~ RICHARD ELWOOD, b. 19 Aug 1821 ~ Related Surnames - DANIELS, STEPHENS, FELL, LUCE, RILEY, BROCKWAY, CLARK, DAWS, KEEN, HALL, SQUIER, BEARD Richard Elwood, a prominent and well-known citizen of Jackson County, lives on a comfortable and well-stocked farm in South Fork Township. His grandfather was born in England, moved to the State of Maryland in an early day, and reared a family of ten children. Some of the older ones fought bravely, and finally gave up their lives in the Revolutionary War. Thomas Elwood, the father of our subject, was the youngest child of his parents' family; his father died when he was but three years of age, and his mother when he was seven. At the age of seventeen, he having a desire to try the frontier life, crossed the Allegheny Mountains alone. Without a friend or relative to encourage him he made his way to Western Pennsylvania, where he enjoyed the kind hospitality of a gentleman by the name of Elliot. As he grew to manhood he formed an acquaintance with, and finally married a young lady by the name of Getty Daniels, daughter of Isaac Daniels, of Mercer County, Pa. After their marriage the worthy couple started together in life with bright prospects, engaging in farming. They were blessed with ten children, seven sons and three daughters: John, the eldest, married Eliza Stephens, of Mercer County, Pa.; Polly, the second child, married W.G. Fell, also of Mercer County, Pa.; the third, Sally, married Jonathan Luce, of Pennsylva! nia; James, the fourth child, married Jane Riley, also of Pennsylvania; Thomas, the fifth, married Elizabeth Riley, of Mercer County, Pa.; Richard was the sixth in order of birth, and married Mary Ann Brockway, of Trumbull County, Ohio; the seventh child, Getty Mariah, married G. R. Clark, of Mercer County, Pa.; Kinsey, the eighth, married Percy E. Daws; the ninth, Isaac, married Clara Keen, of Crawford Co., Pa.; Jonathan, the tenth, married Mary Hall, of Jackson County, Iowa. Richard Elwood was born in Mercer County, Pa., Aug. 19, 1821; was reared on a farm, and educated at a select school in Greenville, Pa. After teaching a few terms he, with his brother Kinsey, engaged in the tanning business. In the year 1851 he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Mary Ann Brockway, from the State of New York. Mr. Brockway and his wife, formerly Polly Squier, were both natives of Wyoming County, N.Y., but settled in an early day on a rich tract of land in Trumbull County, Ohio. Both Mr. and Mrs. Elwood's fathers served in the War of 1812. In the spring of 1851 our worthy subject and wife came to Jackson County, Iowa, where they engaged in farming and stock raising. He has always dealt very extensively in real estate and livestock. To Mr. and Mrs. Elwood have been given seven children, three daughters and four sons, they are recorded as follows: Roseltha, the eldest, was married to C.A. Beard, of Clinton County, Iowa; James D. is at present engaged in the mercantile business; John D., the third child, died May 7, 1889, at his home. "There is no flock, however watched and tended, But one dead lamb is there. There is no fireside, howsoe'er defended, But has one vacant chair." Charles H., the fourth, and Herbert R., the fifth, are both at home on the farm; the two youngest daughters, Anna M. and Carrie M., are also with their parents at home. Mr. Elwood is a man of sincere piety and irreproachable habits. The Republican party has no more loyal follower in its ranks than he. Of Mrs. Elwood we can faintly portray her excellence by saying, "Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Their children are all blessed with bright intellects and good business capacity, have all been well educated, receiving their instruction at the Maquoketa High School, the State Normal at Valparaiso, Ind., and Cornell College, Mt. Verson, Iowa; they are also rich in musical talent. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ JAMES W ELLIS, b. 25 Nov 1848 ~ Related Surnames - ROGERS, HOPE, JEFFERS, VANDEVERT, HAWKER, WILLIAMS, FORBES, TROWBRIDGE, WALDO James W. Ellis, a son of one of Jackson County's pioneers, is numbered among the tillers of the soil who are sustaining and extending the great agricultural interests of the county and State. He has a farm in South Fork Township, and is pursuing his chosen calling with good success, as he brings to his work practical skill, stout muscles, and a sagacious mind. He is an ex-soldier, having joined the army in 1864 during the rebellion, when a mere boy not sixteen years of age, and doing gallant service on the frontier from that time until 1869, the last three years under the leadership of the heroic and ill-fated Gen. Custer. And though so young, his coolness and daring in the face of danger attracted the favorable attention of his brave commander, who twice promoted him, and recommended him warmly for a commission. Our subject comes of sterling Revolutionary stock, and both his father and his grandfather were pioneers of two States, the former of Kentucky and Indiana, and the latter of Indiana and Iowa, or, perhaps, we might more properly state that they were pioneers of three States between them. Joseph Ellis, the grandfather, was a native of Virginia, and at the early age of sixteen years he enlisted in the Continental army to aid his countrymen in their struggle for freedom from British rule, and he was enrolled as a member of Morgan's famous rifle corps. In the War of 1812 he was again ready to fight against English oppression, was commissioned as an officer of a Kentucky regiment, and was with Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans, two of his sons fighting by his side in that engagement. He was an early settler of Shelby County, Ky., and became the owner of a plantation, which he developed from the forests, and operated with slave labor, the place being in the family to thi! s day. He subsequently moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and a second time became a pioneer, and buying land there he rounded out an honorable and busy life at a ripe old age in his new home. His children were: Stephen, William, John Randolph, Fanny, Rebecca, Jesse, and Joseph. Fanny married Eli Rogers, of Fayette County, Ky.; Rebecca married James Hope, of Putnam County, Ind.; Stephen and John took part in the War of 1812, and John received a wound at the battle of New Orleans, and died from the effects of it soon after. The father of our subject passed his early life on the Kentucky plantation where he had been born, and when a young man, animated by the same pioneer spirit that had made his forefathers seek new lands, he crossed the border into the State of Indiana, and became an early settler of Hendricks County, where he bought a tract of timber land, and building a log house, commenced the improvement of a farm. He resided upon it until 1852, when he sold it, and once again became a pioneer, moving to Iowa with teams, accompanied by his family, and driving his stock before him. He located in South Fork Township, buying here a quarter-section of land on sections 10 and 11. There was a double log cabin on the place, which at the time was the best building in the vicinity. A few acres of the land had been cleared and broken, and the rest was heavily timbered. He cleared quite a tract of land, and has developed a fine farm, on which he still resides at the venerable age of eighty years! . The maiden name of his wife was Ailsea Jeffers, and she was born in Shelby County, Ky. She died in 1865, at the age of fifty-one years. Eleven children were born to those good people, nine of whom are living: Margaret (deceased) was the wife of Joseph Vandevert; Mary lives at home with her father; Stephen, who gave up his life for his country; Fanny married Philip Hawker, and they live on the Jeffers homestead in Hendricks County, Ind.; Isaac lives at Seattle, Wash; James W., of this sketch; William lives near Seattle; John lives in Seattle; Esther married M.L. Williams, and they live in Tacoma, Wash.; Stephen served in the late war as a member of Company B, 26th Iowa Infantry, and fought at the battles of Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, and Black River Bridge. He contracted a disease, and died in the hospital at Nashville in 1863, and all that is mortal of him lies buried in the National Cemetary at that point. James Ellis was born Nov. 25, 1848, in the primative pioneer home of his father, in Hendricks County, Ind., and he was four years old when his parents sought a new home on the prairies of Iowa. Yet he remembers well the incidents of the journey to this place, and of the life that he led here when the country was young and sparsely settled, and deer, wolves and wild cats were plenty. There were no railways in Iowa then, and all marketing was done at the river towns. He lived with his parents until 1864, and then enlisted, as before mentioned, becoming a member of Company H, 5th U.S. Infantry, and had an exciting and adventurous life on the frontier the next five years. After the expiration of her term of enlistment our subject returned home, and buying some land adjoining his father's homestead, began his career as a farmer, and has ever since devoted himself to agriculture. He has bought other land, and has a good farm of fifty-one acres, under fine cultivation, and pro! vided with neat buildings, and all the appliances necessary to carry on agriculture. On the 16th of October, 1870, Mr. Ellis secured the co-operation of a good wife in the person of Mary Forbes, to whom he was then united in marriage. They have five children living - Charles F., Francis E., Ailsea, Lulu Belle, and Jessie. Mrs. Ellis is a native of Wisconsin, and comes of pioneer stock of this State, her grandfather, John Forbes, a native of New York, having been one of the earliest settlers of Jackson County, locating at Bellevue. He entered land from the Government that is now included in that city, and became very prominent there. He served as Justice of the Peace, and was conveyancer and legal advisor there many years. He subsequently removed to DeWitt, Clinton County, and there his life was brought to a close in 1864. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Trowbridge, and she was a native of New York State. She now makes her home with her granddaughter, Mrs. Ellis, and our subject, and though she is past eighty years old, still retains her physical ! and mental health to a remarkable degree. Her son, Henry Forbes, Mrs. Ellis' father, was born in Jackson County, and when a young man he went to Wisconsin, and there married and a few years later returned to this county to enlist in the service of his country, and aid in putting down the Rebellion. He became a member of Company B, 26th Iowa Infantry, and was in the army until the war closed. After that he resided in Jackson County until 1869, when he went to Utah, and died there in 1881. The maiden name of his wife was Orpha Waldo. She was a native of Wisconsin, and died in Council Bluffs, in 1859. Mr. Ellis is an honorable young man of more than ordinary intelligence, and being a great reader and a close observer of men and things, his mind is well stored with valuable information. He wields a ready pen, and has written several vivid reminiscences of his soldier life on the plains, that have been published in the Sentinel, and read with much interest by the citizens. A man of his calibre is duly appreciated by his fellow-townsmen, and he stands high in their esteem. He has served as Justice of the Peace, and is at present President of the South Fork School Board. In politics he stands among the Democrats, and is a stalwart supporter of party principles. He was formerly a member of the Christian Church, but is now identified with the Congregational Church, and is Superintendent of its Sunday-school. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Allen, Edwards, Hawkins, Menneke, Olinghouse, Pate, Patterson, Wilson Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/mbexec/msg/an/5k.2ADE/1415.1.2 Message Board Post: Kate, Is Henry Beggs, who married Marilla Davis, in your Beggs line? Thanks. Carol

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/mbexec/msg/an/5k.2ADE/1415.1.1 Message Board Post: kate, I tried to send email to oyu today to kate evans!! but it came back as failed. my tel no is 07789208428 and office no is 02887728601.Your gg father and my grand father were brothers.We have connected... are you from the beggs family clan in workington ?we have cousins in leeds and you have 100 cousins and more in ireland ...in and around the place of their birth POMEROY. COUNTY TYRONE.Can you give me your tel no and I will call you tomorrow if tonight is too late. vinny

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: beggs Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/mbexec/msg/5538/5k.2ADE/1415.1 Message Board Post: hi, my great grandfather joseph beggs was patricks brother, i have other details.

~ HENRY EHRENSBERGER, b. 19 Mar 1828 ~ Related Surnames - EISLER, LONG, HEINRICHS, ALLSON, HAGENBECK There is not within the limits of Van Buren Township a man more popular or deserving of the good will of his fellow-citizens than he with whose name we introduce this sketch. His home is finely located on section 27, and his time and attention are largely devoted to grape culture and bee keeping. He is now comfortably fixed financially, but has arrived at his present prosperity only by the exercise of the greatest diligence, economy and perseverence. The fact that he is highly spoken of by his neighbors is sufficient indication of his standing in his community. Our subject was born in Switzerland - the land of Tell - and grew up with the love of liberty which has always characterized his countrymen. He was born March 19, 1828, in the village of Dynhard, Canton of Zurich, where he was reared to man's estate, and received the advantages of both the common and the high school. He also attended "Die Secunda Schuls" for some time, where he studied French and the higher branches. At the age of fourteen he was confirmed in the Zwinglian Church, after which he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, serving a thorough apprenticeship. He followed this in his native country a period of twenty years. He was first married there in 1853, to Miss Susannah Eisler, a native of his own canton. He accumulated some property during those years, but met with the misfortune of having his house destroyed by incendiary fire. Our subject was thus left almost destitute, and in his case the adage was fulfilled that "troubles never come singly." There had been born to him and his estimable wife three children - Bertha, Henry and Emil. The latter accidently shot himself when fifteen years old. His wife died in the year 1864, at the age of forty years. In the year 1864 Mr. Ehrensberger set out for America. Securing passage on board a sailing vessel, he, after a voyage of six weeks, first set foot upon American soil in the City of New York, and coming directly to Illinois, established himself at Savanna, where he occupied himself at his trade for a time, and then removed to Mt. Alger, in Van Buren Township, where he secured, in time, some property. Later he exchanged this for a part of his present farm, where he took up his residence. He set up a shop in Preston, and walked to and from his work, mornings and evenings, for a number of years. He contracted a second marriage in 1865, at Savanna, w! ith Mrs. Margaretta Long. This lady was born in Wittenberg, Germany. Of this union there have been no children. Bertha, the only daugher of our subject, is the wife of Henry Heinrichs, of Van Buren Township. His son Henry married Miss Gertrude Allson, and is farming in Thomson, Ill. The parents of our subject were Jacob and Anna (Hagenbeck) Ehrensberger, who were also natives of the Canton of Zurich, and the father a weaver and cloth manufacturer. They spent their entire lives in their native country, the mother dying in 1850, when fifty-five years old, and the father in 1865, when past sixty-three. Of their children, three are now living - Jacob, a machinist, and a resident of Wisconsin; Ulrich, who is following the tailor's trade at Fremont, Neb., and Henry, our subject. Mr. Ehrensberger has become thoroughly Americanized and deeply attached to the land of his adoption. He is in sympathy with the Democratic party, and by a course of reading has kept himself well posted upon governmental affairs, both in this country and in Europe, and has written at different times able articles for the press in relation thereto, and also concerning horticulture. He now has a fine vineyard, and dispenses the pure wine which he manufactures, with a generous hospi! tality to his friends. Aside from serving as School Director in his district, he has carefully avoided the cares of office. His farm embraces 120 acres of good land, forty acres on section 27 and eighty on section 26. He may most properly be called a self-made man - one who has risen by his own efforts to a good position, socially and financially - who battled with many discouragements; but it may truly be said he seems to have come out with flying colors. Mrs. Ehrensberger died at their home, May 5, 1889, and is buried at Preston. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ GEORGE EDLEMAN, b. 14 Mar 1834 ~ Related Surnames - KELTNER, DUNKLE, COFFMAN, BIXLER, JONAS, WEED, DUNHAM, COOK, JONES, MEANS, ROBINSON, HAYES Among the substantial men of Fairfield Township the subject of this notice occupies no secondary position. He is finely located on section 24, where he has 308 acres of improved farming land, with a good set of frame buildings, a full supply of agricultural implements, a choice assortment of livestock, and all the other appliances of the well-regulated country estate. He came to this county in the spring of 1855, when there were but a few houses between his present location and the embryo town of Maquoketa. For twenty-one years after becoming a resident here, he followed his trade of a blacksmith, then entered the army, and after the war was ended turned his attention to agriculture, which he has since followed with marked success. A native of Berks County, Pa., our subject was born March 14, 1834, and is the son of Samuel Edleman, also a native of that county, and born Aug. 15, 1803. The latter is still living in the place of his birth, and has now arrived at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He was a woolen manufacturer during the years of his active life, and also conducted a farm. He is long since retired from labor, but retains his mental faculties, and is still a bright and intelligent old man who can tell many an interesting tale of his varied experiences during the transition of this great country from its infancy to its present remarkable development. Mrs. Catherine Edleman, the mother of our subject, was likewise a native of Berks County, Pa., and departed this life while comparatively a young woman, May 27, 1846. The parental household included four children, namely: James, George, our subject, Daniel and Catherine. The eldest son married Miss Eva Keltner, and is an extensive farmer of Clinton County, this State, being the owner of 800 acres of improved land which is largely devoted to the raising of grain and stock. He is the father of thirteen children, namely: Allen, Thomas, Daniel, James, Edwin, George, William, Samuel, Milton, Hattie, Katie, Emma and Norah. Daniel married Miss Mary Dunkle of Berks County, Pa., and resides there on a farm; they have three children - George, Katie and Sarah. Catherine became the wife of Charles Coffman, of Berks County, Pa., and they live on a farm in Grundy County, this State, Mr. Coffman being engaged in stock-raising and general agriculture. The subject of this notice after coming to this county was married, Jan. 27, 1861, to Miss Mary Ann Bixler, the wedding taking place at the bride's home in Fairfield Township. Mrs. Edleman is the daughter of Jefferson and Mary Catherine (Jonas) Bixler. They were both natives of Lancaster, Ohio, and on both sides the house the parents were old pioneers of Ohio. When Mr. Bixler and family came to this county, his wife's father, then an old man, Samuel Jonas, accompanied them, and died some years afterward. After the death of the mother of Mrs. Edleman her father married Sarah Weed, and she died in August, 1888. Mrs. Edleman was born Sept. 12, 1842, in Van Buren Township, Jackson County. Her parents removed from Lancaster County, Ohio, to Van Buren Township, this county, March 27, 1840. The mother, Mary Catherine (Jonas) Bixler departed this life April 23, 1869. Her father was married three times, and is still living, being seventy-two years old, and making his home in ! Preston. Mr. and Mrs. Edleman are the parents of seven children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Mary, became the wife of Booth Dunham, and lives in Mitchell, Dak.; Mr. Dunham is a farmer and school teacher, and they have two children - Leola and George. The other children are Charles, Franklin, James, Katie (who died aged three and one-half years, Dec. 22, 1879, and is buried in the Preston cemetery); Emma and William are at home with their parents. Mr. Edleman is giving his children the benefit of a good education. Mrs. Edleman has one brother and four sisters; her half-sister, Pauline, was married to C. W. Cook of Clinton County, Iowa. She was born in Lancaster, Hocking Co., Ohio, March 4, 1837. She had five children, four sons and one daugher - Andrew, Tillie (deceased), George, David, and Amos. She came with the family to this county in 1840, and died at her home in Vernon Prairie, Clinton Co., Iowa, April 10, 1886. Isaac married Miss Mary Jones, whose parents came from England, and they are now living on a farm in Crawford County; they have seven children: Lucinda became the wife of Thomas Means of Union County, this State, and they have three boys - George, Solomon and Albert. Eliza married Amasa Robinson of this county; they live in Todd County, Minn., and have five children. Orpha married Julius Hayes who is now deceased, and she lives at Wall Lake, Sac County; she has five children - William, Alma, Judson, Rose, and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Edleman are both of German desc! ent. Mr. Edleman learned the blacksmith trade in his native State which he followed in connection with farming after coming to Iowa. He had his first purchase of land - fifty-six acres, in 1861, and the year following, the Civil War being in progress, considered it his duty to lay aside his personal interests and assist in the preservation of the Union. He accordingly enlisted in Company K, 26th Iowa Infantry, and participated in many of the important battles which followed, viz.: Arkansas Post, the siege of Vicksburg, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, and went with Sherman on the memorable march to the sea. He was never reported as on the sick list during the whole time of his service, and received his honorable discharge, June 6, 1865. Upon returning home he resumed his farming operations and blacksmithing, and by a course of industry and economy accumulated a competence for his declining years. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Cong! regational Church, and politically, Mr. Edleman votes independently, aiming to support the man whom he considers best qualified for office. He has held some of the township offices, but has no ambition for honors of this kind. Socially, he belongs to the G.A.R. Post at Miles, also the Lodge of the United Workmen, No. 46 at Preston. When Mr. Edleman came to this county the railroad had only been built to Rock Island. He was entirely without money, and borrowing $5 came on to Maquoketa. Although acquiring only a common-school education, he is possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, and has no difficulty whatever in transacting the ordinary business connected with his farm property. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, his favorites being registered Hereford cattle. This industry is the source of a handsome income. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/981.1 Message Board Post: I am looking for the family of John P. Hingtgen B2-16-1891 Irene Mary Hayes (she was the daughter of William Hayes and Theresa Koppes. Children are: Carl Ray Hingtgen, Delores Lucille Hingtgen, Eleanor Othelia Hingtgen, Ethel Mary Hingtgen do you know anything about this family.

~ LOUISA W. (HAVEN) EDGERTON, b. abt 1820 ~ Related Surnames - SNYDER, MASON, YOUNG, CRANE, HARRIS Mrs. Louisa W. Edgerton is a noble representative of the pioneer women of Jackson County, who, in the early days of its settlement, encouraged and aided their fathers, husbands, and brothers in their great task of developing the resources of the country, the making of a great commonwealth, and in the building up of society on firm foundations of industry, intelligence, and morality. She was one of the pioneer educators of the country, and as such deserves especial mention in this Biographical Album. She is the widow of Jerome C. Edgerton, who gave up his life for his country in the late war. She is a revered resident of Maquoketa, occupying a pleasant home on West Platte street. Mrs. Edgerton was born about 1820, in Moriah, Essex Co., N.Y., where her grandfather, Nathaniel Haven, was a pioneer, having removed to that place from Brattleboro, Vt., when his son, Samuel T., father of Mrs. Edgerton, was eighteen years of age. The elder Haven bought a tract of timber land, and cleared a farm, on which he lived several years, afterward removing to Middleport, Niagara County, where he died at the home of a daughter. His wife, Elizabeth Snyder, of German descent, died on the home farm at Moriah. Samuel T. Haven bought timber land adjoining his father's, and, building thereon a log cabin, took to himself a wife, Almira Mason, born in Cheshire, Berkshire Co., Mass., daughter of Rufus and Mary (Young) Mason, the latter a native of Nova Scotia. Mrs. Haven had come to New York State when a child, with her parents, who subsequently died in Moriah. Mr. Haven was a natural mechanic. In addition to the care of his farm he did his own carpentering, and occasiona! lly work at building for others. After living some years in the primitive structure named, he built a small frame house, and later moved into a still more commodious dwelling. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Haven, three of whom died in infancy; the others survive - Mary A., wife of Samuel N. Crane, of South Fork Township; Waterman D., in Maquoketa. Louisa, Mrs. Edgerton, having finished her studies at Plattsburg Academy, at the age of nineteen, began teaching school. In 1847 she accompanied her father on a trip to Iowa, the journey being made partly by team, and partly by boat on the lakes. Six weeks after her arrival in Jackson County she resumed the occupation of teaching, in Maquoketa, which at that time contained but a few small houses, the most of them built of logs. Deer and other kinds of wild game were plenty. She boarded at the Goodenow Hotel, then kept in a log house, and the only one open to the public. During the winter she taught in La Motte, and again in the following summer at Maquoketa, going back to New York State in the autumn of that year. Mr. Haven, after visiting his daughter, Mrs. Crane, returned the same year to his home in Moriah, staying there until 1850, when, having sold out his property in that place, he again came West, bringing his family, and bought a farm in South Fork Township, wh! ere he spent the remaining years of his life. A railway through Michigan shortened the time and lessened the tediousness of this second journey. After several more terms of school teaching, the subject of this sketch was married, on March 22, 1860, to Jerome C. Edgerton, a native of Vermont, son of Ebb and Edna (Harris) Edgerton, born Jan. 6, 1820. Taken to New York by his parents when quite young, Jerome C. Edgerton grew up in that State, and was so far educated at the age of seventeen as to then enter the pedagogical profession. He taught in the High School at Moriah. At twenty-five he went to Rochester, and engaged in the lumber business. Twelve years later he went to Illinois, and took a contract to build a railway for the Jacksonville, Alton & St. Louis Railway Company. Through the failure of the company Mr. Edgerton lost all of his money, and the railway was never completed. In 1859 Mr. Edgerton came to Iowa, and settled in Muscatine County. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, 35th Iowa Infantry, and went to Memphis, Tenn. He was musted into service as a Corporal, but was soon after detailed as a clerk in! the medical department, and served in that capacity until his death, April 6, 1864. His remains repose in the National cemetery at Memphis. After her husband's enlistement Mrs. Edgerton took up her former profession of teaching, which she continued a part of each year from that time until 1886, the last fifteen terms in Clinton. In 1872 she bought an eligible lot on West Platte street, in Maquoketa, and in the same year built the house which is still her dwelling. She is an esteemed member of the Congregational Church, and we may be sure not silent or inactive. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ JAMES W. ECKLES, b. 25 Feb 1827 ~ Related Surnames - HAGGERTY, MORRISON, LYTLE, KELLY, ATCHISON, EDWARDS, BURNAP Dr. James W. Eckles, one of the pioneer physicans of this county, is considered by his fellow-citizens a faithful and conscientious practitioner, and enjoys in a marked degree their esteem and confidence. He was born in Beaver County, Pa., Feb. 25, 1827, and is the son of Joseph Eckles, whose father, Thomas Eckles, was the son of William Eckles, a native of County Down, Ireland. The latter emigrated to the United States between the years 1750 and 1760, and locating in Bedford County, Pa., sojourned there during the progress of the Revolutionary War. It is believed that he had a hand in this conflict, and he was the father of four sons - Thomas, Samuel, James, and John. There were all born in Bedford County, where their father spent his last days. Thomas Eckles, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was reared in his native county, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He married Miss Martha Haggerty, a native of Ireland, who came to the United States with her parents when a child. Soon after their marriage they removed from Bedford County to Westmoreland County, Pa., making the journey over the Alleghany Mountains with teams, when Indians were numerous and not always to be trusted. They removed later to Beaver County and located amidst the heavy timber, and Grandfather Eckles felled the trees and cleared a farm. There his son Joseph, the father of our subject, was born, in 1798. The next removal of this family was to what was then Beaver, but is now Lawrence County, Pa., where their three sons and seven daughters grew to maturity. They were named respectively: Joseph, Thomas, William, Hattie, Nancy, Eliza, Susan, Rebecca, Julia, and Maria. At this latter place Grandfather Eckles proceeded as before to build up a home in the wilderness, and there he spent his last days. Joseph, like his brothers and sisters, pursued his early studies in the log school-house, and learned to "read, write, and cipher." When these arts were acquired his education was considered finished. He remained under the parental roof until reaching manhood, and was then married to a Miss Morrison, who only lived about two years. Joseph Eckles, in due time, contracted a second matrimonial alliance, with Mrs. Susan (Kelly) Lytle, who was the mother of three children - Polly, Eliza Ann, and Julia Ann. Of this second marriage there were born four sons and one daughter, namely: William, John, James (our subject), Joseph, and Betsey; the latter is the wife of Joseph Morrison, who resides at the old homestead in Pennsylvania. Joseph died in Pennsylvania, at the age of four years; William died in Kansas, in 1886; John died in Missouri, about 1868. The parents died at the old homestead, the father at the age of fifty-nine years, and the mother after having reached the advanced age of eighty-four. The subject of this sketch received his preparatory education in Washington County, Pa., and then entered the medical college at Cleveland, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1850. The late Dr. Bliss, of New York State, was one of his class-mates. He began the practice of medicine in Princeton, Lawrence County, Pa., where he sojourned until the spring of 1855. Then, coming to this county, he located in Otter Creek, where he lived two years, and in the fall of 1857 changed his residence to Fulton, which has since been his home, and in and around which he has built up a large and lucrative practice. At the time of the arrival of Dr. Eckles in this region there were no public highways or bridges - simply a trail which he would follow on horseback frequently from fifteen to twenty miles, often swimming the streams on his horse during the milder seasons of the year; and in winter, crossing on the ice, his horse would frequently break through, and both horse and man be submerged in the chilling waters. Then the Doctor would frequently ride quite a distance with his clothes frozen still upon him. It required a stout heart to persevere under the various difficulties which attended the young physician, but he surmounted them all, and did not permit himself to surrender his first purpose of making his home in the West. In August, 1862, after the outbreak of the Civil War, Dr. Eckles organized Company B., of the 26th Iowa Infantry, and upon entering the field was given a Captain's commission. In that capacity he served until December following, when he was promoted to the rank of Major. He subsequently was employed largely as a Surgeon in the hospitals, but on account of a chronic ailment, was obliged to accept his honorable discharge, in June, 1863. Then, returning home, he, as soon as his health would permit, resumed his practice in this county, which he followed almost uninterruptedly for a period of twenty-three years, and until 1886, when failing health compelled him to abandon it, and he is now living retired from active business. The marriage of Dr. James W. Eckles and Miss Mary J. Atchison was celebrated at the bride's home in Washington County, Pa., July 5, 1849. This lady was born in that county, and by her union with our subject became the mother of six children, of whom the record is as follows: Joseph married Miss Ida Edwards, of this county, and they are living in Polk County, Neb.; Eugene is with his father; Susan is the wife of J.M. Burnap, and lives in Oregon, Ogle County, Ill.; Isabel C., James V., and Mary are deceased. The Doctor and his wife are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church, while their daughter Susan is a Methodist. The Doctor is one of the pillars of this church, and officiates as Deacon. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Hermitage Lodge at Andrew. He has also been identified with the I.O.O.F. many years. He was, in years gone by, an active member of the Sons of Temperance, representing them in the Grand Lodge, and is also a Good Templar. He owns and occupies a neat home in Fulton, and numbers his friends and patrons among its best people. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ JAMES DYNES , b. 26 Dec 1818 ~ Related Surnames - WILSON, COTTER, AWTY, BATES James Dynes, of Iowa Township, is accounted one of the most prominent and wealthy farmers along the Southern line of this county. He is the owner of 350 acres of choice land, and his homestead lies on section 16, where he has fine improvements and makes a specialty of livestock - graded Clydesdale horses, Short-horn cattle and Poland-China swine. He is especially fond of the equine race, and takes great delight in developing and bringing out their fine points, and to this business seems to have a peculiar adaptation, as his success in this line has been really phenomenal. He is one of those men who seem to have been especially blest by Providence with a large share of the good things of this world, and, not the least among these, are his domestic surroundings, as he has one of the most intelligent families to be found. His children are bright and well-educated, and fill an enviable position in society. The family is highly respected wherever known, and number their frie! nds by the score throughout Iowa Township and vicinity. The southern portion of this county is well represented by natives of the Dominion of Canada, and among them is the subject of this sketch, who was born near the city of Hamilton, in the township of of Nelson, Dec. 26, 1818. He is of pure English stock, his father, Samuel Dynes, having been born in Suffolk County, whence he emigrated to Canada about the year 1808. He was then a young man, and had taken a trip to the East Indies on his way across the ocean. He was a miller by trade, and followed this occupation the greater part of his life. He married Miss Sarah Wilson, and they spent their last years in Nelson Township, Canada. Their family consisted of eleven children, eight of whom are living, and located - Joseph is in Quebec, Canada; John in Burlington Beach, Canada; Charles N., on the old homestead in Nelson Township, Canada; our subject and Alice, Mrs. Cotter, reside in Iowa Township, Iowa; Mary O. resides in London, Canada; Amelia resides in the same place, ! and Sarah Ann, in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Dynes during his boyhood and youth was a great lover of rural sports, hunting, fishing, etc., and followed the latter as a steady occupation for a number of years around Burlington Beach and other points in Canada West. He has caught as much as $100 worth of fish in a single night. He remained a resident of his native Province until the spring of 1860, and then coming to Iowa, operated a rented farm in Iowa Township one year. At the expiration of this time he purchased his present farm, and since then has given his close attention to its cultivation and improvement. It has taken years of labor, and involved an outlay of thousands of dollars to bring the homestead to its present condition, develop the soil, erect the buildings, plant and nurture the fruit and shade trees, which he has in abundance, and bring about all the other comforts and conveniences which have so much to do with the happiness and welfare of a family. After coming to this county, Mr. Dynes formed the acquaintance of Mrs. Emily E. Awty, widow of John Awty and daughter of Capt. Philo Bates, and they were united in marriage Feb. 25, 1863. Mrs. Dynes is also a native of Canada, and born, like her husband, near the city of Hamilton, on the 11th of October, 1832. Of this union there have been born eight children, five of whom are living, namely: Mary A., Franklin and Frances (twins), Charles E., and Philo S.; they are all at home with their parents. Mr. Dynes, politically, affiliates with the Republican party, and, with his estimable wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, attending service at Sterling. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

Heather, I am not sure if I have corresponded with you earlier or not but the only connection that I can remember was a Velma Seiler who was my country school teacher in the early 30's and she was from Jackson Co. She married Albert Burt (Bert) but that is all that I have on her. If I find anything will hold it for you. She is not related to me but I was born and raised in Jackson Co. and have connections with some people there. Marge

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/5k.2ADE/1258.6 Message Board Post: My great grandfathers name was henry seiler, his father was peter seiler. both from that area.... If your still looking to swap some info let me know..... Thanks Heather

~ JOHN DOWNING, b. 21 Apr 1835 ~ Related Surnames - BEAUX, DUNHAM, BUDD, BOYD, SCOTT Capt. John Downing, Warden of the County Jail and Deputy Sheriff of Jackson County, holds a prominent position among the enterprising, energetic and honorable citizens of Andrew. He is well and favorably known throughout this part of the State, his tall, commanding figure, the embodiment of manliness, always attracting attention, and his frank, pleasant face, expressive of force and resolution, at once gaining the confidence of all. Our subject is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Beaver County, near Newcastle, April 21, 1835. John Downing, Sr., father of our subject was born in Saratoga County, N.Y., in the year 1793, being the son of a farmer of that place. He remained on the home farm until eighteen years of age, when he enlisted for a term of five years in the regular army. The ensuing year, 1812, war with England was declared, and he took an active part in the battles of Stony Point, Ft. George, Lundy's Lane, and other engagements, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant for brave conduct. He was a favorite of Gen. Scott, and when his brave commander was wounded at one of the battles he nursed him back to health. At the close of the war Lieut. Downing engaged in contracting on the Ohio and Beaver extension of the Erie Canal, and continued employed in public works for several years. He subsequently bought a farm of 100 acres in Mercer County, Pa., where he lived until 1853. In the spring o! f that year he removed with his family to Iowa, locating in Fairfield Township, Jackson County, among its early settlers, and investing some of his money in a 160-acre tract of wild land. He improved a fine farm, and resided on it until his removal to the village of Andrew, where he lived, free from active care, until his death, in 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He was a gentleman of fine character, was honored for the part he had borne as a pioneer of the county, and was held in high respect by all. In his political views he coincided with the Democratic party. The maiden name of his wife, to whom he was married in 1816, was Anne Beaux. She was a native of Ireland, born in the county of Armagh, in 1802. Her father, John Beaux, was a weaver by trade, and remained in Ireland until 1806, when he emigrated to the United States and located in Vermont, and engaged in farming there until his death. He was an esteemed member of the Methodist Episcopal Churc! h. To Mr. and Mrs. Downing were born eleven children, namely: William, Thomas, and Robert, are all deceased; Nancy, living in Trumbull County, Ohio; Jane, deceased; Susan, living in Maquoketa; Margaret and Elizabeth, both deceased; John, Mary, and George W. The latter served in the late war from 1861 to 1864, being a member of Company B, 1st Iowa Cavalry, and was at one time Chief of Transportation, under the command of Capt. Butsey. John, of this biographical sketch, grew to manhood on his father's farm, obtaining his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania, and when seventeen years of age removed with his parents to Jackson County, They came by boat from Beaver Point to Bellevue, being ten days on the way, rather a quick journey for those days. The first three years after coming here our subject assisted his father in clearing his farm. Then, taking charge of the lath mill in Lyons, Clinton County, he continued thus employed until 1860, when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. On the 5th of May, 1861, he nobly responded to the first call for three-years men to assist in suppressing the rebellion, and, enlisting in Company B, 1st Iowa Cavalry, was mustered into service at Keokuk. He was for some time engaged in scouting and skirmishing in Missouri, taking part in the battles of Blackwater and Lexington, and remained with his regiment about a year, when, being injured by his ho! rse falling on him, he was mustered out of service in June, 1862. He had been at home but a short time before he began recruiting men for the army, and raised one hundered men in his own county, organized a company, was commissioned Captain of it by Gov. Kirkwood, and mustered into service at Davenport, in July, 1862, under the command of Gen. Sherman. His regiment was sent into Mississippi, and took an important part in the battles of Coldwater, Haines Bluff, the first attack on Vicksburg, and in the engagement at Atkansas Post. Capt. Downing was also present at the battles of Grand Gulf, Fourteen Mile Creek, Jackson (Miss.), and in front of Vicksburg during the forty-seven days siege of that city, prior to its surrender in July, 1863. He was subsequently with his company in the second battle of Jackson, and at Clinton, from there falling back to Vicksburg, where he was taken ill and sent home on a furlough. He afterward joined his regiment at Woodville, Ala., where hi! s resignation was accepted, and he received his honorable disability. He returned home, and, as soon as he became able, engaged in farming on the old homestead, buying it from his father. It consists of 160 acres of fine land, lying on section 6, Fairfield Township, and section 31, Jackson Township, and is well adapted to general farming. Capt. Downing remained on this place, meeting with prosperity, until the fall of 1881, when he was appointed Deputy Sheriff. Renting his farm, our subject moved to Andrew the following January to enter upon the duties of his office. He has filled the position with signal ability, and given such general satisfaction throughout the county that he has been re-appointed four consecutive terms. Capt. Downing was married to Miss Cordelia Dunham, in Jackson Township, Aug. 5, 1860. She was born in Mercer County, Pa., Dec. 29, 1838, being the daughter of James and granddaughter of Azariah Dunham, the latter having been a farmer in Trumbull County, and serving in the War of 1812, although he was a Quaker. The ancestors of James Dunham came over in the "Mayflower." Her father was born in 1812, and in early life learned the trade of a tanner and shoemaker. In 1850 he removed with his family to Jackson County, Iowa, and buying 200 acres of wild land in Fairfield Township, began the constuction of a farm. He now owns 160 acres of land near Spragueville, on which he has made good improvements, and has a pleasant and valuable homestead. He is a man of sterling worth, has served as Justice of the Peace for more than thirty years, and has been several times elected Township Trustee. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and in religious views is a Baptist, being a member ! of the local church. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Budd. She was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1816, being a daugher of John and Eunice Budd. Mr. and Mrs. Dunham have a family of six children: John S., Martin, Cordelia, Daniel (deceased), J. Wilford, and Barker B. Three of the sons served in the late war - John was Lieutenant in the company raised by our subject; Martin enlisted in the Nebraska Cavalry, and fought Indians on the frontier; Daniel enlisted in the 5th Iowa Infantry in the spring of 1861, and lost his life in the siege of Vicksburg in July, 1863. Mrs. Downing was eleven years old when her parents came to Iowa, and well remembers the tedious three weeks journey made by teams. She was a fine scholar, and continued the advancement of her education until the age of fifteen years, and at that youthful age began teaching school, and continued in that profession until her marriage with our subject. She was a most successful teacher, and, after rem! oving to Andrew, Mrs. Downing again resumed teaching, and taught five years in this city, thus pleasantly devoting fourteen years of her life to educating the young. To her and her husband have been born six children - Cora A., Ione F., Zora L., Frances S., Francis J., and Myra E. Cora is the wife of A.P. Boyd, dealer in agricultural implements at Hurley, Dak. Ione, a graduate of the State Normal School at Cedar Falls, teaches in Dakota. Zora, formerly a teacher, is the wife of J.A. Scott, of the firm of Scott & Boyd, dealers in agricultural implements at Hurley, Dak. Capt. Downing is a man of influence, good judgement and excellent business capacity, and has served in various local offices, having been Township Trustee several years, and for a number of terms School Marshal. Socially, he is a member of Hermitage Lodge No. 298, A.F. & A.M., of which he has been Master; he also belongs to the R.M. Smith Post, G.A.R. at Andrew. In politics he is an honest Democrat, and has been a delegate to County and State Conventions, and has served on the grand jury. In religion both he and his estimable wife are member of the United Presbyterian Church, the latter being a member of the Ladies Missionary Society. Capt. and Mrs. Downing are held in high regard in social and literary circles, and their pleasant home is rendered very attractive to a large circle of friends by the genial hospitality of the host and hostess. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ THOMAS C. DOWLING, b. 23 Dec 1830 ~ Related Surnames - DILLON, CARR, SEYMOUR, HART Thirty-four years ago, in the fall of 1855, the subject of this notice came to this county, and entered 120 acres of land on section 11, in Brandon Township. It was covered with timber, and Mr. Dowling made it his first business to put up a log cabin for the shelter of his family. He then began felling the trees, and preparing the soil for cultivation. He battled with the various elements of pioneer life for a series of years, and in due time met with the usual reward of industry and perseverance. He later added nine and one-half acres, on section 2; whereon is his residence and the farm buildings, which are very neat and substantial structures. The dwelling, erected in 1885, is accounted one of the best in the township. In the building up of the homestead there has been exercised good taste and judgment, Mr. Dowling having planted shade and ornamental trees around his dwelling, together with an apple-orchard and the smaller fruit trees. For the last few years he has ! given considerable attention to stock-raising, and is in the enjoyment of a comfortable income. Our subject was born on the other side of the Atlantic, in County Meath, Ireland, seven miles from the city of Dublin, Dec. 23, 1830, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Dillon) Dowling. The father of our subject followed hotel-keeping and farming combined, in this native county of Meath, until 1853. He then emigrated to the United States, settling in Galena, Ill.; but being homesick for his native land, and preferring it to America, he returned in 1854, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1866. He had one brother, Thomas, who came to the United States, and died (unmarried) in Illinois. The mother of our subject accompanied her husband to the United States, and remained here, making her home with her children. Her decease took place at the home of her son Anthony, in Butler Township, this county, in 1872. The parental family consisted of the following children: Mary died after her marriage; Thomas C., our subject, was the second child; Margaret is the widow of John Carr, resides in Dubuque, and is the owner of a fine property; John, a bachelor, is a resident of Dubuque, and is also well-to-do; James is an extensive farmer, of Webster County, this State; Patrick resides in this county; Michael is Superintendent of a Western railroad, and makes his headquarters in Salt Lake City; Anthony is farming in Webster County. Our subject received a liberal education in his native land, and emigrated to America in 1848. He lived one year in New York City, and spent a year in a brick-yard on the Hudson River. Thence he emigrated to the pineries of Michigan, and sojourned not far from the city of Green Bay. In 1851 he reached Galena, Ill., walking most of the way to that point from Chicago. Later we find him in St. Paul, Minn.; and then in Chippewa Falls, Wis., where he remained one year. In 1852 he visited the South, and was a witness of the workings of slavery, to which he has always been bitterly opposed. In 1855 he came to this county, of which he has since been a resident. The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary V. Seymour, took place in Galena, April 11, 1854. This lady was born in August, 1829, in France, and is the daughter of Joseph and Emma Seymour, who were natives of France, and came to the United States about 1830, settling in St. Charles County, Mo. The parenly only lived a short time afterward, both dying in 1832. They left four children; little Mary being then but three years old. She was taken into the home of a family, with whom she remained until thirteen years old, and was then placed with the Catholic Sisters of Charity in St. Louis. From there, in 1849, she went to Galena, Ill., and resided with the family of Mr. Bradley, now Judge Bradley, of Chicago, until 1852. Afterward she lived for a time in Davenport, this State, then returned to Galena, where she met and married our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Dowling became the parents of three children, only two of whom are living - Mary and Emily. The latter is the wife of E.J. Hart, and lives in Jones County, Iowa; she has seven children, viz.: Joseph E., James T., Isadore M., Mary A., Emma J., John F., and Clement B. Mr. Dowling was one of the first Irish-born citizens to vote the Republican ticket in this county. In his journeyings through the South, whether he went in the interests of the underground railroad, he saw enough of the "peculiar institution" - slavery - to set his face resolutely against it and its workings, and he has the satisfaction of feeling that he assisted many a poor fugitive to freedom. He was reared in the doctrines of the Catholic Church, to which he still loyally adheres. In 1865 he visited the Pacific Coast, traveling through California and Oregon, and up the Rocky Mountains as far as British Columbia. He returned to Iowa satisfied that there was no more desirable section! of country for a permanent residence than the Hawkeye State. He has one of the most attractive homes in the township, and is numbered among its most highly esteemed citizens. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ HOOKER G. DORCHESTER, b. 9 Oct 1848 ~ Related Surnames - GROW, WARREN The history of the American people is a history of work, and those men only gain wealth and honor who appreciate this fact, and govern their lives accordingly. Many of the wealthiest men in our Western States are men who have become so only by the most careful use of all means to that end. Such a man is our subject, Hooker G. Dorchester, of the firm of Dorchester & Hughey, proprietors of the steam saw-mill of Bellevue, this county. Mr. Dorchester is a native of Jefferson County, N.Y., and was born Oct. 9, 1848. He was the son of Alfred T. and Susan A. (Grow) Dorchester. His parents were also both natives of New York State. The paternal ancestors of our subject were of English birth and parentage, and his paternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. "Dorchester Heights," of Revolutionary fame, was named after the Dorchester family. Our subject grew to the responsibilities of manhood in his native county and State, and received his preliminary eduction in the public schools there. He subsequently finished his education at a private school at Watertown, N.Y. In the spring of 1870 Hooker G. Dorchester came to Bellevue, this county, and for three years ran a steamboat between Bellevue and Galena, Ill. This boat was the "Belle of Bellevue," a small packet steamer, carrying freight and passengers. He then engaged in the produce business, in partnership with three other men, namely: A. Allen, L.B. Potter, and P. Shipler, the firm being known as Allen & Co., with headquarters at Bellevue. Their partnership was in existence about two years. In 1875, in company with A.J. Dorchester, our subject engaged in his present business. This partnership existed some nine years, and since its dissolution Mr. Dorchester has been in partnership with Mr. Hughey. They enjoy a large trade, and their sales amount to perhaps $50,000 per annum. Our subject was married Sept. 20, 1873, to Josie E. Warren, daughter of Corporal William A. Warren, now deceased, but a former resident of Bellevue. Of the children of this marriage three are now living - Ethel, Alfred W., and A.J. Mr. and Mrs. Dorchester take an active interest in the social life of their town. He has filled the position of Recorder in his village, and for several years has been a member of the School Board. He is a Republican in politics, being a strong supporter of that party, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity of Bellevue. Our subject came to Iowa virtually without means, and the wealth which he now possesses has been accumulated by careful and persistent efforts, and controlled by the strong will that overcame all obstacles. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ SAMUEL DONLY, b 10 Nov 1831 ~ Related Surnames - HOGE This gentleman is numbered among the noble veterans of the late Civil War, who fearlessly faced even death in its various forms on Southern battlefields, that they might preserve the Union, and it is largely due to their self-sacrifice and heroic conduct that the Stars and Stripes are waving today over an undivided country. Our subject won an honorable record as a brave and efficient soldier, faithful in every duty that he was called upon to perform, but while fighting his country's battles, he gave up for the honor of the old flag, that thing so precious in a man's life, his health, and ever since leaving the army, has been but a shattered wreck of his former self, an invalid, who for several years could not walk, and he has not been able to perform any manual labor. He is an esteemed citizen of Perry Township, where he has an interst in his father's estate. Mr. Donly comes of good Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, James Donly, a native of Adams County, Pa., having been a gallant soldier in that war. He was a farmer, and was also engaged in teaming and transporting goods. He eventually removed from his native county to Washington County, in the same State, and there passed his last years. He was a strong Whig, and in the Revolutionary times was bitterly opposed to the Tory element in the Colonies. His father, Henry Donley, great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Enneskillen, Ireland, and when fifteen years of age came to America in Colonial times, and locating in Pennsylvania later in life became a farmer in Adams County. John Donly, the father of our subject, was born in Adams County, Pa., in 1801, and after attaining manhood, he chose the calling of farmer, which he pursued in his native county, until his removal to Washington County in 1821. He rented land near Washington, and farmed until 1835, when he took up his abode in Mercer County. He was there extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising for many years. In the fall of 1865 he left Pennsylvania, having disposed of his property, and coming to Iowa, bought 100 acres of land in Perry Township, and carried on farming here from that time until his death, April 13, 1881. He thus rounded out an honorable, exemplary life of eighty years, wherein he had won the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. He was a stanch member of the United Presbyterian Church, and in his political views was a thorough Republican. His wife, whose maiden name was Lucinda Hoge, was born in Washington County, Pa., and died in Perry in 1873. Her father! , Prof. Mordecai Hoge, was a native of the same county as herself, and was of German antecedents. He was a graduate of Dickinson College, and was a well-known instuctor in his native State, spending his entire life in teaching. The marriage of the parents of our subject, was blessed to them by the birth of twelve children - William, Samuel, Rebecca, James, an infant unnamed; Sarah A., Calvin C., Mary J., Ellen M., Margaret, and Elizabeth (deceased); and George. James and Calvin were soldiers in the late war, James serving three years in the same regiment as our subject, and Calvin two years in the 134th Pennsylvania Infantry, in the nine-months' service, the balance of the time in the 6th Heavy Artillery. Samuel Donly, the subject of this brief biography, was born in Washington County, Pa., Nov. 10, 1831. His school advantages were limited, but he managed to pick up a good deal of information, being an intelligent, observing lad. He was reared on a farm, and was early set to work at such labors as are required of a farmer's boy. He learned the carpenter's trade, and continued to live with his parents, engaged in farming and carpentering until 1861. August 27, that year, he threw aside all personal aims to take part in the great Civil War then raging, and enlisted in Company B., 100th Pennsylvania Infantry, as a musician. He was sent with his regiment on the expedition to Port Royal, S.C., going by ocean steamer, and from that place he went to Newport News, Va., and joined the Army of the Potomac. He took part in the second battle of Bull Run, and in the battles of South Mountain, Antietem, and Fredericksburg. At the latter place he was transferred to the Western Army, ! and he and his comrades were sent to Vicksburg to re-enforce Grant, and they took part in the siege of that city, which surrendered July 4, 1863. Our subject was at the battle of Jackson, and was afterward put on the sick list, and sent to the hospital at Camp Dennison, Ohio. He subsequently joined the convalescent camp, at Hickman's Bridge, Ky., but left that department in the spring of 1864, to join the 9th corps of the Army of the Potomac. He fought in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and took an active part in the various skirmishes in which the army engaged, and crossing the James, was present at the siege of Petersburg. In September, 1864, after more than three years of valiant service, in which the hardships and bitter sufferings of a soldier's life in camp and field had made fearful and irremediable ravages on his constitution, he was honorably discharged from the army, and paid off at Pittsburg, Pa. For what he did and suffered in that! terrible conflict, he is today a pensioner. He was unable to walk for some twelve or fifteen years after leaving the service, and has never been able to perform any manual labor. In the fall of 1865 he came to Perry by rail from his native State, with his father, and has ever since been a resident here, living on his father's old homestead, of which he inherited a share. Notwithstanding his severe affliction, Mr. Donly bears himself with patience and fortitude, and his cheerful geniality have won him many friends in his community, where he has lived nearly a quarter of a century, and he has the respect of all loyal and patriotic citizens for his military record. Politically, he is identified with the Republican party, having joined it in his early days, and cast his vote for its first Presidential candidate, John C. Fremont, and he is as loyal to it as when he fought for its principles on Southern soil. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ ABRAM B. DOBSON, M.D. ~ Related Surnames - PALLY, FILMORE, SHELDON, WILLIAMS, MILLARD Abram B. Dobson, M.D., is a healing medium, whose wonderful cures have gained for him an almost world-wide reputation, and his practice extends not only throughout the United States, but to different European countries. He has a beautiful home in Maquoketa, and since taking up his residence here several years ago he has thoroughly identified himself with the interests of the city, and has been a prominent factor in promoting its growth. He was born in the Province of New Brunswhick, in the town of Bay DeVerte, British America, and is a son of George Dobson. His father was a native of Ireland, but was brought to America when quite young, and was reared in Bay DeVerte. He was there married to Lavina Pally, who was likewise of Irish birth. He continued to reside there until 1845, when he brought his family to the United States, taking passage on a sailing-vessel for Boston, and thence going by rail to Albany, from that city to Buffalo on the canal, from there by the Lakes ! to Southport (near Kenosha, Wis.), and thence by team to Winnebago County, Ill. He thus became an early settler of that part of the Prairie State, and buying a small farm he was identified with its agricultural interests for many years. The country round about was then very sparsely settled, and Racine and Milwaukee, seventy-five miles distant, were the nearest markets. He lived to see the county well developed and wealthy; his death occurring on the old homestead at the venerable age of eighty-six years: and there his wife also passed away, her life having been prolonged until she reached the remarkable age of ninety-one years. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity, as follows: John, Andrew, George, Ann, Betsy, Thomas, Samuel, Jane, Ruth, and Abram. The latter, the subject of this brief biography, was the youngest of the family, and was but ten years of age when he accompanied his parents to their pioneer home. He attended school in the primitive school-house of that day; and when but eight years old showed decided mediumistic power, and in 1853 he became a healing medium. He still has in his possession a testimonial give to him by the grateful parents of his first patient, testifying to the wonderful cure of their child. The father and mother, having been members of the Methodist Church, and strong in their religious belief, doubtless had but little faith in his powers. May 29, 1861, Dr. Dobson patriotically threw aside his professional duties to lend the strength of his manhood to his country for the defense of the dear old Stars and Stripes, and enlisted in Company I, 6th Missouri Infantry, and served with credit until June, 1864; and was then honorably discharged, as his term of enlistment has expired. After hi! s return to Illinois he was employed by the Government as Hospital Steward, at Devalls Bluff, for four months. He then took up arms again, enlisting in Hancock's Veteran Corps, and subsequently went to Washington, arriving there on the night of the 14th of April, 1865, and was in that city during the trial and execution of the conspirators who were responsible for the death of President Lincoln. Our subject received his last discharge from the army in April, 1866, having proved himself a brave and efficient soldier. He took part in many important engagements; was in the battles of Corinth, Arkansas Post; was at the siege and capture of Vicksburg, and at Champion Hills; in the battles of Jackson (Miss.), Missionary Ridge, and was with Sherman at Resaca, and in other battles from Chattanooga to Kenesaw Mountain. After leaving the army Dr. Dobson lived in Rockford, Ill., until 1869, and then went to Kansas, and took up his residence in Osage City, where he practiced his profession successfully until 1876. In that year he came to Maquoketa, where he has since resided, and has made himself a fine reputation as a physician, whose skill and power has been proven by the cures that he has performed in many serious cases. He is quite wealthy, and since coming to this city has acquired a good deal of property. He has built himself a handsome residence, on the corner of Pleasant and Eliza streets, and besides has built several other dwellings, and is now the owner of fifteen in this city. The doctor has been twice married. He was first wedded to Rebecca Filmore, a native of New Brunswick, and a daughter of John and Jane Filmore, their marriage taking place June 1, 1854. She died in 1866, leaving three children - Julian, Dora (wife of Newton Sheldon), and Frank. The doctor's second marriage, which took place in 1867, was to Miss Ellen Williams, a native of Union County, Pa., and a daugher of John and Mary Williams. Of this union three children have been born - Cora N., Alta, and Owen. Alta died at the age of twelve years. Mrs. Dobson's father is dead, and her mother is now the wife of J.K. Millard. The doctor is very public-spirited, and never hesitates to give material aid to all schemes looking toward the advancement of his adopted city. He is a man of marked force of character, generous and sympathetic, and gives liberally to charitable and benevolent objects. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

Hello all, I just found out that my Snover connection in Mukwonago, WI, also connects to Sabula, IA. I am interested in Mrs. John Snover who died in January 1894 and was buried alongside her husband, Judge Snover, in Sabula, IA. Does anyone have any info on this family? I have looked, but not been able to find any cemeteries in Sabbula. Can anyone help me with this? I found a site (findagrave.com) listing all cemeteries in Jackson County, but not which city they might be connected with. Thanks, Bobbie

~ ZACH DE GROAT, b. 20 Nov 1835 ~ Related Surnames - McNEIL, SWEET, BOONE, GILROY, NEWBERRY Zach De Groat, the gentleman who laid out the village of Preston, came to this county in 1856 when a young man of twenty years and settled in Buckeye, Van Buren Township. A native of Deerfield, Oneida Co., N.Y., the old home of Horatio Seymour, and the county in which Roscoe Conkling was born, our subject first opened his eys on the 20th of November, 1835. His first recollections are of the vicinity of Utica, and he remembers hearing, when a boy, Cassius M. Clay at Fulton. In the latter place our subject was then living with his older brother, Merrick, who had removed thither. He attended the public school, and at an early age gave evidence of a bright intellect. When seventeen yrars old he entered Whitestown Seminary, where he spent three winters and worked at home on the farm in the summer. At an oratorical contest, Feb. 17, 1858, he carried off the Freshman second prize in declamation. He at an early age conceived the idea of seeking the great West for his future home, and setting out with the blessing of his parents and $500 given him by his father, arrived in Floyd County, this State, in April, 1856, and purchased 160 acres of land at $2.50 per acre. The country being very wild and unsettled he came to Jackson County and established himself in Van Buren Township, which then contained about 100 voters. He had $1.50 in his pocket and engaged to work for Robert Hunter, a farmer, six months for $100. They harvested a big crop, and the ! winter following our subject taught school in a log school house. The next summer he engaged in the butchering business. In the fall, upon the death of his brother he returned to the old home in New York State, and Dec. 8, 1858, was married to Miss Minerva R. McNeil. The wife of our subject was the daughter of Miller and Rowena (Sweet) McNeil, who were natives of New York State, and the father of Scotch-Irish ancestry, closely allied to the nobility, who owned a large estate in Ireland. Mrs. De Groat was born on the McNeil homestead in the Mohawk Valley, Onondaga Co., N.Y. She was educated in Whitestown Seminary, and is a niece of Prof. Samuel (Niles) Sweet, who is well known to the bar of New York, not only as an attorney but as the author of a work on elocution which was published in 1850. In the fall of 1858 our subject returned with his young wife to this county and traded his land for the Buckeye farm. He engaged extensively in wheat growing and was prospered. About the time of the Civil War a company of thirty-five came in, Rebel sympathizers, and much hard feeling ensued, but Mr. De Groat stoutly maintained his Union sentiments. He finally engaged in stock-buying, was prospered, and in due time paid into the County Treasury the largest income tax of any man excepting Capt. Potter. In the meantime he added to his landed estate, and is now the owner of 1,200 acres, highly improved and lying in Van Buren Township. For a period of twelve years Mr. De Groat engaged extensively as a grain dealer, and for several years was the general agent of the Sabula Packing Company, purchasing stock throughout the State, and received for his services $300 per month besides expenses. He then embarked in the agricultural implement trade, and now handles the Walter A. Wood machinery. He is a man who enjoys the full confidence of the people, and was elected Supervisor, notwithstanding the fact of a Democratic majority, in 1876-77. Many times he has been solicited to accept other offices, but has invariably declined. He is particularly interested in the establishment and maintenance of schools, serving as a member of the Board, and has always shouldered his portion in the matters pertaining to the building up of the town. He donated two lots for the Catholic Church, and has put up eighteen houses in Preston. Mr. De Groat was born a Whig, and while his father in later years became a Democrat, together with his brothers, our subject joined the Republican party. The father, John De Groat, was born in Montgomery County, N.Y., in 1800, and the mother, formerly Rebecca Boone, was born in 1802 in Herkimer County, at a time when there were but three log houses upon the present site of Utica. The De Groats were of French origin, and the paternal great-grandfather of our subject, crossing the Atlantic, settled in New Jersey and served in the Revolutionary War. Grandfather Joseph De Groat located in Montgomery County, N.Y., and there probably spent his last days. John De Groat died in Oneida County, in 1874. The mother of our subject was his first wife, and they had seven children, five of whom lived to mature years: Merrick, Sophia, George who died in Hancock County, Ill., in October, 1857; Elizabeth and our subject, twins. Elizabeth is the wife of Thomas Gilroy and resides in Wo! odson County, Kan. The mother died when our subject was only three and one-half years old. By his second marriage John De Groat became the father of three more children, one of whom, Hattie, is the wife of Gen. Newberry, ex-Postmaster of Chicago. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)