| page 278
DARIUS SCOFIELD, M.D., of Washington, is a native of Saratoga County, N.Y., born July 31, 1834. His father, William Scofield, was born in Connecticut, and his mother in New York. Both have, been dead some years. Darius was reared upon his father's farm and received his preparatory education in the common schools of the neighborhood in which he lived and at the academy in Cambridge, N.Y. Having a desire to become a physician, he first entered the office of Dr. J. H. Barholf, then of Cambridge, Washington Co., N.Y., but now a surgeon in the United States Army, and a very prominent physician. With Dr. Bartholf he remained but a few months, and then went to Luzerne, N.Y. and continued his studies under Dr. J. B. Burneson. He then attended lectures in the Albany Medical College, from which institution he graduated in 1858. Twenty years afterward he took a supplemental course in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, N.Y., which he has found very beneficial to him in his general practice.
On graduating from the Albany Medical College, the young doctor returned to Carnish, Saratoga Co., N.Y., and entered upon the practice of his profession, and in the next four years secured a large practice. But the war for the Union was then in progress, surgeons were needed, and he was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the 8th Louisiana, afterward known as the 47th U.S. Colored Infantry, which later formed a part of the 16th Corps. He remained with the regiment but a short time, and was then detailed as Surgeon in charge of Hospital No. 3, at Vicksburg. After his regiment went to the front, and with others, was operating against Mobile, he was ordered to rejoin it, but while on his way, news came of the capture of Ft. Blakesly, and he was detained at Vicksburg to help care for the men just liberated from Andersonville and Cahawba Prisons. For one month he continued in this service and then rejoined his regiment at Mobile, and was with it until it was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Jan. 12, 1886. On being discharged, Dr. Scofield returned to his old home by way of New York City, in greatly impaired health. Believing a change would be beneficial, in May, 1866, he came to Washington County, Iowa, and located in the northwestern part of the county, where he remained until 1869, when he removed to the city of Washington, where he has since continued to reside, engaged in the active practice of his profession.
Dr. Scofield has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Carrie G. Herrick, a daughter of Robert Herrick. She was born in Saratoga County,
page 279
N.Y., her parents being near neighbors of the Scofields, and of course the young couple were thrown much together in early life. They were married in 1860. Several children were born unto them, of whom only one is now living, Carrie. Mrs. Scofield died in 1877, in Washington, Iowa. She was a member of the Baptist Church, a sincere Christian woman, and much beloved. For his second wife the Doctor chose Miss Emma Mott, of Grand Isle, Vt., born in 1852, and a daughter of James and Thirza Mott. They were married in 1879. By this union there are two sons—James H. and an infant.
Dr. Scofield has for many years been connected with the Masonic fraternity, and is now a member of Washington Lodge No. 26, A.F. & A.M., Cyrus Chapter No. 13, R.A.M., and Bethlehem Commandery No. 45, K.T. He has been chosen as presiding officer in each of these orders and has always taken a live interest in the order, believing it to be an instrumentality for great good in this world. He is also a member of I.G. White Post No. 108, G.A.R., Iowa Legion of Honor, and Hawkeye Lodge No. 1, A.O.U.W., and in the latter institution was one of the first to advocate the careful physical examination of members. Dr. Scofield has been local surgeon for the C., R.I. & P.R.R. Co. for fifteen years, and for the B., W. and B.N.W. since their construction, and is examiner for numerous life insurance companies.
As a physician, Dr. Scofield ranks among the best in the State of Iowa, and is fully abreast with the times, being ever ready to adopt any improvement in the science of medicine which will stand the test of reason, common sense and practice. He is a member of the County Medical Society, and for five or six years in succession was its President. Of the District Association he also served as President for two years. In the State Association, he was Vice President for two years, and in 1882 was elected and served as President, delivering the annual address at its 31st annual meeting, held at Council Bluffs May 16, 1883. This address was well received throughout the State. In it he made a number of recommendations of great value, among which was one in reference to "expert evidence" before the courts of the State, advocating the passage of a law which would not permit a physician to be called as an expert, unless he could justly lay claim to some particular qualification to the title. When summoned it was only to be upon order of the Court, and the Court alone should propound the questions which should be of such a character only as would enlighten either Court or jury upon the scientific questions involved. Those who have heard the "expert" testimony of some local physicians in answer to the ridiculous questions of an attorney only working in the interest of his client, and not of truth, will appreciate the value and wisdom of the Doctor's recommendation.
Politically, Dr. Scofield has always been a stanch Republican, and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, who was the first candidate of that party for the Presidency. He has never seen any good reason why he should abandon that party which has always acted in the interests of the people, and which stands nearer to the people to-day than any other. As a citizen, Dr. Scofield has always held the respect and good-will of his neighbors, and has ever been ready to advocate and give of his means to advance the interests of the community in which he lives. He served for eleven years upon the City Council where he now lives, and was President of the School Board where he formerly resided, and is now a member of Washington City School Board, and was the prime mover in the organization of the Washington free public library.
SAMUEL B. COULTER, farmer and stock-raiser, resides upon section 21, Washington Township. He is a native of Lancaster County, Pa., born April 2, 1826, and is the son of Hugh and Ann (Ross) Coulter. He removed with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1844 came with them to this county. He was married, Sept. 2, 1856, to Miss Catherine S. Robison, a native of Washington County, N.Y., born Feb. 12, 1826. Her father, John D. Robison, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, but came to American when seven years old. He was killed by a falling tree while cutting timber in Ohio, in 1860. Her mother, Mary (Lauder) Robison, was born in
page 280
New York, and was of Scotch parentage. She died May 4, 1866. They were the parents of ten children, four of whom are now living. Jane, wife of H. D. Titus, of Washington County; Catherine S.; Mary L., of Mansfield, Ohio; Agnes I., of this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Coulter are the parents of seven children: Ella L., the wife of George E. Finney, living near Mansfield, Ohio; Isabel, the wife of Madison J. Orr, of this county; Anna May, blind, graduated from the Iowa College for the Blind June 9, 1866, and resides at home; Lucy M., Ross L., John R. and Ettie E., are also at home. Mr. and Mrs. Coulter are members of the Associate Presbyterian Church of Washington, Mr. Coulter being at present one of its Ruling Elders, a position he has occupied for twelve years. In the work of the Church he has always taken an active interest, and is ever ready to do his part in sustaining the cause. He is also a strong Prohibitionist, his influence always being in favor of an enforcement of the law. His home farm consists of 130 acres of land two miles south of Washington. It is well-improved and under a high state of cultivation. As a citizen, he is willing to do his part in all things tending to advance the best interests of the county. Few citizens of Washington County enjoy the respect of those who know them to a greater degree than Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Coulter.
DR. HERMAN LINDNER, a resident of Riverside, was born March 5, 1827, in Breslau, Germany. His parents died when he was an infant, and his uncle, Karl Ossess, cared for him until he was able to earn a living. A small patrimony being left from the paternal estate was sufficient to educate our subject, who in both classics and medicine was educated in Breslau. He wa also a leader in forcing the Jews out of the city, as their presence had become unbearable. He continued his studies until 1846, when the war between Poland and Prussia broke out, and he took charge of a regiment of Poles and fought against the Prussian Government.
When the cry for liberty was raised in 1848, our subject was one of the first to respond. Leaving his college, March 16, of that year (having allied himself with the socialistic party), he was sent to Berlin to purchase arms and ammunition, which was successfully done, and they were safely delivered to the men who were anxious to obtain freedom. He fought during that revolution, and for four and a half years was engaged in military duty. He was a participant in the celebrated battles of Radstadt and Wakhensel, where he received from King Frederick William IV, a medal for bravery. In 1850 his regiment was sent to Sleswick-Holstein, when at the battle of Freichburg he received two other medals from his Sovereign for bravery, and also received several wounds, which made him a pensioner, and the medals, yet in his possession, would, were he a citizen of Germany, entitle him to a liberal pension. The Doctor carries many scars of honorable warfare; a saber cleft his scalp from ear to ear, and a bullet in the shoulder and one in the leg, were received in the same battle.
After his term of service expired the Doctor was graduated in medicine, and in 1853 came to New York, where he practiced his profession for some time, and in Newburg, that State, was married in 1854, to Miss Johanna Pfannusbecker, also a native of Germany. The removed to Morris, Ill., in 1858, and thence to Chicago, Ill. Thence the Doctor removed to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he remained until his location in Muscatine, Iowa, in 1874. In 1881, diptheria broke out in virulent form at Nichols, and the demands upon him for professional services were so many that he was induced to make Nichols his home, and from there he came to the pleasant village of Riverside, in 1883. Our subject has a large and lucrative practice in this and adjoining counties, and his excellent education and accomplishments have given him a large success in the healing art. His medicines are kept in stock, and his medical library is practically complete.
The Doctor and his wife have no natural heirs, but have an adopted daughter, Paulina, now the wife of Theodore Broerman, a cigar manufacturer of What Cheer, Iowa. Dr. Lindner has written some manuscripts on various medical topics, among which is a treatise on "Dust and Disease," which
page 281
theoretically explains the cause and cure of that dread disease consumption, which, if rightly understood by medical men, would result in the saving of many valuable lives. The lengthy experience of Dr. Lindner has given him an enviable position in the profession, and as a gentleman of education and honor we present him to the people of Washington County.
ALEXANDER H. MINTIER, deceased, resided on section 34, Oregon Township, where he owned ninety acres of land in a high state of cultivation. He was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1820, and was the son of Robert and Elizabeth Mintier, who were also natives of Ohio. He was reared on a farm, and grew to manhood in his native State, and received such education as he could in the common schools. While still engaged in work upon the farm, the dark war cloud which had so long settled over the country burst, and the two sections of the country became engaged infratricidal war. Proclamation followed proclamation from President Lincoln, and the able-bodied men of the North must go forth to put down the most gigantic rebellion that ever existed.
The subject of this sketch heeded the call of the President, and in August, 1862, enrolled himself as a soldier in Co. I, 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., and served until the end of the war. In the various battles, sieges and campaigns in which the regiment participated, Mr. Mintier was always in line; he never shirked his duty, and was ever faithful in obedience to the commands of his superior officers. He was in the battles of Tuscumbia, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, the Atlanta campaign, and finally, with Sherman in his march to the sea, and in the grand review at Washington on the 24th of May, 1865. On receiving his discharge, he returned home and resumed his occupation as a farmer.
Mr. Mintier was united in marriage, on the 26th of April, 1859, in Washington County, Iowa, to Margaret Crawford, the daughter of James and Mary (Strain) Crawford, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ireland. She was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1835. They were blessed with four children: James H. married Anna Auld, and they have one child, Jennie L.; Robert P. resides at home, as does also Rose J. and John H. Mr. Mintier died in 1878, and was mourned alike by family and friends. He was a good citizen, one who was ever ready to do his duty in all things which he saw to be right, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He was a most loving husband and affectionate father, and by all his memory will ever be kept green. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and lived not only up to the doctrine and teachings of the Church, but patterned his life closely to the teachings of the Savior of men. His widow and all the children are also members of the same church. She resides with her three youngest children on the home farm, which is well cared for and kept under a high state of cultivation.
JOHN F. ROYER, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 33, Lime Creek Township, was born in Chester County, Pa., June 26, 1845. He is the son of Samuel and Hannah (Rice) Royer, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was a farmer, and followed that business until his death, which occurred in 1848. He was an energetic, industrious man, and took a lively interest in all public affairs. They were the parents of three children: Elizabeth A., the wife of Samuel Sharon, a farmer in Chester County, Pa.; David, a farmer in Humboldt County, Iowa; John F., the subject of this sketch. The mother was again married, to John Barger, in 1853. In 1840, Mr. Barger was editor of the Philadelphia Morning Sun, but in 1875 he removed to Washington County, and engaged in farming until 1882. In 1883 Mrs. Barger died. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, and took a great interest in her family, giving each of her children a good common-school education.
John F. Royer, the subject of this sketch, worked on a farm and attended the common schools until
page 282
he was eighteen years of age, when, in 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, 25th Iowa Vol. Inf. With Sherman he took part in the battle of Resaca, Ga., and participated in thirteen battles of the war. He was in all the engagements of his regiment, including Chicasaw Bayou, siege of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and Ringgold; with Sherman on his march to the sea, and in the last battle of the war, at Bentonville, N.C., after which it went to Washington City and took part in the grand review, and was afterward mustered out, June 6, 1865. Mr. Royer offered himself for enlistment in the 7th Iowa Infantry, but was not accepted, and returned home, where he remained until 1864, when he enlisted in the 25th and went to the front. He saw eighteen months' hard service in the field, and among all those who fought to save the Union none were more brave nor faithful than John F. Royer.
Returning from the war, Mr. Royer made his home with his mother and step-father until Aug. 19, 1867, when he was united in marriage with Miss Marian J. Stagner, born in Washington County, Iowa, Dec. 28, 1849. She is the daughter of Henry and Mary A. (Heigler) Stagner, both of whom were natives of Maryland, and were early settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Royer are the parents of six children: Maggie E., born Feb. 9, 1868; Charles M., Aug. 21, 1870; Hannah M., Sept. 7, 1872; William B.; Oct. 23, 1876; Carrie L., Aug. 19, 1879; Samuel D., born May 20, 1882, died Jan. 28, 1884. Mrs. Royer's parents are residents of English River Township. Abut twelve years since, Mr. Royer learned the carpenter trade, at which has worked in connection with farming. He has a neat farm of twenty-one acres, all under cultivation. Politically, he is a Republican, and a member of Ed. Hamlin Post No. 112, G.A.R.
HUGH COULTER was born in Lancaster County, Pa., July 24, 1791. There he grew to manhood, was educated in the common schools, and in early life learned the trade of blacksmith, which occupation he followed in connection with farming. He was married, March 20, 1817, to Ann Ross, who was born in Chester County, Pa., Feb. 5, 1792. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are yet living: Elizabeth J., the widow of Samuel McCluskey, now of Sherman County, Kan.; James H., of Carroll County, Ill.; Samuel B. and Abraham W., of this county; Hannah M. the wife of Hugh Williams, of Van Buren County, Iowa; Margaret B., the wife of William W. Twinam, of Pawnee County, Neb.; H. Jackson, who enlisted in the 11th Iowa Infantry, in Company F, serving four years, and participating in the various engagements of the regiment, now resides in Adam County, Iowa.
In 1835 the family emigrated to Wayne County, Ohio, where they remained until 1844, and then came to Washington County, Iowa, where John R. Coulter died in 1850. the place upon which he located was wild prairie, and Mr. Coulter was the first to settle so far from the timber. The farm is now owned by Samuel R. Coulter. Mr. Hugh Coulter died Feb. 7, 1869, and Mrs. Coulter died April 4, 1867. they were members of the Associate Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. Coulter was in early life a Democrat, but differing with his party on the slavery question, he became a Freesoiler and afterward a Republican.
|
Visit our family of homepages and join us.