ACKLEY, DE WITT CLINTON

ACKLEY, WOODWORTH

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/3/2005 at 15:25:40

Biography reproduced from page 389 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

De Witt Clinton Ackley, grocer and confectioner, was born in Pomfert, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1831. When two years of age, the family removed to Bristol, Trumbull Co., Ohio. Mr. Ackley resided there until nineteen years of age, during which time he learned the blacksmith trade; he then removed to Sheboygan Co., Wis., there working at his trade until 1852. He then returned to Ohio, remaining until 1853, when he again went to Wisconsin, and after a short residence in Sheboygan county, removed to Kenosha county, where he resided until April, 1857; then removed to Kansas, stopping for short time in Leavenworth and then moving to Hickory Point, Jefferson county, taking an active part in the struggle then in progress which made Kansas a free State. In May, 1859, Mr. Ackley went to Denver, Col., where he remained until July of that year, then returned to Ohio, and in July, 1861, enlisted in the 14th Ohio Battery of mounted artillery, serving until January, 1863. At the battle of Pittsburg Landing, Mr. Ackley was wounded in the right leg and discharged on account of physical disability. He returned to Ohio, where he remained until March, 1863, at which time he returned to Kenosha Co., Wis. In October, 1863, he came to Iowa, first locating at Waverly, and in March, 1864, removed to Freeborn Co., Minn. In November, 1865, he removed to Mitchell, Iowa, and in August, 1870, came to Algona, working at the blacksmith trade until 1883, when he engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Ackley was married April 30, 1854, to Clarissa Woodworth, a native of New York. They have four children—Mary A. , Olive A., Delia O. and Buel C. Mrs. Ackley is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Ackley is a member of the Masonic fraternity.