~ WILLIAM A. DAVIS ~ Related Surnames - LANCASTER, SUTTON, COUGER, EVERETT, HUMES, CROPSEY Among the competent and wide-awake young farmers who are active in maintaining the immense agricultural interests of Jackson County, the subject of this biography occupies no mean position. He now owns and is successfully managing a part of the old homestead, in South Fork Township, which his father, a pioneer of Jackson County, reclaimed from the wild prairies. Mr. Davis was reared in this county, and most of his life has been passed within its limits; but he was born in Indiana, his birth taking place in Napoleon, Ripley County, Feb. 25, 1856. His father, Asa Davis, was born near Rossburg, Decatur Co., Ind., June 14, 1830; and his grandfather, Henry Davis, was a native of Pennsylvania, and moving from there to Indiana, he became a pioneer of Decatur County, where he cleared a tract of timbered land, improved it into a good farm, and resided on it till death closed his earthly career. His wife also died on the home farm. Her maiden name was Mary Lancaster, and she was a native of Pennsylvania. The Lancasters trace their relationship to Gen. Washington's mother. The father of our subject was reared and married in his native county, taking unto himself for a wife Elizabeth Sutton. She was also a native of Decatur County, born Feb. 26, 1834, to Isaiah and Susanna (Couger) Sutton, natives of Pennsylvania. Her parents were pioneers of that part of Indiana, where they improved a farm and spent their remaining days. Shortly after marriage the parents of our subject moved to Ripley and spent one season, and then in the fall of 1856 came to Iowa, bringing with them our subject, their eldest-born and then their only child. The journey hither was made with teams, and they took their cooking utensils along and camped and cooked by the wayside, four other families accompanying them. After three weeks travel they arrived in Jackson County, and Mr. Davis invested in a sixty-acre tract of land, near Fulton, in Farmers' Creek Township. After residing on it eight years he sold it and bought the place where our subject now lives. It was at the! time timbered land, but by industry and the assistance of his sons, Mr. Davis cleared a large and valuable farm, and accumulated a competency by judicious management of his property. In 1885 he bought real estate in Maquoketa, erected a large, fine brick residence, and there he and his wife spent the short time remaining to them on earth in retirement, free from business cares and hard labor, and in their attractive home they peacefully passed to the rest that knows no waking. They were not long divided by death, the mother closing her eyes to the scenes of earth Feb. 17, 1887, and the father the 15th of the following April. Their marriage had been blessed to them by the birth of six children, as follows: William A.; David Marshall, of Farmers' Creek Township; Asa F., of South Fork Township; Emma E., deceased; John K. and Fred C., both of whom are single and reside in Farmers' Creek Township. The subject of this sketch was but an infant when his parents brought him to Iowa. He gleaned his education in the district school, and as soon as large enough began to assist his father on the farm in clearing the land and tilling the soil, and he remained with him thus engaged until he was twenty-three years old. At that age he began life for himself, on a small tract of land in Farmers' Creek Township, cultivating it very profitably for some years. In 1888 he settled on the part of the old homestead that he had inherited from his father. It is provided with a neat set of buildings, the land is under admirable tillage, and is very productive, and there is a general air of thrift and orderliness about the place that betokens method and industry in the owner. Mr. Davis was married March 18, 1884, to Miss Clara L. Everett, and in their pleasant home three children gladden their lives - Nellie, Arthur, and Myrtle. Mrs. Davis was born in Monroe County, Mich. Her father, Hamilton Everett, was a native of the same county, and was a son of Cyrus Everett, a pioneer of that part of Michigan. Mrs. Davis' father was reared and married there, and continued to reside there until the breaking out of the war. He then enlisted in the 4th Michigan Infantry, and gave up his life for his country. The maiden name of his wife, Mrs. Davis' mother, was Charlotte Humes. She was also a native of Monroe County, and was a daughter of Charles Humes, a native of Pennsylvania, and an early settler of Monroe County, Mich. She married a second time, becoming the wife of Gilbert Cropsey, and in 1881 they came to Jackson County, and now live in Farmers' Creek Township. Our subject is a young man of good habits and principles, and possesses in a good degree those characteristics that are essential to success in any walk of life, and it is to such young men that Jackson County looks for the continuance of her prosperity.

~ WILLIAM M. BOWMAN ~ Related Surnames - FARR William M. Bowman, one of the skillful and intelligent agriculturists of Maquoketa Township, operates 160 acres of land on section 3, and is recognized as a man of more than ordinary intelligence, especially adapted to agricultural pursuits. He is the offspring of a good family, and the brother of Benjamin F. Bowman, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume. He was born near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., Va., June 1, 1845, and lived there until five years of age. In the spring of 1851 he came to this county with his parents, and here developed into manhood. Young Bowman lived with his parents until twenty-four years of age, then purchased 124 acres of land, and began farming on his own account. He labored industriously a number of years, bring the soil to a state of cultivation, putting up buildings, and adding the improvements naturally suggested by his necessities and for his convenience. This land was well watered by a branch of Mill and Stephens Creek. In due time he purchased forty-six acres additional, and operated it until 1887. Then, with the intention of seeking the Farther West, he sold out, but finally abandoned his western venture. Then, with a natural affection for the old place, he succeeded in returning to it, and now operates as a renter. Mr. Bowman makes a specialty of live-stock, buying, feeding, and shipping cattle on a moderate scale. He also keeps a goodly number of swine, and utilizes three teams of good horses on the farm. He lives comfortably, and manages to extract a goodly amount of pleasure an! d enjoyment from life. Our subject was married in Maquoketa Township Sept. 30, 1869, to Miss Candace M. Farr. Mrs. Bowman is a native of the Province of Ontario, Canada, and was born Sept. 13, 1847, in Louth Township, Lincon County. Her parents left the Dominion six years later, coming to Iowa, and making the journey overland from Freeport, crossing the Mississippi River on the ice, over which the little girl walked, and was naturally very proud of her accomplishment. The parents settled on a tract of land in Maquoketa Township, and Miss Candace was given an excellent education, completing her studies at Mt. Vernon, in Linn County, this State. She finally developed into a teacher, and met with very good success. Mrs. Bowman is a lady of much intelligence and refinement, and both she and her husband have reason to be proud of their bright family of children, who are more than ordinarily intelligent for their age. These, nine in number, are named respectively: Emma E., Carrie E., Daniel J., Mansel W., Claude B., Everard S., Charles E., Edgar S., and Imogene B. The eldest daughter, Miss Emma, is a teacher in the public schools of Maquoketa. Miss Carrie is attending the high school. The others are at home with their parents. Mr. Bowman, politically, affiliates with the Democratic party, and has been quite prominent in local affairs, frequently serving as a delegate to the County Conventions. He has officiated as School Director, holding the office at present, and as Road Supervisor. Socially, he belongs to the A.O.U.W. and the V.A.S. at Maquoketa. The family have a very pleasant and attractive home, and number their friends by the score in this section.

Thanks. Appreciate it. Hope to get there this summer. Darlene. Subject: [IAJACKSO] FYI - new museum > FYI - The Jackson County Historical Society has acquired one of the > buildings from the former Clinton Engines Manufacturing Company and over a > period of the next few years will be remodeling the building and will > eventually move the museum over there and probably the genealogy library, > too. All the buildings at Clinton Engine have been torn down except for the > administrative office building, which will eventually become the museum. I > don't know all of the information, but thought you folks might be interested > in knowing. > > Charlotte M. Meyer - coordinator > Jackson County, IAGenWeb > http://www.rootsweb.com/~iajackso/ > > > > ==== IAJACKSO Mailing List ==== > Support Free Genealogical Access! Support RootsWeb! > http://www.rootsweb.com/rootsweb/how-to-subscribe.html > > ============================== > Gain access to over two billion names including the new Immigration > Collection with an Ancestry.com free trial. Click to learn more. > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=4930&sourceid=1237 >

~ EDWARD H. MASKREY ~ Related Surnames - REDGARD, BELL, FRUIT, HAYWOOD, ROBERTSON, McCARRON, PHILLIPS Edward H. Maskrey has for many years been a leading manufacturer of flour and feed in Jackson County. His mill in Maquoketa is a fine brick structure, three stores in height, 40x61 feet in dimensions, with a basement. It is well-equipped with the most approved modern machinery, and has a capacity of eighty barrels of flour a day and fifty bushels of feed an hour. His sons, Frank H. and Stephen P., are associated with him in the ownership of the mill, and they do a large and flourishing business, both custom and merchant, and their staples are conceded to be of superior quality. Mr. Maskrey was born in Derbyshire, Eng., March 26, 1825. His father, whose given name was Bartholomew, was a native of the same shire. The grandfather of our subject was a resident of Derbyshire, where he carried on the trade of a stonemason, spending his last years there, and all that is mortal of him now lies buried in the Episcopalian Church in the village of Wirksworth. The father of our subject was reared in that village, and in his youth learned the trades of stonecutting and brickmasonry, and followed them in his native village until about the year 1830, when he determined to emigrate to America to see if he could better his prospects of building up a comfortable home for his family. He put his resolution into execution, and in a short time he and his wife and children were settled in the town of Erie, Pa. He subsequently returned to his native village until 1839, when he again braved the perils of the deep with his beloved ones, setting sail from Liverpool and ! landing in New York after a voyage of four weeks, being accompanied by his wife and four children. He again took up his abode in Erie, Pa., and followed his trade there steadily until 1845. In that year he went to Mercer County, Pa., and turning his attention to agriculture, bought a farm, and a part of the time was engaged in its cultivation and a part of the time worked at his trade. He continued to reside there until 1853, when he sold his farm and went to West Virginia, where he had taken a contract to build bridges on the Parkersburg and Grafton Railway, then in the process of construction. He remained there two years and then came with his family to Jackson County, Iowa, coming by the way of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Dubuque, and from thence to his destination. He bought land near Andrew with an unimproved water power, and the same year commenced the erection of a flour mill, which he operated, in company with our subject, eleven years. After that he liv! ed in retirement, making his home with his children, continuing his residence in this county until his death, in 1870. He was a man of good parts, industrious and exemplary habits, possessing forethought and thrift to a marked degree, and his success in life was satisfactory in every respect. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Redgard, and she was a native of the same English shire as himself. Her death occurred in Muscatine, Iowa, where she was attacked by cholera while the family was en route to the new home in this county, and it was a sad blow to the husband and children, who were thus deprived of a faithful wife and mother. There were eight children in the family, as follows: Elizabeth, the wife of C. R. Bell; Edward H.; Mary A. married H. P. Bell, and has since died; Henry R.; Martha, wife of Richard Fruit; Sarah, wife of W. P. Haywood; John P.; and Helen, deceased. The subject of this sketch was five years old when he crossed the ocean to this country the first time, and his second ticket to the United States was purchased the day before he was fourteen years old, he returning to this country again in the same ship, commanded by the same captain, in which the voyage had been made on his return to England a few years before. As soon as he was large enough our subject commenced work with his father, and was under his employment both in Pennsylvania and in West Virginia; and accompanying his father to Iowa, he formed a partnership with him in building and managing the before-mentioned flour mill. In 1865 they dissolved partnership, and our subject moving to Maquoketa, leased the McCloy flour mill, the first one that was ever built in Jackson County, and operated it nearly sixteen years. He then bought the old Methodist Church, a frame building, 26x57 feet in dimensions and one story in height, and fitted it up with suitable machinery f! or grinding feed and manufacturing flour, it having a capacity of 140 bushels of wheat in twenty-four hours. He continued to prosper in his business, and in 1885 was obliged to enlarge his mill in order to supply the demands of his customers. In order not to stop the manufacturing process while building, he ingeniously hit upon the plan of building around the old mill in such a manner that the machinery could still keep in operation while the building was going on. The new mill is complete in all its appointments, and is one of the best in the county. Mr. Maskrey was married Oct. 18, 1849, to Miss Mandana Robertson, and their wedded life has been blessed to them by the birth of five children, namely: Frank H., Emma, Stephen P., Rosa May, Delia M. Frank married Florence McCarron, and they had one child, Rieff, now dead; Emma married Gary McCarron. Mrs. Maskrey was born in Phillipsburg, Beaver Co., Pa. Her father, Thomas Robertson, was born on the ocean while his parents were emigrating from Ireland to this country. He was a son of Thomas Robertson. His parents settled in Beaver County, Pa., and there he grew to manhood. He learned the trade of a ship-carpenter, and worked with his father for a time, and later bought a farm, and besides cultivating the soil engaged in the coopers' trade. He spent his last years in Lawrence County, Pa. Mrs. Maskrey's mother's maiden name was Mary Phillips, and she is still living at the advanced age of eighty years, making her home with our subject and his wife. She was born ! in Vermont, and was a daughter of Stephen and Rhoda Phillips. Mr. Maskrey is in every sense of the word a fine man, and in his business career he has shown himself to be possessed of all the requisite traits to make life a success. Although of foreign birth, so much of his life has been passed in the United States, that he has come to look upon this country as his own, and to feel the same pride and interest in its institutions and progress as a native, and is, indeed, one of its most loyal citizens. He believes the policy of the Republican party the best adapted to the guidance of National affairs, and is its hearty supporter. He and his good wife are among the leading and influential members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is Trustee, Steward and Class-Leader.

FYI - The Jackson County Historical Society has acquired one of the buildings from the former Clinton Engines Manufacturing Company and over a period of the next few years will be remodeling the building and will eventually move the museum over there and probably the genealogy library, too. All the buildings at Clinton Engine have been torn down except for the administrative office building, which will eventually become the museum. I don't know all of the information, but thought you folks might be interested in knowing. Charlotte M. Meyer - coordinator Jackson County, IAGenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~iajackso/

~ CEPHAS P. CRANE ~ Related Surnames - ROUNDY, TILLOSTON, GODARD, CLARK Cephas P. Crane is one of the enterprising, intelligent young men who have grown up with Jackson County, and have become identified with its interests. He was born Dec. 14, 1853, on the farm where he now resides in South Fork Township, and since 1873 he has been actively engaged in its management. He is also interested in the manufacture of lumber, and owns a steam saw-mill with his brother-in-law. His father, Francis H. Crane, was numbered among the sturdy, resolute pioneers of Jackson County, who did much for its early development, and he was for some time closely connected with the agricultural interests of South Fork Township, of which he was an early settler. He was a native of Moriah, Essex Co., N.Y., where his father, Samuel Crane, who was born and bred in the town of Washington, Sullivan Co., N.H., located in 1826, buying a tract of land in the part of the town known as West Moriah, building a blacksmith shop, and working at his trade part of the time, and farmin! g the remainder. He lived there a few years, and then sold and removed to East Moriah, where he bought an improved farm, and devoted himself almost entirely to agricultural pursuits, residing there many years. He finally came to Iowa in his last years, and made his home with his children until his death. The maiden name of his wife, grandmother of our subject, was Keturah Roundy, and she was a native of Sullivan County, N.H. She also spent her last days in Jackson County. There were eight children born to that worthy couple - James H., Mary A., Harriet L., Amelia A., Francis H., Fayette, Almira E., and Samuel N. The father of our subject was reared in his native county, and was there married to Jane Tilloston. He remained a resident of New York for some time after his marriage, then came to Iowa to take advantage of the cheap lands and marvelously fertile soil of this region, and bought a tract of wild prairie on sections 32 and 29. He immediately commenced the improvement of a farm, which remained his home until his premature demise, when this township lost one of its most worthy and highly regarded citizens. His wife died in 1856. The subject of this sketch thus orphaned at a very early age, went to live with his uncles, and remained with them until he was thirteen years old. He then became self-supporting, having an independent, self-reliant spirit, and went out to work by the month, except in the winter season, when he did chores for his board, that he might attend school, the intelligent, wide-awake lad, being very desirous of securing an education. He was industrious and thrifty, and wisely saved his earnings, and early in 1873, had accumulated enough money to warrant his marrying and establishing a home, and on the 11th of March, his union with Miss Lucia Godard, was solemnized. She was a native of South Fork Township, and a daughter of Milton and Emoret (Clark) Godard. (For parental history see sketch of her father on another page of this volume.) Four children were born to them, of whom two, Aura and Lura are living. After marriage Mr. Crane settled on the old homestead, which he still ow! ns and occupies. He has met with fine success in his career as a farmer and stock-raiser, as he is skillful and judicious in the management of his affairs. His property is well improved, the land is under excellent tillage, and everything about the place is neat and orderly. In 1888 Mr. Crane became associated with his brother-in-law, Loyal Godard, in the ownership of a steam saw-mill located on section 17, South Fork Township, and they are doing a profitable business in the manufacture of lumber. Mr. Crane possesses sufficient firmness of character, tenacity of purpose, and shrewd judgment, to make his career in life a success. He is a young man of fine reputation, sound business principles, and excellent habits, and as such, is an honor to the citizenship of his native town. He takes an intelligent interest in local and National affairs, is well-informed concerning them, and gives his earnest support to the Republican party.

~ JACOB P. BECK ~ Related Surnames - CASPERSON, WILSON Jacob P. Beck, a native of Germany is one of the most prominent of his countrymen in Maquoketa Township. During his sojourn in America, to which he came poor in purse, he has prospered financially, has acquired a good knowledge of the English language and is thoroughly in accord with the institutions of his adopted country. He arrived in this county without a dollar, but is now the owner of eighty acres of improved land on section 3, where he lives comfortably, and at the same time has made for himself the reputation of an honest man and a good citizen. In his efforts at building up a home he has been ably seconded by his excellent wife, who is a lady of refinement and intelligence and has been the faithful helpmate of her husband in all his worthy undertakings. Mr. Beck was born Dec. 15, 1842, and spent his boyhood and youth on a farm in his native province. He received the advantages of a common-school education and remained under the parental roof until a young man of twenty-two years. He was then employed as a farm laborer until setting out for America, in May, 1874. He embarked at Hamburg on the steamer "Holsatea" and landed in New York City on the 22d of May following. >From the metropolis our subject proceeded directly westward, coming to this county, and landed in Maquoketa without a cent of money. His first business naturally was to seek employment, and he worked on various farms in this vicinity for a period of three years. Then going to Clinton County he operated on rented land until the spring of 1888. He was then in a condition to purchase, and secured eighty acres of partly improved land from which he has built up his present homestead. He put up a log house, a barn 24x40 feet in area, and the other buildings necessary for the successful prosecution of his calling. The land is watered by a running stream and under the wise management of its owner has become exceedingly productive. Mr. Beck has performed a great deal of hard labor, working early and late, in the development of his land. He has set out forest and fruit trees, having now an abundance of shade and a fine orchard of apple-trees, together with the smaller fruits. He makes a speciality of stock-raising at the present, and operates a medium sized dairy. His livestock consists of cattle, horses and swine, of which he has some very good specimens. Without making any pretentions to elegance or show, he simply lives comfortably, pays his honest debts and enjoys the esteem of his fellow-men. Our subject was married after coming to this county, March 20, 1880, to Miss Mary C. Casperson. Mrs. Beck, like her husband, was a native of Schleswig, Germany, and was born June 5, 1854. She came to America in 1879 and was a resident of Sabula, this county, until her marriage. Of her union with our subject there is only one child, a son - Peter, who was born May 20, 1881. Mr. Beck, politically, affiliates with the Republican party, and in religious matters is with his excellent wife a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church. The parents of our subject were Peter P. and Mattie (Wilson) Beck, natives of the same province as their son and of pure German stock. They spent their entire lives upon their native soil, where the father operated as a small farmer. The parental household included five children; namely: Truels; Ellen, who died when thirteen years old; Jacob P., our subject; Anna, who died at the age of six years; Maria A., who continues in her native Germany. The paternal grandfather, Truels P. Beck, also a native of Schleswig, followed farming and was the owner of a good property. On the mother's side, Grandfather Jacob Wilson, was a native of the same locality, and also followed agricultural pursuits.

~ ALBERT L. POTTER ~ Related Surnames - WARNER, DEARBORN, BENNETT, SHIBLY, POTTER, WILCOX, MATTISON, HALL, ANDERSON, MALTBY In speaking of the prominent and practical business men and farmers of Jackson County - those who are largely identified with its industrial interests - the name of the subject of this biographical notice, who is a proprietor of Mt. Airy Farm, and manufacturer and dealer of surghum and canned goods in La Motte, is always mentioned among the leading ones of this community. He is a native of New York, born in Holland Patent, Oneida County, Sept. 10, 1832. He is of English descent, and can trace his ancestry back many generations to one George Potter, from whom he is lineally descended. This George Potter was born in England, but first appears in the family record as a citizen of Portsnouth, R.I., in 1638. He appears to have been a man who did his own thinking, and was at variance with the popular theology of his time. He died early, leaving an only son, Abel. The widow marrying soon after, the young son Abel was "bound out" for a term of eighteen years. From this waif h! as descended a large family, 1570 names appearing on record, and doubtless as many more are not recorded. Abel Potter was united in marriage with Rachel Warner, Nov. 16, 1669, in Rhode Island, and subsequently lived in that State until his death, in 1692. His son John, who was born in Warwick, R.I., in 1680, and died there in 1770, at the ripe old age of ninety years, married Joan Dearborn, on the 19th of February, 1702. Of their children, Joseph, great-great-grandfather of our subject, was born in 1715, and lived to the age of three-score and ten years. Sept. 11, 1742, he was united in marriage to Freelove Bennett, who survived him many years, spending more than a century of her life on this earth. He was a true patriot, and fought for the independence of his country during the Revolution, as did each of his six sons. Nor should the patriotism of the heroic mother be forgotten. When danger threatened and men were needed, with husband and five elder sons in the patrio! t army, she said to her only remaining son, a lad of sixteen, "you can do some good, you had better go". Among the sons, John, great-grandfather of our subject, was captain of a company in that war, and did brave service. He was born in Coventry, R.I., July 28, 1747, and married Susan Shibly. Their son Samuel, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Canajoharie, Montgomery Co., N.Y. He grew to manhood in his native county, and there engaged in farming. Later he moved to Oneida County, and carried on farming and milling, going from there to Jefferson County, in the same State, where he spent his last years. His son, John S., the father of our subject, was born in Montgomery County, N.Y., April 6, 1793. He removed with his parents to Oneida County, thence to Jefferson County, where, in 1835, he bought 150 acres of land, and began its improvement. Twenty years later he came with his family to Jackson County, Iowa, and buying a small farm in Richland Township, resided here until his demise, July 2, 1869. He was united in marriage with Miss Lydia M. Potter, March 14! , 1815. She was born in New Canaan, Columbia Co., N.Y., Aug. 6, 1792, being a daughter of Augustus Potter, who was born in Coventry, R.I., May 1, 1767. He was a farmer by occupation, and was married Aug. 20, 1786, to Miss Achsah Wilcox. His father, Samuel Potter, was one of the six patriotic sons of Joseph Potter, before mentioned, who fought in the Revolution. He was born in Coventry, R.I., May 24, 1745, and married Lydia Mattison. Mrs. Potter received a good education, and previous to her marriage taught school several terms. She spent her last years in the home of our subject, dying Dec. 4, 1878. To her and her husband were born six children - Alvah, Delos, Augustus II., Samuel E. (deceased), Adelia A., and Albert L. The latter, of whom we write, was but two years of age when his parents removed to Jefferson County, N.Y. He was there reared to maturity, receiving exceptionally good educational advantages in the public schools, and afterward further advanced his education by attending higher institutions of learning in Champion, Carthage and Orleans. Having unusually good mental ability, he became in early life well fitted for the profession of teaching, which he has successfully followed a good deal of the time since. In 1854 Mr. Potter, who was convinced that the undeveloped country of the West offered better inducements to active young men who wished to permanently establish themselves in life than the more populous Eastern States, left New York on the 12th of April, and, coming by rail to Warren, Ill., thence continued his journey to Galena by stage. From Galena he "hoofed it" to LaMotte, returning the next day with a farm wagon for his wife. LaMotte at that time was a small sett! lement on the frontier, and contained perhaps a dozen cabins, five or six small frame houses, a log hotel, two stores, in one of which was the post-office, a small frame school-house, but no churches. Here our subject invested in twenty acres of wild land, and began the improvement of a farm. He still contined to give considerable attention to teaching, and at times had charge of some of the most advanced town and rural schools in this part of the county. As our subject was able he bought land adjoining his homestead, and in due time became the possessor of a farm of 200 acres, lying on sections 9 and 16 of Richland Township, known as the Mt. Airy Farm. It is well watered by springs, and is under excellent cultivation, with a good, bearing orchard, and groves of cedar and evergreen, which he set out in 1875. Mr. Potter has erected substantial buildings, his barn, 40 x 72 feet, being the largest in the township. Besides tilling the soil our subject pays especial attention to stock-raising, his cattle being of fine grades, and his horses of the celebrated Norman breed. In 1865, Mr. Potter, who has always believed in utilizing his land and his means to the best advantage, began raising and manufacturing sorghum on a small scale. Being prosperous in that enterprise, he entered into it more extensively, and in 1882 put up a steam apparatus, and now carries on quite a large business in that line. In 1884 our subject learned the art of canning fruit and vegetables, and, in connection with sorghum making, yearly cans a large amount of sweet corn, tomatoes, string beans, etc., of his own raising, at his finely-equipped sorgo and canning works on his homestead, where he gives employment to a score or more operaties. Mr. Potter pays the most careful attention to the minor details of his business, raising only the finest varieties of fruit and vegetables, and personally supervises the work at the factory and packing house, and has thus acquired a reputation in that branch of industry second to none in this section of the country. Mt. Airy Farm H! ome-Canned brand of goods, and Potter's Sorghum are well and favorably known, and meet with a ready sale in this and surrounding counties. Mr. Potter is a strong supporter of the theory that many and small canning factories will produce a better quality of goods, and at the same time be more profitable to the proprietors, than a few large factories. He would locate a factory in every neighborhood, large enough to supply all local demand. Our subject is a man of practical ability, and claims that to produce the best results his factory should draw as little as possible from abroad. Acting on this principle he has reduced the money sent abroad to the minimum. Even the necessary printing is done by his sons on a amateur press bought for them some years ago, and costing originally several hundred dollars. As an educator, Mr. Potter says he considers this the best investment he has ever made for his sons, and he designs that his daughters shall take a hand at type-setting when old enough. Speaking of the educational and literary surroundings of this home, we must not omit the fine library of five or six hundred volumes. Libraries, like everything else, may be good or bad according to the make up, but this seems to have been selected solely for its usefulness. It contains many books of rare merit, and some are valuable because no longer obtainable. The marriage of Mr. Potter with Miss Eliza Hall was solemnized in La Fargeville, N.Y. Sept. 13, 1853. During their happy wedded life five children have blessed their home, the following being their record: J.A., born Sept 20, 1861, is a student in the medical department of the State University at Iowa City; Carl Hall, born Dec. 13, 1864, married Miss Sarah Anderson, Jan. 14, 1889, and both are pursuing their studies in the university at Madison, Wis., he being a student in the agricultural department, and she taking the English course; Herbert D. was born July 9, 1870; Elbert L., Dec. 3, 1871, and Francis D., Feb. 27, 1876. Mrs. Potter was born in Jefferson County, N.Y., Nov. 13, 1838, of English lineage, and is the descendant of a line of patriots. Her great-grandfather, Joseph Hall, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, was taken prisoner, and was starved to death while held in durance by the British in the old jail at New York. His son, also named Joseph, Mrs. Potter's grandfather, was a farmer by occupation, and did good service in the War of 1812. Gideon P. Hall, father of Mrs. Potter was a native of New York State, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits in Jefferson County; his death occured in Oswego County, in October, 1853, while yet in the prime of life, he having been accidently killed by a falling stone while stoning a well. The maiden name of his wife was Lois Maltby. She was a daughter of the Rev. Joseph Maltby, and spent her entire life in the Empire State, having been born in Genesee County, and dying in Oswego County. To her and her husband were born four children, ! namely: Gideon W., living in Lockport, N.Y.; Grove M., a minister in Madison, Dak.; Eliza, and William H.H. The latter enlisted, in 1861, in the 107th New York Infantry, and served four years in the late Civil War. Mr. Potter is a finely educated man, of more than ordinary business capacity, and is a worthy representative of the enterprising citizens of Richland Township. In the village of LaMotte, which he helped raise to its present prosperity, he is held in cordial regard, and highly esteemed by the whole community. In educational matters Mr. Potter has always taken a deep interest, and given hearty support to all schemes for their advancement. He is a man of sound principles and unblemished honor, of broad and enlightened views. Inherently religious, in early life he thought seriously of entering the ministry, but a change of views led him to abandon this. A strong religious nature, "like Banquo's ghost, will not down." To investigate religious subjects is, with him, a necessity, and much close study and thought have made him a fine ecclesiastical and theological student. He is a very pronounced freethinker, liberal in fact as well as in profession. His sympathies are with ! the Unitarians, he regarding this the most hopeful wing of liberal religious thought at the present time. To these views his estimable wife, and indeed all the family give unqualified assent. So there has never been any bone of discord in the family over religion. In politics our subject is independent, voting for the men whom he thinks will conscientiously work for the highest interests of their country.

~ NORMAN C. WHITE ~ Related Surnames - BRUNSON, SAXTON, VIALL, FULLER, DEEDS, KELLOGG A course of uniform prosperity has resulted in the accumulation of a fine property by Mr. White; and one of his peculiarities is that he carries his honors with unusual modesty, never seeking popularity nor striving to push himself forward before the public. He has a fine farm property on section 13, in Union Township, embracing 280 acres of land, which is largely devoted to the raising of fine stock, especially of Shetland ponies. His land is in a thorough state of cultivation, and the farm building and appurtenances are in a modern style of architecture, equipped with the comforts and conveniences in accordance with modern ideas and requirements. Mr. White is in all respects a progressive man and keeps himself well informed upon the matters pertaining to his vocation. A native of the city of Cleveland, Ohio, our subject was born Aug. 27, 1837, and is the son of Solomon and Hannah (Brunson) White, natives respectively of Vermont and Connecticut. Solomon White left New England as early as 1804, and settling in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, produced the first brick burned in that vicinity, and erected the first brick house in the city of Cleveland. Later, in 1845, he removed to Peninsula, a point twenty-four miles south of Cleveland, and from there emigrated to Iowa in May, 1850. Coming to this county he lived one summer at Mt. Algor, in Iowa Township, then removed to the Davis farm, where he spent one summer. In the fall of 1851 he took up his residence in Sabula, where he resided with his family until his death, which occurred early in 1864. The mother only survived her husband about six weeks. To Solomon and Hannah (Brunson) White there was born a family of nine children, five of whom are living. Mary, the eldest, married Mr. Saxton, and is a resident of Troy, Kan.; Jane, Mrs. Viall, lives in Summit County, Ohio; Lucian, (deceased), Susan, Mrs. Fuller, is a resident of Preston, this county; Norman C. is the next eldest son; George is occupied at farming in Ottawa County, Kan. Norman C. spent his boyhood and youth on a farm in Ohio, receiving his education in the district school. After the outbreak of the rebellion he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company A, 9th Iowa Infantry, and participated in many of the important battles which followed, namely: Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, and others of that campaign, but was mostly, however, on detached duty. After a service of three years and four months he received his honorable discharge, Jan. 20, 1865. Then returning to this county he engaged in general merchandising at Sabula two years. In November, 1872, he took possession of the farm where he now lives. Besides this he has 320 acres two and one-half miles north, also in Union Township. He makes a specialty of graded stock, Holstein cattle, Poland-China, Scotch-red and Chester-white swine; and in horses keeps the celebrated English draft animals and Cleveland Bays, besides his Shetland ponies. He has made for himself quite an enviable reputation as a! stock-breeder, and is in the habit of carrying off the blue ribbons at the local fairs. The 25th of January, 1863, witnessed the marriage of our subject with Miss Mary E. Deeds. This lady was born in Jo Daviess County, Ill., March 31, 1843, and was the daughter of John and Sophia (Kellogg) Deeds, who were natives of New York and Kentucky, respectively, and emigrated to Jo Daviess County at an early day, being among the earliest settlers of Pleasant Valley Township. The father battled successfully with the elements of a new soil, and rested from his earthly labors in August, 1864. The mother is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. White. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are living, namely: John, Thomas, Mary E., Martha J., Adeline L., Eveline L., Angeline R., and Walter S. Mr. White is a stanch Republican, politically, but no office-seeker, although he has at times been prevailed upon to serve his fellow-townsmen in various capacities. He is a Scottish-Rite Mason, having taken the thirty-second degree, and also belongs to the G.A.R. He is not identified with any church denomination, but contributes to their support. He is a man public-spirited and liberal, one in whom the people have entire confidence, and is one of the custodians of the relief fund for destitute soldier's widows and orphans, appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. White, two of whom died at the ages of sixteen and nineteen months, respectively. The five surviving are: Clinton N., Ava Floy, Pearly S., Fred O., and Ray H., four of whom are at home with their parents. The daughter Ava is attending the State Norman School at Cedar Falls, Iowa, from which she expects to graduate in June, 1890. She is a bright girl and a faithful student, and prior to this was graduated from the Sabula Public School.

~ PORTER W. TRACY ~ Related Surnames - TURNER, MANN, REED, BROWN Porter W. Tracy, one of the most promising young farmers of this county, is comfortably situated near its western line in Farmers' Creek Township, where he has 160 acres of good land on section 32. The soil has been carefully cultivated, and is very productive, largely devoted to grain-raising; but a considerable amount is in pasture. The fields are enclosed with neat and substantial fencing, and the buildings, without being pretentious, are neat and substantial, and admirably serve the purposes of general agriculture. Our subject, the son of H. F. Tracy, is a native of Brandon Township, this county, and was born Dec. 26, 1856. His boyhood and youth were spent in a comparatively uneventful manner - in attendance at the district school, mostly during the winter season, and when not in school he assisted his father in the various employments around the homestead. Before reaching the 22d year of his age he was married, Sept. 10, 1878, to Miss Sarah E. Turner, one of the most estimable young ladies of Farmers' Creek Township. The parents of Mrs. Tracy were Esben H. and Elizabeth (Mann) Turner, who are now residents of Farmers' Creek Township. To our subject and his wife there have been born two children - Winfield P. and Ray C. They have started out in life with fair prospects and the best wishes of a large number of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Tracy is a Democrat, politically, but is too modest to mix very much in public affairs. Esben H. Turner, the father of Mrs. Tracy, was the son of Krickbaum Turner, and the latter was the son of Alexander Turner, a native of Ireland. The last mentioned gentleman, upon emigrating to the United States, prior to the Revolutionary War, located in Mercer County, Pa. He was there married, and reared his family. Esben H. was born in that county about 1804, and upon reaching man's estate was married to Miss Sarah Reed, whose father, Jacob Reed, traced his ancestry to Germany. Esben H. was one of six children; the others being Jacob R., Alexander P., Uriah, Krickbaum, and Nancy J.; the latter dying at the age of four and one-half years. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Tracy died in Pennsylvania in 1847, at the early age of forty-two years. The mother, remaining a widow, survived her husband for a period of forty years, her decease taking place in February, 1887, when she was seventy-six years old. The father of Mrs. Tracy was reared to manhood in his native county, where he resided until 1854, then emigrated to Wisconsin. He came to Iowa in 1855, and three years later, in 1858, was married to Miss Elizabeth Mann. This lady was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Brown) Mann. The young people located on a rented farm, where Mr. Turner labored until securing enough means to purchase forty acres of land in Farmers' Creek Township, and upon which they settled about 1864. They occupied it until about 1881, when Mr. Turner purchased the farm where he now lives. This latter comprises 134 acres, and is well improved. To Mr. and Mrs. Turner there were born six children, viz.: Sarah (Mrs. Tracy), John F., George W., and Charles M. A daughter and a son, Florence L. and Esben K., died when six and seven years old, respectively. Mr. Turner, politically, is a stanch Democrat, and served as Constable in his township a number of years, and until refusing to allow his name to appear as a candidate. Religiously, he is a member of the Free Methodist Church at Iron Hill. The parents of Mrs. Turner were natives of New Jersey, whence they removed to Ohio at an early day, and from there to this county in 1851. Here the father died; the mother is still living, and makes her home in Woodbury County. Mr. Turner carries on general farming, lives comfortably, and enjoys the esteem of his neighbors.

~ JOHN MANDERSCHEID ~ Related Surnames - ANSCH, ALTMAN, DEDLER, GOEDERT, SIREN Hon. John Manderscheid is a fine representative of the German element that has done so much toward the development of Jackson County, and is an important factor in its present material prosperity. He was a pioneer of the county, and is one of the most prominent and influential of the German settlers in the northwestern part of the county. He has for many years been closely connected with its agricultural interests, and owns and occupies one of the finest farms in Richland Township. Our subject was born May 12, 1833, in the village of Neudorff, in the German Province of Luxembourg. His father, Henry Manderscheid, was a native of the same village, where his father, also named Henry, a farmer, passed his life. The father of our subject was a stonemason by trade, and became a contractor in that line. In the year 1856 he left his native land forever to found a new home for himself and family in the United States of America, and, locating in Tete des Morts Township, this State, bought 100 acres of land, and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits, excepting the last year of it, which he spent in retirement in Le Mars, where he rounded out eighty-two years of existence, in 1877. Politically, he was a supporter of the Democratic party; religiously, he was a Catholic, firm in the faith of his fathers. The mother of our subject died in Germany while yet a young woman, in 1840. Her maiden name was Mary Margaret Ansch, and she was born in t! he German Province of Luxembourg, where her father, Henry Ansch, was a farmer. Four children were born of her marriage: Peter and Henry died in Germany; Jacob was a victim of the late war, in which he served three years, and contracted a disease, of which he died. John, the subject of this biography, received a very good education in the excellent schools of his native village, which he attended until he was thirteen years old, becoming proficient both in the French and German languages. When seventeen years old he learned the mason's trade, which he pursued in the Fatherland until he left it in the spring of 1855, to try his fortunes in the New World, embarking at Antwerp on the sailing-vessel "Anna Kimball," and after a pleasant voyage of forty-five days landed in the city of Boston. He came from there to Tete des Morts, Iowa, where he secured employment on a farm. One year later he resumed work at his old trade of a stonemason, and the ensuing five years was engaged in contracting and building. In 1863 he came to Richland Township, having decided to give his attention to agriculture, for which he had a natural taste, and bought 100 acres of uncultivated prairie land, on which there were scarcely any improvements. He went dilig! ently to work to grub and clear it, and fence it, having first erected a log house for his shelter. He has since bought 120 acres of land adjoining, and now has 220 acres of as fine farming land as is to be found in the vicinity under his management, 180 acres under plow, beautiful groves and an orchard adding to the attractions of the scenery, with springs and an abundance of running water, Cottonville Creek passing through the farm, and all the modern conveniences for conducting agriculture profitably. There is a neat and commodious set of buildings on the place, including a good-sized, conveniently-arranged dwelling, 24x40 feet, wing 24x16 feet, and two substantial barns, 36x63 feet, and 40x38 feet, respectively. Mr. Manderscheid has his farm well stocked with graded Durhams, Poland-China hogs (raising a car load each year), and has ten valuable blooded Norman horses, and uses three teams about the farm work. Mr. Manderscheid has been twice married. The first time in Galena, Ill., in 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Altman, a native of Luxembourg, Germany. The young wife and mother died in 1861, after a brief wedded life of scarcely two years, leaving a child, Annie M., who is now grown to womanhood, and is the wife of A. Dedler, of Le Mars. The second marriage of our subject occured Dec. 29, 1862, in Bellevue Township, on which occasion he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Susannah Goedert. She is a native of Germany, born in the village of Garnich, Feb. 18, 1843. Her father, Nicholas Goedert was also a native of Germany, and was there reared to the life of a farmer. In 1861, with his wife and children, he left Antwerp on the sailing-vessel "Katie Sampson," bound for America, and after a voyage of thirty-one days landed in New York City. The family made their way from there to Iowa, and located in Prairie Spring Township, where Mr. Goedert invested in 130 acres of ! land. In 1883 he removed to Nebraska, and lived retired in Adams County until Dec. 24, 1888, when his death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years. The maiden name of Mrs. Manderscheid's mother was Mary Siren, and she was born in Luxembourg seventy-five years ago, and is spending her declining years in Nebraska. She is a devoted member of the Catholic Church, to which her husband also belonged. They lived together over half a century, and celebrated their golden wedding Aug. 19, 1886. Of their marriage seven children were born - John, Nicholas, Anna M., Susannah, Annie, Peter, and Theresa. Nicholas served in the Civil War six months, and accompanied Sherman on his march to the sea. Mrs. Manderscheid was a young lady of eighteen years when he accompanied her parents to America, and she remained an inmate of the parental household until her marriage. She is the mother of twelve children - Mary, Nicholas, John M., Susan T., Josephine, John B., Peter, William, Annie,! Margaret, Henry, and Frank. Nicholas is married, and is farming in Wisconsin. The others are at home. Mr. Manderscheid has for many years been a conspicuous figure in the public life of his townhip and county, and has held several important offices. He is a man of noble qualities, of incorruptible honor, and a wise and safe counselor. His course as a statesman, in which he worked for what he conceived to be the best interests of farmers and taxpayers, was highly creditable to him, and reflected honor upon his county, while he won the full respect of all his colleagues, and had not an enemy among them. He affliliates with the Democratic party, is a man of long experience in politics, has been a delegate to the State and County Conventions, and is careful, reflective and conservative in his views. He has been Supervisor of Roads for twenty-three years, and has served as School Treasurer of the township. In 1881 he was elected County Supervisor on the Democratic ticket, held the office three years, and was President of the Board one year. He has been County Assessor for t! en years, and County Collector for four years; is a member of the grand jury at present, and has served on the petit jury. In 1884 Mr. Manderscheid was elected to the Twentieth Session of the Iowa State Legislature for a period of two years, and served so satisfactorily that he was re-elected to represent his constituency in the twenty-first session of that honorable body, from 1884 to 1887. He was a member of the committee of compensation of public offices and of bridges and road buildings both terms, and served on several minor committees. Our subject is an ardent Catholic and a valued member of the St. Lawrence Church, contributing freely to its support.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: ERNEST/HAZER Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5k.2ADE/688.1 Message Board Post: I have similar info on Henry ERNEST (1839-1907) mairried to Pauline HAZER (1851-1911). My family records also show eleven children with the same or similar names except for one. My grandfather was William Aloysious Ernest (1890-1975). I have more info esp. on him but not much more on his parents and siblings. Would like to share.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Knauta, Davis, Morett Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/5k.2ADE/1563.1.1 Message Board Post: Hi - it sure does look as tho we are researching some of the same families. I would be happy to share - and receive - information! Hilary(Hilly, Hilaruis) Davis was born in Jackson Co (according to his death cert.) on 2 Nov 1853. Census records from 1880, 1910 and 1920, as well as the Iowa State Census of 1895 confirm the Iowa birth. He died on Feb 10, 1936, and his tombstone inscription shows his name as "Hilarius", which of course would be the Latin form of Hilary. He married around the age of 20, as indicated by the 1880 census, where he is age 24, wife Angelena (Lena) is 23, and daughter Mary is age 4. Mary was born June 28, 1876 in St. Donatus, and married Mathias Morett in St Donatus, Iowa on 12 Nov, 1895 My first post had the marriage year for Hilary and Lena as 1895 - that was incorrect, and should have been around 1872. I will look forward to hearing from you and exchanging information. Bonnie

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Davis, Morret, Knautz Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/5k.2ADE/1563.1 Message Board Post: Bonnie wrote, "I am trying to find out more on this man's family. According to census records and his death certificate, he was born in Jackson Co, but I have not been able to establish who his parents were. His death cert. does not give his parents names, only that his father was born in PA. I have noticed quite a few Davis families in Jackson Co were from PA, but did not find Hilary in the 1860 or 1870 census records. He married an Angelena (unknown surname, may have been Busmann) in St. Donatus in 1895, and their daughter Mary married Mathis Morret. Their child was Viola Morret Knautz." Bonnie, I'll be glad to help if I can, but there's no clue in your post when he was born. What censuses DO you have? How old was he when he married Angelena? When was Mary born/married? Do you have his name as Hillarius per cemetery records in Jackson County?

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/385.1.2.1 Message Board Post: Hello Kevin, I am sorry that I am a little late in answering your query regarding the Dorchesters of Bellevue, Iowa, (like three years)? But I have been going over some old info and wanted to get this persons address to you. He is Earle Swanson from Ft. Wayne, Ind. and his e-mail is eswnsn@email.nsn.com, His wife isk a relative of the Dorchesters and would have quite a bit of info for you. Sorry to be so late and hope you are still interested in genealogy. Marge

~ JOSEPH S. TRACY ~ Related Surnames: SNODGRASS, WAGNER, FOSTER, TEMPLETON, MOREHEAD, LISTON, Joseph S. Tracy, well known throughout Iron Hill and vicinity, is numbered among the enterprising younger business men of that place, and as a general merchant commands a lucrative patronage. He keeps a well-assorted stock of goods, representing from $3,000 to $4,000, and does an annual trade of probably $9,000 per year. His interests have centered here since his earliest recollection, and in Brandon Township he was born, March 21, 1854. He was reared at the old homestead of his parents, studied his first lessons in the district school, and later attended school at Maquoketa. He grew up amid pleasant surroundings, healthy in mind and body, and well-fitted to take up the duties of life. Our subject is the son of Henry and Mary (Snodgrass) Tracy, who were natives of Ohio, and are still living at the farm on which the paternal grandfather settled as early as 1835. In former years they were members of the Christian Church, but later identified themselves with the Presbyterians. They are the parents of thirteen children, namely: Joseph S., our subject; Rosina I., deceased; P. Washington; Hugh M.; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Wagner, of Brandon Township; Theodore and William R., deceased; David M., John, Lucretia, and Cora, who remain with their parents; Anna May and Ellen Cordelia are deceased. Elijah Tracy, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Licking County, Ohio, where he was reared to man's estate, and married Miss Elizabeth Foster. To them there were born three children, the eldest of whom was Henry, the father of our subject. Ellen, the eldest daughter, married Robert Templeton; they came to this county at an early day, and are now living in Brandon Township. Isabelle became the wife of Henry Snodgrass, now deceased, and who was a resident of this county. Grandfather Tracy came to Iowa about 1835, and spent his last days in Brandon Township. They made the journey from Ohio hither overland, with teams, where there was but one log cabin between Iron Hill and the present sight of Maquoketa, and when there was but a mere cow-path to mark out the way. Their lot was the common one of pioneers, and they were fortunately endowed with the courage and resolution to overcome the obstacles which beset them. The subject of this sketch spent his early life engaged in the lighter labors around the homestead, and followed agriculture mostly until setting about the establishment of a home of his own. With this end in view he was married Sept. 10, 1876, to Miss Mary C., daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Liston) Morehead, of Farmers' Creek Township. For two years thereafter they lived in Brandon Township, and then lived for two years on a farm in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and two years in Farmers' Creek Township, and then, in April, 1885, Mr. Tracy came to Iron Hill and established himself as a general merchant. He has also, since that time, had charge of the post-office. He is a general favorite both in social and business circles. Mrs. Tracy is a very estimable lady, and a member in good standing of the Free Methodist Church. One of their four children died in infancy. The survivors are: Stella L., Elsa B., and Bert E. Mr. Tracy cast his first Presidential vote for Greeley, and gives his undivided support to the Democratic party.

~ HENRY F. TRACY ~ Related Surnames: PATTERSON, FOSTER, GILMORE, MURRAY, TEMPLETON, SHOEMAKER, SNODGRASS, MC KIBIN, WAGONER One of the finest hones in Brandon Township has been built up by the subject of this notice, who is the owner of 280 acres of land, which he has brought to a thorough state of cultivation, and upon which he has erected the most valuable set of frame buildings in the township. A pioneer of this county, he came hither with his parents when there were only two cabins on the road from Canton to the present site of Maquoketa, a distance of twelve miles, and the land mostly covered with timber. No man has watched the growth and development of the Hawkeye State with greater interest than has Mr. Tracy, and none has contributed in a more generous degree to the building up of Jackson County. The enterprise and industry with which he labored in days gone by was not only an advantage to himself, but in many cases stimulated his neighbors to greater exertion, and assisted in keeping up their courage during the days which tried men's souls. He experienced in all its phases the difficulties of life on the frontier, but was blest by Providence with the courage and resolution requisite to overcome them, and now, sitting under his own vine and fig tree, can ruminate over the past, and look with a feeling of pardonable pride upon the results of the labor of his hands and brain. Our subject received his first impressions of life in Fayette County, Pa., where his birth took place June 28, 1826. His father, Elisha Tracy, was a native of Maryland, and a blacksmith by trade. He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Catherine Patterson, a native of Scotland, and they became the parents of eleven children, all of whom lived to the age of maturity. After the death of Mrs. Catherine Tracy the father contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Isabel (Foster) Gilmore, and about 1832 the family emigrated to Ohio, locating first in Licking County. Thence they removed to Washington County, and from there, in 1846, wended their way to the young State of Iowa. The journey of the Tracy family to this region was made overland with a team at a time when there were no stages or railroads, and when their path was frequently unmarked, save by a simple trail. Arriving at the Western line of this county, the father entered eighty acres of Government land in Brandon Township, and, with the aid of his sons, put up a log cabin amidst the heavy timber. Then they proceeded to fell the trees, clear the land, and prepare the soil for cultivation. The father lived and labored thus for nineteen years, and died March 1, 1865, at the age of eighty-three. His wife, Isabel, was the mother of our subject, and the daughter of Major and Elizabeth (Murray) Foster. She was born in the North of Ireland, and when but an infant was brought by her parents to the United States. They settled in Fayette County, Pa., where she was reared to womanhood, married John Gilmore, and became the mother of seven children. All of these lived to attain their majority,! and with one exception still survive. Mr. Gilmore died in Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject survived her husband until 1874, and died at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Of her marriage with Mr. Tracy there were born four children, viz.: Henry F.; Ellen, the wife of Robert Templeton, of Brandon Township; Mary, Mrs. Eli Shoemaker, who died in this township; and Isabel, the wife of Henry Snodgrass. The parents were active members of the Christian Church, and were know far and wide along the western line of this county as representing its worth and respectability. The subject of this sketch was a young man of twenty years when he came with his parents to Iowa. He assisted in the opening up of a new farm from the wilderness, and six years later, in 1852, set about the establishment of a home of his own. February 14 of that year he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Snodgrass, who was born in Washington County, Ohio, Sept. 14, 1836. The parents of Mrs. Tracy were Ben and Anna (McKibin) Snodgrass, the latter of whom died soon after the birth of her daughter Mary. The father died in Ohio about 1848. Miss Mary, in 1850, came to Iowa accompanied by her brother, they settling in Brandon Township, where she made the acquaintance of her future husband. Of the thirteen children born to our subject and his estimable wife four died in infancy, and one son, Theodore H., died at the age of twenty-five years. The eight survivors are all residents of this county, and are named respectively: Joseph S., Porter W., Hugh M.; Mary E., the wife of John Wagoner; David E., John A., Carrie L., and Cora L. The sons of Mr. Tracy each received about $1,000 from their father as a start in life, and as they possess in a marked degree the prudence and industry which has been the leading feature of his character, they are all well-to-do and respected citizens. David E. and John L. remain at the homestead, and carry on the farm. Both sons and daughters have been given a good education, and are well fitted to take their places in the community as the representatives of its best elements. The family residence is a roomy and substantial structure, and about it are the fruit and shade tres which naturally grow up around the well-regulated rural! homestead. There is a very large barn upon the place, and all the other necessary outbuildings. The live-stock and machinery are sufficiently indicative of the character of thos who own and manage the estate. Mr. Tracy, politically, votes the straight Democratic ticket, and has held about all the township offices. Both he and his estimable wife are active members of the Presbyterian Church, to which they have for many years given their liberal support.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/5k.2ADE/1427.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Thomas was born in 1796 in Wood Co., VA. He married ura (Eurah) Richards. They had 8 kids, the 4th being Issac, also born in Wood Co. He married Catherine Flinn, born Jan.1, 1827 in Wood Co.,VA on May 10, 1848. She died In 1906 in Beatrice, NE. They were my gggrandparents. I would appreciate any information you have on the Flinns. If you would like more info before Thomas or after Issac, I will share. bj

~ FRED KELSALL ~ Related Surnames: HANCOCK, PRESTON, DEREL Fred Kelsall, well-known throughout Brandon Township and vicinity, occupies the homestead of his father and being on the sunny side of forty, has made an admirable start in life. He owns and operates 300 acres of choice land which is mostly under good cultivation and which is embellished with a substantial stone residence. It is conveniently arranged, with a large dry cellar under the whole structure. His barn and other outbuildings are well adapted to the purposes of mixed farming. In addition to this Mr. Kelsall makes a speciality of stock-raising - horses, cattle, and swine. He is in all respects a first-class citizen, socially, morally, and financially, and worthy of mention in a work designed to perpetuate the names of the leading men of Jackson County. The Kelsall farm is pleasantly located on section 9, and here our subject first opened his eyes to the light Sept. 28, 1854. His parents were Edmund and Hannah (Hancock) Kelsall, who are represented elsewhere in this volume. He was at an early age made acquainted with the various pursuits of farm life, attended the district school and completed his studies in Sheboygan, Wis. Upon approaching manhood, although making the homestead his headquarters, he at times left the old farm and was variously engaged elsewhere. In the meantime he traveled quite extensively over the states of Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri with the view of purchasing land, but finally returned to Iowa without investing. When approaching the twenty-fourth year of his age Mr. Kelsall was married, March 15, 1878, to Miss Ida V. Preston, who like himself is a native of this county and was born in Brandon Township, Nov. 1859. The parents of Mrs. Kelsall were Charles and Hannah (Derel) Preston, natives of New York and Ohio, but now residents of Ozark, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kelsall are the parents of one child, a daughter - Elise Gertrude. Our subject, politically, is a straight-forward Democrat, and besides serving as Justice of the Peace at the present time, has held most of the local offices. Socially, he belongs to the I.O.O.F., Lodge No. 339, at Fulton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kelsall possess decided musical talent and in company with Miss Patience Preston, the sister of Mrs. Kelsall, form what is familiarly known as "Kelsall's String Band," which frequently supplies the musical wants of the neighborhood. They have one of the most attractive homes in the township and enjoy the friendship of its best citizens.

~ THOMAS J HOUSTON ~ Related Surnames: STICKLEY, SINKEY, JACOBS, DE MOSS, ALDEN A large portion of the wealth of Brandon Township is represented in the property of this gentleman, who is one of the most prominent farmers and stock-raisers in this part of the county, has one of the finest estates within its limits, and also a generous bank account. He is a member of one of the pioneer families who settled amid the timber of this township in 1842; his father, George Houston, then having entered 160 acres of land, comprising the northeast quarter of section 15. He was prospered in his labors as a tiller of the soil, acquired additional land, and at his death, in 1882, left a valuable farm of 280 acres, and other property. In glancing at the ancestral history of our subject, we find that his paternal grandfather, Andrew Houston, was born in the North of Ireland, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He emigrated to the United States early in life, and marrying an English lady, settled in Licking County, Ohio, during the pioneer days of that region. He opened up a farm in the wilderness, making a pleasant and comfortable home, and reared a large family of children. There his son George, the father of our subject, was born in 1808. The latter spent his boyhood and youth in his native township, practically growing up with it, and when reaching man's estate, was married to Miss Leah Stickley. The mother of our subject was a native of Virginia. After marriage the young people settled upon a rented farm in Licking County, Ohio, where they resided until 1842. The father then decided to seek his fortunes in the farther West, and after due preparation started with his wife and two children, overland with a team for this county, in which a married sister, Mrs. Matthew Sinkey, had already settled. The elder Houston entered land from the Government, and his course thereafter we have already indicated. The parental household consisted of two children: Elizabeth, who is now the widow of John Q. Jacobs, and a resident of Brandon Township; and our subject. The mother passed away at the old homestead in 1884. The subject of this sketch was born in Licking County, Ohio, Dec. 2, 1839, and was a lad of seven years when he came with his parents to Iowa. He has since that time been a resident of this county, and engaged continuously since reaching manhood in agricultural pursuits, with the exception of the time spent in the army during the late Civil War. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company A, 26th Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the rebellion. He met the enemy first in battle at Vicksburg, and afterward fought at Arkansas Post, Jackson, Miss.; was in the siege of Vicksburg; was at Lookout Mountain, and in various minor engagements and skirmishes. He also joined the army of Gen. Sherman in the famous "march to the sea," and altogether was in twenty-six engagements. Although experiencing many hairbreadth escapes, he only received a slight flesh-wound in the arm, but had his clothing several times pierced by bullets. He experienced his full ! share of privation and hardship, and once, at Savannah, Ga., rations grew very scarce, and for three days the men had only an ear of corn per day. After the fall of Atlanta, he went up through the Carolinas to Washington, participated in the grand review, was then given an honorable discharge, and mustered out. After leaving the army, Mr. Houston returned to this county, resumed farming, and in 1867 purchased forty acres of land, upon which is located his present homestead. As his means permitted, he added to his real-estate, and, like his father before him, grew prosperous. He is now the owner of 410 broad acres, the whole of which has been brought to a thorough state of cultivation, and upon which he has effected first-class improvements. The family residence is a commodious frame structure, neat and substantial; while the barns and other outbuildings are all that can be desired for the successful prosecution of agriculture. Mr. Houston has made a specialty of stock-raising, finding this industry very profitable. His extensive private interests naturally engross the greater part of his time and attention, so that he mixes very little with political affairs; but he uniformly votes the straight Democratic ticket, and has at time discharged the duties of the local offices. The 18th of February, 1866, witnessed the marriage of our subject with Miss Elizabeth De Moss, at the bride's home in Brandon Township. Mrs. Houston, like her husband, is a native of Licking County, Ohio, and the daughter of William and Mary De Moss, who came to this county in 1844. She became the mother of five children; and departed this life at the homestead in Brandon Township, July 12, 1886, leaving five children. The eldest of these, Mary L., is the wife of Frederick Alden, and lives in Brandon Township. The others, William Allen, Thomas J., Ora, and Gertrude, are at home with their father. Mr. William De Moss, the father-in-law of our subject, is still living and makes his home with the latter; he is now seventy-two years old. Mrs. De Moss died in 1882.