and George. Mr. Kyte is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge No. 77, Chapter No. 63, and Commandery No. 21. Also of the Knights of Pythias.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 254-7