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RESIDENCE OF D. A. BOYER,
SEC. 9, DUTCH CREEK TOWNSHIP
RESIDENCE OF A. M. HOWCK
SEC. 17, FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
ALEXANDER HOWCK is one of the leading farmers of Franklin Township, residing on section 17, where he owns one of the best improved farms in Washington County. He is a native of Ohio, born in Wayne County, Jan. 16, 1826, and is the son of Cornelius and Sarah (McKinney) Howck, natives of Pennsylvania. Like the great majority of those represented in this volume, Alexander was reared on a farm, and in 1847 went from Ohio to Illinois where he remained one year, then returned to Ohio and engaged in driving stock across the mountains to Baltimore, Md., and Lancaster, Pa. In this business he continued until 1850, when he again went to Illinois and located near Bloomington, McLean County, and engaged in farming. In 1852 he came to Washington County, Iowa, and entered some land, returned to Illinois, and Oct. 12, 1853, was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Orendorf, a daughter of William and Susan (Ogden) Orendorf. During the same year he moved to Washington County and settled upon his present farm, which now consists of 600 acres all under a high state of cultivation. Mrs. Howck died in 1865, leaving two children: Helen, the wife of Dr. Robinson, from many years a physician at Dublin, Dutch Creek Township, and James, now residing in Franklin Township; Elmer is deceased. Mr. Howck was again married in 1867, to Maria Riley, a native of Illinois, and daughter of George and Ellen (McMurray) Riley. They have one child, Charles. Mr. Howck is of German descent, his grandfather Howk being born in Germany. His father died in October, 1870, aged seventy years. His mother is still living in Washington at the age of eighty years.
Mr. Howck was induced to come to Washington County on account of its land being cheap and of the very best quality. He has never had occasion to regret his choice. In addition to general farming, he has been engaged quite extensively in raising fine stock, and also for a time in purchasing and shipping stock for the general markets. In connection with his stock business he has made several trips to Kansas and the Indian Territory for the purpose of gathering such stock as he could profitably use. In order to get his first start, he worked on a farm at $7 per month with board, securing in that manner, a small sum of money. By judicious investment it was increased until he had secured enough to purchase his present fine farm in Washington County. On this farm he has a fine dwelling-house erected in 1876 at a cost of $3,500, a view of which is given on the opposite page. He has also a fine barn erected at a cost of $700, which, together with other out-buildings, present a very attractive appearance; on the farm is nine miles of hedge fence. In addition to the dwelling in which he lives, he has upon the place other buildings occupied by tenants. Mr. Howck has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since twenty-one years of age, its principles being dear to his heart. He is a man who stands well in the community in which he resides, is favorably known throughout the county, and universally respected by all.
LIEUT. D. A. BOYER, farmer and stock-raiser, section 9, Dutch Creek Township, was born in Berks County, Pa., Aug. 9, 1842. He is a son of Solomon and Catherine K. Boyer, who were also natives of Pennsylvania.
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They were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters: Joseph A. resides in Chicago and is foreman of Swift Brothers' packing-house; Sarah E., deceased, was the wife of William Edward, and was buried in the cemetery at Muncie, Pa.; Jacob F. is a farmer and stonemason, and now resides in Red Willow County, Neb.; Hannah, deceased, was the wife of John Wertz, and was buried in the old Washington cemetery; D. A. is the subject of this sketch; Mary A., the wife of T. F. McCarty, of Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa; Andrew S., a farmer in Red Willow County, Neb.; Allen F., deceased, buried at Honeywell, Kan.; Susan, the wife of John B. Adams, of Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa; Rebecca, deceased, was the wife of Wood Shawhan, and is buried at Sigourney; Stephen C., a farmer in Red Willow County, Neb.
In May, 1858, the family left their native State and came by rail to Keokuk county, where they remained until the fall of that year, and then came to Washington County and purchased eighty acres of land in Washington Township, which they improved, and in 1856, sold and went back to Keokuk County, bought 240 acres and resided there until 1870, sold again and went to Nebraska, locating in Fairmount County, where Mr. Boyer purchased 160 acres, and in 1875 sold that, going to Red Willow County, where he purchased 160 acres, and there remained until his death, in March, 1885, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife survives him, making her home with her children. She is a member of the Christian Church, of which body Mr. Boyer was also a member.
The early life of D. A. Boyer, the subject of this sketch, was spent on the farm and in attending the public schools of the neighborhoods in which they resided. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. A., 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., and participated in the various engagements of his regiment until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, where he was slightly wounded. The regiment was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea and participated 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 mustered out June 16, 1865. Mr. Boyer enlisted as a private, was appointed Fifth Sergeant, and afterward commissioned Second Lieutenant of his company. Two of his brothers were also soldiers in the late war. Joseph A. was Second Lieutenant of Co. C, 8th Iowa Vol. Inf., and was wounded at Memphis, Tenn.; Jacob F. was a private in the same company, and was wounded at Jackson, Miss.
On receiving his discharge, the subject of this sketch returned home and bought ninety-six acres of unimproved land, but for the three following years was engaged in contracting and grading for the C., R.I. & P.R.R. On the 20th of October, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss E. J. Harris, a native of Iowa, born Oct. 23, 1848, and daughter of R. J. and Minerva J. (Henderson) Harris, who were natives of Ohio. Seven children have been born unto them: Walter S., born July 30, 1870; Howard C., Jan. 20, 1872; Emma R., Jan. 2, 1874; Frank P., Born Dec. 28, 1876, died June 30, 1883, and was buried in Pleasant Valley Cemetery; Harry L., born Feb. 23, 1878; Mary F., Jan. 14, 1881; William G., May 2, 1885. In 1870 Lieut. Boyer purchased eighty acres on section 9, Dutch Creek Township, to which he removed, and to which he has added from time to time until he now owns 339 acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. In 1876 he built his present residence, which is a two story frame, 26, 28 feet. In 1883 he built his present elegant barn, 40x66 feet, with 9-foot basement and 20-foot posts above. In addition to general farming, Mr. Boyer is extensively engaged in breeding and raising fine stock, having some of the finest horses and cattle in Washington County, an account of which will be found elsewhere in this volume.
Like many others of the best citizens of Washington County, Lieut. Boyer commenced life in limited circumstances, but by industry and perseverance he has toiled on until he now ranks as one of the most substantial farmers in the county. As a citizen, he enjoys the respect and confidence of all, a man always in the advance in every enterprise calculated for the public good. He is Vice President of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. No man in Dutch Creek Township has more and stronger friends that Lieut. D. A. Boyer.
A fine view of his residence will be found elsewhere in this volume.
JAMES H. TAYLOR resides upon section 13, Marion Township, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born in Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1819, and is the son of James and Doretha Taylor, the former a native of France and the latter of Silver Springs, Pa. They resided in the town of Mt. Pleasant, where the subject of our sketch remained until nine years of age, at which time, notwithstanding his youth, he commenced driving stock across the mountains; this he followed for three years, and then commenced work at the carpenter trade, and served three years; he then went into a machine-shop at Wheeling, W. Va., and there remained three years. At the expiration of this time, he began acting as an engineer, and continued in that occupation for a number of years, running on a steamboat on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, going from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. He quit the river in 1846, and then commenced work again at the carpenter's trade in Wheeling, and also in putting in machinery in factories and other places. He continued in this work for about one year, and then went to Ohio, where he bought a farm in Belmont County, built a house and there lived till 1850, when he came to Iowa and settled in Burlington, where he remained one year engaged in running an engine for Rand & Foote in their planing-mill at that place. While there he made quite a reputation as an expert machinist, having converted a steamboat engine into a stationery engine. He then went to New London, Iowa, where he ran an engine in a flouring and saw mill for two and a half years. From New London he went to Rome, Iowa, where he remained six months. Here he set up an engine and machinery for sawing ties. In 1854, he went to Crawfordsville, Iowa, where he remained one year, engaged in engineering. Chariton was his next stopping place, where he remained a short time and set up a large saw mill. Returning to Crawfordsville, he moved to Crooked Creek, where he bought a mill, set it up, and which was long known as Taylor's Mill; it was a saw and grist mill combined. After running this mill for two years, he sold it and again moved to Crawfordsville, where he built a house and lived one year, engaged in farming and teaming; he then bought eighty acres of land on section 13, Marion Township, which was unimproved, but which he improved and to which he has added by subsequent purchases until he has now 205 acres, mostly under cultivation. Here he still resides, and is now engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and also in running a sawmill. Mr. Taylor was married in 1840 to Elizabeth Williams, a native of Wheeling, Va., but reared in Belmont County, Ohio. Her parents were Thomas and Hannah (Johnson) Williams. Her father was of French descent, and was numbered among the early settlers of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are the parents of fourteen children: Sarah A., died in childhood; Hannah Emily, the wife of Eli Hazleton, of Marion Township; Mary Ann was the wife of Melborn Hampton, and is now a widow residing in Sigourney, Iowa; James H. died in 1854, aged four years; Doretha E. died in infancy; Joseph C., a farmer now residing in Webster County, Neb.; Elizabeth E. is the wife of Willis Abbott, a farmer at Chapman, Neb.; Frederick, a farmer in Rogers, Ark.; Elisha C. a farmer residing in this township; John Merrick died in 1883, aged twenty-two years; Martha E., the wife of Joseph Daub, of this county; Dora E., wife of Charles Goodwin, a farmer residing near Iowa City; George W. died April 13, 1870; Harriet A., born March 24, 1872, is at home.
Mr. and Mrs Taylor are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Taylor is truly a self-made man. As stated, he commenced life for himself when nine years of age, since which time he has always cared for himself, and form many years was the sole support of his aged mother, who lived to be ninety-seven years old. All that he has was secured by his own efforts, with the help of his wife. He has toiled long and hard, but by good management, fair dealing and habits of industry, he has accumulated a competency for old age. As his children went forth from from the parental roof, he has given each some assistance. He has now reached almost his threescore and ten years, but is a well-preserved man, one enjoying the respect and confidence of all who know him, and when his life shall have ended will no doubt hear the welcome, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
HARRY INGHAM is a prosperous farmer residing on section 26, Clay Township. He was born in Onondaga County, N.Y., Oct. 31, 1821, and is the son of John and Saran (Dresser) Ingham, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. The genealogy of this family can be traced back to a period prior to the Revolutionary War, when there lived two brothers, John and Samuel Ingham. From these two brothers have sprung all the Inghams of the present day.
John Ingham, the father of our subject married Miss Sarah Dresser, and reared a family of twelve children, of whom there are four brothers now living: Harry, the subject of this sketch; Joseph, a farmers in Grundy County, Iowa, and John and James, twins. John is now making his home with his son Marcus Ingham, in Brighton Township; James resides in Flushing, Mich., on the Flint River. The family resided in New York, and there engaged in farming until 1839. John Ingham was quite a mechanic. Having invented a rotary steam engine, a firm in Alton, Ill., wrote him in regard to it, and after some correspondence ordered on built for their use. Mr. Ingham had the engine built, and started with it to Alton, Ill., intending to give it his personal attention until the firm was satisfied. On arriving at Alton he found the firm had become bankrupt, and therefore had t make disposal of the engine. Taking a streamer he came up the Mississippi River, and visited Washington County, Iowa, and being well pleased with the country purchased a claim of 240 acres of land on section 13, Clay Township. He then returned to New YOrk, sold his farm, and came with his family and settled upon his claim in Clay Township. Upon this farm he remained until 1848. Mrs. Ingham having died, he sold that farm and went to Peoria, Ill., with the intention of making that his home. On his arrival there some of the family were taken sick, which made them somewhat dissatisfied, and after their recovery he again returned to Washington County, and purchased 160 acres of land, and there remained until his death, which occurred in 1860. John Ingham was a man of more than ordinary ability, and had great mechanical skill. In early life he learned the trade of a weaver, and for some years was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in New York. He and his estimable wife were both members of the Congregational Church.
Harry Ingham came to Washington County, Iowa, in 1839, in company with his parents, and has since made this his home, and is therefore one of the oldest settlers now living in Washington County. He was united in marriage, Dec. 8, 1845, with Miss Elizabeth Russell, a native of Anderson County, Tenn., born Nov. 6, 1819, and a daughter of William and Mary (Gailbraith) Russell,who were natives of Virginia. Her mother died when she was quite young, and her father some years after. Mr. and Mrs. Ingham have two children—Baxter, born Sept. 4, 1848, and John Robert, born Nov. 2, 1854. The latter was united in marriage, Feb. 10, 1887, with Miss Mary Jones, of Des Moines County. She was born July 13, 1856.
The life work of the subject of this sketch is but another illustration of what can be done by one who has a will and determination to do. Commencing life without a dollar, he has by industry and economy acquired a fine property, and is now numbered among the most prosperous men of Washington County. In 1848, after hae had been married about two years, he purchased his first forty acres of land, going in debt for the same. It was but a little while before he had the debt paid, and from time to time he added to the original forty until now he is the owner of 280 acres of as fine land as can be found in Washington County. On the farm is a fine brick residence, a large and well-built barn, and such out-buildings are are necessary to carry on the business of general farming and stock-raising. For about twenty years he has been turning his attention to the grading of his stock, and has a fine a grade of horses as can be
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found in the county. He has now turned the active management of the farm over to his two sons, and is living what may be termed a retired life, although from his nature it is impossible for him to abstain from work. Mr. and Mrs. Ingham are members of the Congregational Church of Brighton, and in all Church work they show a willingness to do their part. Politically, he is a Republican of the true blue type. Among the men who are highly esteemed citizens of Washington County, none stand higher than Harry Ingham.
CLARK ABBOTT, residing on section 34, HIghland Township, is a farmer, stockdealer and shipper. He was born Dec. 23, 1847, in Delaware County, Ind., and is the son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Collins) Abbott, natives of Ohio, who were the parents of eight children, seven yet living: Willis, a farmer in Merrick County, Neb.; Lydia, the wife of Oscar Anderson, a farmer in Kansas; Clark, of whom we write; Sarah, the wife of Henry Anderson, a farmer in Taylor County, Iowa; James, a farmer in Salem County, Neb.; Mattie, the wife of John Hillhouse, a farmer in Marion Township, this county; John, a stock-dealer and shipper in Crawfordsville, Washington County.
the family came to Washington County about 1856, the father buying seventy acres of land in Marion Township, where he lived until the breaking out of the Civil War. In 1862, he enlisted in the 19th Iowa Infantry, and about six months afterwards died of typhoid fever, at Forsyth, Mo. His son Willis was also a member of the same regiment, serving three years. The mother died in 1883, at the home of her son John, in Merrick County, Neb., being at the time of her death sixty years old. Both father and mother were devoted members of the Christian Church.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent upon a farm, attending the district schools, until he reached the age of twenty years, when he left the parental roof. He then bought twenty acres of land in Crawford Township, and followed breaking prairie and running a thrashing-machine for about four years. In 1871, he was united in marriage with Mrs. M. E. Lecklitner, the widow of Paul Lecklitner, and the daughter of Isaac and Susan (Thomas) Hawkins. they were natives of Ohio. Mrs. Abbott had two children by her first marriage: Alice, the wife of Ellington Crim, a farmer in Louisa County, Iowa, and Emma, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott are the parents of six children—Blanche, Willmer, Katie, Vinton, Clara and Hilton.
After his marriage, Mr. Abbott bought a farm of 160 acres on section 34, HIghland Township, where he now resides. He has subsequently purchased 560 acres of land, 240 acres in Highland Township, eighty on section 3, Oregon Township, and 240 in Louisa County, Iowa. During the last five years, in connection with his farming operations, Mr. Abbott has been buying and shipping cattle and hogs. He is a genuine, whole-souled man, ever ready to give time and means to assist the needy or to support a good cause. Politically, he is a Simon-pure Republican. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Abbott are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
THOMAS CURRAN was born in Ireland in about 1825. In 1850 he emigrated to America and located in New York City, where he embarked in the butcher business. From there he went to Monmouth County, N.J., and engaged in farming. In the spring of 1857, he came to Washington, Iowa, where he was engaged as a stonemason. In 1861, he enlisted in the 2d Iowa Vol. Inf., Co. H. He was first sent on the Price raid through Missouri, then to Ft. Donelson, where he participated in the charge under Gen. Tuttle, his being the principal regiment in the charge. From there the regiment was sent to Pittsburg Landing, where, on Sunday evening Mr. Curran was wounded three inches above the ankle, shattering the bone. He remained on the battle-field all night and until 1 o'clock the next day, lying between the lines, until the Union drove the enemy away, when he was taken on board a boat and removed to St. Louis, his leg being amputated while on board the boat. He remained in the hospital three months, when he was
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discharged, in October. He was married in New Jersey, in 1854, to Miss Mary L. Beaudry, of French descent. By this union there are seven children: Thomas, of Fairfield, Iowa; Martha, wife of William McCutchin, of Washington, Iowa; Margaret, wife of R. Carter, of Des Moines County, Iowa; Mary F., Catherine, Bertha and Lottie J., all at home. Mr. Curran died in the summer of 1887. In politics, he was a stanch Republican. Socially he was a member of the G.A.R.
WILLIAM NICHOLSON is a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 2, Marion Township. He is a native of Ohio, born in Wyandotte County, in 1836. In 1838, he came to Iowa in company with his parents, who settled near Salem, Henry County, where they lived until 1840, then moved to Jefferson County. Here his father bought eighty acres of land, and William was reared to the occupation of farmer, enjoying the advantages of such educational institutions as were common in the early day. His father died March 3, 1849, aged forty-two years; his mother died in 1879, at the age of seventy-two. The former died in Jefferson County, and the latter at the house of her son William in Marion Township, Washington County.
William remained at home until he was twenty years of age, when he came to Washington County and engaged with John Coppock, working in his sawmill, and teaming, remaining with him for two years. In 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Jane Tucker, daughter of Thomas Tucker. To them were born ten children: Rosella J., at home; James A., now renting a farm in Washington Township; John Isaac, at home; Sarah Ellen, the wife of George Benson, of Crawford Township; Stephen W. died July 29, 1874, aged six years and six months; Minnie Viola, Thomas Elijah, George B., Charles Edward and Clayton Augustus.
The winter following his marriage, Mr. Nicholson engaged in a sawmill, and then went to Henry County, where he lived one year, engaged in engineering in the sawmill and farming. In 1860, he moved to a farm in Washington Township, this county, which he rented until the spring of 1864, when , in company with a brother he went to Idaho, traveling overland with a mule-team, being two months on the road. While there he was engaged in teaming and mining. In the fall of 1864, he returned to Henry County, Iowa, where he remained until the fall of 1865, when he bought eighty acres of land on section 2, Marion Township, to which he has since added sixty-five acres, and where he still continues to live. All his land is under excellent improvement, and he is engaged in farming and stock-raising.
In 1884, Mr. Nicholson went to the Rocky Mountains in search of his brother, Isaac Nicholson, who was supposed to be lost. Isaac Nicholson went to Oregon in 1865, and was last seen March 4, 1884, at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. Having to go a distance of twenty-five miles to a ranch, he is supposed to have perished from the cold. The search made by Mr. Nicholson was unavailing, but in May, 1886, what was supposed to be the remains of his brother were found. As he was the possessor of considerable property and money it is thought by many that his death was caused by foul play.
Mr. Nicholson is one of the representative citizens of Marion Township. Starting out for himself when but twenty years of age, without a dollar, the struggle in life has at times been a hard one, but he has never been discouraged, believing that for him, as well as others, there must be a bright future before him. Toiling early and late, assisted by his loving wife, he has acquired a sufficient amount of this world's goods to render him comfortable through life. Mrs. Nicholson is a member of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Nicholson is a Democrat.
MILTON H. SWEET, Sheriff of Washington County, was born in 1838, in Rensselaer County, N.Y., about eighteen miles from Albany, and is the son of Job. C. and Jane A. (Streeter) Sweet, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of Massachusetts. In 1838, about the time Iowa was set off from Wisconsin Territory, the family came to the new Territory and settled in Henry County, where they remained two years, then moved to Jefferson County, and in
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1846 to Washington County, locating near the present city of Brighton. Soon after locating here, the father, in company with Amos Hart, built probably the first sawmill in the county, on the Skunk River, about six miles above Brighton. But Mr. Sweet was not destined to live long, dying in 1847. Mrs. Sweet, shortly after the death of her husband, returned with her family to New York, and settled in Troy, where she is still living at a good old age. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are yet living: Stephen D., a grocer in Troy, N.Y.; Charles A., President of the Third National Bank, Buffalo, N.Y.; Milton H., of Washington County, Iowa; Daniel B., a grocer of Troy, N.Y.; Alma S., the wife of Mason Ingram, of Vermont; Clara L., widow of Eugene Reese, of Troy, N.Y.; Mary Jane died a the age of four years and was buried in the Brighton Cemetery, where the remains of her father are also interred; George C. died in Troy, N.Y., at the age of twenty-one years.
The subject of this sketch was but four months old when brought by his parents to Iowa, and but twelve years old when he returned with his widowed mother to his native State. There he grew t manhood, and was educated in the common schools. In 1861, after the fall of Sumter, and when a young man twenty-three years of age, he again came to Washington County, Iowa, with the intention of making it his home. But the country was needing men to fight its battles, it being found that the enemy was not so easily subdued. The call had been made by "Father Abraham" for 300,000 more, and Milton H. Sweet was one of the vast number to cheerfully respond, and enlisted in August, 1861, as private in Co. A, 2d Iowa Vol. Cav., and was subsequently promoted to Commissary Sergeant. The 2d Regiment did excellent service during the war, and participated in many long, weary raids, and was in quite a number of engagements. It first rendezvoused at CAmp McClellan, Davenport, Iowa, where it was mustered into the service, and in December following was sent to Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, where it remained till February, 1862, and was then sent to Bird's Point, Mo., and then to New Madrid, where it had its first engagement. From that time on till the close of the war it was in active service, being in the first and second battles of Corinth, at Iuka on Grierson's raid, and at the of Nashville, where under Gen. Hatch it fought against Hood as a regiment of infantry, being dismounted. It was in the front rank and took the first rebel works that day. In February, 1864, the regiment veteranized and was sent home for furlough. Mr. Sweet came to Washington, spent a short time, and rejoined his regiment at Memphis, Tenn. After doing most effective service till the close of the war, it was mustered out, and Mr. Sweet received his discharge at Davenport, Sept. 19, 1865. On receiving his discharge Mr. Sweet came back to Washington County, and engaged in farming near Brighton, in which occupation he continued till his election as Sheriff in the fall of 1885. As a farmer he was an unqualified success.
Mr. Sweet has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Louisa Disberry, daughter of Richard Disberry. She was a native of Iowa. By this union there was one child, William F., of Washington. Mrs. Sweet died June 18, 1871, at the age of twenty-nine years, four months, and twenty-one days. For his second wife Mr. Sweet married Mrs. Maria McCauley, widow of the late N. D. McCauley, a native of New York. Her maiden name was Richardson. the wedding ceremony took place Jan. 1, 1877.
In politics Mr. Sweet is an uncompromising Republican, and thinks the party that saved the county is good enough to administer its affairs. He is a man of considerable force of character, and as an officer does not flinch in the discharge of his whole duty. As a citizen he is esteemed by political foes as well as friends. Mrs. Sweet is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Z. JOHNSON resides upon section 35, Clay Township, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born Jan. 12, 1818, in Greene County, Ohio, and is the son of William and Frances Johnson, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Maryland. Soon after the birth of our subject, the family
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moved to Clarke County, Ohio, where the mother died, Aug. 26, 1845, and was buried in Ebenezer Chapel Cemetery in that county. After her death the father went to Mercer County, Ohio, and made his home with Elihu P. Compton, and there died, Sept. 19, 1852, and was buried in the Mercer Cemetery. They reared a family of eight children, four of whom are yet living: Sarah, the wife of Elihu Compaton, of Brighton, Iowa; Mary, the wife of George Downs, also of Brighton, Iowa; Zachariah, the subject of our sketch, and Margaret, the wife of Joseph May, now Mayor of Selina, Ohio. Jane, William, P. D. and Hannah are deceased.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Clarke County, Ohio, and received but a common-school education. On reaching his majority he started out for himself, working at anything that he could get to do, and living as best he could. For four years he was employed by W. B. Dayton on his farm. On the 21st of January, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Melinda Snyder, a native of Rockingham County, Va., born Sept. 25, 1826, and a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Shick) Snyder, who were natives of Virginia. Her father died Jan. 7, 1858. He was an active member of the Christian Church. Her mother is yet living at the age of eighty-one, and resides in Brighton. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of eight children: John A., born May 9, 1846, is a farmer residing in Clay township; E. J., born May 7, 1848, is a merchant in Brighton; L. C., born Aug. 5, 1850, resides in Jefferson County; E. C., born Dec. 28, 1853, is a farmer in Jefferson County, Iowa; W. H., born Feb. 6, 1856; C. J., born July 8, 1859, manages the home farm; A. J., born Jan. 7, 1862, is a merchant in Brighton; Effie, born Sept. 23, 1869, is at home.
R. R. McGILL, editor and proprietor of the Floral Instructor, Ainsworth, is a native of Scotland, born Dec. 14, 1849, and is the son of Thomas and Margaret McGill, who were also natives of Scotland, the former being reared on the farm where seven generations of McGills had lived. Both parents died in Scotland, the father when our subject was but five yers of age.
R. R. McGill was reared in his native country, and was educated near Edinburgh, Scotland, in a school called the Blue Coat. This school was established by a wealthy gentleman who donated a large sum of money for the education of 400 young men, on condition that they should wear a peculiar kind of dress, such as he had worn through life, and they were not to wear a hat for five years, as
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he had been accustomed to go bareheaded during his lifetime. In that school he received a liberal education. In 1868 he came to America and first located in New York City, where he remained seven or eight years, during which time he was engaged in floriculture, an occupation which his father followed all his life.
In 1878 Mr. M. went to Du Page County, Ill., where, in 1879, he married Alice C. Moore, born in New Jersey in 1856, and a daughter of W. W. and Mary B. (Coleman) Moore. One child blessed this union, Alice E. Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McGill came to Iowa and located at Ainsworth, where Mr. McGill formed a partnership with J. H. Pearson, in the same line of business in which he had previously been engaged. This business arrangement was continued for one year, when they dissolved partnership, Mr. McGill continuing alone. Soon after the dissolution of their partnership, he commenced the publication of the Floral Instructor, which he still continues to edit and publish. In his line of business there are few men that are better posted. He is authority upon all subjects pertaining to floriculture. As a citizen he is highly esteemed.
WILLIAM E. HAWTHORN, Justice of the Peace, Riverside, Iowa, was born in Mercer County, Pa., and is the son of John R. and Margaret (Espy) Hawthorn. On both sides the ancestors were natives of the North of Ireland, emigrating to America prior to the Revolution. Both maternal and paternal grandfathers, William Espy and Samuel Hawthorn, settled in Pennsylvania. Both reared families in that State, and the grandparents on both sides lived and died in that State.
John R. Hawthorne, father of our subject, was a soldier of the War of 1812, a member of a volunteer rifle company. He was by trade a mechanic, but his life was mainly spent upon a farm. After his marriage to Margaret Espy three children were born: Our subject, Anne E., who wedded D. C. Smelser, a native of Kentucky, and who was one of the first settlers in this county, locating here in 1843, and was married in 1845. Samuel Wallace, a bachelor who was well known in this county in an early day. He left for California in 1850, and after three years of a prosperous life came back to this county. In 1859 he again started for that State, and has never been heard of since.
After the death of Margaret Hawthorn, John R. wedded Rachel Cairnes, who bore no heirs. They came to this county in the summer of 1840, and located on Davis Creek, section 31. His land warrant located a quarter section, and he entered about 300 acres ajoining [adjoining]. There were perhaps twelve settlers in Iowa Township at that time, R. B. Davis, the original settler on Davis Creek, being their nearest neighbor. John R. Hawthorn erected a cabin, and began improving the farm upon which he afterward lived and died. He was in his eighty-fifth year when his death occurred in 1872. His wife died in 1881. Our subject was twenty-one years of age when his father located in this county. He made a claim of a quarter section, a part of which he still owns. The first frame building erected in this township was built by him upon this tract, is yet his property and is now occupied, and is one of the oldest landmarks in the county.
In 1845, William E. Hawthorn was married to Prudence, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Elliott, of this county, who removed from Coshocton County, Ohio, to Hancock County, and then to Jefferson County, Iowa, and to this county in the spring of 1845. Mrs. Hawthorn was born in Cocshocton County, Ohio, in 1827. Her father was born in the North of Ireland, although of Scotch ancestry. He wedded Sarah Weaver, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in October, 1886, aged eighty-three years. She was the mother of Purdence, Martha J. and George S. (deceased, Henry L., Thomas L., Robert W., Dorcas, Florinda and Benjamin F. The family are now scattered, but several are well known in this county. Robert W. and Thomas L. were both members of the 6th Iowa, enlisting in 1861, both passing through the entire war. Robert was severely wounded at Kennesaw Mountain, but recovered. He married May McMurray, now deceased, of this county, and resides in Sedgwick County, Kan. Thomas L. was discharged
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on account of disability, but after his recovery enlisted in the 9th Iowa Cavalry and served until the close of the war. After his return he wedded Jane Coyner, and also resides in Sedgwick County, Kan., where he is acting as Justice of the Peace.
Our subject preferred farm life to any other, and until 1875 was engaged in that business. He was prosperous, and retired to private life with a competency for old age. His only move after marriage was from the farm to the village of Riverside, in 1875, where he yet resides. Six children were born upon the farm: Margaret S. is the wife of Caleb Sweet, a farmer of Johnson County, Iowa; Sarah J., the wife of D. S. Shifflett, D.D., a United Brethren minister of Nebraska, but a native of Virginia; Thomas L. is the husband of Emma Johns, and they are residents of Sedgewick County, Kan., where he owns a farm; John R. wedded Nina B. Fuller, and they are residents of Butler County, Kan.; Ermina D. is the wife of Charles Morgan, a farmer Webster County, Neb.; Wilson Grant is the husband of Alice Coberly, a resident of Riverside, and manages his father's farm. All the children are well settled in life and the aged parents have never been called upon to mourn a death in their home circle. They have nine grandchildren.
Mr. Hawthorn enlisted in Co. K, 13th Iowa Vol. Inf., and was a member of the famous Crocker Brigade. At the battle of Shiloh, while in the act of loading his gun, a rebel bullet pierced his right hand, producing a wound that has practically disabled him for life. He was sent home on a furlough, but afterward was discharged. During territorial days, he was a Constable in this county and was elected Justice of the Peace in 1848. In 1850 he went to California, and after his return was elected, in 1855, to the same position, which was almost continuous until his enlistment in the army.
Notwithstanding his determination to live a retired life, Mr. Hawthorne was pressed to accept the nomination for Justice of the Peace after coming to Riverside, and is now serving his fourth term as Justice. His last election was almost unanimous, although he is now and has ever been a Democrat. What greater honor can come to a man than the fact of his having lived an honorable and upright life, reared a family of children who have given evidence of careful training, and who at a ripe old age still retains the utmost confidence of the public. Squire Hawthorn and wife are among the oldest couples, and he is one of the oldest living settlers of Iowa Township.
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