~ JAMES A. CARSON ~ Related Surnames - MILLIGAN, MAYES, SMITH, BRANIGAR, BELL Among the members of the medical profession in the State of Iowa, no one is more deserving of the high reputation, that has been won by careful study and close attention to his duties, than the subject of this sketch. Though he entered upon his career as a physician somewhat later in life than is usual, the splended success that he has achieved has justified his adoption of the profession. He is a representative of the Homeopathic school of medicine, and a graudate of the Hahnemann Medical College. He opened an office in Maquoketa ten years ago, having previously been established elsewhere, and his practice has constantly increased each year until the number of his patients is unusually large. The doctor is a veteran of the late war, and has a brilliant military record of which he and his family may well be proud. Through valor and efficiency on the battlefield he received merited promotion through the various grades from sergeant to 1st lieutenant, and during the latte! r part of the war for nearly two years served as aide-de-camp on the staff of Gen. Mason of Ohio. The doctor was born in Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio. His father, William Carson, was born in the same county, Jan. 9, 1817, being a son of one of its pioneers, James Carson, who was a native of Ireland. The grandfather of our subject came to America with his parents, who settled in Pennsylvania, on the site of Allegheny City, being among its first settlers. The grandfather grew to manhood and married near that place, to a Miss Milligan, a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They moved to Ohio, and cast in their lot with the early pioneers of Jefferson County. He bought a large tract of timbered land, cleared a farm from the primeval forest which remained his home forty-five years, his death occuring there at the ripe old age of ninety-seven years. His wife died in the old homestead, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. The father of our subject was reared amid the pioneer surroundings of his early home, and after his marriage in Harrison, the adjoining county, returned to Jefferson County, purchased land, and cleared a farm from the wilderness. He resided on it some years, and then removed to Guernsey County, Ohio, and bought an improved farm of 120 acres. In 1870, he disposed of that place at a good advance, and coming to Iowa, settled in De Witt, and is still an honored resident of that town. He is seventy-two years of age, and his life record presents no blemish, and shows him to be a man of high personal worth. His beloved wife and companion still lives to share his home and fortune. Her maiden name was Eliza Mayes, and she is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, her birth occuring June 6, 1816. This worthy couple are the parents of five children - the subject of this sketch; Joseph, who lives in Allegheny Co., Pa.; Thomas, residing in Lincoln, Neb.; John, living in De Witt; Sar! ah I., wife of Thomas Smith, who lives near Wall Lake, Iowa. He of whom we write gleaned his early education in the district schools, and subsequently entered Madison College, from which institution he was graduated in the Class of 1859. After leaving college he taught school two winter terms, and the remainder of the time was variously engaged until 1862. In the meantime he had watched with deep interest the great struggle going on between the North and the South, and in April of that year he determined to go to the front and aid his fellowmen in saving the honor of the old flag. He enrolled his name among the members of Company I, 97th Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in the first day as Sergeant of his company. Three months later he was promoted to be Orderly Sergeant, his ability as a soldier and his courage in action receiving other recognitions, and four months later he was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, by Gov. Todd, and transferred to Company D. Early in 1863 he was commissioned First Lieutenant, by Gov. Brough! , and was transferred to Company A. In September, 1863, Gen. Mason, of Ohio, who had watched his course with satisfaction, chose our subject as a member of his staff, and he remained his aide-de-camp until after the close of the war, receiving his discharge from the army in July, 1865. During his honorable term of service, Lieutenant Carson took an active part in thirty-one engagements. His first actual service was in the Valley of the Shenandoah, and he was present at three battles fought there - Winchester, New Creek, and Charleston. The 97th Ohio Infantry made a brilliant record in the war, and among the engagements in which it participated were the following: Covington Heights, Beardstown, Ky.; Perryville, Ky.; Lavergue; Stone River, Jan. 1, 1863; Murfreesboro; Nolensville expedition; Chattanooga expedition, on September 9, 1863. It was the first Federal Regiment that entered the city, and while on duty in Chattanooga the battle of Chicamauga was fought. There General Grant took command, the 97th being under Sheridan. It marched up to Bragg's headquarters, routing the enemy with great slaughter, and went from there to the relief of Knoxville - at least those who were able to go after their terrible sufferings. Then at Charleston, on the Hia! wassee, it had a battle that lasted two hours with Wheeler's Cavalry; in this it came off triumphant. Then they went to Strawberry Plains, and from there to Danbridge, where they had a short engagement with Longstreet. Then they retraced their steps by way of Strawberry Plains and Knoxville to Charleston, to prepare for the Atlanta campaign. At Rockyface, Resaca, Dallas, Kingston and Henesaw 140 men were lost. From Peachtree Creek the regiment marched to Atlanta, then to Chattanooga, afterwards to Pulaski, and from there to Columbia, then to Franklin, which was twelve miles from Nashville. At Franklin there was a battle, which lasted six hours, and was the fiercest and most terrible of the whole war. In this battle 113 were killed and 500 were wounded. After this dreadful battle the remainder of the regiment proceeded to Nashville. The regiment was under fire 225 days, from the first to last; and when mustered out, there only remained seventeen of the original company of which our subject was a member. After his discharge, Dr. Carson returned to Guernsey County, and the following winter taught school. In April, 1866, his marriage with Miss Sarah Branigar was consummated, and they began their wedded life in Allegheny City, Pa., where the doctor had been offered a situation with the Adams Express Co. He retained his office till 1868, when he came with his family to De Witt, Iowa. He was employed at the carpenter's trade in that town a year, and then removed to Benton County, and turned his attention to farming. The season was very unfavorable for the crops, and his venture as an agriculturist was not a success. He then took up his residence in Shellsburg, where he was engaged as a clerk in a store until 1871. We next hear of him in Waterloo, acting as clerk for G. W. Gilbert, in his dry goods store. A man of studious habits, and well educated, Dr. Carson had always had a decided inclination for a professional life, and at the end of three years he gave up his position in Mr. Gilbert's establishment, and returned to De Witt to open the way to put his cherished ambition into execution by commencing the study of medicine with Dr. Wagner. In 1876 and in 1879, he attended medical lectures at the Hahnemann Medical College, and received his diploma from there in 1881. From 1877 to 1879, he had practiced in Grand Mound with good success, and in 1879 came to Maquoketa and opened an office here, and has ever since been numbered among the most practical and skilled physicians of the city. In his noble wife our subject possesses a true companion and heart friend, who, by her steadfast confidence in his ability and constant encouragement, has done much to make his life a success. She is a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, and a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Bell) Branigar, natives of Pennsylvania. To the doctor and his wife have been born six children, namely: William A., Frank C., Louis B., Flora B., James A., and Mabel N. Dr. Carson is prominently connected with various medical and social organizations. He is Chairman for the year 1889, of the Bureau of Clinical Medicine in the Iowa State Medical Society; he belongs to the Rock River Medical Institute; he is a member of Peerless Lodge No. 60, K. P.; and of the Uniform Rank, and Jackson Lodge No. 33, I.O.O.F.; is connected with the M.W.A., Camp No. 161; and is identified with the Covenant Mutual Aid Society of Galesburg, and the Penn Mutual Society of Philadelphia. He and his wife are numbered among the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The doctor is a man whose character invites confidence and insures respect, and he occupies a warm place in the hearts of many whose sufferings he has relieved, or whose friendship he has gained otherwise. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ CHARLES W. COTTON, b. 4 Oct 1829 ~ Related Surnames - HAYES Charles W. Cotton, the subject of this sketch, now deceased, was one of the pioneers of Sabula, and in an early day one of the most widely known business men in the locality. He was born at Baldwinsville, Onondago Co., N.Y., Oct. 4, 1829. In early life he learned the trade of a butcher, working with his father. This trade, together with the varied life of a canal-boatman, occupied his time until he was twenty-three years of age, when the push and energy within him caused him to turn his face toward the then undeveloped West. Collecting his father's family, (the father being dead) consisting of a mother, two sisters, and a younger brother, he started for Iowa, reaching Sabula on the 19th of June, 1852. He first located in Iowa Township, at Sterling, and in the fall of the same year entered 160 acres of Government land near that place. He resided at Sterling, running a hotel and meat market, until the fall of 1854, when he removed to Sabula, and opened a hotel and livery! stable. In the fall of 1855 he quit the hotel business, and opened a meat-market, which business he followed in that city until the time of his death, and was generally known as the "pioneer butcher." On the 24th of December, 1857, Mr. Cotton was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Hayes, at Sabula. The bride was the daughter of John and Frances Hayes, both of whom were pioneers, and now deceased. She was born in Jo Daviess County, Ill, June 23, 1840. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Cotton consisted of nine children, six of whom are still living, namely: Charles B.; Jennie (now Mrs. Thomas Lambert); John M., Ida M., Joseph D., and Lizzie. In all business affairs Mr. Cotton was a man of unusual energy and push, and could always be found identified with every move looking toward the advancement of the town in which he lived. Of a kind and sympathetic nature, he was a liberal giver, and no worthy person was ever turned away unassisted by him. Jovial and light-hearted, he was a man familiarly known and universally popular among his fellow-men. Politically, he was a Republican, but was never inclined to be an office-holder. He was not identified with any church organization, but was a liberal giver to religious institutions. He passed quietly to rest after a long and painful illness, on the 16th of August, 1881. In his death his family lost an affectionate husband and father, and the community a valuable member of society. ("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: Luhmann, Heinz,Heins,Carter, Nahnsen,Carstensen,Luhmann, Luhman, Schmidt, Wolter,Warner,Stolley,Dean,Gaines,Kanning,Warnecke, Seil,Schenck, Malone, Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/5k.2ADE/491.846 Message Board Post: hi, I would like to know if you could possibly have these names lurking ammong the ancestors. Behrens, Schultze and Rappaul. I had been told that our Meyer has some Gunther. but that doesn't mean much. My Fred Meyer went to iowa probably after working at illnois. I haven't found who sponsered him to come to america. But he did get married in your county to a Maria Dorothea Schenck. Evidently the Schenks had been there for a long time. Then he moved on to Calhoun and Greene county. I wonder did they ever say that they had other meyers in other counties in iowa. Could he have been a brother to a Juergen Friedrich b. 1814 and to Johann Juergen Meyer born 15.12.1806. And the birth date of 3.10.1817. I was given some lookup information, by a person who went in to look it up at the village archives... I had a mistake I thought and accidently at times put this info as the birth date of Friedrich or Friederick Meyer. The one married in that county. The info was Heinrich Meyer.born 1819. A mistake or possibly a brother. I hope to get naturalization papers. Came about 1868. Maybe i can learn more. These brothers were born Eichdorf and lived Neetzendorf area. Dahlenburg. That is Luneburg Heide area. by elbe river. Other meyers married surnames mentioned above. Fred married the Katherina Margaretha Luhmann and other names of the in-laws from that are Schlaphof, Pagel, Schulz,Ries, Bartels,Seil,Gehrke,Reinecke, Meier,Wolter, Mueller, Brase. Could this be possible?

Thanks for your replies, Nancy. I do know where Springbrook is located but wondered why it's not on the Jackson County census microfilm. Any ideas, anyone? As for St Mary's, your reply explains why I can't find it on a map. It's a real mystery, then, why my great grandfather, Kaspar Merz, indicated that as his destination when they came from Germany in 1893! Thanks again. Elaine Kamloops, BC ----- Original Message ----- From: "John & Nancy Malmquist" <leaguepm@wccta.net> To: <IAJACKSO-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 9:50 AM Subject: Re: [IAJACKSO] Springbrook > Elaine, > I missed your request about Saint Marys in Linn County. > It was located in Franklin Twp in the SE corner of Linn County. The post > office was established in 1849 and discontinued in 1859. > This may not have been actual town, but just a post office where the > settlers in the area could retrieve their letters. > > This area today is most likely part of Mount Vernon, which is a good sized > town. > Nancy

~ JOHN C. CAMPBELL, b. 4 Jun 1850 ~ Related Surnames - HUTCHINS, SLATTERY Of the residents of Jackson County there are many of foreign birth, and many others of foreign parentage. To the latter class belongs the man whose name heads this sketch. Inheriting the quick perceptions of both Scottish and Irish ancestry, he has added to them his own strong personality and the solid sense of a native American, thus making a man whose influence is widely felt and recognized. John C. Campbell, Attorney-at-Law of Bellevue, is a native of this county, and was born June 4, 1850. He is the son of Hugh and Margaret Campbell. The father is a native of Scotland and the mother of Nova Scotia, both being of Irish descent. The father emigrated to America in 1840, and made a short visit to Jackson County in 1843. He was so much impressed with the beauty of the country that he returned in 1848, and settled on section 19, Bellevue Township. Here he took up more than 218 acres of land, 160 acres as claim, and purchased the rest at $1.25 per acre. He resided on his farm some time after purchasing. Among the old settlers of Bellevue Township no one is more highly esteemed than this man. The father of our subject sold his farm in Bellevue Township and removed to Richland Township, and from there returned to Bellevue City. His wife died Feb. 26, 1875. Of the large family of children born to the parents of our subject, five are living. John C., our subject, is the eldest; Edwin; Mary, wife of Richard Hutchins, of Minneapolis, Minn.; James F., of Bellevue, and Robert R., of San Francisco, Cal. Our subject received his early education in the public schools of Richland Township, and taught two terms of school before going to college, which he entered at the age of nineteen. He spent three terms at St. John's College, at Prairie du Chien, Wis., then entered the office of D. A. Wynkoop, of Bellevue (now of Maquoketa), and for two years studied law with him. He was admitted to the Bar in 1878, and in the same year opened the office in which he now practices, and has so far been engaged in business for himself. John C. Campbell was united in marriage May 15, 1879, with Miss Catherine Slattery, daughter of Michael Slattery, of Galena, Jo Daviess Co., Ill. They were blest with two daughters, Margaret and Mary, the later dying Nov. 2, 1888, at the age of seven years. In the fall of 1883 he was candidate on the Republican ticket for the Legislature from Jackson County, but was defeated by his opponent, John Mandersheid, by about 200 votes, the Democrats having over 1,200 majority in the county. He has served several terms as Justice of the Peace. Politically, a Republican, he has done all in his power to build up the interests of his county. He is also in connection with the Roman Catholic Church. Our subject is also extensively engaged in manufacturing creamery and dairy supplies, in company with W. M. Haney, under the firm name of Haney & Campbell. They give employment to about fifteen workmen the year round. The plant was established in 1881, and Mr. Campbell and his partner have been engaged in the business since that date. Their sales annually amount to thousands of dollars, and their goods are retailed not only in Iowa, but throughout the entire United States. Among the manufactures of Haney & Campbell there is one deserving of special mention. Haney's Patent Milk Can is a decided improvement on previous articles of the kind, and has a large and growing sale. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ N. B. BUTTERWORTH, b. 4 Jan 1830 ~ Related Surnames - BOOMER, SNYDER, VAN METER, N.B. Butterworth represents the early settles of Perry Township he having accompanied his parents, who were pioneers of Jackson County, to this place in the spring of 1838, when he was not quite nine years of age, and, aside from some members of his family, he is the only one now living here who came at that early period. He is a man of wealth and influence in this community, where he owns much valuable property, including a fine farm on sections 22 and 23, besides owning three blocks of houses, a hotel and livery stable, and a residence in Andrew. The father of our subject, Nathaniel Butterworth, during his life was a man of much prominence in these parts, conspicuous in public life, in business circles and in politics, and also quite a large land-owner and an extensive farmer. He was born, May 15, 1800, in Bellingham, Norfolk Co., Mass. His father, Otis Butterworth, was a native of Massachusetts, and was for many years a manufacturer of cloth in Milford, Mass. He served in the War of 1812, and finally died in the afore-mentioned town. His father was of foreign birth. The father of our subject was early sent to the public schools in Orange, Franklin Co., Mass., and being a close student and a great reader he secured an education, and became well informed. When a boy he went to Fall River, as an operator in one of the mills owned by Claflin & Co., and for his attentiveness to his work and faithful service, was promoted step by step, to the position of overseer of the mill. He was married, in 1827, to Sarah Boome! r, a native of that city, born April 13, 1801. Her father, Nathaniel Boomer, was a farmer by occupation, and was born and died in Fall River. His father was of English birth, and located in Massachusetts during the last century. In 1829 Mr. Butterworth left Fall River with his family and moved to Mina, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., where he bought 160 acres of land from the Holland Purchase Co. He became an early settler in Mina, and engaged in farming. In 1837 he made a pedestrian tour to this part of the country, and bought a claim to 160 acres of land near what is now Andrew. In the spring of 1838 he sold his property in New York, and returned with his family by boat on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Bellevue, and thence by team to their destination near Andrew, they being among the first settles of that locality. The country round about being in its primitive condition plenty of wild game abounded, and the father amused himself hunting and trapping, making a grateful addition to the somewhat limited bill of fare, while at the same time he disposed of the furs at Galena. He busied himself in preparing his land for cultivation, improved it, and erected a substantial set of buildings, and was so p! rospered in his work that he was enabled to purchase more land, until he became the possessor of 600 acres of valuable farming land. He was the first Postmaster of Perry Township, on the old stage road between Dubuque and Davenport, and he also ran a hotel for years. He was County Treasurer at one time, and Justice of the Peace for years, and was an active Democratic politician. In 1850 he went to California with our subject, remaining one year, and then his health being greatly improved, he returned home by the way of Panama and New Orleans. After that he continued to reside on the farm until his death Oct. 15, 1881. His devoted wife had preceded him to rest, dying Aug. 24, 1876. Eight children were born of their marriage: Laura A., deceased; N.B.; Sarah J., deceased; W.C. occupies the old homestead; Lydia M., Otis P. and Augustus are all deceased; Laurane resides in Andrew. The subject of this biography was born in Mina, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., Jan. 4, 1830. His early life was passed on his father's farm in his native town, and there he received the rudiments of his education in a public school. He was eight years old when his parents came to Perry, and there were no schools here in this then recently settled country. He was but nine years old when he began driving and breaking cattle and horses, and followed that exciting work for years. Abundance of deer and other wild game incited him to partake of the pleasures of the chase. He remained at home until he was twenty years old, and in the spring of 1850 he started with his father to cross the plains with teams, taking the North Platte route. They arrived in Placerville in July, and engaged in mining in that place, and then on the south fork of the American River. They were materially improved, both in health and fortune. In 1851, pocketing their gains, they returned home by the way of Pa! nama and New Orleans, thence to St. Louis, and from there by stage to Andrew. After his return our subject resumed farming, and removing to Guthrie County, in this State, became an early settler there. He bought 160 acres of wild land, began its improvement, remained there one year, and then returning to this county bought 200 acres of land near the old homestead in Perry Township. He improved it, and continued to manage it until 1872, when he rented his farm, and removing to Andrew bought a hotel and livery stable, which he took charge of until 1883, then returned to his homestead, having rented his hotel and livery stable. Mr. Butterworth was married, in Bellevue, June 17, 1855, to Miss Margaret Snyder, and their pleasant wedded life has been blessed to them by the birth of four children: Nathaniel E., Alfred S., Willis F. and Wales, twins; the latter dying at the age of ten years. Nathaniel, who is married and has his home in Maquoketa, is traveling in the interests of Clement and Sayre, Chicago, Ill. Alfred S., married and living in Maquoketa, is a confectioner, and a retail and wholesale dealer in tobacco. Willis is a student under Dr. Loose, at the pharmacy at Maquoketa. Mrs. Butterworth was born in Hebron, Ohio, July 23, 1834, to Alfred and Mary (VanMeter) Snyder. Her father was born in Maryland Jan. 15, 1800. His father, Michael Snyder, a native of Germany, came to America sometime during the last century, and located in Maryland, where he was engaged as a miller. He spent his last days in Ohio. The father of our subject was a wagon-maker, and worked at his trade at different places in Ohio. In 1847 he came with his family to Iowa, traveling by wagon to Cincinnati, thence by the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Rock Island, and from that point overland to his new home in Andrew. He engaged in wagon and carriage making at first, and later turned his attention to farming, buying eighty acres of land, which he cultivated a few years, and then resumed his former business in Andrew, where he resided until his death in October, 1863. He was a strong Democrat, a good man of business, and well thought of in his community. The mother of our s! ubject was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1809. Her father, Col. John Van Meter, a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., was an early settler of Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farming. He took an active part in the War of 1812; was Colonel of George Sanderson's company of Ohio Volunteers, under Gen. Hull, and was present at the engagement at Ft. Malden and the surrender of Detroit. He died, Sept. 26, 1841, at the age of sixty-five years. His father was a native of Holland. Mrs. Butterworth's mother died in Lancaster, Ohio, in 1839, leaving four children; Mary. E., living in Andrew; Margaret, our subject's wife; Thomas, now deceased; Lavonia, living in Hopkinton, Delaware Co., Iowa. Mrs. Butterworth was thirteen years old when she accompanied her father to his pioneer home in Andrew. She received the advantages of a good education, and for a period of six years was a very successful teacher, being engaged one year as assistant teacher at the ! Normal School. Mr. Butterworth is one of the leaders of the Democracy in this part of Iowa, and is a member of the Democratic Central Committee. He has served on both the Grand and Petit Jury. Our subject has been prominent in the administration of local affairs, has been a member of the School Board, and held other local offices, and while a resident of Andrew was Mayor of the city one term. He is a man of good parts, is well endowed physically and mentally, and his reputation for truth and honor is of the highest. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

Elaine, I missed your request about Saint Marys in Linn County. It was located in Franklin Twp in the SE corner of Linn County. The post office was established in 1849 and discontinued in 1859. This may not have been actual town, but just a post office where the settlers in the area could retrieve their letters. This area today is most likely part of Mount Vernon, which is a good sized town. Nancy

Elaine, My husband has a book concerning former post offices in Iowa. Jackson County has Springbrook given as a 2-word name, Spring Brook. It was established in in 1846 and is still a town (spelling Springbrook) in Jackson County today. On the Iowa map it is located SW of Bellevue. The info I have shows Springbrook located in Jackson Twp. Nancy

~ SUSAN A. BARNHART BUTTERWORTH ~ Related Surnames - REED, HORN, BOOMER, GALLAGHER Mrs. Susan A. Butterworth, residing in Maquoketa, the daughter of a pioneer merchant of Jackson County, is the widow of the well-known Otis P. Butterworth. He was for many years actively identified with various intersts in this his native county, and in his death it sustained the loss of a useful, enterprising citizen, who had labored to further its financial prosperity. Mrs. Butterworth was born in Mercer County, Pa., and is a daughter of Henry Barnhart, a native of Bucks County, Pa., and at one time a resident of this county. His father was born in the same State as himself, and was of German ancestry. Mrs. Butterworth's father was reared and married in Bucks County, Hannah Reed, likewise a native of the Keystone State, becoming his wife. After marriage he removed to Mercer County, and established himself in the mercantile business in Clarkesville, and had a branch store in Greenville, in after years his son managing that. He continued to reside in Pennsylvania until 1855, when he came to Iowa, starting with teams, and making the greater part of the journey in that manner. After his arrival he located in Andrew, and opened a store and engaged in the mercantile business. There were no railways at that time this side of the Mississippi, and he had to team all his goods from the river towns. Three years later he settled up his affairs ! in Andrew, and going to Missouri, after staying a few months in the village of Kirksville, Adair County, he bought a farm in that vicinity, and engaged in farming and stock-raising and dealing in stock until his death, accumulating in the meantime by shrewd dealings, industry and good management, a goodly amount of property. To him and his wife were born ten children. Matilda married John Horn, and they settled in Missouri, and were living there when the late war broke out. Mr. Horn served in the Union army, and after the war was robbed and murdered in Western Iowa. Henry went across the plains in 1849 to California, having chopped wood to earn the money to buy the oxen with which he made the trip. He has been very fortunate, and is now a millionaire. Isaac settled in Andrew, and later in Adair County, Mo.; John settled in the same county; Mary married and settled in Pennsylvania, and later in Kirkville, Mo.; Samuel and Abraham settled in Adair County, Mo.; James i! s a resident of Kansas. The subject of this sketch was carefully reared by a thoughtful, wise mother to a useful, practical womanhood, and was thus fitted for the duties that devolved upon her in her married life. She was in her sixteenth year when she accompanied her parents to Iowa, and she made her home with them here and in Missouri until she was married March 22, 1860, to Otis P. Butterworth. Mr. Butterworth was born Nov. 7, 1838, in the town of Andrew, this county, and is recorded in the county history as the first white child born in that place. His father, Nathaniel Butterworth, was born in Bellingham, Norfolk Co., Mass., May 15, 1800. He was educated at Franklin, Mass., and in 1829 he emigrated to Chautauqua County, N.Y., and settled in the town of Mina. He was a resident of that place until 1838. The year before he had come to the Far West, as this part of the country was then considered, and had visited that part of the Territory of Wisconsin known as Iowa, making the entire journe! y hither, and his subsequent return to New York, on foot. He bought a claim to a tract of land near Andrew, and then, retracing his steps eastward, in 1838 he returned to this region with his family. He settled on his claim, and was a resident of Jackson Country from that time until his death. Politically, he was a Democrat, and a firm believer of its principles as expounded by Jefferson. He was a prominent and influential citizen of this section of Iowa. He was the first Postmaster of Andrew, and, besides filling various local offices of trust, served as Treasurer of Jackson County. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Boomer. She was a native of Troy, Mass., and died Aug. 12, 1876. Otis Butterworth received his early education in the village schools of his native town, and afterward became a student at the State Normal School in Andrew. After his marriage he engaged in farming nine years, and then kept a hotel at Andrew four years. His next venture was to open a hotel in Delmar, a village that had but just been started in Clinton County. He managed that hotel a year, and at the expiration of that time sold it, and, returning to Andrew, established himself in the mercantile business, which he carried on very successfully until his busy career was brought to an untimely close by death, Feb. 12, 1992, while he was still seemingly in the very prime of life. His death was regarded as a public loss, and many mourned it sincerely besides his family, to whom he had been a devoted husband and a tender father. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the A.O.U.W., and in politics followed in the footsteps of his sire and advocated the policy of the ! Democratic party. He filled various local offices of trust solely through merit, and maintained a high position in social and public life by strict attention to the highest principles of morality, honesty and integrity. Of his pleasant wedded life with our subject four children were born - Henry C., Wales Clinton, Mary Ellen, and Laura E. Mary married Charles Gallagher, and they have one child, Charles Clinton. Mrs. Butterworth continued to reside in Andrew, after her husband's death, until 1885. In that year she bought her present home in Maquoketa, and has been a respected resident of that city ever since. She possesses to a large degree those personal attributes that mark a true womanly woman. She is charitable towards the needy, and her neighbors find her to be friendly and obliging. In her married life she was all to her husband that a cheerful, helpful, capable woman can be, and to her children she has been the best of mothers. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)

~ GEORGE BRYANT, b. 8 Feb 1822 ~ Related Surnames - BEARD, GANE, FITZGERALD, WYANT, SEEMANN, CORLIS In the subject of this sketch is represented one of the most successful and prominent citizens of Iowa Township. He began life at the foot of the ladder without other resources than his own resolution and energy, and is now the owner of a fine property including one of the best farms in this region, which, with its buildings and appurtenances, comprises a very desirable and attractive home. The phenomenal success of Mr. Bryant has never made him proud or arrogant; on the contrary he is one of the most modest, public-spirited and liberal-minded men of his time, taking an interest in everything calculated to benefit the people around him, and uniformly willing to contribute of his time and means to bring about this result. He is a pronounced Republican politically; one of the most active members of his party in this section, taking a lively interest in its success. A scion of excellent English stock, our subject was born in Somersetshire, Feb. 8, 1822, and is the son of Joseph and Phyllis (Beard) Bryant, natives of the same shire as their son, and whose family consisted of thirteen children. Of these but five are living, namely: Ann, Eliza, Edwin, William, and George of this sketch. The others are located chiefly in Jackson County. The parents are deceased. Mr. Bryant received a practical education in the common schools of his native place, and upon approaching manhood occupied himself mostly with farming. He sojourned in Somersetshire until twenty-eight years of age, and then resolved to seek his fortune on another continent. Taking passage at Bristol, in the spring of 1850, he landed in New York after a voyage of thirty days, and soon thereafter proceeded directly westward to this county, taking up his abode in Iowa Township, of which he has since been a resident. The country along the southern line of this county thirty-nine years ago bore a wide contrast to its present position, and was very much less thickly settled than now. Young Bryant came hither without capital, neither did he afterward receive any financial assistance from anyone. He occupied himself first as a farmer, and in 1851 made his first purchase of land. He labored early and late in the improvement of his property, and in the course of time found himself upon solid ground. He is now the owner of 400 broad acres, a large proportion of which is operated by renters, but he has reserved enough for himself to allow him to carry on his favorite industry as a stock-dealer. He has not devoted all of his time to the getting of gain but has spent time and means in beneficial travel, availing himself of every opportunity to see something of the world and acquire useful information. He visited the Centennial exposition at Philadelphia in 1876, and that same year extended h! is travels across the Atlantic to his old home in England, where he was welcomed by the friends of his boyhood and where he spent a few weeks in a very pleasant manner. Upon becoming a naturalized citizen he identified himself with the Republican party, casting his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont. He has officiated as School Director, Township Trustee and Pathmaster. He and the surviving members of the family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Sterling. Prior to leaving England Mr. Bryant was married, April 14, 1846, to one of the most estimable young ladies of his acquaintance, Miss Elizabeth Gane, who was born not far from the childhood home of her husband. This pleasant and congenial union resulted in the birth of nine children, five of whom are living, namely: Jehu, James, Joseph, Anna and Faith E. Jehu married Miss Matilda Fitzgerald, and is the father of seven children - Cora A., Elmer G., Jessie L., Edith M., Ella D., Geneva I., and Calvin J., and is farming in Iowa Township; James, also a resident of this township, married Miss Nancy Wyant, and they have five children - George A., D. Franklin, John B., Lucy B. and R. Violet; Anna is the wife of Henry Seemann; they have no children, and remain at the homestead with Mr. Bryant. Faith is the wife of Charles Corlis, of Sterling, and the mother of two children - Lyda E. and an infant daughter unnamed; Joseph married Miss Roxa Corlis, lives in Iowa Township, an! d has three children - Elizabeth T., George L., and Harvey J. The deceased children were: Eliza, Mrs. Wyant, Albert, Wesley and Emma. Mrs. Elizabeth (Gane) Bryant departed this life at the homestead in Iowa Township, Jan. 7, 1889, at the age of seventy years. She was a consistent Christian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a woman possessing all the womanly virtues. She was a faithful and devoted wife and mother, and her name is held in tender remembrance by her family and a large circle of friends and acquaintances. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ CALVIN BREEDEN, b. 29 May 1830 ~ Related Surnames - HARRIS, MARTIN, WILSON Calvin Breeden, one of the earliest pioneers of this county, and a Union soldier during the late war, was born May 29, 1830, in Edgar County, Ill., and is the son of Richard and Lucretia (Harris) Breeden, who were both born and reared near Louisville, Ky., and were of Irish and Scotch ancestry. The parents were married in Kentucky, and removed to Monroe County, Ind., where the father opened up a farm from the heavy timber. Later he removed to Putnam County, Ind., and improved another farm, after which he changed his residence to Edgar County, Ill., building up there also a new farm. In 1838 he came to this county, settling in Farmers' Creek Township, being the fourth man to locate here. He made the journey overland by wagon, and drove his livestock. The nearest market was at Galena, and the nearest mill six miles north of Dubuque. The Indians had not yet left the country. In Farmers' Creek Township the Breeden family settled on section 15, where they lived many years, then removed across the Maquoketa River. The father died in 1870, and the mother in 1872, each aged eighty-three years. Most of their lives had been spent on the frontier. They had fourteen children, thirteen of whom lived to mature years, and six are still living. Calvin Breeden was married, in September, 1853, to Miss Adelia, daughter of Jacob and Susan Martin. Prior to this, however, he had, in 1850, crossed the plains with a wagon train to California, where he engaged in mining until the year of his marriage. His sister Jane is still living in California. Mr. Breeden, after his return to Iowa and his marriage, engaged in farming, which he prosecuted until 1860. He then visited Pike's Peak, but returned in a few months, and in the spring of 1862, enlisted in Company B, 26th Iowa Infantry. He was first appointed Sergeant and then promoted to Lieutenant, and commanded the company at the battle of Arkansas Post. He was thereafter in many of the important battles of the war, and at Greenville suffered a broken leg. He also had the smallpox, and his constitution generally was undermined by exposure and illness, but notwithstanding this he is a man much younger looking than many of his age. Mr. Breeden is the owner of a fine farm of eighty-four acres, well improved, and lying on section 22. His children are: Frances M.; Otto N.; Rosa M., (Mrs. Frank Wilson) of Butler County, this State; and Daisy N. One child, Eva, died at the age of six months. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ ELISHA BRADLEY, b. 4 May 1831 ~ Related Surnames - RODGERS, KINGSLEY, BUTTOLPH, SHARP, WRIGHT, BRINK, CURRY Elisha Bradley, of whom we write, is a resident of section 34, Monmouth Township, where he settled when he first came to this county, in September, 1865. Mr. Bradley was born in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., May 4, 1831. He is the son of Samuel and Phoebe (Rodgers) Bradley; the father was born in Chittenden County, Vt., and the mother in St. Lawrence County, N.Y. The grandfather of our subject, Elisha Bradley, Sr., born in England, came with two brothers to the United States and settled in New England. He was a farmer and resided in Vermont, where, after a well-spent life of ninety years his death occurred. He at one time served in the Revolutionary War. There were ten children in this family, viz.: Statira, Sylvester, Peleg, Truman, Samuel, Russell, Rachel, Lovella, Marie, and Lucius. Samuel, the father of our subject, was born in 1794, and married Phoebe Rodgers in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., and there passed his remaining years, being engaged in agricultural pursuits. He made his home in a timbered country. Samuel Bradley was a Universalist in religious belief, and was a strong supporter of that denomination. He lived to the age of eighty-six years. His wife died when but forty-six years of age. They had become the parents of five children, only three of whom grew to maturity. James, now a resident of Woodbury County, Iowa; Asenath, wife of Harmon Kingsley, living in St. Lawrence County, N.Y.; and Elisha, the subject of this sketch. Elisha grew to manhood in his native county, and in 1861 was married to Alice Buttolph. She was born in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., March 10, 1842, and is the daughter of John and Jane (Sharp) Buttolph. John Buttolph, the father of Mrs. Bradley, was born in Lower Canada, and came to New York when but nine years old, and married in St. Lawrence County, where he resided until 1864. Impelled by the spirit of the times he removed westward and settled in Clinton County, this State, where he purchased 100 acres of land. John Buttolph was accompanied to this place by his brother Noah. He was living in Clinton County at the time of his death, which sad event occurred in the year 1875. His wife is still living and makes her home with her children. There was a family of twelve born to them, only six of whom grew to maturity. These were named respectively: Alice, now Mrs. Bradley; Jane, wife of William Wright, residing in Breckenridge, Wilkin Co., Minn.; John, living at Fergus! Falls, Minn.; Myra, wife of Chester Brink, living in Sac County, Iowa; Hattie died at the age of eighteen years; Mary, wife of Jacob Curry, resides in Jones County, Iowa. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Elisha Bradley was born in New York, and died at the age of eighty-four years. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Bradley, Philip and Elizabeth Sharp, are also natives of New York. Mrs. Sharp is still living at the age of eighty-nine years. Mr. Sharp served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. Bradley, our subject, resided in New York after his marriage until 1865, when he came to Iowa and purchased forty acres of his present farm, which was then but little improved; he now owns sixty acres. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have had three children - Cora, Bertha, and Floyd. Mr. Bradley has been in poor health for several years and has thus been prevented from accumulating much of this world's goods. His two daughters are teachers, and contribute much to the support of the family. The elder one has attended school at the Northern Indiana Normal at Valparaiso; they are excellent teachers and very kind to their parents. In politics, Mr. Bradley is a Republican, and has been a strong supporter of this party since 1858. He was drafted during the war, but was excused on account of disability. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

Hi. I'm new to this list and have a question about the Jackson county 1895 state census. I've rented it from the Family History Library and looked at it yesterday only to find there doesn't seem to be anything there on Springbrook. Anyone have an idea why that would be? I know it existed then because I have letters from friends of my great grandfather, Kaspar MERZ mentioning the town. They were in the Bellevue area and I did find them on the census! Was it in a different county back them? BTW, other names mentioned in these letters are Mathias NAGLER and Anton SCHWAGER, SR. Neither are related, that I know of, but were friends of my MERZ family and came from the same little town in Bavaria called Rühlingstetten. Also, does anyone have any ideas where Saint Mary's in Linn County is located? Can't find it anywhere! Kaspar and family indicated that as their destination on the ship's passenger list. Thanks for any help! Elaine Kamloops, BC

~ MILTON S. BOWLING ~ Related Surnames - BATLEY, BINNS, BUCKLEY, BARROWS, TRACY, WILLISON, JOHNSON, COOLEY The homestead recognized as part of the Bowling estate comprises a well-regulated farm, under a high state of cultivation, with a large frame dwelling, a good barn, and the usual out-buildings and machinery required for the successful prosecution of agriculture. The farm is laregly devoted to live-stock - the raising, buying, feeding, and selling of cattle. The subject of this notice is the offspring of a good family, being the son of Franklin Bowling and the grandson of James Bowling; the latter a native of Stafford County, Va., where he married Miss Elizabeth Batley, who was born in the same State. They continued to live there until after the birth of their three eldest children. Thence they removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, where eight more children were added to the family circle, and where the grandparents spent their last days. Grandfather Bowling did good service as a soldier in the War of 1812. Franklin Bowling, the father of our subject, was the eldest child of his parents, and was born in Virginia in 1800. He emigrated to Iowa about 1841, settling first in the vicinity of what is now Iowa City, but later removed to Dubuque. He was married in Farmers' Creek Township, Oct. 2, 1848, to Miss Sarah J., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Buckley) Binns. The mother of our subjest was born in Lincolnshire, England. Her parents emigrated to Canada when she was a mere child, and lived there until their death. They were members of the Church of England. Grandfather Binns passed away in 1848, having outlived his wife five years - her death occuring in 1843. Mrs. Sarah J. Bowling came to this county in 1846, where she still lives. Franklin Bowling was a carpenter and cooper by trade, at which most of his time was spent. They lived in Dubuque two years after their marriage, then removed to the farm now occupied by our subject and his mother. When they removed onto it, it was a tract of wild, uncultivated land, and here Mr. Bowling spent the remainder of his days, his death taking place May 16, 1876, at the age of sixty-two years. He was one of the pillars of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He left to his family a farm of 120 acres, with moderate improvements, and to which our subject has largely added. To the parents of our subject there were born six children, viz.: Elizabeth A., Mrs. Alford Barrows, a resident of Nashville, this county; James H.; Milton S., our subject; Samantha J., Mrs. H.M. Tracy; Martha; and Nettie, Mrs. George W. Willison, of Farmers' Creek Township. Miss Clara J. Johnson became the wife of our subject, Aug. 22, 1877, the wedding taking place at the bride's home, in Brandon Township. She is the daughter of James and Eunice (Cooley) Johnson, who are still living. Of this union there have been born the following children: Clara J., Isaac, and William E. Hugh M. Tracy, who married Miss Samantha Bowling, was born in Brandon Township, this county, in 1858, and is the son of H.F. Tracy, one of the worthiest pioneers of this county. He spent his boyhood and youth at the homestead, receiving careful parental training, and a practical education in the common schools. Upon reaching manhood he was married, July 13, 1879, to Miss Bowling, and in the autumn following they removed to the farm where they now live, and which is pleasantly located on section 30, in Farmers' Creek Township. Mr. Tracy has 100 acres of land, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation, largely by his own industry. There was a large area of timber, the greater part of which has been cleared away, and the soil, under careful cultivation, yields in abundance the richest crops in Iowa. He is one of the most highly respected citizens of his township, and is now serving his sixth year as its Trustee. In political matters he affiliates with the Democratic party. To him and his excellent wife there have been born three bright children, viz.: Elsa M., Alva E., and Florence P. The parents of Mr. Tracy were natives of Ohio, and are now residents of Brandon Township. They were people who represented the best phases of the pioneer element in this section, and by their thrift and industry secured for themselves a good position, socially and financially. Our subject, Milton S. Bowling, has two children, Isaac Merdella and Lillie May. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ Rev. John Francis Bowen, b. 29 Sep 1860 ~ Rev. John F. Bowen, Priest of the Catholic Church at Preston, is a young man of more than ordinary natural abilities, which he has fostered by close application to his books, and for a man of his years has certainly made remarkable progress intellectually. He is probably the youngest clergyman in the county, and from interviews with his friends and acquaintances we learn that he is accounted as one possessing an unusual proportion of mental vigor and force. He is a native of Iowa, having been born in Asbury, Dubuque Township, Sept. 29, 1860, and is the son of one of its prominent citizens, Daniel Bowen, who died in 1886, at the age of fifty-five years. The mother, Mary (Gilloon) Bowen is still living in Dubuque at the age of fifty-two. Seven of their children are living, namely: Daniel, John Francis, our subject, Peter T., a prominent business man of Dubuque, Henry, Sarah, Eliza and Frank. The parents of Father Bowen were both born in Ireland, and were both pioneers of! Dubuque County. The subject of this sketch was reared in the "Key City" and pursued his early studies in the ward schools. When a lad of ten years he entered St. Patrick's Parochial Catholic School at that place, and six years later became a day pupil of St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, which he attended more or less until completing the classical and philosophical course. From both of these he was graduated with honors and was made the valedictorian of the class of 1883. Young Bowen next entered the Grand Seminary conducted by the Sulpitian Fathers, in Montreal, Canada, of which he was a student three years. He then received sacred orders, being ordained by Bishop Hennessy of Dubuque. He was at once appointed to a charge in Sioux City to fill a vacancy, remaining there ten months, after which he was stationed at Preston, in October, 1887. His present pastorate consists of the congregations at Sabula, Greene Island, Prairie Mission or Bryant, (where a church edifice is now being built),! and Preston. The combined membership in all these congregations numbers about 150 families. The people of Preston are unanimous in their praise of Father Bowen, both as a clergyman and as a member of the community. In manner he is remarkably courteous and easy, although possessing decided views and great force of character. While pursuing his studies he was connected the the Dubuque Herald, and thus obtained the means to complete his education. He has never received any financial assistance since starting out for himself, and thus is one of the men having a full realization of what it is to depend on their own resources. Not only has he met expenses, but also has a comfortable home. He is more than ordinarily liberal in his ideas, and is entirely devoted to the duties of his calling. Rich and poor are met alike by the popular young clergyman who has a word of sympathy and encouragement for all. Personally, he is remarkably prepossessing, of medium stature, while his fine head and brilliant eye denote the superior mind and cultivated intellect. There is ever! y prospect of his becoming in the near future a leading light in the religious world. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ ASA B. BOWEN, M.D. ~ Related Surnames: HORTON, DAYTON, CLARK Asa B. Bowen, M.D., physician and surgeon at Maquoketa, is one of the most distinguished and successful members of the medical profession in Iowa. He has a large practice, and is the beloved physician and friend in many a household where his presence has brought healing or stayed the hand of death. He comes of fine old New England stock, on both the paternal and maternal side of the house. Richard Bowen and his wife Ann were among the early colonists of Massachusetts, coming to America in 1640, but we have no further information of these progenitors of our subject, or of their descendants until the time of his grandfather. His name was Stephen Bowen, and he was born in the old Bay State, where he was reared to the life of a farmer. He removed thence to Rhode Island, and later in life took up his residence in Connecticut. He bought a farm in Eastford, county of Windham, and there spent his last years. His son Oliver, father of our subject, was born in Rhode Island, and! was but young when his parents removed to Connecticut, where he grew to man's estate, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. After marriage he engaged in the mercantile business, keeping a country store in Eastford, which he managed in connection with his farm, and besides dealt quite extensively in agricultural products. He continued to reside in Eastford until his death, which occurred in 1881. He was a man of considerable business acumen, had an active mind, and was influential in the town where most of his life has passed. His wife still resides on the home farm in Eastford, where she is held in great respect by the whole community. Her maiden name was Betsy B. Horton. She was a native of Rhehoboth, Mass., and a daughter of Philip Horton. She is the mother of eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity: Harriet L. (who is married), Stephen O., Asa B., Andrew J., Julia F., Aaron M., Jesse B., and Nancy A., who died at the age of eight years. Asa B., the subject of this sketch, was born in Eastford, Windham Co., Conn., and received the preliminaries of his education in the local district schools. In 1861 he became a student in the Academy at Mexico, Oswego Co., N.Y., and taught several terms, continuing his studies there until 1864, when, in the month of May, with several of his fellow-students, he enlisted in the naval service, fired with the ardent patriotism of youth to assist in preserving the honor of the old flag. He was assigned to the flagship "Neptune," and sailed from Brooklyn, N.Y., to do duty in the West India convoy service, guarding merchant vessels, conveying California mail and passenger steams, running down privateers, etc. He remained in the navy until the close of the war as surgeon's assistant, and passed through many exciting scenes and thrilling experiences, and was honorably discharged with the remainder of the crew of the "Neptune" at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, in June, 1865. He then retu! rned to Mexico and resumed the study of medicine with his preceptors, his uncle, B. E. Bowen, and G. A. Dayton. He subsequently attended lectures at the Albany Medical College, as the medical department of the Union University was styled, and was graduated from there with honors in March, 1868. In September of the same year he came to Maquoketa, and opening an office here, established himself in the practice of his profession. The years, numbering twenty, that have ensued have been busy ones for him, and he has won an enviable and well-earned reputation for skill and competence. Dr. Bowen was married, in 1874, to Miss Minnie Clark, and to them have been born the following children: Hattie, Frances, Jesse B., Cora, Julia C., and Bruce. Mrs. Bowen is a daughter of Warren S. and Harriet Clark, and she is a native of this county. She is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Dr. Bowen is not only popular as a physician, but as a man and citizen, and he has many warm friendships, both with the young and old. He is a whole-souled man, with firmness, kindness, and loyalty to the the right. He keeps himself well abreast of the times in regard to his profession, and is prominently connected with the following medical associations: The American Medical Association, Iowa Medical Society, and the Jackson County Medical Society. He is one of the leading members of the G.A.R., belonging to the A.W. Dripps Post, of which he is Commander. He is also connected with the A.F. & A.M., Helion Lodge No. 36, is also a member of Bathkol Chapter, and of the Tancred Commandery No. 40. In him the Republican party finds a judicious and stanch supporter. He interests himself in the welfare of his adopted city, and is especially active in educational matters, and is at present a member of the City School Board. In 1876 he was appointed Examining Surgeon for pensi! ons, and acted in that capacity for a period of eight years. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ WILLIAM C. F. BLOSSFELD, b. 7 Mar 1852 ~ Related Surnames - GARMERSHAUSEN, SCHINDEL, HARMES, SEEMANN William C. F. Blossfeld, Postmaster of Spragueville, is one of its leading business men, and stands high in the community. By trade he is a first-class blacksmith, and carries on a successful business in the manufacture of carriages and other road vehicles, including cutters and sleighs, doing mostly custom work. He also operates as agent for farm machinery. He is an expert mechanic, in fact is a typical American, popular and well-to-do, having a pleasant and comfortable home and happy in the enjoyment of the respect and confidence of all who know him. In character and disposition, he may be taken as one approaching Longfellow's "Village Blacksmith." Our subject was born in Milwaukee, Wis., March 7, 1852, and is the son of Carl and Mary (Garmershausen) Blossfeld, the latter a native of Prussia, Germany, and the former born in Hanover. They emigrated to the United States prior to their marriage which took place in Milwaukee, of which the father became a resident in 1850. He was a harnessmaker by trade, and has done a large amount of P.H. Best, the celebrated brewer of the Cream City. He died of cholera in Milwaukee in 1852, leaving two sons - William C. F., our subject, and Frederick. The mother was subsequently married to Mr. Carl Schindel, and in 1854 removed to Beaver Dam, Wis. Of her untion with Mr. Schindel there were born six children, who are all residents of Dodge County, Wis. Frederick the own brother of our subject, is also a resident of that county. Mr. Blossfeld grew up with limited educational advantages having to travel four miles to school. He became familiar with the German language which he still speaks fluently. His first regular work was on a farm, and he followed agricultural pursuits until twenty years of age, when he took up blacksmithing. He came to Iowa in 1872, settling first in Clinton county, and worked at his trade in Teeds Grove. He took up his residence in this county five years later, locating at Spragueville on the 29th of January, 1877, and at once established a shop which he has since conducted. He was married March 17, 1878, to Miss Minnie, daughter of Frederick Harmes, but a shadow soon fell over his happiness, his bride being taken ill and dying seven weeks after her wedding. Our subject contracted a second marriage, Dec. 23, 1878, at Sabula with Miss Mary Seemann, daughter of Henry Seemann of Sabula. Mrs. Blossfeld is a native of Sabula, Iowa, born March 17, 1856. Of this union there are three children living, namely: Theresa, Henry and Lottie; they occupy a snug home in Spragueville, and Mr. Blossfeld does an annual business of $1,000 besides his trade in plows and harvesters. He is a Democrat, politically, and was appointed to his present office of Postmaster by President Cleveland in November, 1885. He has served as Treasurer of the School Board of Fairfield District, and both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the German Lutheran Church. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ JAMES K. BLAKELY, b. 5 May 1821 ~ Related Surnames - WILSON, KING, MUNELL, HUNNELL, MCDAUGHY, MCKEAN, MCKAY, VIRTUE, BONER, BUCHANAN, BEGGS, EVANS, HALOCK Among the solid and substantial men of Fairfield Township may be properly numbered the subject of this notice, who was the owner of a good farm property, comprising 240 acres of improved land on section 20. He purchased this in 1863, and since that time has given his time and attention to its development and improvement. Industrious, enterprising and frugal, he is now in the enjoyment of a competence acquired by his years of honest toil, and by following the rule at all times of living within his income. In 1888 he sold his farm to his son and is now living in retirement. A native of Adams County, Pa., our subject was born May 5, 1821, and lived there until reaching man's estate. His education was confined to the common schools, but his natural capabilities resulted in his becoming well acquainted with the best methods of transacting business, while at the same time he obtained a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits. Upon leaving his native State and coming to this county he commenced working for his uncle as a farm laborer, and was thus employed until his marriage. After this event he began operating a rented farm, that which his son now owns. He is a fair type of the self-made man, having begun at the foot of the ladder in life and worked his way up to a good position, socially and financially. The friend of morality and education, he has uniformly contributed his influence and means, as he was able, for the furtherance of those enterprises calculated to be of the most service to the people around him. Politically, he votes the! straight Democratic ticket, and has held the various local offices. James Blakely, the father of our subject, and also a native of Adams County, Pa., was born in 1795, and departed this life in Somerset County, that State, Sept. 3, 1823. He was married, in early manhood, to Miss Jane Wilson, daughter of Joseph and Susannah (King) Wilson, and who, like her husband, was of Scotch-Irish descent, her forefathers emigrating to the United States at an early day. She died May 5, 1837. The household circle included three children only: a daughter, Martha Mary was born in Adams County, Pa., Oct. 3, 1822, and died in Gettysburg, Pa., June 17, 1887. Susan Jane became the wife of John Munell, of Washington County, Pa., and died in Waynesburg, Green County, Jan. 15, 1866. She was born April 8, 1924. She was the mother of eight children, five of whom are living, namely: Nancy Jane, Mary E., Annabell, Robert W. and John W.; the second daughter, Mary E., became the wife of Samuel Hunnell, of Waynesburg, Pa. The others are still unmarried. Mr. Mu! nell died Jan. 12, 1889. The subject of this sketch was married Jan. 18, 1855, to Miss Ann (McKean) McGaughy, who was born in Adams County, Sept. 18, 1824. She was one of a family of nine children - Alexander S., Mary Jane, James, Thomas, Margaret, Hugh, Robert, Ann and William. Mary Jane became the wife of John McKay, of Morrow County, Ohio, and is the mother of three children - Nancy J., Samuel A. and James G.; Thomas married Miss Sarah J. Virtue, of Morrow County, and has two children - George E. and Ida E.; Hugh married Miss Hannah Boner, of Morrow County, Ohio, and has five children - James, William, Clara, Lotta and Frank; he is a carpenter. Robert married Miss Amanda Buchanan, and is the father of one child, a daughter, Mary. The balance of the family are in Morrow County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Blakely there have been born five children, all of whom are living. The eldest, William M., married Miss Sarah P. Beggs, of this county, and is carrying on farming and stock-raising in Shelby County. They have three children - Frank R., Henry R., and Clara May; Martha J. is the wife of George R. Evans, a farmer and stock-raiser in Shelby County, and they have five children - Anna M., James, G., Maude, Mary and George M.; James W. married Miss Hannah Halock, of this country, is farming in Adair County, and is the father of twin boys, Ralph C. and Rolla; Alexander S. and Anna M. remain with their parents. The buildings of the Blakely homestead are especially worthy of mention. The dwelling is a commodious two -story structure, the main part 28x18 feet in dimensions, with an L 24x20 feet. There is a substantial barn 48x40 feet with a solid stone basement, which has a capacity of sheltering a large number of cattle and horses. Everything about the premises bears that comfortable and substantial appearance, which is so grateful to the eye, and indicates in such a forcible manner the thrift and enterprise of the proprietor. Mr. Blakely meddles very little with public affairs, preferring to give his time and attention to his family. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ GEORGE W. BELKNAP, b. 11 Nov 1810 ~ Related Surnames - NOBLES, MONTAGUE, HILL, WINNER George W. Belknap is one of the eldest living pioneers in Jackson County. He is now residing on section 6, Richland Township, where he has one of the finest farms in the county, recently purchased by him, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is of New York birth and lineage. His father, Eli Belknap, was also a native of the Empire State, born in Oneida County, and later in life he was engaged in hotel-keeping there in the town of Rome. He subsequently removed to Chautauqua County, and located near the town of French Creek, where he followed agricultural pursuits and was also engaged in school teaching. He was possessed of superior intellectual gifts and became a prominent man in the county, serving as Constable, Justice of the Peace, Collector, etc., and was always a conspicuous figure in public life. He was considered one of the best writers of the day, and contributed to newspapers and magazines. He and his wife were among the leading members of the Bapti! st Church, and were ever zealous to raise the social, intellectual and moral standing of their community. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Lydia Nobles. She was born in Nova Scotia, and came to the United States with her parents, who located in Oneida County, where she was married. Her peaceful and happy wedded life with the father of our subject was blessed to them by the birth of the following children; George W.; Francis, deceased; David, in Kansas; Edward, in Chautauqua County; Joseph, in Chautauqua County; Squire, deceased; Andrew, in Chautauqua County; and Melvina, in Fayette, Iowa. He of whom this biographical sketch is the life-record, was born near Rome, Oneida Co., N.Y., Nov. 11, 1810. He received the educational advantages given to children in that day. He accompanied his parents in their journey to their new home in Chautauqua County, and remembers various incidents connected with it in passing through what was then a sparsely settled country, and can compare in his mind the city of Buffalo as it is today with what it was then with its few rude houses. He remained on the home farm, giving his father his valuable assistance in its cultivation til he attained his majority, when he engaged in farming for himself, buying 160 acres of land. As his farm was in a new country where but few settlers had preceded him, he had to clear it from the depths of the primeval forests. He made many improvements on the place, and continued to live on it till the spring of 1844, when he decided to try farming on the rich virgin soil of the prairies of Iowa, and, ! accompanied by his family, he made the slow and tedious journey from his old home across the forests and prairies of the intervening States, and finally came to what is now Prairie Springs. He chose a site for his new home one-fourth of a mile from LaMotte, his brother-in-law, Mr. Montague, having been the founder of that place, and our subject thus became one of the very first settlers of the Township of Prairie Spring, where he took up a claim to a tract of 160 acres of land. This he improved, and from time to time made further purchases till he had a fine farm of 350 acres. In the early days of his settlement in that part of Jackson County, the face of the country presented a very different appearance from what it does today, with its smiling farms and many beautiful homes. Then all was wild, scarecely removed from its original uncultivated and uninhabited appearance, and deer, wild turkeys, prairie chickens, etc., furnished a welcome addition to the meagre bill-of-fa! re of the pioneers. Our subject was obliged to go to Galena, Ill., to market, and he has been chased by prairie wolves many a time, and has had numerous frays with the savage, hungry beasts. He engaged in farming and stock-raising, and also in the dairy business, making butter and cheese extensively. In 1883 Mr. Belknap sold his Prairie spring estate and removed to Dubuque, where he lived a retired life, having accumulated a fine property, from which he derived a good annual income. But a sedentary life did not suit a man of his independent, active temperament, and in 1885 he returned to Jackson County, and bought a residence in LaMotte. He resided in that village till the spring of 1889, when he bought his present place of 160 acres of fine prairie land, which is well improved, has a neat set of farm buildings, and all the conveniences for carrying on agriculture in all its branches to the best advantage, and he has it well stocked with cattle of good grades, horses, e! tc. Fifty-four years ago, Jan. 1, 1835, Mr. Belknap took a step that has had an important bearing on his after life, and has contributed much to its prosperity and happiness. On that auspicious New Year's Day he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Malinda Hill, and their union was solemnized in French Creek Township. Thus for over half a century they have walked life's path together, sharing its joys and dividing its sorrows, ever true to each other and to the obligations imposed on them by family ties and in their relations with others beyond the household. Mrs. Belknap was born in Geneseo County, N.Y., received a good education, and was a successful school teacher till she abandoned the profession to unite her life with our subject's. They are the parents of three children living - Emory, Mary, and Ella. Emory, a graduate of Davenport College, is at present farming with his father; Mary married G. Winner, a butcher, living near Fayette; Ella married Charles Wi! nner, and they reside in LaMotte. Mr. Belknap is a man of sound understanding and unswerving integrity of character, and in him Jackson County has always found a trustworthy, desirable citizen; his neighbors, a kind, true friend; his family an affectionate husband and a devoted father, and in all relations of life he has done his part as an honest, virtuous man should. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and is stanch in its support. He has served on the grand jury. Our subject has watched with pleasure the development of this county from its primitive wildness to its present highly civilized condition, and has had an honorable share in bringing about the great change. As a good citizen, he has done all that he could for its moral, educational and religious advancement. He was one of the first to propose the organization of the Baptist Church in LaMotte, and was active in its upbuilding, and has since been one of its most faithful members. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ JOSEPH BEGGS, b. 20 Nov 1825 ~ Related Surnames - WILLIAMS, REMBAUGH, RICINGER, BLAKELY, MESSENGER Joseph Beggs, who is classed among those practical agriculturists of Jackson County who are nobly doing their part in the promotion of its material prosperity, and in the advancement of its highest interests, religious, social and educational, is an honored citizen of Perry Township, where he owns and manages a good farm on section 25. The grandfather of our subject, Joseph Beggs, was born in Ireland, and in his youth learned the trade of a weaver. During the Catholic Rebellion, being a Protestant and an Orangeman, he was compelled to flee to Scotland for safety, and there he remained several years. He subsequently returned to Ireland, where he spent his remaining years engaged in weaving and farming. He was a stanch member of the Presbyterian Church. His son Joseph, father of our subject, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and as he grew to man's estate he learned the trade of a weaver, and when about thirty years old he resolved, by emigration to America, to gain for himself a better chance of improving his finances. He put his resolution into effect, and became one of the pioneer citizens of Trumbull County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming. He afterward emigrated to Mercer County, Pa., where he bought 106 acres of wild land, and cleared a farm from the forest. He was also a mason, having learn! ed that trade after coming to America, and carried it on in connection with the management of his farm. The last years of his life were passed on his Pennsylvania homestead, and at his death it was felt that a useful and honorable citizen was lost to the community. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and for eighteen years served as an Elder. In politics he favored the policy of the Democratic party. The mother of our subject was Rachel Beggs, and she was born in Corkville, Trumbull Co., Ohio. Her grandfather, Joseph Beggs, was a native of Ireland, who, coming to America sometime during the last century, located in Ohio, and there engaged in farming, clearing a farm of 106 acres from the wilderness. His son David was a patriotic soldier in the War of 1812. The mother of our subject received a superior education for those times, and taught school very successfully. After her husband's death, in 1857, she came to Iowa with her children, and lived in Jackson Township the next seven years. She next bought land in Perry Township, where she made her home until death called her hence at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. She lead a consistent Christian life, and was a valued member of the United Presbyterian Church at Andrew. She was the mother of eight children; James, Joseph, W.R., Asa M., Henry (deceased), Leonard, Sarah and Nancy. Henry served in Company K! , 31st Iowa Infantry, enlisting in the fall of 1862. He was shot at the battle of Lookout Mountain, and now lies buried on its summit. Leonard was drafted in the Western Reserve, and was in the army until the war closed. Joseph Beggs, of this sketch, was born in Mercer County, Pa., in the town of Hickory, Nov. 20, 1825. He was reared on a farm, and gleaned an education in the district schools of his native place. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-four years old, and gained under his father's instruction a good practical knowledge of farming. At that age he went to work in a furnace in the coal regions, and also engaged in mining, etc., until 1854. He became dissatisfied with his work, and resolved to see if life held anything better for him in the West. He went from his old home by team to Cleveland, Ohio, and embarked on the lakes for Chicago, thence went to Elgin, and rode on the first passenger train that ever passed between there and Galena. From the latter place he went to Hanover, where he lived until 1857. In that year he crossed the Mississippi into this State, and located in Jackson Township, this county, where he bought 300 acres of land with his mothe! r. He engaged in farming there until 1866, when he sold his property, and bought his present place, or eighty-three acres of it, on section 25. He broke and cleared the land, completing the improvements begun when it came into his possession, and subsequently bought ninety-two acres adjacent. He has fenced and cleared this, and now has ninety-five acres under the plow. There is a fine spring of pure water on the land. Mr. Beggs has set out groves and an orchard, and has erected a comfortable set of buildings. He raises considerable stock, owning some fine specimens of Red-Polled cattle and full-blooded Poland-China hogs, and also has some good horses. December 18, 1849, Mr. Beggs and Miss Martha Williams were united in marriage, near Sharpsburg, Mercer Co., Pa. Mrs. Beggs has proved to be a very efficient helpmate to her husband, and has filled in a perfect measure the duties of wife, mother and friend. She was born in Brookfield Township, Trumbull Co., Ohio, Aug. 21, 1830, and was sixteen years old when her parents removed to Mercer County, Pa. She became a dressmaker, and was established at Clarksville, Pa., until her marriage. She is of Welsh descent on her father's side, and her grandfather Williams was a lifelong resident of Wales. Her father, Nasmeth Williams, was born in that country in 1794, and when a young man came to America and located in Ohio. He was a farmer, and bought land in Brookfield Township, of which he thus became a pioneer. In 1844 he sold his property there and moved to Mercer County, Pa., where he farmed until death closed his earthly career in 1850. He was a member of the Presbyterian Chu! rch, and was a stanch defender of the faith. His wife, whose maiden name was Julia Rembaugh, was born in Williamstown, Perry Co., Pa., in 1803. He father, David Rembaugh, was born Oct 24, 1780, in Millerstown, that State, and was in business there as a jeweler and watchmaker. He was killed by being thrown from a horse. Mrs. Begg's mother, after her husband's death, moved to Knox County, Mo., where she died. She was an esteemed member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was the mother of nine children, namely: George, David, Martha N., Leah, Samuel R. and William N. (deceased), Frederick B., Amanda and Mary A. Samuel served three years in the war, and five months after his return home died. Mr. and Mrs. Beggs are the parents of eight children, of whom the following is recorded: Emmira J. married Leonard Ricinger, a farmer in Dawson County, Neb.; Alferdia is deceased; Princella married William Blakely, a farmer of Shelby Co., Neb.; Rachel married Clarence! E. Messenger, a brickmaker in Fairbury, Neb.; Philena is a school teacher; Henry C., Frederic J. and Florence are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Beggs give their children the advantages of college educations. Our subject and his amiable wife are very sociable people, and are held in the highest consideration by the whole community. All the family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Andrew, and are identified with its good works. Mr. Beggs is a man of sound discretion and of sober judgment; he is regarded as a safe counselor, and a wise and ready helper to the needy and unfortunate. He has been School Director for several years, and has done much to advance the cause of education in this township. His political sentiments coincide with those expressed by the best men among the leaders of the Republican party. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)