Biographical and genealogical history of Appanoose and Monroe counties, Iowa
New York, Chicago: Lewis publishing Co., S. Thompson Lewis, editor. 1903
Transcribed by Renee Rimmert. A complete copy of this book is available on-line at archive.org.
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JOHN N. McFALL - After working hard on his farm for over fifty years with only brief and occasional intervals of rest, the gentleman above named was compelled in the fall of 1902 to suspend his personal labors on account of poor health. Nor will anyone begrudge him this well earned rest which comes in the evening of a long and useful life, during which he has reared and provided for a large family, borne his share of all public burdens and fulfilled every obligation of good citizenship. Mr. McFall's earliest recollections are of an "old Kentucky" home, in which he played with a numerous band of little brothers and sisters, most of whom have long since settled their earthly accounts and joined the silent majority. The head of this household in the "time long ago" was David McFall, an industrious, hard-working man who eked out a living for himself and numerous progeny by incessant labor on a none-too-productive Kentucky farm. He married Mary Ann Harvey who, like himself, was a native of the state and after "plodding along" many weary years they concluded to try their fortunes in a more bounteous if not more congenial clime, where better results would reward the toiling husband- man. With this end in view, the father and mother prepared for the long journey to the "far west," and there was something both picturesque and pathetic in the picture presented on the eve of departure. As there were few railroads in those days, the trip must necessarily be made in wagon and the lack of good roads, the innumerable streams to be crossed and the long distance, made such a journey a very serious undertaking. The household "plunder," as it was called, was loaded into the "prairie schooner," the numerous children were stowed away as well as possible, a final farewell was taken of friends in old Kentucky and the adventurous emigrants were off for the distant state of Iowa. The journey included the passage through many states, the crossing of the Ohio, Mississippi and scores of other streams, with all the incidents and accidents sure to happen to such a train of movers. This was in 1850, and after being many weeks on the road the weary wanderers finally reached their destination in Appanoose county, where they secured a humble home and set bravely to work to re-establish their shattered fortunes. There were altogether eleven children in the family, but only three of them now remain. The father died at St. Louis in 1862, while visiting a son who was in the army at that place, and the mother, after surviving him about twelve years, passed away in 1874.
John N. McFall, one of the three surviving children, was born at Russell, Kentucky, December 11, 1836, and well remembers the wagon trip across the country, as he was fourteen years old at the time. As he grew up in Appanoose county he worked at such odd jobs as he could obtain, mostly on farms, until eventually he was able to have a home for himself and settle down to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture. As the sharer of his cares and joys he selected Miss Lavisa King, to whom he was married in 1861, and of whom he was bereaved by death on the 14th of July, 1870. The six children of this union are James William, a resident of Kansas; David L., Francis M., John L., Mrs. Amanda Ellen Davidson and Charles W. Mr. McFall is a man of religious tendencies and has been a member of the Christian church during all the years of his adult life. He continued to attend actively to his business affairs and do more or less manual labor on his farm until the fall of 1902, when he was compelled by ill health to seek retirement. Since then he has been making his home with his second- born son, David L. McFall. The latter was married to Mary E. McGrew, of Appanoose county, and they have five children: Alta M., Blanche I., Ella C., Glenn C., and Zana E.
JOHN McFARLAND, M. D. - The medical profession probably has more opportunities and gives a wider field for studious research and beneficent work in the interests of humanity than any other great calling that now occupies the attention of men's endeavors. The ranks of the profession have a valuable addition in the person of John McFarland, who is one of the leading practitioners of Centerville, Iowa. His parents were George and Elizabeth (Solms) McFarland. The former was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, a land that has produced many a sturdy American citizen. He came to this country when he was thirty-five years of age and was married in New York, which was his wife's native state. From there he came west to Wisconsin and there died. He was a farmer by occupation and possessed all the excellent qualities that are characteristic of the Scot. The wife, with her family of ten children, is still living.
John, one of the above family, was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, in 1855. He remained on his father's farm until he was twenty-one and received a good common school education, graduating from the high school in Fond du Lac. He had learned the trade of millwright, and for five years after leaving the farm was engaged in this with considerable success. He then went to South Dakota and farmed and raised stock until 1885. Deciding that he was fitted for some more congenial occupation, in that year he entered the Homeopathic Medical College in Chicago and in 1887 completed a successful course of study in that institution. In 1889 he closed out his stock business in Dakota, and in the spring of the following year located in Centerville, where he has since carried on his profession with marked success. Mr. McFarland is prominently connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1899 he was united in marriage to Miss Etta Grimes, of Centerville. They have a pleasant home, are surrounded with all the comforts of life and are the center of an ever widening circle of friends and acquaintances. To predict the future from the past, we presage a bright career before our worthy subject.
GEORGE W. McKEEHAN - McKeehan & Brothers has long been a popular mercantile firm at Cincinnati and it is the object of this biography to give a brief outline of the career of the senior member. He is a native of Iowa and a son of pioneer parents who became identified with this vigorous western state in the days when it was but sparsely populated. David McKeehan, who was born in Ohio in 1814, came west with his two brothers, Bazil and James, in 1843, and located on a farm in Lee county, Iowa, and in 1846 came to Centerville. Before leaving Ohio he had married Susan Hankins, a native of that state, and by her he had the following named children: Hankins C., now of Centerville; Lovina, wife of Dr. Ames Patterson; Belle, wife of Porter Sparks; Sarah, a resident of Centerville; John K., of St. Paul, Minnesota; Samuel A., of Cincinnati; Cassie, wife of Frank Fisk; and George W. The father of this family was a Methodist in religion, a Democrat in politics and a farmer by occupation until his untimely death by a stroke of lightning in 1868. His wife survived him until 1881, when she passed away in the fifty-third year of her age.
George W. McKeehan, youngest of the children, was born on his father's farm in Appanoose county, Iowa, March 18, 1862, and received a fair common school education as he grew to years of maturity. In 1884 he branched out for himself by engaging in the butchering business, and opened a meat market at Cincinnati in partnership with his brother, Samuel A. Since that time the brothers have continued together in business, but at the present time are conducting a general merchandise store. In 1893 Mr. McKeehan was appointed postmaster of Cincinnati by President Cleveland and held that position for a term of four years. He proved a popular official, just as he has proved a popular butcher and merchant, and he is certainly one of the enterprising men of his adopted town. In 1884 Mr. McKeehan was united in marriage with Miss Minnie May, who shares with him the friendship of an extensive social acquaintance. His political predilections have always been Democratic, and his fraternal connections are confined to membership in the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen.
BENJAMIN G. MILLER , of Union township, Appanoose county, was born in Tennessee, April 4, 1848, and the same year was brought to Iowa by his father, Hon. C. B. Miller, now of Unionville. He was born in Hickman county, Tennessee, December 1, 1824, and is a son of Nathaniel Johnson Miller, whose birth occurred in North Carolina, and who was of Irish descent. The grandfather married Sarah Martin, whose mother bore the maiden name of Miss Barber, and the latter had several brothers who were soldiers of the Revolutionary war. At his death Nathaniel Johnson Miller left two children, Claudius P., and Harriet J.
Claudius B. Miller was reared upon the old home farm in Tennessee and there acquired his education. He was married in 1846 to Martha Baldridge, an estimable lady who traveled life's journey with him for twenty-seven years, passing away in Appanoose county in 1873. Their children were Benjamin G.; Joseph D., a resident of Missouri; Mrs. Laura J. Hicks; Mrs. Amanda Miller; Sarah, deceased; William C. and Mrs. Rosa B. Large, of Indian Territory. After the death of his first wife the father was again married, in 1876 to Miss Dorcas E. Jennings, of Appanoose county, a daughter of Perry Jennings. There are two children by this union- Mabel, who is a school teacher, and Agnes. For many years the father has carried on farming and merchandising, and is recognized as a leader in business, political and social circles. In 1871 and 1873 he was elected to represent his district in the state assembly and left the impress of his individuality upon the legislation enacted during those sessions. At the time of the Civil war he was equally loyal to his country, joining the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry under the command of Colonel Kittridge. He did faithful service in defense of the government and is now a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic, thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old comrades. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Methodist Episcopal church, and there is no man in the community more honored and respected than Claudius B. Miller.
Benjamin G. Miller has spent his entire life in Appanoose county. He remained under the parental roof and at an early age assisted in the work of the farm. His education was obtained in a log school- house, seated with slab benches, and his feet rested upon a puncheon floor. In one end of the room was an immense fireplace, and the methods of instruction were also somewhat primitive. At the time of the Civil war, although a boy of fifteen years, he enlisted for service in the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, as a member of Company C. This was the same company to which his father belonged. He was under the command of Captain Allen W. Miller and Colonel Kittridge, and later the company was commanded by Captain William Vermillya. With his regiment he took part in a number of hotly contested battles, and on the expiration of his term of service he was honorably discharged and returned to his home. He then resumed farm work, and at the age of nineteen years was united in marriage to Miss Mary Clancy, who has been a faithful companion and helpmeet to him as the years have passed by. She is a native daughter of Appanoose county, and her parents were Wesley and Malinda (Martin) Clancy, who became pioneer settlers here; in fact, Mr. Clancy was the first man to establish a home in the county, the date of his arrival being in May, 1843, at which time he secured a claim from the government.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Miller has carried on agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and four acres in Union township. Upon it is a good modern residence, standing on a natural building site, and around it are fine shade trees, beautiful flowers and shrubs, making the home one of the most attractive features of the landscape. There is an orchard, containing many kinds of fruit trees, and meadows and pasture lands furnish feed for the stock in both summer and winter. There is a large barn, feed lots and granaries and other necessary outbuildings, and the farm has some of the best corn producing land in the county. Mr. Miller is also engaged in the stock business, raising and feeding good grades of stock, and through this avenue he is likewise meeting with excellent success.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Miller has been blessed with the following children: Mrs. Cora E. Thompson; William N., who married Bertha Hudgens and lives in Udell township; Turpa J., Cleffie B., Iva E., and John B., Flora and Alice, who are now deceased. The last named was twenty-two years of age at the time of her death, and she had many friends who mourned her loss because of her pleasing characteristics and many excellent qualities. Mr. Miller is recognized as one of the leading Democrats of his township and was nominated by his party in 1902 for the position of county supervisor. No trust of a public or private nature reposed in him has ever been betrayed, and at all times he gives his influence and aid on the side of right, improvement and progress. His entire life having been passed in this county, his history is well known to his many friends and neighbors and the fact that those who have known him the longest entertain for him the warmest regard is an indication of an upright career.
HANCE MITCHELL - Coming to Appanoose county in limited financial circumstances, Hance Mitchell, by his well spent life, proved the force of industry, economy and energy in winning success. At the same time he made for himself an honorable name and gained the respect of all with whom he came in contact. Although some years have passed since he departed this life, he is yet remembered by the many who knew him and entertained for him a high regard. He was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1801 and died in Pleasant township, Appanoose county, in 1868. At an early age he was left an orphan and was then bound out to learn the carpenter's trade. In his youth he left Pennsylvania and went to Ohio, settling in Guernsey county, where he still continued to follow the carpenter's trade. There he married Miss Charity Hunt, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, about 1810, and who died in Appanoose county in 1867. They resided in Ohio until 1853, when they removed westward to Illinois, spending about two years in that state. In 1855 they went to Clarke county, Iowa, and there resided for ten years, settling in Appanoose county on the 23rd of February, 1865, as residents of Pleasant township, where their remaining days were passed. The father followed farming throughout his entire married life, and his careful management of his land enabled him to win a fair degree of success in this way.
Before leaving Ohio twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, but four of that number died in childhood. The others who reached mature years were: Cynthia, who married G. W. Banker, and died, leaving several children: John V., a resident of Clarke county; Joseph, of Lafayette county, Missouri; Hiram, who is living in Clarke county, this state; Albert, of Appanoose county; Robert, who makes his home in Oklahoma; Preston, who was married and died, leaving several children; and Martha, who married W. L. Robertson, and died, leaving two children. All of the sons became farmers.
When Hance Mitchell came to the west he had little capital, and it was to better his condition that he sought a home beyond the Mississippi. His determination to do this was attended with good results. He purchased eight hundred acres of land in Clarke county at a time when farm land sold for a low figure. He afterward disposed of his property, and came to Appanoose county rather as a prospector than anything else, but here he spent his remaining days. In his political affiliations he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church and their religious belief was manifest in their relations with their fellow men. They closely followed the golden rule and were people of the highest respectability, respected and honored wherever known. They became worthy pioneer settlers of Appanoose county and deserve mention among the representative citizens who have contributed to the upbuilding of the county.
Albert Mitchell, a son of Hance Mitchell, was born on the old home farm in Guernsey county, Ohio, April 1, 1846. When twenty years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Appanoose county, where he has since made his home. He was reared upon a farm and acquired a fair common school education. He afterward engaged in teaching for a few years, being employed for two terms as a teacher in the village of Cincinnati, and during the remainder of the time in the district schools. Farming, however, has been his real his work and along that line he has met with success. After his marriage he lived upon the old homestead which his father purchased until about 1880, when he settled upon his present farm just at the southwest corner of Cincinnati. A part of this farm has now been laid out in town lots and good residences have been erected thereon. In connection with his agricultural pursuits Mr. Mitchell has dealt in stock, his enterprise in this branch of the business bringing to him a good return. He has two hundred acres in his residence farm and he also owns three hundred and twenty acres in another part of Pleasant township. He is a practical and progressive agriculturist, keeping in touch with all modern methods, which indicates that the farmer is not behind his city brothers in improvement or advancement.
In 1871 Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Eliza Jane Holbrook, a daughter of Luther R. Holbrook, one of the pioneer citizens of Pleasant township and of Cincinnati. Their marriage has been blessed with two children: Charles H., now deceased; and Wesley L., who is a member of the firm of Dinning & Mitchell, dry goods merchants of Cincinnati. The parents hold membership in the Congregational church. For thirty-seven years Mr. Mitchell has been a resident of this county and has therefore witnessed much of its growth and development. His life has been quietly passed, yet he has always been found faithful to his duties of citizenship, and in business life has won the respect and confidence of his fellow men by his reputable dealing and justice in all trade transactions.
JOHN A. MOSS - The above named gentleman is a native of Iowa and has been closely identified with the state's development from the time of his entrance into active business life. His earlier adult years were devoted to teaching, in which occupation he achieved decided success and gained rank as one of the best instructors of his grade in the state. Abandoning the schoolroom for the farm, Mr. Moss displayed equal ability in that line and is now known far and wide as a breeder of short-horn cattle and one of the progressive agriculturists of his county. His father. G. R. Moss, was a North Carolinian, who emigrated to Indiana and was there married in 1852 to Martha Bishop, a native of Ohio. One year after marriage this couple removed to Appanoose county, Iowa, and located on a farm in Bellair township, which proved to be their permanent home. The father devoted himself energetically to general farming and stock-raising, in which business he achieved a gratifying success, and was in good circumstances at the time of his death in April, 1900. The surviving widow still occupies the old homestead and receives from her loving children the devotion due to a good mother. Of the nine children born to these early settlers of Bellair township only four now survive, and among them is the subject of this sketch.
John A. Moss was born in Appanoose county, October 2, 1857, and grew up on the farm without incident or accident worthy of mention. His routine consisted of that combination of work and study which forms such a useful training in youth and has laid the foundation for so many successful men of the world. Besides attendance in the country schools Mr. Moss had the benefit of academic courses at Centerville and Moulton, which were supplemented by a term in Commercial College at Iowa City. Thus, unusually well equipped in an educational way, Mr. Moss joined the great army of instructors engaged in teaching "the young Iowa idea how to shoot," and devoted the next ten years to assiduous attention to this useful calling. Having a natural aptitude for preserving discipline and imparting knowledge, Mr. Moss was quite successful as a teacher in the ordinary country schools, and equally so during his one year in charge at West Grove, Davis county, and five years in the county of Wayne. In 1891 he abandoned the school room indefinitely, returned to Appanoose county and settled down to general farming and stock-raising. At the present time he is a member of the firm of Moss & Bowen, breeders and dealers in short-horn cattle, which industry is conducted in connection with miscellaneous agriculture.
In 1885 Mr. Moss was united in marriage at Mystic, Iowa, with Miss Lizzie, daughter of Obadiah and Agnes Lawton, and the children of this union are Everett, Orison, Wilber Earnest, Osa Ilo, Carl Lawton, Mary Agnes, Margaret and John B. For twenty-four years Mr. Moss has been a member of the Christian church, in which he holds the position of elder, and has always taken an active interest in religious work. His fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Court of Honor, Royal Neighbors and Rathbone Sisters.
PAUL C. OEHLER , is a farmer of Taylor township, living on section 1. He was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, on the 23rd of September, 1823, and among his ancestry were many men prominent in the military circles of the fatherland. The history of Wurttemberg back through five hundred years makes mention of the Oehlers. The parents of our subject were Christopher and Christina (Walderich) Oehler, who in 1831 crossed the Atlantic to America, bringing with them their five children, but one of the number died while they were upon the sea. Both Mr. and Mrs. Oehler passed away in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where Mr. Oehler was carrying on agricultural pursuits. After becoming an American citizen he had endorsed the Democratic party, and in religious faith was a Moravian. His death occurred when he was seventy-two years of age and his wife passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. The members of their family were: Gotlieb F., Paul C., Joanna, Louisa, Elizabeth, Pauline, Emanuel and Ernest Frederick.
Paul C. Oehler was only seven years of age at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world. He was reared upon a farm in Ohio and acquired his education in the schools of that state. When twenty-three years of age he went to Wyandotte, Kansas, with a Moravian colony, or mission, and there engaged in farming for the colony, for eight years, after which he went to Arkansas. On the 5th of February, 1863, he joined the Union army, enlisting in Fayetteville, Washington county, Arkansas, as a member of Company I, First Arkansas Regiment, under Captain William Hevington. The captain was killed by bushwhackers, so that First Lieutenant Morrison was in command most of the time. Mr. Oehler lived in a Confederate neighborhood for eighteen months before he enlisted and served as a member of the home guard for some time. He saw much of the rebel element in the south and because of his Union sentiments he had many narrow escapes. For fourteen months he remained with the army and participated in the battle of Fayetteville, where he was injured by the bursting of a shell at his side. He was then honorably discharged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, April 25, 1864, on account of his disability, after which he returned to his home.
It was in that year that Mr. Oehler came to Appanoose county, Iowa. Here he has two hundred and eighty-eight acres of rich and productive land and his farm is supplied with all modern equipments. There is a good residence, substantial barns and a bearing orchard, and his fields annually return to him excellent harvests. He has fine horses and cattle upon his place, and owns in addition to his plowed land sixty acres of timber land. In 1852 Mr. Oehler was united in marriage to Miss Marie Benade, who was reared and educated in Saxony, Germany. In that country her parents died and at the age of twenty-four years she came to the United States. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children: Augustus Morse, Ellen J., Henry J., Charles E. and Ed. F. They also lost one child, Lucius, their first born. The parents hold membership in the Moravian church. Mr. Oehler is a member of the Grand Army post in Moravia. His political support is given to the Republican party and while he has never sought or desired office he is interested in the success of the political principles in which he believes. He is frank, genial and jovial in manner, and the sterling traits of his character have gained for him many friends.