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W. R. FUNSTON, grain and stock dealer of Brighton, is a native of Clarke County, Ohio, born April 30, 1844, and is the son of William and Ann (Barr) Funston. See sketch of William Funston elsewhere in this volume.) The subject of this sketch came with his parents to Washington County in 1845, when but one year old, and therefore can almost be claimed as a native Hawkeye.
The family settled on a farm in Clay Township, where D. F. Funston now lives. On that farm our subject grew to manhood. HIs primary education was received in the public schools, but by reading and observation he has become a well-informed man upon almost every subject of general interest. On the 27th of June, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Weyand, a native of Jefferson County, Iowa, born Oct. 26, 1844, and a daughter of George and Mary (Grove) Weyand. They were the parents of seven children: James, a hardware merchant in Burr Oaks, Jewell Co., Kan.; J. W., an attorney at Smith Center, Kan.; G. F., residing in Spearville, Kan.; E. C., a general merchant of Onida, Sully Co., Dak.; M. A., the wife of W. T. Wilson, a farmer in Osborne County, Kan. and Elizabeth, the wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Funston have two children, Albert L., born Sept. 18, 1869, was educated in the schools of Brighton; and William E., born July 26, 1877, is attending school in Brighton.
Mr. Funston continued to engage in farming until 1876, when he went into his present business of buying and shipping grain and stock at Brighton. He continued in this business with good success
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until the spring of 1886, when he sold out and moved to Onida, Sully Co., Dak., where he embarked in the mercantile trade, making a specialty of hardware and farm machinery. He was reasonably successful in his business, but not being entirely satisfied, in the spring of 1887 he sold out his stock of goods and returned to Brighton, and again engaged in his old business as a grain and stock dealer. The elevator which he controls has a storage capacity of 7,000 bushels of grain. Since his return he has met with the same success that attended him during the ten years of his business life in Brighton. A square-dealing man, honest in his business relations, he has the confidence of the entire community.
JAMES SMYLIE, a blacksmith, of Crawford Township, was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1822. He is a son of William and Rachel (Borlon) Smylie, both of whom were natives of the same State. William Smylie was a smith, and his father, David Smylie, was a tailor. The latter's sons, William, Samuel, James and John, were all blacksmiths, and the descendants of those men have been noted mechanics. William Smylie married Rachel Borlon about 1818, and they were the parents of fourteen children, the two eldest of whom, David and the subject of our sketch, were born in Pennsylvania.
In 1827 the parental family moved to Harrison County, Ohio, settling near Cadiz, where the father purchased a farm and erected a forge. Here they remained for many years, and later purchased a quarter-section of land, to which they removed, remaining until 1855, when the parents, with five of their children, came to this county, and here remained during their lifetime, and are both buried here. The children were respectively, David (deceased), James, Margaret, John, Samuel, Robert, Thomas, Matthew, Hugh, Sarah J., William, Joseph, Rachel, and David, the youngest son.
Our subject was married, near Cordiz, Ohio, to Miss Eliza A. Sheridan, whose father, John Sheridan, is a cousin to Gen. Phil Sheridan. John Sheridan wedded Jane Gray, and they were the parents of Eliza A., Thomas, Mary, Jane, Sarah and Agnes. John Sheridan was a cooper by trade, and later in life engaged in farming. Mrs. Sheridan died in Ohio, and after our subject moved to this county, the old gentleman came to spend his declining years with his daughter, Mrs. Smylie, and died, his remains being interred in the cemetery at Crawfordsville. In 1857 James Smylie came to the village of Crawfordsville, and in the spring of 1858, formed a partnership with John West in the blacksmith business, and from that day, and even from June, 1841, he has worked at the forge, and to-day is the oldest smith in the county, if not in the State, who has been continuously engaged in that business. More than half a century has been spent at the trade, yet his brawny arm is still strong, and the sparks fly from his anvil in showers as the red-hot iron gives out a cheery ring under the blows of his heavy hammer. He purchased a farm in 1857, and later added another eighty-acre tract. He now owns a fine quarter-section, upon which his two youngest sons reside.
Eight children have graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smylie: John, the husband of Margaret Davidson; William, who lost his life in the army, was a brave soldier of the 8th Iowa Infantry; Margaret, the wife of Frank Strain; Thomas, the husband of Pedee Fraench; Mary, the wife of William Baird, a farmer of Jewell County, Kan.; Frank, a resident of Los Angeles, Cal., and a carriage-ironer by trade, who was taught the business by his father; Taylor, the husband of Ella Orris, and Robert, who wedded Maggie McKee. Twenty-two grandchildren are living, who carry in their veins the blood of an honest yeoman, and his children are well settled in life, most of them near by. Mrs. Smylie has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church for more than forty-five years, and Mr. Smylie is also connected with the latter Church.
The marriage of John Smylie and Margaret Davidson has been graced by the births of five children: Bertie, Sadie, William, Murray and Jesse. Mrs. Smylie is a daughter of William Davidson, who settled in this county in 1846. He wedded Ann Neal, sister of the Neal Brothers. who laid out the village of Crawfordsville. The Davidsons
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reared a large family, of whom Milton, Alvin, Smith, Clark, Marshall, Lyman, Mary A. and Margaret are the only ones living. all have been married and reared families, except Marshall, who has no heirs. The mother of Mrs. Smylie died in this count a score of years ago, and later the father went to Platte County, Mo., where he still resides. Only Mrs. Smylie and her brother Marshall yet reside in this county. Milton, Alvin and Smith Davidson served throughout the late war, the first in the 2d and the others in the 25th Iowa Infantry. Neither were wounded, although participating in all the memorable battles of the war, and were brave and fearless soldiers, who lived to see the principles for which they fought vindicated. John Smylie is a prosperous son of a a worthy father. He is a farmer of this township and owns a nice farm of 120 acres near the village of Crawfordsville.
HON. ABRAM PEARSON, farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 26, Jackson Township, was born near Kansas City, in what was thenthe Indian Territory. He is a son of Moses and Sarah Pearson, who were reared and married in Miami County, Ohio, leaving that State and settling in the Indian Territory in 1835. Henry Harvey and Moses Pearson, with their families, both belonging to the Society of Friends, were sent there by that society to establish schools among the Indians. The Methodist and Baptists both had established similar institutions, and for three years Mr. Harvey and Mr. Pearson maintained their schools. These were the only white families in the neighborhood. Mose Pearson was born in Newbury District, S.C. He was of English ancestry and his wife was of the same origin. they were the parents of eight children, all born in Miami County, Ohio, except our subject: Rhoda, deceased; Mahal J., who has been teacher in Earlham College for sixteen years, and previously connected with other schools, and for forty years has been a teacher; Timothy, deceased; Anna, wife of Robert L. Kelly, formerly editor of the Mount Vernon (Mo.) Spring River Fountain, now a resident of Bloomingdale, Ind.; Joshua, a farmer of Miami County, Ohio; Nathan, who lost his life in the army after having spent three years as a soldier, a member of Co. D, 44th Ohio Regiment; Serepta, deceased, constituted the family. Only four of the children are living.
Abut 1838, the Pearson family returned to Miami County, Ohio, and established themselves on the home farm near West Milton, where they remained until their death. Moses was a great favorite with the Indians, and two of their celebrated chiefs paid him a visit at his Ohio home, several years after his return. July 15, 1837, our subject was born, but was taken back to Ohio when one year old, and grew to manhood in that State. He was married in Greene County, Ohio, to Julia, daughter of Elias and Emma M. (Dehart) Applegate, who were natives of New Jersey. Oct. 26, 1862, the wedding of our subject was celebrated, and he resumed the profession of teaching for some months, after which he farmed for several years.
Abram Pearson had been a student of Antioch College for two years, but after his sister Mahala graduated he began teaching, which was almost continuous until his marriage in 1862. Two years after their marriage, the young couple located for one year at Kakomo, Ind., and in 1865, they became residents of Washington County, Iowa. In 1866, he purchased the land upon which he yet resides, at that time the wild uncultivated prairie, upon which not a furrow had been turned nor a tree planted. He erected the same house he now occupies in that year, and the labor began of making not only a farm but a beautiful farm in the new county, and well have they succeeded. The beautiful groves have been planted and have matured, since their coming. The farm is well improved, and instead of the stumps which adorned their Ohio pioneer's farm of the same date, great stacks of grain appear. Seven children have graced their union: the eldest, born in Ohio, is deceased; E. Grant was born in Indiana, and Nathan C., Anna B., Myrtle and Frank in this county. Since coming to Washington County, Abram Pearson has been largely identified with its political affairs. He was first elected Trustee of his township in 1874, and was re-elected in 1877. His capabilities as an official and his popularity among the citizens of the
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county made him the choice of the Republican party, and in 1878, he was nominated and elected Representative of Washington County to the State Legislature. His increased popularity had won him many friends, and in 1880, he was re-elected to the same office, and retired from his seat with all the honors due one who had served his constituents faithfully and well.
 ROBERT W. GRIFFITH, residing upon section 13, Clay Township, is a pioneer of 1848, and is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Washington County. He is a native of Sussex County, Del., born Sept. 22, 1804, and is a son of Paris and Sarah (Warren) Griffith, who were also natives of Delaware, but of English descent. Their ancestry were Quakers, who came to this country with William Penn in 1680. They reared a family of seven children, of whom three are now living: Robert W., the subject of this sketch; Bayard, a larger farmer and stock-dealer in De Witt County, Ill., and John, a resident of Monticello, Piatt Co., Ill. In 1805 the family moved from Delaware to Pickaway County, Ohio, where Paris Griffith purchased wild land and opened up a farm. His father died in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 20, 1828, at the age of fifty-one years and eleven mongths, and was buried in the old Salem churchyard in that county. The mother survived the father some fifteen years, and died in Crawford County, Ohio, at the age of sixty.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Pickaway County, Ohio, and received but a limited education in the schools of that early day. When a youth he was endowed with extraordinary strength, to which was coupled a will to make something of himself. After leaving the parental roof, he engaged as a farm-hand one year for $8 per month. He then struck for higher wages, desiring of his employer $9 per month; that amount was considered too high by his employer, and he therefore left and engaged with another man for that sum. After working one year his wages were increased to $10 per month, and at that sum he continued with his employer for two years. Nearly every dollar of wages in that time he saved. He now thought it time to choose a helpmeet for life and, forming the acquaintance of Miss Eleanor Long,they were united in marriage Dec. 27, 1832. She was a native of Northampton County, Pa., born near the Delaware River, April 3, 1813, and was the daughter of William and Sophia (Drake) Long, the former of German and the latter of English descent.
In 1834 Mr. Griffith moved from Pickaway to Crawford County, Ohio, and to what was known as the Sandusky Plain, purchased 200 acres of land and improved a farm. Crawford County at that time was almost a wilderness, and the land purchased was mostly prairie, but he settled in a small grove. Leaving his wife and child at the house of a friend, about four miles away, he went to his land and, erecting a temporary structure through the forks of some trees, he ther lived until he could erect his log cabin. After the erection of his cabin, which was of the typical kind, with mud and stick chimney, he returned for his wife, and they at once commenced living the life of pioneers. Here they continued until 1846, in the meantime improving an excellent farm. Desiring to come West, where the advantages would be greater and the land cheaper, he sold his farm in Crawford County, and started West. On reaching Macon County, Ill., two of his children were severely hurt, one being kicked by a horse and the other being run over by a wagon. He therefore stopped, for the purpose of caring for the little ones, and while there was induced to purchase a farm of 940 acres of land. After living there about one month, he became very much dissatisfied, and offered $500 to be released from his contract. This was refused, and it finally cost him $1,100 to secure a release. Packing up his personal property, he once more turned his face westward and started for Iowa. Arriving in Washington County, he purchased 200 acres of land on section 13, Clay Township, where he has since continued to reside.
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To Mr. and Mrs. Griffith thirteen children have been born, and all are living with the exception one. Elias, born Oct. 2, 1833, is a farmer residing in Franklin Township; Eliza, born June 27, 1835, is the wife of Thomas Bane, a farmer residing in Smith County, Kan.; Samuel, born Jan. 14, 1837, is a farmer residing in Franklin Township; Mary, born May 28, 1838, is the wife of William Hart, a farmer in Harrison County, Mo.; Isabella, born July 21, 1840, is the wife of Thomas Whittaker, a farmer in Clay Township; Jane, born April 19, 1842, is the wife of Jacob Engle, a farmer in Keokuk County, Iowa; George W., born Jan. 2, 1844, is a farmer residing in Franklin Township; Martha, born July 10, 1846, is the wife of Wellington Harbaugh, a harness-maker in Lincoln, Kan.; Sarah, born Oct. 12, 1848, is at home; John Q., born April 20, 1852, died Dec. 2, 1874; Harriet, born Oct. 18, 1852, is at home; Robert, born Feb. 20, 1855, is in charge of the home farm; Abigail, born June 11, 1857, is the wife of Albert Reahkopf, residing in Clyde, Kan.
Since coming to Washington County, Iowa, Mr. Griffith has been exceedingly prosperous. To his original purchase of 200 acres on section 13, he has added by subsequent purchase until the home farm now contains 640 acres, in addition to which he has 320 acres on section 35, Clay Township, and 160 acres in Franklin Township, a total of 1,120 acres. In addition to this, he has given to his children as they left the parental roof, in all, 900 acres of land which, added to his present estate, would make for him a grand total of 2,020 acres of land.
The old cabin in which he first lived on coming to Washington County, has long since given place to a fine two-story brick residence, which is convenient in every respect. On the premises is probably the finest barn in Washington County, being 50x100 feet, 20-foot posts and 10-foot basement. The foundation is of natural stone work, and therefore requires but three outside walls for the basement. The three walls contain 400 perch of stone. The roof required 60,000 shingles, and the sides, 8,000 feet of siding, made of inch flooring. There are twenty-nine windows in the barn, which is surmounted by a cupola ornamented with weather vanes. It will stable thirty head of horses, 100 head of cattle, and in addition, will hold 200 tons of hay. The barn was erected at a cost of $5,000, and was built just 100 years after the Declaration of Independence. About eighty feet from the house is a never-failing spring of water. By means of hydraulic pressure, water is furnished from this spring to both house and barn.
As already stated, few men are better known in Washington County than Robert W. Griffith, the pioneer of 1848. He has been industrious as the day was long, and in addition to his general farming, has made a specialty of stock-raising, which has been to him a source of considerable revenue. His grade of stock will compare favorably with that of any other farmer in Washington or adjoining counties. He has always been willing to lend a helping hand to every public enterprise, and in the construction of the railroads through his section of the county, has given much of his means. HIs home has always been a hospitable one, himself and wife doing all in their power to render comfortable and happy those spending time beneath his roof. The poor, in him have alway four a friend. No man stands higher in the estimation of the people than does Robert W. Griffith, the subject of this sketch. See portrait upon an adjoining page.
JAMES P. BAILEY, a retired farmer, resides in the village of Ainsworth. He was born in Orleans County, Vt., April 23, 1810, and is the son of Samuel and Lydia (Parsons) Bailey, who were also natives of Vermont, the former of English and the latter of Scotch descent. On a farm in his native county, our subject grew to manhood, and received such an education as could be obtained in the common schools of Vermont at that time. In 1834, he married Mary A. Hall, a daughter of James and Betsy (Morton) Hall. They were also natives of Vermont, but were of English descent.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have had ten children, eight of whom are living: Ann, widow of Albert Pearse, is now residing in Louisa County, Iowa, and is the mother of four children—Uriah, William, John and
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George; Hosford married Fanny Martin, by whom he has two children—Harry and Fred; Caldwell died from typhoid fever while a soldier in the late war; George married Eliza Hardin, and they have two children—Dorley and Lena; Charles married Mattie Boden, and has one child—Clyde; William married Ella Lackey; John married Lotie Williamson, by whom he has two children—John and Frank; Ottie married Emma Jackson, and they have two children—Myrtle and Noel; Sadie is the wife of D. P. Van Horn, of Louisa Coutny, Iowa; Edgar is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a Republican. While still a resident of Vermont, he was commissioned a Colonel of the militia in that State, a title which he has since borne. For many years he served as Justice of the Peace, and faithfully discharged the duties of that office. At the time of his marriage he was in very limited circumstances, but through industry and good management, assisted by his good wife, whose wise counsels were often to him a help, he has been enabled to acquire a nice property and lay by a little, in store for a rainy day. No man residing in Oregon Township enjoys more the respect of its citizens than Col. Bailey.
PHILIP THOMA, section 36, Highland Township. Among the many busy tillers of the soil will be found the subject of this personal sketch. He was born in Richland County, Ohio, May 9, 1838, and is the son of John and Susanna (Tetters) Thoma, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, but of German descent. John Thoma was born in Bucks County, Pa., Nov. 16, 1798, and was the father of two children: Mary E., the wife of Henry Ray, and Philip, the subject of this sketch. The former is now deceased. Mrs. Thoma, the mother, died in 1843, and is buried in the Bunker Hill cemetery in Richland County, Ohio.
Philip Thoma is well worthy of representation in this volume, for his many excellent qualities of head and heart. Almost form childhood he took entire care of his father, and is entitled to great credit on account of his filial gratitude and affection. When lying upon his death-bed, his father called him to his side and said, "Philip, I am going home," and even as he gave his last blessing, his spirit returned to its Maker. His death occurred Aug. 28, 1887. Philip had cared for him during the last thirty years.
The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent upon a farm, and his education was received in the old log school-house, with puncheon floors, slab seats, greased paper for windows, and corresponding furniture. At the age of sixteen he began life for himself, and ever afterward adopted the plan that "Honesty is the best policy," or at least, the best principle. He first rented a farm in his native State, but decided to come West, and in 1857 came to Iowa County, Iowa, and bought forty acres of land, where he remained for a short time, then, in 1869, bought 120 acres upon section 36 in Highland Township, on which he built a frame building, and began improvements by setting out a large number of trees and shrubbery which are now admired by the stranger. While hauling the building material for his house Mr. Thoma often heard the wolves howling in the prairie grass, which was then higher than the horses' backs. He has since made additions to his farm, until he no owns 200 acres of good land, with all the necessary buildings for a well-regulated farm, together with all the modern farm machinery. He has a fine lot of graded horses, cattle and hogs, and is second to none as a farmer in Washington County. He is a public-spirited man, and his time and money are ready to help in all measures that tend to the advancement and education of society. By his timely assistance many have been aided on the road to prosperity, and notwithstanding all his adversities he has steadily advanced his own interests. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, plain and outspoken in his views, though honest and charitable to a fault.
On the 14th of April, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Fordice, a native of McLean County, Ill., born Dec. 31, 1842, and the daughter of John and Mary (Dean) Fordice, who
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were both natives of Ohio, but of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Thoma have been blessed with six children: Mary E., born Dec. 9, 1861, the wife of Irvin Scott, a farmer in Iowa Township, Washington County; John P., born May 11, 1862; Amy S., born March 29, 1863, is the wife of James Y. Foster, a farmer of Highland Township; George W., born Dec. 5, 1867; Ulysses S., born Sept. 19, 1869; Maggie L., born Dec. 18, 1871, died Oct. 17, 1875.
Mr. and Mrs. Thoma are members of the United Brethren in Christ, are ever forward in Christian duty, and their good works will live in coming years. It is in such homes as this that many have cheerfully endured the privations and heroically borne the many burdens alotted the pioneers of Washington County. Mr. Thoma never sought office, but has filled several of the various township offices. He has been one of the many whose push and perseverance have made good homes out of the wild lands of the West.
FRANK CRITZ, Treasurer of Washington County, and one of its most prominent and best-known citizens, was born in Alsace, France, April 12, 1839. His parents, Joseph and Magdalene (Schlagel) Critz, were also natives of that country. The family emigrated to America in the fall of 1847, and first located in Lee County, Iowa, where they remained two years, and then came to Washington County and located in English River Township, the father entering 160 acres of wild prairie land, on which he built a log cabin and commenced to improve a farm. He was only permitted to enjoy his home in this new world about five years, dying in 1854. His wife preceded him to the future world the previous year. They were both members of the Roman Catholic Church from childhood. They were an industrious couple, honest and upright in all their dealings, and highly respected by all who knew them.
When the family came to America Frank was but a lad of eight years, and was but ten years old when he came to Washington County. Here he grew to a man's estate, received his education in the pioneer log school-house, and has since continued to live. Until sixteen years of age he remained upon his father's farm assisting in the work. At that time he entered the store of Nathan Littler at Richmond, as a clerk, and there remained two years, giving entire satisfaction to his employer. He then went to Iowa City, and for the next two and a half years was a clerk in the employ of P.P. Freeman and N. Kuhne. Returning to Richmond, in company with Michael Smith he engaged in the general mercantile business, under the firm name of Smith & Critz. This was early in 1861. The war for the Union was now in progress, and men were needed to fight the battles of their country, to help put down the Rebellion. Though born upon a foreign soil it was that country that gave to the American colonies in the hour of their trial a LaFayette, and like that immortal General, he too, offered his services at a time when men were needed to save what LaFayette had helped to create.
In response to the call of President Lincoln, in August, 1862, Mr. Critz enlisted as a private in Co. K, 30th Iowa Vol. Inf., and at the organization of the company was elected First Sergeant. With the regiment he was mustered into the service at Keokuk, Sept. 23, 1862. In all the battles and campaigns of the regiment, Mr. Critz participated. After its muster in at Keokuk, it was sent to Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, and from there to Helena, Ark., where it went into camp. The first expedition in which it participated was to Oakland, Miss., under Gen. Hovey, where it remained but a short time, and then returned to Helena. It next formed part of the expedition under Sherman up the Yazoo River. In the engagement at Arkansas Post, Company K had two men killed and seven wounded. Young's Point was the next objective point, and there it took part in the battle of Jackson, Miss., after which it formed a part of the force under Grant in the siege of Vicksburg. In the memorable charge on the rebel works May 22, Col. Abbott and several others were killed. After the surrender of the rebels at Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, the regiment was in the command under Sherman sent in pursuit of Johnston, and participated in the second battle of Jackson. On this occasion Sergt. Critz was promoted First Lieutenant for meritorious conduct. In Augus, 1863, he
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obtained leave of absence and came home for a short visit, rejoining his company and regiment at Corinth. As a part of the Army of the Tennessee, it was in the fight at Cherokee Station, where Col. Torrence, its second commanding officer, was killed. The next engagement in which the 30th took part was at Lookout Mountain, where it was part of Osterhaus' Division. The night after the battle the 30th lay upon the peak. Two days later, under Gen. Hooker, it was in the battle of Ringgold. It was next marched back to Paint Rock, Ala., on the railroad leading to Chattanooga, where it went into camp for the winter.
In April, 1864, Lieut. Critz was detailed as aide to Gen. C. R. Wood, who had command of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, of the 15th Army Corps, and was with that General until the close of the war. They first started upon the Atlanta campaign, marched through the Snake Creek Gap, and fought the battles of Resaca, Dallas and Kennesaw Mountain. In the last engagement Lieut. Critz was shot through the hand, and then received leave of absence for forty days and returned home. On the expiration of his furlough he rejoined his command one week before it made the flank movement on Jonesboro. After the surrender of Atlanta they went into camp until the withdrawal of Hood, when they followed to Gaylesville, and from thence went on Sherman's famous march to the sea. Gen. Wood was now in command of the 1st Division, Lieut. Critz still being upon his staff. The 1st Division fought the battle near Macon, and did effective service at all times upon the march. After reaching Savannah it was sent through the Carolinas, and was the first to cross the river and enter into Columbia. It took part in the battle of Bentonville, N.C., the last battle of the war, and was at Raleigh when Johnston surrendered. From here it marched to Washington, and was in the grand review. Lieut. Critz, after nearly three years' hard service, was mustered out with the regiment at Washington, D.C., June 5, 1865, and received his discharge at Davenport, Iowa, a few days afterward.
returning to Richmond on the 5th of July, he again embarked in the mercantile business, forming a partnership with N. Littler, with whom he first clerked. Mr. Littler subsequently retired, while Mr. Critz still holds an interest in the establishment. In the mercantile business he has been quite successful, having at all times a good trade, and carrying a good stock of goods. Politically, Mr. Critz is a Republican, and by that party was elected County Treasurer in the fall of 1885, which office he now fills with credit to himself, and satisfaction to his constituents.
Mr. Critz was twice married; first in May, 1861, when he wedded Miss Mary Dunkle, a daughter of Caspar Dunkle, one of the pioneers of Iowa City. By this union there are three living children: Albert, a traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery house in Muscatine; Charles H., who manages the store in Richmond, and Nettie, who is living at home. Mrs. Critz died in 1872. She was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church, a sincere Christian woman. Mr. Critz' second wife was Miss Helen Fettweis, born in Iowa City, and a daughter of Anthony Fettweis, to whom he was married in 1874. They have three children—Estella, Leo and Irma.
Lieut. Critz is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, his wife also being a member of that body. He is a man well known and universally esteemed, with strong social qualities that make for him many friends. commencing life if poverty, by industry, thrift and economy he has accumulated enough wealth to render him and his family comfortable during the remainder of his days.
RICHARD L. PATTISON, one of the few distinctive pioneers of Washington County yet living, resides upon section 2, township 75 north, of range 8 west, an attachment to Washington Township. He was born in Bracken County, Ky., in September, 1810, and is a son of James and Mary (Marsh) Pattison. In 1828 he went to Indiana, where he helped his father clear up a farm. In 1839 he came to Washington County, Iowa, and purchased a claim of 160 acres of land, on which he afterward secured the deed, obtaining the money for that purpose by the sale of a hog which he raised and drove to Burlington.
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On the 3d of March, 1833, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily Talbott, a native of Kentucky. they are the parents of eight children: Elizabeth Jane, the wife of M. C. Southard, of Wayne County, Iowa; Mary Harriet died June 8, 1840, aged four years; Sarah E., the wife of S. S. Garrett, resides near Crawfordsville, Iowa; James T., now living in Barton County, Mo.; Annie E., who married George W. Brown, of Washington, died in the spring of 1864; John T., of Franklin Township; Richard H., died in 1868 while on his way to Montana; Patience is the wife of Adam Genkinger, a farmer of Franklin Township.
When Mr. Pattison first settled in Washington County, the Indians were quite numerous, though they never molested him. The only trouble experienced was on account of their habit of begging. It is believed that he tended the first crop of corn that was raised in Washington County, in which a horse-team was used. He was a member of the first Grand Jury that ever assembled in the county, and attended the first court, Judge Williams presiding. His recollection of past events is very vivid indeed. He has cut and split rails at twenty-five cents per hundred. He brought the first set of carpenter's tools into this county, and for a time made all the coffins and furniture that were made. Burlington was his trading point for a number of years. His nearest neighbor at that time was one and a half miles away, and there were only about twenty-five families in the county. The changes that have since been made are wonderful indeed, and to such men as Richard L. Pattison is the credit due for what the present generation now enjoys. He has tended forty-seven crops in succession on his place.
J. T. Pattison, the son of Richard L. Pattison, was born in Washington County in 1843. He was reared on his father's farm, and educated in the common schools of the county. He was married, in 1881, to Miss Harriet Pattison, also a native of this county. They have two children: Bertha, born Jan. 5, 1882, and Lee R. in 1887. Mr. Pattison, himself was born on the farm where he now resides, and has never spent six months of his time away from it. He learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and has worked at the same a part of his time, but has usually followed farming. His aged parents are living with him, and he has entire charge of the home farm, and as a dutiful son, is doing what he can to brighten the lives of his parents during the remainder of their stay on earth. In politics, he is liberal, and is at the same time a strong temperance man.
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