| page 590
ROBERT HUTTON, a farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 15, Washington Township, where he has a well-improved farm of eighty acres of land, all of which is under a high state cultivation. He was born in the town of Putnam, Washington County, N.Y., Oct. 20, 1812, and is the son of Peter and Jeannete (Shiell) Hutton, the former being a native of New York, and of Scotch descent, while the latter was born in Scotland. the former died in Washington County, N.Y., in 1847, at the age of seventy-four, and the latter died in 1853 at the age of sixty-seven.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and has followed the occupation of a farmer throughout life. He came to Washington County, Iowa, in 1869, and located on his present farm, on which he has made all of the improvements that
page 591
are now to be seen. On the farm he has a large two-story frame dwelling with good barns and out-buildings.
Mr. Hutton has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Margaret Easton. She was also a native of Washington County, N.Y., born in 1815. Three children were born to them, of whom two are living: Jeannette,w ife of Andrew L. Beveridge, of Washington County, N.Y., has three children—Margaret, Sarah and Edward; Peter, the third child, married Ellen McLaughlin, now deceased; they have two children—Andrew A. and Anna L. Elizabeth, now deceased, married John Davidson, by whom she had three children—Robert H., Margaret E. and John. Mrs. Hutton died in 1842, and in 1846 Mr. Hutton married Miss Mary Blake, a daughter of Robert and Hannah (Patterson) Blake, a native of the town of Jackson, Washington County, N.Y., born in 1809. One child was born to them, Robert A., who married Elizabeth A., daughter of F. A. and Mary A. (Shaw) Duncan, born in Louisa County, Iowa, Oct. 1, 1852. They have two children, William A. and Murray L. Robert A. resides with his father and manages the farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Hutton are respected members of the First United Presbyterian Church of Washington, Iowa. They started in life poor, with nothing but good health and strong arms, but by good management, economy and fair dealing, he has acquired a nice property, and is recognized as one of the influential citizens of Washington County, and is universally respected by all who know him.
J. A. CUSTER resides on section 31, Franklin Township, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born in Montgomery County, Pa., in 1849, and is a son of P.Y. and H. B. (Albright) Custer, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. In 1857, he came West with his parents, who located in Fulton, Ill., and were there engaged in farming. In 1875 he left home and went to the Black Hills, where he remained until the fall of 1877, then returned as far east as Nebraska, where he remained one year, farming and teaming. While in the Black Hills, he was engaged in teaming and mining, with the exception of nine months when he served in the regular army under Gen. Crook, in the campaign against Sitting Bull. He was on the grounds of the Custer massacre, and was wounded in a skirmish with the Indians near Ft. Reno, which disabled him from further service.
In 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss L. J. Sutherland, a native of Keokuk County, Iowa, and daughter of James W. and Martha Jane (Miller) Sutherland. They have two children: Jesse H., born May 15, 1880, in Colfax County, Neb.; Charles Frederick, born in Fulton County, Ill., Feb. 13, 1882. The family came to Washington County, Iowa, in 1885, Mr. Custer purchasing a farm of 160 acres on section 31, where he now resides.
In addition to general farming, Mr. Custer has engaged quite extensively in the breeding of Poland-China hogs, all of which are eligible to register in American Poland-China Register. He has some fine specimens of the breed, a short account of which will be found on another page of this work. He is also engaged in the raising of graded cattle, having several head of Polled Angus. Mr. Custer and wife are members of the Congregational Church. His mother died in Fulton County, Ill., May 19, 1887, where his father still resides. He is a member of the Lutheran Church.
W. J. STURGEON is a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 7, Dutch Creek Township. He was born near the mouth of the St. John River, in New Brunswick, Aug. 28, 1823, and is a son of Samuel and Olivia (Inis) Sturgeon, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and the parents of eight children: W. J., the subject of this sketch; Mary J., the wife of Lewis Campbell, a farmer in Dutch Creek Township; Edward, a twin brother of Mrs. Campbell, is a farmer now residing in Merced County, Cal.; Susan, widow of William Lyle, resides in Southern California; J. C. is a farmer residing in Merced County, Cal.
page 592
Samuel Sturgeon was a minister in the United Presbyterian Church. He came to the United States about 1827, and settled in Pennsylvania.
About 1840, Mr. Sturgeon made a trip through Illinois and Iowa, doing missionary work. Returning to Pennsylvania the following year, he brought his family and stock during the winter of 1841-42 to Louisa County, Iowa. In the spring of 1842 he came to Washington County and entered 160 acres of land on section 17, Dutch Creek Township, and in addition to the necessary farm work, continued preaching the Gospel until his death, which occurred in 1854, while away from home on a preaching tour. Mrs. Sturgeon died July 4, 1875, at the age of eighty.
William J. Sturgeon and Miss Mary Burnside were united in marriage in 1850. She is a native of Ohio. To them five children were born: Samuel is at present Superintendent of Schools in Garner, Hancock Co., Iowa; James resides near Nassau, Keokuk Co., Iowa; Thomas is a farmer in Adams County, this State; Olivia is the wife of J. R. Barnes, general agent of the J. I. Case Co., in Huron, Dak.; Ada May is the wife of Samuel Williamson, a farmer in Greeley County, Kan.; Frank E. and Chalmers R. are at home.
In 1854, Mr. Strurgeon bought 166 acres of land on section 7, Dutch Creek Township, to which he has since added forty acres, and has now a farm of 206 acres under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Sturgeon has taken special pride in giving each of his children a good education, and all are now filling useful positions. The mother of these children died Sept. 6, 1865. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and took an active part in all Church work. On the 10th of May, 1866, Mr. Sturgeon was united in marriage with Miss Roxanna Smith, born Aug. 6, 1836, and daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Ronald) Smith, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of Vermont. Her father died in March, 1879, at the age of seventy-five. The mother died July 30, 1887, at the age of eighty-six. she was a member of the United Presbyterian Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Sturgeon have two children, Frank E. and Chalmers R. Mr. Sturgeon is a man who believes in making good use of his opportunities, and as the opportunity was afforded him, he visited various points of interest in California, and in the spring of 1887 made a trip to Philadelphia, Pa., which was of special interest to him. He was Postmaster under Presidents Taylor and Fillmore for four years. Mr. and Mrs. Sturgeon are members of the United Presbyterian Church, he being one of the Elders of the Church of Dutch Creek Township. He is a man of good judgement, and a highly esteemed citizen; he has been Trustee and Township Clerk for several terms. In his farming operations he is making a specialty of Short-horn cattle. Everything about his place betokens thrift and enterprise.
EDGAR J. MEACHAM, M.D., Washington, is a native of Washington County, Iowa, born April 7, 1852. His father, Marcellus Meacham, was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1818, was there reared, and received a liberal education in the common schools and Western Reserve Seminary at West Farmington, Ohio. After leaving school he engaged in teaching for a time, and in 1842 was married to Miss Rebecca France, who died, leaving one child, Catherine L., who is now the wife of R. N. Hall, M.D., of Chicago. He subsequently married a sister of his first wife, Miss Mary France, by whom he had four children: Lucretia E., now the wife of H. S. Robinson, of Clay Township; Carrie E., the wife of G. B. Townsend, Treasurer of the Y.M.C.A., Chicago, Ill.
In 1842 Marcellus Meacham came with his family to Washington County, Iowa, and purchased a claim of 160 acres in what is now Clay Township, on which was a log cabin, and on which some improvements had been made. To this claim he added forty acres,making a fine farm of 200 acres. This farm he improved till it became one of the best in the county. In early life Mr. Meacham was an old-line Whig, believing firmly in the principles of that party. He was, though, at all times, anti-slavery in his views, and when the Whig party ceased to exist for the reason that it could not
page 593
adapt itself to the altered condition of affairs in the country, he was one of the first to adopt the principles of the new Republican party, being a delegate to the convention which effected its organization in Washington County. With that party he continued to act until his death, which occurred in 1875. He was honored by his fellow-citizens with several local offices, and was Postmaster of Clay post-office for thirty years, a longer period than any like officer in the State at the time. Religiously, he was identified with the Congregationalists, and gave liberally of his means for the support of the Gospel. Mrs. Meacham is still living, making her home in Chicago.
Edgar J. Meacham, of whom we now write, was reared upon his father's farm, began his education in the common schools of Clay Township, and completed his studies at the Iowa City Academy, at Iowa City. In 1876 he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. W. E. Fraser, in Washington, and in 1877 attended his first course of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, graduating from that institution with high honors in 1879. On completing his course he went to Cimmaron, N.M., where he commenced the practice of his profession. Not liking the place he moved to Concordia, Cloud Co., Kan., in June, 1880, where he remained nearly three years. In the spring of 1883 he spent a short time in Bellevue Hospital, N.y>, and also visited some of the principal hospitals in Boston, that he might further perfect himself in his chosen profession.
Leaving the East, Mr. Meacham returned to Washington, Iowa, and formed a partnership with his old preceptor, Dr. Fraser, which partnership continued one year, since which time he has been alone, his practice annually increasing. The Doctor is at present a member of the Washington County Medical Association, and of the District Medical Association, and American Medical Association. Dr. Meacham was married in Trumbull County, Ohio, on the 12th of October, 1875, to Miss Austa K. Lamberson, daughter of Charles Lamberson, a prominent farmer of that county. By this union there are two children, Marcellus and Paul.
Just after reaching his majority, and some three years before comencing the study of medicine, the Doctor crossed the plains to Colorado with a drove of cattle and horses, being seventy-five days in making the trip. While the trip was a hard one it was somewhat enjoyable, and he felt repaid for that experience. Religiously, Dr. Meacham is connected with the Presbyterian Church, and while in Kansas was ordained an Elder in that body. In the work of the church he has long evinced a deep interest, and is willing to give of his time and means to advance the cause. In temperance reform he takes the same active interest as in the work of the Church, believing that true temperance is a part of Christianity. Politically, he works with and votes the Republican ticket. Socially, he is greatly esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
DAVID H. ARMSTRONG, Washington, Iowa, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Jan. 2, 1820. His father, Rowland Armstrong, was a native of Pennsylvania, a tanner and currier by trade. He married Jane Donald, also a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had six children, two yet living: David H., of this city, and Mary, wife of Samuel Boyd, of Allegheny County, Pa. About 1822 the family moved to Mercer County, Pa., and from there to Pittsburgh. Rowland Armstrong, politically, was a Whig, but with strong anti-slavery views. Religiously, he and his were Presbyterians. Mrs. Armstrong died in 1843, and Mr. Armstrong in 1874.
David H. Armstrong was reared in Allegheny City, Pa., and received a liberal education in the schools of that place. In early life he learned he mason's trade, which he has followed the grater part of his life. He was married in Allegheny City, in 1843, to Miss Letitia Melville, a daughter of James Melville; she was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1824. By this union there were ten children: James M. is an attorney-at-law at Spokam Falls, Wyo.; for some years he was Register of the United States land-office at that place, but was retired by President Cleveland. He served as a soldier in the 12th Iowa Infantry, and at the battle of Atlanta lost a foot. Rowland H. resides
page 594
in this city; he was also a member of the 13th Iowa Infantry, and served his country faithfully for three years. Charles L. left home soon after the war and has not been heard from since 1867; Samuel M. is a photographer in Washington, Iowa; John D. is engaged in merchandising at Freeland, Col.; Clara is the wife of John Shields of this city; Jennie L. is the widow of Alexander H. McKee, who died in January, 1883; Mr. McKee was a man universally respected by all. Frank C. is a rancher near San Marcial, N.M.; William D. and David H., Jr., are also in New Mexico.
In 1856, Mr. Armstrong came wit his family to Washington, where he engaged in his trade of masonry, and which he followed until 1862, when he enlisted in the 13th Iowa Infantry and served until the close of the war. Soon after his enlistment he was placed on detached duty in the mail service, and was first stationed at Vicksburg. At the time Hood made his attack on Nashville, he was in the city. The regiment was mustered out at Washington, D.C., at which time he was on detached service at Selma, Ala. Receiving notice of his muster out, he returned home and remained at Washington until 1879, when he went to Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. In 1887 he again returned to Washington, where he now resides.
Mrs. Armstrong died in 1872. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in her life exemplified the teachings of the Savior. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.
In politics, Mr. Armstrong is a radical Republican, with which party he has been connected since its organization. He was a Justice of the Peace for six years. As a citizen, he is well known and universally respected.
DR. W. F. RODMAN, deceased, was born in Douglasstown, Bucks Co., Pa., March 20, 1817, and when he was about one year of age his parents moved to Zanesville, Ohio. At the age of twelve years he matriculated at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, then under the administration if Bishop Chase. He was one of the first students of this now celebrated Episcopal college, which was at that time not completed, the school then being held in a log cabin. He remained several years at Kenyon College, when he completed his classical studies, returned to Zanesville, and began the study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Morehead, graduating at the College of Medicine and Surgery, Cincinnatim Ohio, in 1838. The same year he began the practice of medicine at Bellefontaine, Ohio. Relocating in the spring of 1840, at Martinsburg, Knox Co., Ohio, he remained there until his removal to Washington County, Iowa, in May, 1856. Dr. Rodman's marriage was celebrated Oct. 22, 1839, Miss Edith T. Cadwallader, of Zanesville, Ohio, becoming his wife. Three sons graced their marriage: Alfred A., physician and druggist, of Washington, Iowa; Charles C., deceased,who was a merchant of Washington, prior to his death, which occurred in 1867, and George, editor of the Washington Democrat.
Dr. Rodman located at Washington when the town was in its infancy, but from his coming in 1856 till his demise in 1882, he was regarded by the public as one of the most skillful physicians in the West. He was a great reader and a logical reasoner. He was educated in the Episcopal Church, and ever revered its forms and ceremonies, but there being no church of that denomination where he resided in his boyhood, he united with the Presbyterian Church, remaining an honored member of the same until his death. He was a Christian in every sense. To those who knew him best, he was talkative, genial and jovial. He never did an action for policy's sake, and cared nothing for friends who must be won by favoring. Reticent and unassuming in a high degree, he yet possessed opinions which were boldly expressed. The Doctor's ideas of right and justice were severe, yet he had the largest charity for the frailties and weaknesses of humanity. Intentionally he wronged no ne, and seldom forgave a wrong done him. Caring nothing for the position in society of any one,he loved honest, integrity and manliness, wherever they existed, be the subject wealthy or poor. He was gentle as a child, and made his family the objects of his worship, and nothing could reconcile him to their separation. He never punished in any way one of his children, neither did either
page 595
of them cause him a moment's pain. His patients became friends who loved him for his fidelity, gentleness and candor, and no man was ever the recipient of fuller confidence than he received from them, in whose behalf he endured hardships and exposure which shortened his life. A physician's life is full of kindness, charity and heroism that the world never dreams of. A few weeks before his death a rapid decline was noticed. He sank quietly to sleep—that dreamless sleep which knows no awakening. Without pain, but in full possession of his mental faculties, he bade farewell to his wife and children, and his life ebbed away as gently as the setting sun sinks from a cloudless sky. thus ended a life that was pure and honorable, for which death had no sting and the grave no terrors. The physicians of this city acted as pall-bearers, and on Sabbath afternoon, April 2,1 882, his remains were interred in the Washington Cemetery, Rev. White, his beloved pastor, officiating at the funeral services.
Forty-four years of the life of Dr. W. F. Rodman were devoted to the profession, of which more than a quarter of a century was spent in this county. His estimable wife and two sons are yet residents of Washington.
L. A. STEPHENS, farmer and stock-raiser, section 26, Oregon Township, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Darke County, in 1838. He is the son of Samuel and Effie C. (Sayres) Stephens, who were natives of Pennsylvania, but who settled in Ohio at an early day. They came to this county in 1839, settling in Oregon Township, where the former still resides. The latter is deceased.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and educated in the pioneer schools of Washington County. when but twelve years old he made the overland trip to California with his father, and there remained two years, engaged in mining. They returned home by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New York. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. C, 8th Iowa Vol. Inf., and served until one year after the close of the war. He was in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Memphis, siege of Vicksburg, the Atlanta campaign, and in the various engagements in and around Mobile, besides many others of less note. The record of the 8th Iowa Infantry is one of which not only its members, but every loyal citizen of the country has just reason to be proud. Commencing its career in Missouri, in the raid after Price, who "when you put your finger on him was not there," it continued in the line of duty until the close of the war. At Spanish Fort, near Mobile, it especially distinguished itself, and subsequently had inscribed on its banner, "First at Spanish Fort." No soldier in the regiment did his duty more faithfully than the subject of this sketch.
On receiving his discharge, Mr. Stephens returned to Washington County, and in 1866 was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Tenney. She was born in Henry County, Iowa, in 1849. They have had ten children, nine of whom are living—Velzora V., Mary E., Lytle L., Dewitt D., LaMoyne R., George E., Alice J., Nettie M. and Samuel A. The deceased was Edgar W.
Mr. Stephens came to Washington County with his parents when but one year old. This has since been his home, and he is entitled to rank among the pioneers of Washington County. Politically, a Republican, he has never aspired to office, but has been honored by his fellow-townsmen with various local offices. He is a man who stands well in the estimation of all the people of Oregon Township, by whom, and among whom he has resided for nearly half a century.
LEWIS CAMPBELL, farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, Dutch Creek Township, was born Feb. 16, 1821, in Huntingdon County, Pa., and is the son of Robert and Lydia (Bower) Campbell, the father being of Scotch descent and the mother of German. His grandfather Campbell was in the Revolutionary War. In 1821, Mrs. Campbell went to Perry County, Pa., and made her home with her father, where Lewis also lived until he was eleven years of age. About
page 596
1859, Mrs. Campbell was again married, to Isaac Kiser, who was a native of Pennysylvania.
The subject of this sketch made his home with his mother and step-father until about seventeen years of age, assisting in the farm work, and attending the district schools as the opportunity was afforded him. At the age of seventeen he commenced working at the carpenter's trade, and in 1844 cast his lot with the pioneers of Iowa. In 1845 he purchased 160 acres of land, forty of which was in timber, the remainder being in prairie. He made this purchase by the advice and assistance of Dr. Mealy. On the 28th of November, 1845, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Sturgeon, a daughter of Samuel and Olivia Sturgeon, who were natives of Ohio. In 1847 he sold his first land and with a land warrant which he had purchased, secured 160 acres of prairie land and forty of timber, where he now resides on sections 17 and 20 in Dutch Creek Township. He has 154 acres in Seventy-Six Township, making in all 314 acres. The home farm has good buildings and is under a good state of cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have had nine children, three sons and six daughters: Samuel died in infancy; Frances died at the age of six; Harmonia, wife of John Latta, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister residing at Hill' Ferry, Stanislaus co., Cal.; Kossuth, born Dec. 4, 1854, died March 6, 1872; Cylonia, born April 17, 1857, is now the wife of Charles Mills, a stock-dealer in Richmond, Iowa; Hortensia, born April 7, 1857, now the wife of Thomas Gregory, a farmer residing in Seventy-Six Township; Cora, born Jan. 6, 1863, died April 17, 1864; Vitelia, born Arpil 16, 1865, at home; Norman, born April 21, 1870, died Jan. 20, 1879.
Mrs. Campbell's father was a minister of the Associate Reformed Church. He was a faithful laborer and a missionary for many years of his life. He was attending Presbytery at Keokuk at the time of his death. Her mother was a devoted Christian and was always ready to speak a kind word to any and all. Mrs. Campbell was brought up in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, but they are both firm believers in Spiritualism. Miss Vitelia Campbell is a school teacher, and has taught several successful terms in the Paris school. She is a young lady of excellent ability. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are well known throughout the township and enjoy the confidence and respect of all for their many good qualities of head and heart.
JAMES R. CROUCH, a farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 20, Oregon Township, and is the son of John and Sarah (Ripley) Crouch, the former a native of Kentucky, and of German descent, and the latter a native of Missouri, and of English descent. The former died in December, 1854, and the latter is now the wife of Hugh Erdice, of this county.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm and received his education in the public schools. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. F., 11th Iowa Vol. Inf., and served till July, 1865. This regiment, together with the 13th, 15th and 16th Iowa, formed the 3d Brigade of the 4th Division, 17th Army Corps. At Shiloh it received its first baptism in blood, and there the Iowa brigade proved to be of good mettle. Its second battle was at Corinth. The winter of 1862-63 was spent in the operations in front of Vicksburg, Milliken's Bend, Providence, Bayou Tensas and Macon, to the close of the Vicksburg campaign in July, 1863. In August following, the regiment went with the brigade on the expedition to Monroe, La., in October to Jackson, and in December, to Redbone. In February, 1864, it was on the Meridian expedition, at the close of which, in March, it came home on veteran furlough, having re-enlisted in January. Returning to the front, it joined Gen. Sherman's army at Newark, Ga., and first met the enemy at Kennesaw, June 15. It was next in the siege of Atlanta, where it was under fire nearly eighty-one days, sixteen of which were in battle. It then joined the memorable march to the sea, finally making Washington, D.C., where it formed part in the grand review. It was mustered out July 15, 1865, at Louisville, Ky. The regiment traveled over 8,000 miles, over half of which was on foot, and it has a record of 386 men and forty officers lost. Mr. Crouch was among the fortunate ones, receiving only a slight flesh wound in
page 597
the left arm. On receiving his discharge at Davenport, where he was ordered after being mustered out, he returned to his home in Washington County, and once more resumed the peaceful vocation of a farmer. Mr. Crouch was untied in marriage in 1866 with Miss Sophronia Fall, daughter of George and Harriet Fall. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1831. They have three children—Cora A., Ollie J. and Charles R.
Politically, Mr. Crouch is a Republican, one who believes in the principles of the party and is not afraid to maintain them at the polls or elsewhere. He has been a resident of the county since 1856, and is well satisfied that Washington County is as good a place for a home as any other portion of the civilized globe.
|
Visit our family of homepages and join us.