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JAMES B. ANDERSON, a son of one the early settlers in Washington County, and himself one of the pioneers, was born in Highland County, Ohio, Aug. 29, 1816. His parents were Balaam and Wilhelmina (Bowen) Anderson. The former was a native of Maryland, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He received only such education as was common in those days of log cabin school-houses with puncheon floor, slab seats, and often indifferent teachers. In 1839 he came with his parents to this county, where he assisted his father in starting a farm.
In the last-named year Mr. A. married Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel McCoy, of Massachusetts, and soon started a home of his own, on the place where he has now lived for forty-seven years, and on which at that time there was not a shrub or vine of any kind except hazel-brush. He and his wife began poor, but by industry and economy have accumulated a competency. The site of Washington, now a city of 3,000, was then wild land, and the nearest trading-post was at Burlington, and all of the changes in this region, of which this is an illustration, have been witnessed by Mr. and Mrs. Anderson during their long residence here. There was, when he settled here, plenty of game; deer and wolves roamed the forest, and the equally wild Indian was frequently seen on the trail which passed near by.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson was blessed with twelve children, of whom the following nine are now living: Daniel M.; Eliza J., the wife of Daniel Ackerman; Melville M.; Lewis F.; Floretta M., the wife of William McFarland; Seward Lincoln, and Huldah F., the wife of Samuel M. Logan, are all living in this county; Rufus H., a resident of
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Ringgold County, Iowa, and Oscar H., who lives in Rush County, Kan. Mr. Anderson has succeeded by reading and study in supplying his lack of early advantages, but is a warm advocate of good schools for the younger generation. In politics, he is a Republican, having acted with that party since its organization. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and respected members of society.
Levi B. Anderson, a younger brother of James B., was born in Westfall, Ohio, Sept. 13, 1832, and was but seven years old when his parents came to Washington County, where his entire life has since been passed. He had only the same educational advantages as his elder brother, but well improved what opportunities he had. In 1857 he was married to Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Rachel (Rhodes) Cooper, natives of Virginia and New Jersey, respectively, who came to Washington County in 1855, and are now living in Rawlins, Kan.
Mr. and Mrs. Levi Anderson have six living children, named: Priscilla Jennie, the wife of Frank Pickens, now living in Dakota; Emma Viola, Martin E., Minnie E., Charles G. and Orpha L. Mr. Anderson has lived to see many changes here. The prairies were then wild and unbroken, and the cabins of the settlers few and far between. Now finely cultivated farms and comfortable residences greet the eye on every side. He owns a well-improved farm of seventy-eight acres, all under cultivation. He and his wife attend the Christian Church, and at the polls he votes the Republican ticket.
D. W. HENDERSON, farmer and stock-dealer, resides on section 23, Oregon Township, where he owns 180 acres of land which is under a high state of cultivation, with a neat residence and commodious out-buildings. He was born in East Tennessee, May 2, 1835, and is the son of John J. and Margaret (Walker) Henderson, both of whom are natives of Tennessee, the former being of Scotch-Irish descent. The family came to Washington County in 1856, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject. the father died April 7, 1872, aged sixty-two and the mother in 1844.
The parental family consisted of four children, three now living, the subject of this sketch being the oldest: Alexander, the second child, is a farmer residing in this county, and Mary J. lives with her brother, D. W. Some time after the death of his wife, John J. Henderson married Nancy Esther Allen, by whom he had three children: Margaret A., deceased; Melinda E., the wife of S. A. Sands, of this county, and Esther Caroline, the wife of J. N. Sands, also of this county. On coming to Washington County he purchased 160 acres, and at his death left 200 acres of fine land. On his death the county lost one of its best citizens, and the family a kind and indulgent father.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and adopted that occupation as his business through life. At present he is engaged in farming and handling stock. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Republican.
GEORGE FREDERICK WIELAND, a farmer and stock-raiser of Iowa Township, was born in New Lisbon, Columbiana Co., Ohio, Sept. 13, 1839, and is the son of George A. and Bridget (Stravle) Wieland. the father of our subject was born in Baran, Germany, and his wife in Wittenburg. The paternal grandparents lived and died in Germany, and George was about eighteen years old when he came to America in 1835. He remained in New York working at the tailor's trade, until about two years before his marriage, when he went to New Lisbon, and for several years worked at his trade.
After his marriage, Mr. George Wieland, Sr., built a residence in Dungannon, Ohio, and for a number of years did business at that place. He came to Iowa in 1864, and with his wife, now resides with their children, who are named as follows: George F.; John, who wedded Lizzie Anderson in Ohio, resides in Carroll County, Iowa, where he is a large land-owner; Rev. S. F., pastor of St. Paul's Catholic Church of Lee County, Iowa; David is the husband of Mary Barnard, and resides near
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Richmond, Iowa; Joseph is also married, and is a farmer of Lyon County, Kan.; Baltis is married, and operates a farm adjoining that of Joseph; Peter is married, and is a stock-dealer in the same county; George married, and is a farmer on the paternal homestead in Carroll County, Iowa; Nicholas, unmarried, is a farmer in Lyon County, Kan.; James wedded Theresa Metz, of Marion County, Iowa, and his farm adjoins that of Nicholas; Catherine became the wife of John Henn, also a farmer on and adjoining farm with those above mentioned; Mary wedded Joseph Bauer, who owns a valuable farm in the same neighborhood.
Our subject is the eldest one of the children. He left home a single man, and was in his twentieth year when he came to Iowa. He came direct to this township, and later went to Richmond, and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes for three years. In 1860 he wedded Catherine Critz, of whose family an extended history will be found in the sketch of Frank Critz, present Treasurer of Washington County. In the winter of 1860, while living in Richmond, he purchased forty acres of land, now owned by Matthias Blicker. this he later sold and rented a farm west of the above name village, and in 1863 purchased his present farm, most of which was broken, and upon which he has since made valuable improvements, consisting of barns, fences, etc.
The first official position held by our subject in this county, was that of Trustee of his township, to which office he was elected in 1878, and so well has he filled the place, and so great has been the confidence of the voters of this township, that he has been elected each consecutive year to this date, and was unanimously renominated in August, 1887. As a man of judgment, we are informed by one who is reliable in what he says, that Mr. Wieland has done more to harmonize the little disagreements among neighbors, and has attended to more business since his residence in the township, than any other man who ever lived within its borders. Through his efforts the first road grader purchased in the township was secured, and the fine roads may be accredited to the persistence with which he advocated its purchase. Ever since the school district became independent, he has acted as Treasurer of the School Board. For fifteen consecutive years, he has been Supervisor of Roads, and the best roads in the county are found in Iowa Township. We learn that in judgment in township affairs, Mr. Wieland has no superior in the county, and although comparatively young, has not only made an enviable record as a business man, but has paved the way to official promotion whenever he desires to exchange private for public life, although he is a thoroughbred Democrat in a Republican county. Mr. and Mrs. Wieland are the parents of six children: Mary, the wife of Sylvester Bauer, a farmer of Jackson Township; Frank A., Joseph S., Matilda, Eleanor and Nettie. Allied by marriage to one of the oldest and best-known families of Washington County, the sketch of Mr. Weiland is with pleasure presented to the people, who are not only proud of her productions, but of her citizens.
ALBERT TAYLOR, farmer and stock-raiser, section 21, Highland Township, is a native of Venango County, Pa., born in 1834. He is a son of David and Sarah (Foster) Taylor, both natives of Pennsylvania, the mother of Irish, and the father of English descent and of a Quaker family. the father died in August, 1877, aged sixty-five years, and the mother in February, 1869, aged fifty-six. They were members of the Free-Will Baptist Church.
Albert Taylor, the subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and educated in the district and High Schools of his native State. In October, 1855, he emigrated to Rock Island County, Ill., remaining there until April, 1857, when he started farther west and settled in Otoe County, Neb., near Nebraska City, where he took a claim, and remained there improving his farm until March, 1861. He then came to Fremont County, Iowa, and the same year moved to Washington County, and settled on his present farm in Highland Township. His first purchase consisted of seventy acres, but he has since added to it, until he now has a well-improved farm of 340 acres.
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In October, 1855, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Mrs. Julena McCune, a native of Pennsylvania, whose maiden name was McCurdy. She is the daughter of John McCurdy, who emigrated from Ireland to this country. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have become the parents of six children: C. M. and M. D., farmers, now residing in Audubon County, Iowa; Ella, the wife of N. Wilkins, a farmer in Wichita County, Kan.; William, a farmer also residing in Audubon County, Iowa; Clinton and Harry at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the United Brethren in Christ. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Taylor is a self-made man. Having started in life a poor boy, by hard work and good management, he has acquired all he now owns, and is entitled to the respect and esteem of all who know him.
WILLIAM C. MAYHEW, farmer and stock-raiser, section 25, Washington Township, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Athens County, Ohio, Feb. 16, 1837. His parents, William C. and Aurilla (Gibbs) Mayhew, were New England people, who settled in Ohio at an early day, and were pioneers of Athens County. They were the parents of seven children, six daughters and one son. Mr Mayhew died in 1841, in Athens County, Ohio, and Mrs. Mayhew Jan. 25, 1862. she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years.
The subject of this sketch was reared in Vinton County, Ohio, where the family moved at an early day, and there received his education in the common schools, while at the same time assisting in the labors of the farm. In the fall of 1855 he came to this State, settling in Washington County, where he spent one year, then went to Wapello County and remained three years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Washington County, where he spent one year, then went to Wapello County and remained three years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Washington County, where he has since continued to reside. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. I, 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., and was mustered in with the regiment at Mt. Pleasant. In November, 1862, the regiment was sent to Helena, Ark., and in the summer following it joined in the Vicksburg campaign. It was attached to Hovey's Brigade of Steele's Division, and at Chickasaw Bayou fought its first battle Dec. 29, 1862. From that time onward to the expiration of its term of service, the regiment was actively engaged. The second battle in which it participated was at Arkansas Post, where it lost severely.
After several minor engagements which followed that of Arkansas Post, the regiment was again sent to Vicksburg, where it remained until after the capture of that city. Joining Sherman, it went from Atlanta to the sea, and from thence through the Carolinas, participating in the battle of Jenkinsville, N. D., and at Durham Station, witnessing the surrender of Johnston. After the latter event it continued on its way to Washington, D. C., where it formed a part of that vast number participating in the grand review. The regiment was mustered out at Washington and discharged at Davenport. On receiving his discharge, Mr. Mayhew returned to Washington County, and on the 14the of February, 1867, was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Blackman, a daughter of Lewis and Lucy Blackman. Six children have been born to them: William C., Jr., Etta, Frank A., Cora B., Ada C. and Harley. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Mayhew are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is an uncompromising Republican. His farm, consisting of 125 acres on section 25, is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Mayhew began life on the lower round of the ladder, but through good management, together with the work of his hands, he has succeeded in acquiring a fine property, and with his family, is enabled to enjoy life.
 ISAAC M. WHITSEL resides upon section 11, Marion Township. He is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born in 1811, and is the son of Daniel and Martha (Smith) Whitsel, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, but who were among the early settlers of Pickaway County, Ohio. The family moved to Franklin County, that State, when Isaac was but ten years old. There he grew to manhood upon a farm, and lived with his parents until twenty-six years of age, when he came to Iowa, settling in Mt. Pleasant, Henry County, where he remained nearly two years, working as a
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day laborer and in the manufacture of brick. From Mt. Pleasant he went to Burlington, and there engaged with Maj. Smith, who lived a mile and quarter southwest of Burlington, and worked one year on the Major's farm.
In the fall of 1841 Mr. Whitsel came to Washington County, and settled on section 10, Marion Township, where he bought a claim of twenty acres, together with a sawmill, and also entered eighty acres on section 11. Here he lived some twelve or thirteen years, running the mill and farming. Having purchased the northwest quarter of section 11, he moved, and still continues to reside there. He has since added to his original purchase until he now owns a fine farm of 360 acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. On the premises are a good dwelling-house, a barn erected at a cost $1,800, together with such other out-buildings and sheds as are necessary in conducting a general farm.
Mr. Whitsel was united in marriage, Feb. 22, 1846, with Miss Mary D. Brown, a native of Kentucky, born in 1827, and died in 1881, aged fifty-three years and twenty-five days. They have had a family of thirteen children, all of whom died in infancy, except three: Louis C., is a farmer now residing in Gove County, Kan.; William J. also engaged in farming, and residing in Barber County, Kan., and Rosetta, the wife of John Putnam, of Marion Township. Mr. Whitsel is of German descent. His father died at the age of eighty-seven, and his mother at the age of fifty-five. In National politics he is a Democrat, but in local affairs, is liberal. In early life his advantages for acquiring an education were very limited, and he was only enabled to attend a few terms of school during the winter months, but by reading and observation he has acquired considerable information, and is able to express himself intelligently upon almost every question of public interest.
A citizen of Washington County for forty-six years, Mr. Whitsel can look back and see the many changes that have been made in all that time. Of the number came here in 1841, but few are yet living, and that number is rapidly passing away. To such men as Mr. Whitsel great credit is due for what the present generation now enjoy. A pioneer of 1841, and therefore a resident of the county for almost half a century, he deserves a place among the galaxy of noble men who made Washington one of the best counties in the State. It is, therefore, with pleasure, that the publishers present the portrait, on a preceding page, of this fine old gentleman.
W. S. BARTHOLOMEW, farmer and stock-raiser, section 2, Cedar Township, is a native of New York, and was born in Washington County, that State, March 7, 1832. He is the son of Thomas and Sophia (Jones) Bartholomew, both of whom were also natives of New York, but of Irish descent. They were the parents of the following children: Stanley Lucius, a retired farmer, residing in Batavia, Kane Co., Ill.; Mariana, the widow of Eliphalet Watson, residing in Geneva, Ill.; Hannah, the wife of Daniel Warren, a farmer residing in Kane County, Ill.; Jeremiah, a retired farmer living at Richmond, Iowa; W. S. the subject of this sketch, and Ira, a farmer in DuPage County, Ill.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bartholomew moved from New York to Illinois about the year 1850, and settled on a small tract of land, where Mr. Bartholomew commenced farming, at which occupation he continued throughout his lifetime. He served in the War of 1812, and for his service received a land warrant. He was a charitable and public-spirited man, giving of his means to aid all public enterprises. He was a devoted member of the Congregational Church until the time of his death, which occurred about the year 1878, in DuPage County, Ill. Mrs. Bartholomew died in the fall of 1879. She was a true type of the Christian woman, a kind and indulgent mother, taking great pride in the education of her children. She was a member of the Congregational Church. Our subject made his home with his parents until thirteen years of age, when he started out in life for himself. He first made his home with a man by the name of Willson, remaining with him until twenty-one years of age. For these eight years of hard toil he received $100. With this $100 young Bartholomew started for Illinois, and upon his arrival in DuPage
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County, engaged with a gentleman by the name of Stephen Hill, at $140 per year, and remained with him twelve months, then went to work for James Brown, at the same wages, remaining with him one year. Soon after he married Miss Amelia Watson, a native of New York, born May 16, 1837. She was the daughter of Eliphalet and Louisa Watson, both natives of New York.
In 1855 Mr. Bartholomew came with his young bride to Washington County, and here purchased 122 acres of wild land which he commenced to improve, making for himself a home in his adopted State. He now owns 322 acres of fine prairie land, together with eight acres of timber, in all 330 acres. The farm presents a good appearance with its well-tilled fields and fine farm buildings, all of which are the result of his own toil and industry.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew were the parents of seven children: William H. is a farmer in Lime Creek Township; Sanford died at the age of five years; Clara S., deceased, was the wife of Samuel Wilkins; Edward H. is now helping in the management of the home farm; Ira T. and Eliphalet, are at home; and Thomas, a twin brother of Eliphalet, is deceased. On the 15th of October, 1871, death visited this happy home, taking from it the wife and mother. She was a kind parent to her children, a true and loving wife, and a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was greatly beloved, and missed not only by her family but also by the many dear friends with whom she was daily associated. She has left them only to wait their coming on the other shore. Mr. Bartholomew is a member of the Baptist Church. He is a Republican in politics, and takes a great interest in the upbuilding of the State in which he lives.
JOHN McCOBB, deceased, resided on section 27, Oregon Township, where he was the owner of 167 acres of land. He was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in the year 1810, came to America in 1830 and settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1850, then came to Washington County, where he purchased 124 acres of wild land, to which he added by subsequent purchase, and at his death left an excellent farm. H was married in this county, in 1860, to Mrs. Mary H. Fetters, the widow of Dr. Samuel Fetters. She was a daughter of Samuel and Antoinette Gear, natives of Pennsylvania and of English descent. Three children were born to them: Matthew S., who married Anna Lindsey, is now residing in Kansas; they are the parents of one child, Edith. Eva E. and Elsie. By her first marriage, Mrs. McCobb was the mother of one daughter, Antoinette, who is the wife of James W. Byers, of Iowa, and the mother of four children—Marshal H., Mintil S., Eva A. and Elsie.
Mr. McCobb died Nov. 10, 1884, leaving a loving wife, four children, and many friends to mourn their loss. He was a sincere Christian man, a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and in his daily life endeavored to practice the precepts and follow in the footsteps of the Son of Man. In the community in which he resided he was greatly esteemed for his many excellent qualities of head and heart. The widow is also a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and is greatly esteemed for her social qualities; she yet resides on her home farm. All her children have been well educated, Miss Eva having taught fifteen terms in the public schools of Washington County; another daughter, Elsie is also engaged in teaching. As a family they are well respected and highly esteemed by all who know them.
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