~ NELSON BANNING ~ Related Surnames - CHURCH, MURRAY, DOTY, WEBB, MOORE, PURINTON, FOWLER The struggles and hardships attending the early labors of this honored pioneer and respected citizen have been rewarded in the accumulation of a good property, rembracing a valuable farm of 287-3/4 acres, on section 17, in Van Buren Township. He came to this section of country comparatively without means, and endured of hardships and privations more than usually falls to the lot of the early settler, whose path at the best is beset with about all that he is able to withstand. In the development of a large area of land in this county, he has thus contributed his full quota to its wealth and prosperity. That which he enjoys today - a comfortable home, with a large proportion of the good things of life - is but his just reward for his toil and sacrifices. In glancing at the personal history of our subject, we find that he is the off-spring of a good family - the son of William and Lydia (Church) Banning, who were natives of Connecticut, where they were reared and married. ! Immediately after joining their lives and fortunes they set out for New York State, and located on a tract of land in Monroe County, of which they were among the earliest pioneers. The father built up a comfortable homestead, and there were born to the parents four sons and six daughters, Nelson being the eighth child. The father spent the remainder of his life in the Empire State, dying at the homestead in the year 1825, at the age of fifty-six years, and the mother died in Michigan, in 1838, aged about sixty-five. Only three of their children are living - our subject and two sisters. Nelson Banning was born in Ogden Township, Monroe Co., N.Y., Oct. 4, 1818, his home being near the Erie Canal. During the construction of this thoroughfare, when he was but a boy, he sold apples to the quakers who were digging it. He was but seven years of age at the time of his father's death, and grew up with limited educational advantages. The property was not properly accounted for, and so he received nothing from his father's estate, thus being obliged, as soon as old enough, to depend upon his own resources for his living. His first employment was as a driver on the Erie Canal, where he had hard fare and insufficient rest, many a time dropping asleep from fatigue on the horse's back. His living, however, cost him but little, and he saved what he could of his earnings, so that at the age of twenty-one he was enabled to establish a home of his own. In view of this he was married, Jan. 13, 1841, to Miss Susan Murray. This lady was born at Pike, Allegany Co., N.Y., ! July 25, 1820, and was the daughter of Noah and Mercy (Doty) Murray, who spent their last years, the father in Allegany Co., N.Y., where he died August 31, 1840, and the mother in Pennsylvania, where she had gone to reside with a daughter, passing away about 1859. After his marriage, our subject invested in a public house at Portage, Allegany County, and was prospered until being burned out six months after, which involved a loss of all his worldly effects. He then repaired to a point fifty miles south, and engaged in the lumbering business, on a contract to supply a certain mill with logs for three years. Here he labored almost night and day, and was again getting a good start when the mill was destroyed by fire, together with other property, he losing everything but a yoke of oxen, a cow and horse, involving a loss of between $3,000 or $4,000. It was supposed the mill was set on fire. Our subject, as one may suppose, was now almost discouraged. It was in the winter time, and one day he took his horse and cutter and drove to the house of his father-in-law, with whom he visited several days, but in the course of their conversation nothing had been said about coming West. After returning to his dismantled home, Mr. Banning sold his live-stock, boxed up his furniture, and went down to the Alleghany River, where he engaged in rafting at $2 per day. He staid there four weeks, then engaged with Wells Bros. to run on a raft to Cincinnati, Ohio, for which he was to receive $45 and passage for himself and family and their effects. They stopped at Pittsburg, but our subject received full pay for his services, and Mrs. Banning was given $5 besides for her assistance and the use of her furniture. Our subject had now made up his mind to seek the West, and on the Ohio River they boarded a steamboat for St. Louis. Thence they went up the Mississippi, our subject having in view Peoria, Ill., as his objective point. On the journey he fell in with one Randall Simmons, bound for Bellevue, Iowa, and upon his recommendation Mr. Banning was persuaded to also try his fortune in that region. He stepped ashore on the western side of the Mississippi, April 22, 1844, and in company with Mr. Simmons soon secured a job of chopping 300 cords of wood, at fifty-five cents per cord, for a steamer. Subsequently he secured a claim of 160 acres, on Section 17, in Van Buren Township, where he soon removed his family, to a small log house which was built on the claim. For several years following it was a struggle to make both ends meet, but perseverance and industry finally began to yield their just reward, and Mr. Banning found himself on solid ground. He proceeded with the cultivation of his land, which was first devoted to grain-raising, and then added the improvements, one after another, which has now made it one of the most complete homesteads in Van Buren Township. Of late years he has given his attention largely to stock-raising and dairying, having for the latter purpose sixteen cows, and from the whole enjoys a handsome income. In the spring of 1850 our subject suffered an attack of the California gold fever, and set out for the Pacific Slope overland, with six horses. He engaged in mining three months, and came home with $1,300. Soon afterward he entered 700 acres of land in this township. To him and his estimable wife there were born eight children, six of whom are living, namely: Ellen, Mrs. Webb, a resident of this Township; Malora, Mrs. David Moore, of Phillips County, Kan.; Laura, who married Mr. Alfred Moore, and lives in Phelps, Neb; Lydia, Mrs. John Purinton, of Preston; Walter, of Custer, Neb.; and Agnes, Mrs. Edward Fowler, of Phillips County, Kan. Mr. Banning voted for the Democratic candidate, Van Buren, in 1840, and assisted in the election of Buchanan, after which he withdrew from the Democratic ranks, and in 1860 cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He has since been a strong Republican. He was active in the organization of his school district, and served as a Director seven years in succession. He has often officiated as a juryman, and with his estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ DORSON E. BALDWIN ~ Related Surnames - DOUGLAS, SWANEY, LATTA, GARLAND, HUTCHINSON There is probably no man in this county who deserves more honorable mention than he with whose name we introduce this sketch. He came to this region during the period of his early manhood, and for nearly fifty years his interests have been centered in and around the place to which he ventured when it was properly called the frontier. During a long and eventful career, he has made the most of his opportunities for mental improvement, and is frequently called a "walking encyclopedia." Mr. Baldwin has watched the growth and development of the Hawkeye State with that interest only felt by a man of his energy, enterprise and intelligence. Providence has smiled upon his labors in most respects, and he has been especially fortunate in the selection of a life partner, Mrs. Baldwin being like one of those women spoken of in the Scriptures, an honor to her home and to her husband. They have traveled and labored side by side, lo, these many years, and have accumulated a generous amount of this world's goods. Notwithstanding this they are modest and unpretentious in their manner of living, and while surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, have been content to pursue their way quietly and unobtrusively, enjoying the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends. Mr. Baldwin has occupied many positions of trust and responsibility, and is the present Assessor of Van Buren Township. The Baldwin family traces its descent to a long line of illustrious ancestry, and as far back as the time of William the Conquerer, when one of this name, a native of Normany, and closely allied to the nobility, joined the Crusaders, and in the disasters which followed, lost his kindred as well as his wealth, and for several decades succeeding, history is silent as to the subsequent fate of the representatives of this name. The Baldwins again appear during the settlement of America, as early as 1725. About that time, one William Baldwin and two brothers, arrived upon the Massachusetts coast, where one settled, the others finally emigrating to Vermont and New York, respectively. Among their descendants was one Cyrus Baldwin, the great grandfather of our subject, who was born in Massachusetts, where he attained to man's estate, was married and became the father of a family. Among his sons was one, Eleazer, who was born in Vermont, and he in turn became the father of a son, Eleazer, Jr., the father of the subject of this sketch. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was present at the battle of Plattsburg. The male members of the Baldwin family were distinguished for their great size and physical strength, as well as their mental capacities. The father of our subject, five feet, eight inches in height, was remarkably muscular and agile, a typical son of the Green Mountain State, blessed with health and strength, and free from any habits which would impair his mental or physical capacities. He passed his boyhood years in Vermont, and married Miss Teresa Douglas, an own cousin to Stephen A. Douglas, also a native of Vermont, and a descendant of the Douglas clans, of Scotland. The parents of our subject each belonged to a family of fifteen children. The Douglases were strong Presbyterians, while the Baldwins were quite liberal in their religious views. The parents of our subject, after their marriage, settled in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., where they resided for several years, and where their children were born. Finally they removed to what is now the Province of Ontario, Canada, but left there during the progress of the Patriot War. We next find them in Calhoun County, Mich., the father securing a tract of land in the vicinity of Marshall. Two years later, however, in 1840, he changed his residence to Illinois, and thence to this county, and settled near Van Buren, where he spent the remainder of his days. The elder Baldwin was a tanner by trade, also a shoe-maker, which he followed while a resident of his native State of Vermont. Later he engaged in lumbering down the St. Lawrence River. After his removal to the Dominion, he took up farming which he follwed mostly during his after life. In Van Buren Township he established a comfortable homestead, and there his death took place in 1859, when he was seventy years of age; the mother survived her husband a number of years, dying at the age of eighty-three at the old homestead. She was a remarkably well-preserved old lady, and at the age of sixty traveled to Kansas in a wagon. Ten years later she greatly enjoyed traveling by rail. She was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence, exceedingly well-read and thoroughly informed upon historical and political matters, and until the eighty-first year of her age, when she suffered from a paralytic stroke, she was able to converse fluently upon the leading topics of the day. The! parental household included eight children, who were reared to mature years, and of whom five are now living, namely: Charlotte, Sarah, Charles, Dorson E., our subject, and John. The subject of this sketch was born during the sojourn of his parents in Canada, about forty-five miles from Toronto, in 1830. The scenes of his first recollections are in that romantic region, and he distinctly remembers the red coats of the British officers who often proudly paraded the streets during the Patriot War. He was a boy of ten when he came to Iowa. His first schooling was in Canada, and he afterward attended school in Michigan, Illinois and Iowa. In this State he was first harnessed into work, and assisted in opening up the new farm of his father in Van Buren Township. He was a bright and ambitious youth, and at an early age made up his mind to see something of the world. In 1849, at the age of nineteen years, he traveled on foot to California, in company with a party from Van Buren Township. His partner, Harmon Cowin, died recently near Wichita, Kan. A portion of the way they traveled alongside of a company of Mormons on their way to Utah, and young Bal! dwin became acquainted with Heber C. Kimball and other Mormon leaders. On the plains they encountered wild game in abundance; antelope, buffalo and elk, and many of these fell by his unerring rifle. He was the expert shot of the company, and supplied the boys with fresh meat daily. They frequently met Indians along the route, but suffered no further depredations from them than the loss of an ox. Mr. Baldwin arrived at the mines about the middle of October, having been six months on the road. He went to work near Placerville, in El Dorado County, and continued in the mines there six months, averaging from $10 to $100 per day. He finally embarked in general merchandising with very good results, and remained in California thirteen months. On returning home, he secured passage on the brig, "John Kendall," which in the space of forty days, landed him at Port Reileajho, Central America, where among other interesting objects he witnessed the ruins of the forts built by the Spanish in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. He crossed the Isthmus at Panama, and returned home via New Orleans in 1851. Our subject now prepared to settle down, and purchased land in Van Buren Township, this county. In addition to carrying on the cultivation and improvement of this, he dealt largely in land until his marriage. His bride was the daughter of D. S. Swaney, a very early settler, who sowed the first wheat scattered within the limits of this county. The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Baldwin, was Sydney Latta. Her parents were American-born, but of Irish descent, and were first represented in the United States during the early part of the present century. Mr. Swaney was born near Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania, and his wife was a native of Ashland County, Ohio. They were married in Michigan, and in 1835, Mr. Swaney settled in Washtenaw County. Thence he came to Iowa in 1838, and for some time thereafter conducted a hotel on the State road. He was very hospitable and liberal, as was also his estimable wife, and they became very popular both with the travelers through that reg! ion, and among the settlers, the latter of whom they assisted whenever opportunity occurred. Mr. Swaney died in 1885, at the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. Swaney is still living, making her home in Preston, at her own home, and is now seventy-two years old. Mrs. Baldwin was the eldest of the eight children born to her parents, and opened her eyes to the light in the vicinity of Ann Arbor, Mich. Her brothers and sisters were named respectively, James, Angeline, Mary A., Cora, Milliam, Milton and Alonzo. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin occupied their farm in Van Buren Township, until 1885, when they retired from active labor, and took up their residence in Preston. They have both performed a large amount of hard labor, and Mr. Baldwin was considerably broken down upon leaving the farm. He has since, however, regained much of his former strength. He still keeps up his old habits of reading, and is particularly well posted in the history of the United States. To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin there was born a family of eight children, namely: Ellen, deceased; Austin, Byron, Eliza, Ada; John, deceased, Cora, and Gilbert. Austin is married, resides in Audubon County, Iowa, and is the father of three children, Eddie, Earl, and Jane; Byron married Miss Laura Garland, and has charge of the homestead; he has two sons, Artie and Grover; Eliza, Mrs. Leslie Garland, lives in Van Buren Township, and is the mother of four children - Benjamin, Adela, Herbert, and Byron; Ada, Mrs. A. L. Hutchinson, resides in Wisconsin, and is the mother of two children, Roy and Hubert; her husband is a writer of fine talents, and has traveled quite extensively. He took a trip to Mexico, in 1888, and described his journey in a series of very interesting articles, which were published and widely read. The other children are at home with their parents. Politically, Mr. Baldwin is an uncompromising Democrat. He was a member of the School Board of his district a period of sixteen years, and has served as Justice of the Peace, Constable, and Collector. He traveled all through Montana in 1864, and had considerable "unpleasantness" with some of the Indians of that region. He is remarkably interesting in conversation, a man with whom it is always pleasant and profitable to converse. As one of the honored pioneers of this county, who has born an important part in its growth and development, he is amply entitled to representation in a work of this kind. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ NATHAN M. BALCH ~ Related Surnames - MANLEY, DALEY, LITTLE, HUNSINGER The subject of this notice, a resident of this county since the fall of 1865, and in former years a prosperous agriculturist, is now a resident of the town of Baldwin. This is a station on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, nine miles west of Maquoketa, and located near the center of Monmouth Township. It was formerly known as Fremont. Mr. Balch, in connection with a hotel and livery business, follows the profession of an auctioneer, to which he seems especially adapted, being very successful. He is a man, quiet and unostentatious in his manner; careful, temperate, and industrious in his habits, and one universally respected wherever known. Our subject was born in the town of Stockholm, in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., on Christmas Day, 1835, and is the son of Dan and Sylvia (Manley) Balch, who were natives of Vermont, where their early life was passed. After marriage they settled in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., during its pioneer days. The father cleared a farm from the wilderness, cutting away the heavy timber, bringing the soil to a good state of cultivation, and building up a pleasant and comfortable home. There the eight children were born; all of whom, with one exception, lived to mature years. The fourth child of his parents, our subject, like his brothers and sisters, was trained to habits of industry, and as soon as old enough began to make himself useful around the homestead. The few schools of that region afforded but little opportunity for an education and young Balch only passed a few days in attendance thereat. He remained a member of his father's household until a man of twenty-five years, and was then married, March 13, 1860, to Miss Mercy Daley. Of this union there were born two children, who died at the ages of eleven years, and ten months. The mother only survived her marriage until 1863. Mr. Balch remained a resident of his native State until the fall of 1865, then started for Iowa, in company with Elisha Bradley, one of his old friends. He did not except to remain in the West, but after coming to this county changed his mind somewhat, and as there was an opportunity given him for employment he accepted, and was occupied as a farm laborer for one man that year. In 1866 he contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Phoebe (Little) Hunsinger. About this time he concluded to settle here, and purchasing a farm of eighty acres, applied himself the next ten years closely to agricultural pursuits. One of his peculiarities is to do well whatever he undertakes to do at all, and this, applied to his farming operations, brought forth satisfactory results. In due time Mr. Balch purchased fifty acres additional land, but in 1876 sold his first eighty acres, and purchased his present residence property in Baldwin, and removed there. His health being greatly impaired he did but little work for several years thereafter. About 1880 he began entertaining traveling men, and gradually drifted into the hotel busines. Later, in connection with this, he established a livery stable, which he conducted successfully until the summer of 1886. He then sold out his livery business, but continued the hotel. In addition to the property already mentioned he owns a good farm of 120 acres, in Pocahontas County, this State. To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born no children. Mr. Balch, although not a member of any religious denomination, believes in the establishement of churches, and contributes as he is able to the furtherance of both religion and education. He has had very little to do with political affairs. In former years he voted with the Democratic party, but since 1884 has given his support to Republican principles. With the exception of serving as Township Trustee, for a period of eleven years, he has avoided the responsibilities of office. Mr. and Mrs. Balch occupy a neat and comfortable home, and number their friends by the score in Monmouth Township and vicinity. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ ALPHEUS ALEXANDER ~ Related Surnames: SCOTT, COLEMAN, BARNEY, ZEDIKER, AUSTIN Spragueville has no more valued citiazen than the subject of this notice. He possesses a history of more than ordinary interest, and is one of those men who may be properly termed "ahead of their time," being remarkable progressive in his ideas, enterprising, wide-awake, loving knowledge and availing himself of every opportunity for mental improvement. Although well advanced in years he is remarkably well-preserved, the result of a temperate life and correct habits, and takes a genuine interest in everything pertaining to the progress and development of the Hawkeye State, of which he has been a permanent resident since its pioneer days. Soon after coming to this county Mr. Alexander, in 1856 erected the flouring-mill on Deep Creek, which he still owns and operates. In this he was assisted by his partner, Mr. Tompkins. After its erection Mr. Alexander soon had his mill in operation, and in due time made application to have a post office established at this point. His correspondence with the Department at Washington resulted in the discontinuance of the office at Summer Hill, and the Department named the new post office in honor of John Sprague, who was the first settler on Deep Creek, although he had died in Stockton, Cal., some six years previous. The subject of this sketch was born at New Lisbon, Columbiana Co., Ohio, Nov. 10, 1820, his early home overlooking the Ohio River. His father, John Alexander, was a native of Frederick, Md., and his paternal grandfather, Andrew Alexander first opened his eyes to the light in the Scottish Highlands. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Lena Scott. She was a niece of Alexander Scott, the pioneer steamboat man of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and her ancestors flourished during Colonial and Revolutionary times. Mrs. Lena (Scott) Alexander was born in Ohio Territory in 1800, two years prior to its admission into the Union as a State. Her parents were natives of Maryland and early pioneers of the Northwest Territory. Grandfather David Scott served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, witnessed the defeat of St. Clair in 1791, and later, upon going to Ohio, was made the first Sheriff of Columbiana County. John Alexander, the father of our subject, served d! uring the War of 1812 with the Maryland Militia. Prior to the war he learned the saddler's trade in Baltimore. About 1815 or 1816 he moved to Onio and carried on his trade at New Lisbon, Ohio, until 1835, but finally became interested in live stock, and in pursuance of this business traveled as far west as Indiana, purchasing and sending to the Eastern market. He died at Hanoverton, Columbiana County in 1837. To him and his excellent wife there were born six children - three sons and three daughters - of whom there is surviving only our subject. One son, John Jr., died in the army during the late Civil War; Erasmus went to California, engaged in mining and died from the effects of a gunshot through the shoulder, fired by an assassin. Our subject is thus the only one left to perpetuate this branch of the Alexander family. He received a limited education in the schools of his native place, and when a lad of thirteen years began learning the saddler trade of his father. The latter died in 1837, and our subject subsequently went to Canton, Ohio, and completed his appreticeship. John Alexander was a very energetic business man and dealt largely in stock-iron, operating a smelting furnace and doing a general teaming business from Wheeling and Cumberland to Pittsburg and Massillon, on the Ohio Canal. As soon as young Alexander was able to handle a horse he also assisted his father in teaming, and enjoyed his migrations over the country very much. He likewise assisted in buying and driving cattle and horses, and traveled largely over the States of Virginia and Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana when a mere boy. Prior to the panic of 1837 John Alexander has been considered a wealthy man but the general depreciation of values at that period resulted in the absorption of nearly all his property to pay what were really comparatively small debts. Thus the family were left in somewhat straightened circumstances, and our subject was thrown upon his own resources. Not only this but he made provision for his younger brothers and sisters, who lived with him and who were educated through his means. When twenty years of age our subject was married, Dec. 18, 1840, in Lexington, Richland Co., Ohio, to Miss Ellen Coleman, who was not quite fifteen. The young people began their wedded life together at Lexington, and finally removed to Chesterville, where they resided several months, and where the young wife died in the fall of 1853. In the meantime, in 1850, our subject, in company with five other young men, had made a trip to California. They first proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., where they gathered together their outfit of wagons, mules and provisions, and started overland on their long journey. The country at the time was overrun by Indians, and they had considerable trouble with the Pawnees, who wounded two of their men in a skirmish and stole two of their mules. The little caravan pursued its course westward and suffered no further loss worthy of mention, although they were obliged to guard their property very closely from the depredations of the savages, who attempted to take more of their animals from them. Two of the party only, landed at Placerville, Cal., Oct. 28, 1850, they having at Salt Lake City disbanded as a company, and Mr. Alexander employed himself in the mines until the fall of 1851 with very good results. Then in company with his brother Erasmus he established a general store of miners' supplies. In 1851 and 1852 vegetables sold for $1.50 per pound; four and meat the same price. A regular meal at a boarding house at the camp would cost from $4 to $6, but most of the miners boarded themselves and did their own cooking. Eggs were worth $1 a piece. Australian onions sold for $4 apiece. Most of the vegetables came from Australia. These high prices lasted about one year. He also had a transportation train of pack! mules consisting of from fifty to sixty animals, for the purpose of conveying supplies from Sacramento up to Rector Bar, on the north branch of the middle fork of the American River. He saw some hard times, and in October, 1852, was very glad to return to his wife in Ohio, landing about New Year's, 1853, in New York City, making the journey home by the Isthmus. Soon after his return from California Mr. Alexander purchased a home in Chesterville, Morrow Co., Ohio, where he intended to establish his family comfortably and once more seek the Pacific Coast. He secured a most desirable piece of property, a good residence and 200 acres of land adjoining Chesterville, and leaving his family amply provided for, started with his brother John for California by the ocean route. They remained in New York City about three weeks before the boat was ready to go out, and the day prior to that on which they expected to start, our subject received a letter from home stating that a contagious disease had broken out and they wished him to return home at once. He did so, and soon afterward his wife and youngest child, a boy, George, were stricken down by the fell destroyer. As soon as possible Mr. Alexander, with his two children started westward in order to save them, and never stopped until he reached Van Buren Township, this county, whither had ! previously moved Mr. George O. Coleman, the father of his wife. He arrived there in October, 1853, and after a week's sojourn making arrangements for the care of the little ones, returned to Ohio, abandoned his California project, and began buying horses and cattle to take to Iowa and other places in the West. He made his first trip to the Hawkeye State in 1842, taking with him a quantity of saddles, blankets, etc., which he traded to the Indians on the Des Moines river, near the present city of that name. The children born of his first marriage, were: Austin, who resides in Jewell Junction, Hamilton Co., Iowa; the daughter, Caroline, is the wife of Richard Alexander, and resides in Tekamah, Burt Co., Nev., and George, deceased. Mr. Alexander contracted a second marriage in Ohio, in May, 1856, with Miss Phoebe Ann Barney; she was a native of Knox County, that State. The marriage took place at Lexinton, Richland Co., Ohio, where she was principal of the schools. Later, during the Civil War, he entered the army; where there he received intelligence that his wife was dangerously sick. He resigned and returned home, arriving there a few days before her death, in April, 1862. They had become the parents of two children - Harlo B. and Lucretia, who is the wife of T.J. Zediker, and resides at Mapleton, Morrow Co., Iowa. Mr. Alexander, during the first year of the war, and in response to the call of President Lincoln for three years' men, assisted in the organization of a company at Van Buren Center, Company A, of the 9th Iowa Infantry, of which he was elected Second Lieutenant. They drilled for a time at Camp Union near Dubuque and were then assigned to the Army of the Missouri, and first encountered the rebels under Gen. Price at Springfield, Mo. In 1862 Lieut. Alexander was detailed to escort some contraband property to the rear to be turned over to the quartermaster's department, and when upon the point of entering upon the duties of that position he received intelligence of the critical condition of his wife. At this time Gen. Halleck, commanding, gave no furloughs, and the only way for Lieut. Alexander to reach the bedside of his dying wife was to resign his position, which he did, and which the General accepted, saying, "Lieutenant, if your domestic affairs are of such a character ! that you can return to the service, come to my headquarters and I will make you as good as when you left." Mr. Alexander reached his wife at Spragueville a few days before her death, and after her burial his son Austin and two brothers-in-law enlisted in the Union service, and served until the close of the war. On the 6th of February, 1867, our subject was married, the third time, to Miss Anna Austin, of Andrew, this county. The Austin family came to this region about 1835, during the early settlement of Perry Township, and long before the Indian War. Of this last marriage there were born seven children, namely: Jesse, Franklin, Frederick William, Lena, Levi H., Robert J. and James B. He has a beautiful home in Spragueville, enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances, and is apparently surrounded by everything calculated to make life pleasant and desirable. Honest and upright in his transactions, he held the office of Postmaster from 1857 until 1883 a period of over twenty-five years. He was in early life a member of the old Whig party. In 1844 he voted for James G. Bierney. He was a strong Abolitionist during slavery times, and allied himself with the Republican party upon its organization in 1856, voting for its Presidential candidate, John C. Fremont. ! He was a warm supporter of Lincoln, and finally became a Greenbacker, voted for Horace Greeley, supported James G. Blaine in 1884 and Benjamin Harrison in 1888. During his sojourn on the Pacific Slope Mr. Alexander took a trip to South America in the interest of a firm in Sacramento to purchase large quantities of flour at Conception, Chili, for said firm. He is liberal in his religious views, and socially belongs to the Masonic fraternity, with which he identified himself at Chesterville, Ohio, in 1853, being now a member of Chesterville Lodge No. 238. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ ALBERT LLOYD BARTHOLOMEW ~ Related Surnames - SHERMAN, BECKWITH, CUSHING This gentleman is one of those favorite sons of nature upon whom she has showered her choicest gifts. Just past the meridian of life, of fine personal appearance, and blest with a countenance indicating the qualities of the man, his appearance alone inspires confidence and respect in all with whom he comes in contact. He has been endowed with a strong constitution and unusually fine physique, and his entire make-up indicates the possession of an especially well-balanced organization. Lavishly as nature has endowed him, both mentally and physically, still other influences have entered into his life to form the man and to fit him for the leading position he occupies in the village of Preston, of which he was the first resident. Among these causes and influences, the operations of the well-known laws of heredity bear a prominent part. He is descended in a straight line from ancestors who for centuries have been prominent in their native land, occupying a high position in C! hurch and State, and the qualities thus naturally developed and enlarged have been transmitted to their descendants. Authentic records of the family go back to the year 1555, and tradition and family legend extend far beyond that. In the year mentioned three brothers, bearing the names of John, Robert, and Richard, lived at Warboro, Oxfordshire, England, and all were prominently connected with the Church of England. These brothers were the progenitors of a race whose influence has been felt in both Hemispheres, and who, both as English and American citizens, have ever exercised a wide influence in the communities of which they were component parts. Of the descendants of the brothers mentioned, William, born at Burford, England, in 1602, was the forefather of the present large Bartholomew family in this country. He was a man of marked characteristics, of a strong individuality, and is on records as having been a well-educated man, who was very successful in all his business transactions, and, after his settlement in this country, became very popular and a leading man among the Colonists, serving on the special Grand Juries at Boston, and being three times chosen to represent his fellow Colonists in the General Court at Boston, which exercised supreme jurisdiction over the Massachusetts Bay Colony. William Bartholomew had arrived in the Colony Sept. 18, 1634, in the ship "Griffin," in company with the Rev. Zachary Symms, Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, and John Lothrop. It will thus be seen that our subject is a descendant of one of America's first families, as William Bartholomew arrived here but fourteen years after the arriv! al of the Pilgrims in the "Mayflower." >From that day on, the descendants of this old Puritan have exercised a wide influence, especially in New England, in which section of the country they are still very numerous. In Hartford, Conn., June 19, 1841, A. L. Bartholomew first saw the light of day. His parents were Eli and Portia (Sherman) Bartholomew, who later removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where our subject passed his earlier years. While still young he gave marked evidence of strong intellectual capacity, and his father gave him every possible education advantage. When but fourteen years of age he was graduated from the Central High School of Cleveland, and the year following completed a commercial course in Bryant and Stratton's Business College in that city. He was soon thereafter engaged in the office of Tappan, McKillop & Co., at Cincinnati, Ohio, and assisted in writing up the first set of Commerical Agency books for the city of Chicago, a difficult and laborious task. His father had been a successful broker after taking up his residence in Cleveland, but at this time was engaged in the marble business. Young Bartholomew, always thirsting for knowledge of any kind, had made him! self acquainted with the different grades and qualities of the stone, and with marble-cutting tools and their uses, and, on completing his work for the Commercial Agency, repaired to Belvidere, Ill., and, with his brother Charles, already settled there engaged in the marble business, in 1859. The following year he went to New York City, where for two years he was in mercantile business. Returning to Belvidere in 1862, he purchased his brother's business and stock. All this was before he had reached his majority, and it was not long before he found himself at the head of a large and prosperous business. During our subject's residence in Belvidere he met, wooed, and wedded the lady who has since been to him an efficient and affectionate helpmate, rounding out and completing his life. Her maiden name was Mary Jane Beckwith, and she is the daughter of John B. and Susan (Cushing) Beckwith, both natives of Cheshire County, N.H., who were married at Alstead, in their native county, and there followed farming. David, the father of Susan Cushing, was an own cousin of the celebrated Caleb Cushing. In 1855, the family removed to Belvidere, the father giving his attention to farming. He and his wife had six children born to them while in New Hampshire, namely: Mary Jane, Susan A., Milton J., Helen M., Matilda A., and Augusta M. After their removal to Illinois they became the parents of four more children - Joseph C., David B., Charles E., and Carrie B. With the exception of Susan A., a resident of Savanna, Ill., and Matilda, living at Belvidere, the children are all residents o! f Iowa. Mrs. Bartholomew's first recollections are of the place of her birth in far away New Hampshire, where she passed the happy days of her childhood and girlhood. Their residence was on a well-known place called the Grant farm, from the porch of which they could overlook the city of Keene, and the great Monadnock Mountains, down whose rugged sides tumble the streams, which, gathering force in their course, become the mighty current of the Merrimac, which sets in motion the hundreds of thousands of spindles of Lowell, and gives power for the hundreds of factories which crowd that busy region. Mrs. Bartholomew's first school experience was in her native county. Here in winter time she often witnessed the scenes similar to those immortalized by our Quaker poet, Whittier, in his beautiful poem "Snow Bound." In the heavy snow-storms which are frequent in that hilly region, her father often took six or seven yoke of oxen to break a road to take his children to school. When her parents removed to Belvidere she was a girl of twelve years, and there she grew to a winning womanhood. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Bartholomew has been blest by the birth of three children - George E., Eugene A., and Gertrude. Both the sons are married, and living in Preston. The daughter, a charming young lady of fifteen, is still under the parental roof, the joy and pride of her loving parents. In 1864, Mr. Bartholomew removed his business to Lyons, and the following year located in Van Buren Township, Jackson Co., Iowa. While successfully conducting his marble business, he was devoting every spare moment to the study of law, to the practice of which he had a strong inclination. He was admitted to the bar in 1868. In December, 1870, he purchased some lots in Preston, and built the first residence in the village the following year. In this year he established the first bank in Preston, of which he is still the trusted head. With the qualifications he possesses, it is not strange that Mr. Bartholomew has reached a high position in his profession. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of Iowa in 1872, and in 1874 was admitted to practice in the United States District Court. In 1875 he became Attorney for the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway Company, and for many years has filled that onerous position in a manner highly creditable to himself and satisfactory to the officers of that corporation, and still occupies that position. No better testimonial to his efficiency can perhaps be given than the following language used by Supt. D. A. Olin, of the road, after Mr. Bartholomew had for fourteen years been connected with the company: "In my opinion, Mr. A. L. Bartholomew is one of the ablest, most efficient, and most successful attorneys ever connected with our road." Our subject has never been a politician or office-seeker. The honorable positions he has held have come to him unsought and unsolicited. In his profession he ranks with the foremost, and the citizens of Preston would each and all regard his removal from their midst as a personal loss. He has done much to advance the interests of the town, and has given liberally to all worthy public enterprises. He organized and built the first telephone system of this county, and was President of the Bell Telephone company of this county until a short time since, when he disposed of his interest, and the plant was transferred to the present company. The spacious opera house over his bank building is owned by him and Mr. R.M. Essick, and is a credit to the town. In politics, Mr. Bartholomew is a Republican. He has also always taken an active part in all charitable and benevolent societies. As a Mason, he was for years Master of Astral Lodge No. 324, A.F. & A.M.; is a member of Bath-K! ol Chapter No. 94, Tancred Commandery No. 40, Knights Demplar; DeMolay Consistory; Sublime Princes, Royal Secret 32d degree, and of El Kahir Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Bartholomew's home is beautifully situated in the southeastern part of the village, and is made happy by the presence of the devoted wife, who has for so many years shared his joys and sorrows, and still stands by his side as truly a helpmate, as in their younger and less prosperous days. His domestic character is no doubt largely due to the influence of the beloved wife, who makes his home for him the dearest spot on earth. How much of his success and good fortune is due to this estimable lady it would be difficult perhaps to estimate, but her husband certainly has good reason to bless the day when first they met. Their house is a splendid type of the happy American home, and is the scene of much domestic happiness. Though having reached such a high point in his profession, Mr. Bartholomew is still a student, and devotes a considerable portion of his income to increasing his splendid law library, and to further and deeper research into the intricacies of his profession. The most desirable earthly attainments he believes to be honor, honesty, and intelligence - attributes possessed by himself in a marked degree. Though time has silvered his head, it has not abated his robust manhood, and years of study and experience have but strengthened his intellect, and developed his riper judgment. May he long be spared to be the central figure of the town, for which he has done so much. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ HENRY L. BAEHR ~ Related Surnames: SCHUETTE, HILLION, THURNAN Prof. Henry L. Baehr, Superintendent of the Orphan Asylum at Andrew, is a native of Germany, and was born Aug. 25, 1855. He was reared in his native sity, and attended the common school until fourteen years of age. After confirmation he was apprenticed to a mechanical engineer, but a year and a half later decided to come to America. He embarked on the ship "Herman," sailing from Bremen, and landed in New York City, a stranger in a strange land, without relatives or acquaintances, and with only $8 in his pocket. He made his way to the vicinity of Waverly, this State, where he engaged in farming, and remained about seven years. In the winter he occupied his time in study, and in the fall of 1878 entered upon the preparatory teachers' course in the Orphan Asylum at Andrew, after which he attended Waverly College. From this latter he was graduated in the spring of 1881, and assumed charge of a school in Osauka County, Wis., where he remained until November, 1887. He was t! hen proffered his present position. Prof. Baehr was married, in Cedarburg, Wis., April 12, 1883, to Miss Bertha Schuette, a native of that place, and the daughter of John and Catherine (Hillion) Schuette, who were natives of Oldenburg, Germany, and upon coming to America engaged in farming near Cedarburg, Wis. Mr. Schuette is now a real-estate dealer. Of this untion there are three children - Paul, Hedwig and Gertrude. Mr. and Mrs. Baehr are active members of the Lutheran Church, and our subject, politically, is a sound Republican. The father of our subject was Louis Baehr, a native of Hessen, Germany, and the son of Louis, Sr., a merchant, and a man possession great musical talent, being a fine performer on the violin and flute, and the leader of an orchestra. He engaged in the wars with France, and died in 1864, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He was possessed of a large property. The father of our subject operated twelve years as a miller, then conducted a brewery until his death, in 1878, at the age of sixty-six years. He passed away in the faith of the Lutheran Church. The mother, Mrs. Sophia Thurnan, was born in Rodenburg, German, and was the daughter of Frederick Thurnan, who was among the most prominent farmers and citizens of his Province. He died in 1859. Mrs. Baehr was well educated, and died in 1869, at the age of forty-nine years. Lizzie, the eldest of her five children, resides in Hanover. There others were - Albert, Fred, William and Henry. Fred was a soldier in the ! German army during the war with France, and has his arm broken in the service. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ GEORGE AKINHOUSE, JR. ~ Related Surnames: SHRADER, ENNING The sons of the pioneers are rapidly taking the places of their honored sires, the latter of whom are gradually passing away; and in most instances these sons are worthily bearing the mantle which has descended upon them. They were mostly trained to habits of industry and economy, and assisted in making the homesteads which in their full development form the picture of peace and plenty for which the Hawkeye State is especially noted. The subject of this sketch, the owner of 320 acres of land on section 15 in Bellevue Township, was born in this township, in August, 1848, and is the son of George and Elizabeth Akinhouse, who were natives of Germany. The parents crossed the Atlantic in their younger years, and first located in Jo Daviess County, Ill., thence they came to this county when but a few white men had ventured thus far westward. The father was poor in purse, but had an abundance of energy, and had inherited from his excellent German ancestry the qualities of resolution and persistence which enabled him to overcome the hardships and difficulties confronting him. He converted a tract of wild land into a comfortable homestead which he occupied until about 1876. He then removed to the town of Bellevue, where he now resides. The mother is deceased. The stepmother is living. To the parents of our subject there were born three children, of whom two are living - George and his sister, Mary, Mrs. August Shrader of Bellevue. Mr. Akinhouse has spent his entire life in Bellevue Township, and has made of farming his life occupation. Providence provided our subject with a strong and healthful frame, thus making him equal to the task set before him. He has effected, mostly unaided, all the improvements on his homestead, and has secured a competence for his old age. On the 25th of November, 1873, Mr. Akinhouse was wedded to Miss Tillie Enning, a native of Tete des Morts Township. Of this union there were born seven children, viz.: John, Tillie, Mary, Albert, Frank, Katie and Laura. Tillie is deceased. The eldest is fourteen years of age and the youngest three months. Mr. Akinhouse will give to his children the educational advantages in keeping with their station in life as the offspring of an intelligent and well-to-do citizen. They have a comfortable home with everything to make life pleasant and desirable. Mr. Akinhouse, politically, votes with the Democratic party, and in religious matters, inclines to the doctrines of the Catholic Church, attending services at St. Joseph's Church, Bellevue. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ JOHN AHLERS ~ Related Surnames: OTTENS, LAHMEYER The flight of time works great changes in human life, and that life which has been spent honestly, uprightly and industriously, seldom fails to reap its reward. The subject of this notice, one of the leading citizens of Bellevue and a lifelong farmer, is now retired from active labor, and enjoying the comforts of a pleasant home in town, surrounded by friends and blest with a fair portion of this world's goods. His elegantly-furnished residence is located on Third street, in the north part of the city, and forms an attractive resort for scores of friends. Many thrifty German citizens, during the early settlement of Iowa, found their way thither as to most sections of the Great West, and bore no unimportant part in developing her rich resources. Mr. Ahlers, one of these, first opened his eyes to the light in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Jan. 10, 1841, and is the son of John H. and Adelaide (Ottens) Ahlers, both also of German birth and parentage. He received a good education in the common-schools of his native country, and was reared with the intention of becoming a farmer. He remained under the parental roof until ready to establish a home of his own, and was then married to Miss Caroline Lahmayer, a maiden of the same Province. To them there were born five children, four of whom are living, viz.: Charlotte, Oswald U., Otto and Clara. Lizzie died at the age of seven years. Our subject had more than ordinary ambition to do something and be somebody in the world, and seeing little prospect of realizing his hopes in his native land, set out with his family, in the fall of 1866, for America. They took passage on an ocean steamer at Bremen, and after a stormy voyage of seventeen days landed safely in New York City. Thence they emigrated to Wisconsin, and Mr. Ahlers for a short time was engaged as a teamster in the vicinity of Milwaukee. Shortly afterward, however, he crossed the Mississippi into this county, and secured employment on a farm in Tete des Morts Township, where he sojourned until the 1st of April, 1867. Mr. Ahlers now set out on a exploring expedition to the Farther West, visiting Omaha and other important points in that region, and worked for a time with a gravel train on the Northwestern Railroad. He then returned to Tete des Morts Township, where he was soon afterward joined by his wife, and in the spring of 1868 purchased a farm in Richland Township. He first secured 160 acres, and subsequently doubled the amount of his real estate, so that at one time he owned a half-section. He brought the greater part to a state of cultivation, and effected good improvements, occupying it about seventeen years. Then thinking it wise to lay aside some of his arduous labors, he left the farm in the spring of 1885, and moved to his present comfortable home in Bellevue. The people of Bellevue Township were not backward in recognizing worth and reliability, and Mr. Ahlers is now serving his second year in the Town Council. While a resident of Richland Township he officiated as School Director, and was always found on the side of those enterprises calculated to advance the people socially, morally and financially. Politically, he votes the straight Democratic ticket, and while not a member of any church gives his support and encouragement to religious institutions, believing that they form the foundation stone of all morality and the better things of life. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Personally, he is a man of prepossessing appearance, one whose health has not been impaired by dissipation of any kind, and whose heart and soul beams forth genially from an honest countenance. He is fully deserving of the success which has attended him through life. In addition to the property already mentioned he owns 424 acres of land! in Palo Alto County, which is partly under cultivation, and 304 acres in Emmett County, besides a half-section in South Dakota. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ H HERMAN AHLERS ~ Related Surnames: OTTENS, LAHMEYER, HARMS H. Herman Ahlers, one of the most reputable citizens of Bellevue, where he has resided since the summer of 1888, was born June 7, 1853, in what was then the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, and is the son of John H. and Adelaide (Ottens) Ahlers, who are also of German birth and parentage, and who spent their last years in Germany. He remained a resident of his native country until a youth of sixteen years, in the meantime receiving a good education, which was supplemented after coming to America by an attendance of one term in 1878 at the State Agricultural College, in Story County, Iowa. The first winter of his residence in this county he attended school for a time in Richland Township, making his home with his brother John. Our subject crossed the Atlantic in the fall of 1869, taking passage at the port of Bremen on an Ocean Steamer and landing in New York City twenty-three days later. Thence he came at once to this county, and when not in school engaged in farming, until the fall of 1874. He then revisited his native land and spent six months among the friends of his early youth, returning to America in the summer of the following year. He repeated this visit in the fall of 1881, sojourning in the Fatherland until July, 1888, since which time he has been a resident of Bellevue. The marriage of our subject with Miss Doris Lahmeyer took place in Germany, in 1883. Mrs. Ahlers is a native of the Province of Hanover, and was born Aug. 15, 1855. Her parents were Henry and Magdalena (Harms) Lahmeyer. Of this untion there have been born two children - Adelia, Dec. 7, 1883, and Clara, Oct. 23, 1886. Mr. Ahlers, politically, is independent, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified for office. In religious matters, he and his estimable wife were reared in the German Lutheran Church. His is the owner of valuable land in Emmet County, and has been uniformly successful in his efforts to obtain a competence. He is looked up to in his community as a man thoroughly reliable in all respects, and one representing in an admirable manner its best elements. ("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: Wagner, Seiler, Miller, Brandon Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/579.580.1.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Peter Seiler is probably related to the Seiler branch of my family. It's kind of an offshoot, married to one of my Wagner ancestors (main branch). Seiler's were in St. Donatus, Iowa in the mid to late 1800's. I'll do some checking and see if I can find anything specific. Contact me at vrcjr@aol.com and we can exchange details off the message board. Regards, Virgel Cain Cave Creek, AZ

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/579.580.1.1.1 Message Board Post: I am looking for a peter seiler, fathers name hubert. got any??? thanks Heather

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/1575 Message Board Post: I am happy to announce a new list at Rootsweb! The IA-CZECHS Discussion List is for anyone with a genealogical or historical interest in Czech ancestors who settled in Iowa. Discussion of migration patterns, immigration, heraldry, historical sketches, settlements, census data, wills, family Bibles, vital records, web sites, etc. is encouraged. Also allowed is the discussion of seasonal (holiday) traditions in relation to favorite CZECH recipes that were handed down from generation to generation. The discussion of the CZECH culture in Iowa is also encouraged. to join IA-CZECHS-L, send mail to IA-CZECHS-L-request@rootsweb.com with the single word SUBSCRIBE in the message subject and body. To join IA-CZECHS-D, do the same thing with IA-CZECHS-D-request@rootsweb.com The IA-CZECHS List home page is at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~irishrose/lists/ia-czechs.htm

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Hampton, Wickes, Wicker Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/1574 Message Board Post: I have a school literature book picked up at a book sale which has Ray Hampton's signature inside the front cover dated November 29, 1905, Esgate Iowa. There is also a signature of Laura Wickes or Wicker who could have been the teacher? Please email me if anyone knows of surviving family members who may be interested. Thank you. Sharon

( I have been asked by several listmembers how the people listed in the "PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF JACKSON COUNTY, IOWA" were chosen. In answer to that question, I hereby submit the Preface from said book. I hope this is helpful. Donna) PREFACE The greatest of English historians, MACAULAY, and one of the most brilliant writers of the present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelligent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how other! s, with limited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy - "they have done what they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in t! he land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after. Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biographical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business. CHAPMAN BROS. Chicago, June, 1889.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: ADDY Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/155.196.2.1 Message Board Post: Wow, amazing someone replied after so long! Well, I don't know if the John Addy listed earlier is part of my ADDY family or not. No one was ever able to tell me who his parents were. My ADDY family came from Ohio, and settled in Iowa, so I was wondering if these Iowa ADDYs were related somehow. Do you know who John's parents were and where they were from? --brant

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Addy Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/5k.2ADE/155.196.2 Message Board Post: I just saw your message posted 2001. George Addy, of Cherokee Co., Iowa who was the son of John & Sarah Addy, is my grandfather. I have a lot of descendant information and would like to exchange.

~ WASHINGTON CRABB ~ Related Surnames - JOHNS, HOPKINS, STOWERS, GURNEY, BOOTHE Washington Crabb, the Postmaster of Brandon, is also proprietor of Crabb's Mills located in the northeast part of Brandon Township, and in addition carries on general merchandising at this point. His residence in this county dates from the spring of 1868, at which time he purchased his present property, and here his interests have since centered. A man of energy and enterprise, he has borne no unimportant part in the development of this part of the county, and is numbered among its most valued citizens. The native place of our subject, was Highland County, Ohio, and the date of his birth, Feb. 14, 1832. He is the son of Stephen and Ruth (Johns) Crabb, who were also born in the Buckeye State. His paternal grandfather, William Crabb, was a native of England, and emigrated to the United States in time to perform good service in the Revolutionary War. He married a German lady, and they reared a family of nine sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to attain a good old age. Nearly all the sons learned the trade of shoe-making, and also followed farming. Stephen, the father of our subject, also learned shoe-making, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. In 1834, leaving his native State, he took up his residence in Clay County, Ind., where he followed agricultural pursuits for a period of eighteen years. In 1852 he came to Iowa, and settled in the vicinity of Charlotte, Clinton County, where he commenced the erection of a saw-mill, but before it was completed, de! ath called him from his earthly labors, his decease occuring in the fall of 1854. While a resident of Indiana, he became connected with the ministry of the Christian Church, and during the last fifteen years of his life devoted nearly the whole of his time to the service of the Master. The wife and mother survived her husband five years, her death taking place at the same place as her husband's. Eight of the children born to the parents of our subject, lived to mature years. Isaiah died in this county abt 1877; Nancy became the wife of James R. Hopkins, and died at Dayton, Ohio, September, 1870; Israel also died in the Buckeye State; Ezra is a resident of Brandon Township, this county; Mary Jane is the widow of William Stowers, and resides in Monmouth, this county; Ruth and Stephen died unmarried. The subject of this notice spent his boyhood and youth after the manner of most farmers' sons, being trained to habits of industry and economy, and receiving such education as the schools of his native township afforded. He followed the family in their emigrations to Indiana and Iowa, and in 1864, during the progress of the Civil War, enlisted in Company C, 16th Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the conflict. He was in the battle of Resaca, Rome, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta, and in all the skirmishes incident to Sherman's march to the sea. After the fall of Atlanta, still remaining under the command of Gen. Sherman, he went up through the Carolinas to Washington, and participated in the Grand Review. Not long afterward he was mustered out and received his honorable discharge. Returning now to Iowa, our subject settled first in Clinton County, where he engaged in milling, and in 1867 was married to Miss Phila S. Gurney. This lady was born in Essex County, N.Y., June, 1832. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Crabb settled in Iowa, and the year following our subject purchased his present property. The mills at that time were not in operation, and it required a considerable outlay of time, labor and money to make them profitable. They now turn out annually a handsome quantity of lumber and flour. In 1880, Mr. Crabb sold out, and removing to Western Kansas, took up a homestead claim in Gove County. In 1883, however, he was obliged to take back his property in this county, and consequently returned. Besides his property here, he has eighty acres in Chase County, Kan. To our subject and his estimable wife there were born four children, three of whom died in infancy. Their only son, Ezra, was born March 28, 1868, and is living with his parents. He was married Dec. 10, 1887, to Miss Nellie Boothe. Mrs. Crabb, in 1883, met with a grevious affliction in the loss of her eyesight, being now totally blind. Her eyes have the natural appearance, but are useless. Her son, Ezra, is a great comfort to her, being kind and attentive, and assisting by his filial affection in lightening her affliction. Mr. Crabb, politically, is an uncompromising Democrat, and in religious matters belongs to the Christian Church. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ AMASA NIMS ~ Related Surnames - WINTER, GOODENOW, WHITE Amasa Nims is a venerable and venerated pioneer of Iowa, coming here in territorial days, before the advent of railways and other civilizing influences; while the Indian still lingered around his old haunts, and when deer, wolves, and other wild animals were plentiful. In his day he has been an important factor in the development of the marvelous agricultural resources of this great commonwealth, and it is his pleasure that he has witnessed the gradual transformation of this country from a wilderness to a land of plenty and prosperity, occupying an honorable position among its sister States in this great Republic. He is now quietly passing the evening of a well-spent life in his cheerful, comfortable home in Maquoketa. Mr. Nims was born in Bolton, Warren Co., N.Y., July 31, 1810. His father, Daniel Nims, was a native of the town of Shelburne, Franklin Co., Mass. Godfrey Nims, the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of England, but emigrating to America in Colonial times, he settled in the old Bay State, and there spent the remainder of his life. The father of our subject was reared in his native State, and served in the Revolutionary War. He removed from Massachusetts to New York, and was a pioneer in the town of Bolton. He bought a tract of timbered land, and in the primeval forests of New York, built up a comfortable home, and there, after a life of labor and well-doing, he closed his eyes to the scenes of earth. The maiden name of his wife was Lydia Winter. She was a native of Connecticut, and died in the home of her son Zedick, in Washington County. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native town, and at the age of thirteen years commenced to work in a woolen mill, where he learned to card wool and dress cloth. He worked in that mill the greater part of the time until 1839, when he resolved to lead a more independent life in the West, purposing to buy Government land in the Territory of Iowa, and turn his attention to farming. In the month of February, that year, he started on the long journey to this part of the country, coming the entire distance with horses, a wagon and sleigh, using either vehicle according to the condition of the roads, crossing the Mississippi River on the ice. The land in Jackson County was then in the hands of the Government, the first settlements in this State having been made but a few years before, and on the wild prairies, deer, wolves, prairie chickens, wild turkeys, and other game were abundant. Mr. Nims bought a claim to some land on section 19, Maquoketa Township, of which f! ive acres were broken, but there were no buildings, and his first work was to erect a small frame house on the place. After making various other improvements he traded it three years later for a claim in Bloomfield Township, Clinton County. When he removed to that place there was no house on it, and he built a log one, and when the land came into market entered it at the Land-Office at Dubuque. There were no railways here in those days, and the river towns, Dubuque, Bellevue, and Davenport, were the markets. He improved forty acres of the land, resided on it ten years, then disposed of it, and, moving to a place eight miles below Waterloo, in Blackhawk County, he bought a tract of prairie and timber land there, and also entered 240 acres of rich farming land from the Government. One year later he sold his property in Central Iowa, and returning to Jackson County, bought a tract of land on sections 16 and 21, Maquoketa Township. In 1859 the excitement of the discovery o! f gold near Pike's Peak drew him in that direction. He had a never-to-be-forgotten experience in crossing the wild, desolate plains, where he saw deer, antelope, and buffaloes in large herds, and he saw Denver in its embryo state, when it consisted of the tents and dug-outs of its few first settlers, on the banks of Cherry Creek. He spent a year in the search of gold, and then retraced his steps across the plains to his home in Maquoketa Township. He has accumulated a fine property, and for the last few years has lived in retirement. March 23, 1839, Mr. Nims and Miss Adeline Goodenow were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, and for fifty years they have shared life's joys and sorrows together, mutually aiding each other in all its duties, and sustaining each other in all its trials. Mrs. Nims was born in Windsor, Vt., and is a daughter of Timothy and Betsey (White) Goodenow. (For parental history see sketch of J.E. Goodenow). Of this marriage seven children have been born, namely: Wesley, Weed, Crein L., Natt, Adelaide, Luella, and May, the latter daying at the age of two years. Our subject can look back over a long life that has been wisely spent, and as a man and a citizen his record is without blot. He and his wife are the only two remaining of the original five members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at the time of its organization, and they have always been zealous workers in the cause of religion. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ GEORGE D. FOSTER ~ Related Surnames - DALPHIN*, SCHADER, DEAN, ANDERSON George D. Foster, junior partner of the firm of Edward Foster & Son, is with his father conducting probably the largest stock business in this part of Iowa, having invested therein a large capital, and their shipments amounting to $5,000 per annum. He is an intelligent gentleman of a powerful frame and fine physique, and occupies one of the most beautiful homes in Jackson County, delightfully situated about a mile west of Preston, and in full view of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad and station. It is noted too as the seat of hospitality and good cheer, and is the resort of hosts of friends whom the proprietor and his estimable and accomplished wife have gathered around them. Mrs. Foster is one of the brightest and most energetic women of her time. She is highly educated and followed the profession of a teacher some years before her marriage, resigning her position to become the wife of our subject. The Foster stock-farm includes 320 acres of valuable land on section 30, in Van Buren Township, and is equipped with all the appliances necessary for the proper transaction of the business to which Mr. Foster has of late years given his close attention. There are three Eclipse windmills for grinding, one 10-foot wheel, one 14-foot wheel, geared, and one 20-foot engine of a like description. These furnish ample power for grinding all the feed required for the large number of cattle and other stock, and also furnishes the power for conveying water to whatever point desired. There is a large reservoir and tanks, and in both winter and summer, water is furnished at a uniform temperature. Mr. Foster utilizes for this purpose the Stowell Tank Heating Apparatus, for which, he is general agent for the north half of Clinton and all of Jackson County. His farm is conducted on strictly scientific principles, and the feeding troughs, sheds and barns are so arranged as to afford the! greatest conveniences with the least expenditure of time and labor. Mr. Foster procures his stock principally from the Chicago market and handles annually large numbers of beef cattle and swine. He also carries on dairying to a certain extent, having from sixteen to twenty-five milch cows, and for the prosecution of this industry has also all the modern conveniences, including an ice house and the most approved dairy apparatus. This latter is largely under the supervision of Mrs. Foster who is apparently fully qualified for the responsibility. Edward Foster, the father of our subject, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume, was one of the pioneer settlers of Jackson County, locating in Van Buren Township during its primitive days. He was twice married, the mother of our subject having been in her girlhood, Miss Mary Dalphin, a native of England. They became the parents of two children, the one besides our subject being a daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Schader, of Miles, Iowa, and whose husband is also a large stock man. Of the second marriage of Edward Foster, there were born three children - Cora, James and Edward. The subject of this sketch was born Aug. 7, 1859, and was reared from his boyhood to farm pursuits, although he was given ample time and opportunity for a thorough education. At the age of sixteen years he entered Cornell College at Mt. Vernon, Iowa, where he pursued his studies for some time. August, 1878, in company with his sister he visited England, and spent several months with relatives. When twenty-one years old he was married, Dec. 23, 1880, to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Daniel Dean, of Princeton, Ill. Her mother was formerly Miss Mary Anderson, a native of New York State, born near the beautiful Hudson River. Mr. Dean was born in Keene County, N.H., and the parents were married in New York State. They removed to Bureau County, Ill., in 1856, and Mr. Dean is now connected with the Tribune of that county. Mrs. Foster was born in Princeton, Ill., and was graduated from the first High School of that city. She began teaching when a maiden of sixteen years and has always taken a deep interest in educational matters. In the summer of 1878, she came to Preston, and the year following accepted a position as Assistant Principal of the Sabula schools, which position she held a little over a year, and then was married to our subject. Of this union there have been born two children, John Dalphin, who died May 22, 1888, at the age of six years, and Dean Edward, who was born Dec. 5, 1883. The plan of the Foster residence was drawn by Mrs. Foster, and displays much architectural skill and contrivance. She is a lady of rare tastes, and the home both within and without is a model one. Mr. Foster, politically usually affiliates with the Democratic party, but has no aspirations for office, being wholly absorbed in his farming and stock interests. Both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Congregational Church. * Please note difference in spelling from the Biography of Edward Foster. This is taken exactly as printed in the original volume. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)

~ EDWARD FOSTER ~ Related Surnames - WHITTAKER, DOLPHIN, SCHADER, OSBURN, BARKER, MARTIN Edward Foster, of Van Buren Township, is accounted the wealthiest man in this part of the county, and a noteworthy fact in connection with this is that he may be termed essentially a self-made man - one who has accumulated his property by his own unaided efforts. He is a man of correct habits and temperate living, has been enabled to perform the labor of two men, and, although now on the downhill of life, can still endure as much exertion as most any young man. He takes a pardonable pride in this fact, and presents an example which is eminently worthy of imitation. Joseph Foster, the father of our subject, was a native of the town of Brinsworth, Yorkshire, England, about nine miles from the city of Sheffield. He was at an early age trained to habits of industry and economy, and when a youth learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed in his native England until nearing his thirtieth year. He then became interested in farming pursuits, which he followed the remainder of his life, dying on his farm in England at the age of eighty-three years. He had been very successful financially, and left a good property. He was a member of the militia during the French War - that is, during the troubles with Napoleon. The mother of our subject was in her girlhood Miss Elizabeth Whittaker, also a native of Yorkshire, and born not far from the childhood home of her husband. She survived him a short time, living to be ninety-three years old. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Foster, Sr., was also a carpenter by trade. He was born in 1730, and lived to be eighty-four years old. Indeed the family has been noted for longevity. The Foster family were among the tenantry of 'Squire John Fullerton, one of an ancient family who were represented in Yorkshire for a period of 150 years. To the parents of our subject there were born four sons - John, James, William and Edward. John and William prosecuted farming on their native soil, and James and Edward engaged in butchering until the latter sailed for America. He is now the only survivor of the family. Edward Foster, a native of the same place as his parents, was born Nov. 1, 1819, the same year of Queen Victoria's birth, and was reared to manhood under the paternal roof. He attended the public school, and was put to hard work at an early age, but this, instead of stunting his growth, seemed to develop his muscular system to a more than usual degree. The acquisition of his lessons was rather a hard task, because he was active, and outdoor sports and employment were more congenial to his make-up. When a boy of ten he began making himself useful, in a general way, about a meat-market, and later followed this business in Sheffield several years, and until reaching his majority. Not long after coming of age young Foster determined to seek his fortunes on another continent, and on the 1st of April, 1842, set sail from Liverpool, being the first of the family to cross the Atlantic. He was without means - in fact, he had been obliged to borrow fifty pounds from his father in order to make the voyage. This was accomplished in safety, and he stepped ashore in New York City on the 10th of May following, and thence migrated to Cooperstown, Otsego County, where he met a friend of his father, a Mr. Dolphin, who followed the occupations of a farmer and brewer. Young Foster not long afterward procured employment on a farm, at $9 per month, and continued in Otsego County twenty months. He then returned to England, where he remained six years. Four years of that time he carried on the butchering business at Sheffield. Prior to that time he had assisted his brother in butchering, and was a year on the farm with his father. In 1850 Mr. Foster once more set out for America, and engaged as a cattle-driver, at $13 per month, from Clark County, Ohio, to Boston. He finally discovered that he could do well by butchering for the gang of men employed on the Genesee canal, and so took up this business, establishing himself at Belfast, Allegany County, N.Y. In the meantime, on the 25th day of December, 1852, he was married to Miss Mary A. Dolphin, and continued in the butchering business at Belfast thereafter for one and one-half years. In the spring of 1854 he set out alone for Iowa, and coming to this county, purchased, in Van Buren Township, 200 acres of land, at $6 per acre. He secured his first land from the Government in 1853, and in 1854 was joined by his wife. They went to housekeeping in a rude log structure which Mr. Foster had purchased. Perhaps not one man in a thousand could have endured the hardships which he encountered, but his rugged frame and persevering disposition enabled him to! come off a victor. There were born to the first union of Mr. Foster a daughter and son - Mary and George. The first-mentioned is the wife of Fred Schader, an extensive stock-farmer of Clinton County; they have four children - Fred, Eddie, Laura and Louisa. George is a resident of Van Buren Township. The mother of these children died at the homestead, in July, 1877. Our subject contracted a second marriage, June 12, 1878, with Mrs. Emily Martin, of Van Buren Township. This lady was born in Tioga County, N.Y., Aug. 4, 1842, and is the daughter of Samuel and Betsey (Barker) Osburn, and the widow of Thomas Martin, by whom she had two children - Alva and Mary. Of her marriage with our subject there have been born three children - Cora, James and Edward. Mr. Foster was sixty-five years old when his youngest child was born. Aside from the 350 pounds sterling inherited from his father, he has had no assistance, having accumulated his large property by his own efforts. He was at one time the ! owner of 1,400 acres of land. Upon his second return to England, in 1871, he noticed a marked improvement in the cities of his native country. During his second voyage back to America the vessel was wrecked and stranded on a rock, but the wind finally abated so they could proceed, and the vessel held together until the passengers were landed. Two days later she went down in a storm. In politics Mr. Foster has always been a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. He has crossed the Atlantic five times, and eight years ago he made a trip to California, being absent nearly a month. He also visited the Centennial Exposition at New Orleans. ("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)