1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa

Page Index:

E Irwin | D Irwin | Davis | Gingery | Daley | Gish | Havens | Scutt | Willson | Wyland

EBENEZER IRWIN

EBENEZER IRWIN is a native of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, and was born January 28, 1821. He is the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Decker) Irwin, natives of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Until he was fifteen years old he lived on a farm in his native county; he then worked on the Pennsylvania Canal through the summer seasons for six or seven years. After leaving the canal he was employed in the Cambria Iron Works where he remained for several years. He also worked in the rolling mills for three years, after which he came to Iowa in 1861, and settled In Washington County, where he engaged in farming; he has since followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Irwin was married May 22, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth Zech, a native of York County, Pennsylvania, who died in 1849; this union resulted in one child - John S., who died in Washington County, Iowa, aged thirty-four years. Mr. Irwin was again married March 22, 1852, to Miss Priscilla Treat, daughter of Laban Treat; she was born in Cleveland, Ohio, February 28, 1827. The result of this union was nine children - Julia, wife of Winfield Pixley; Harry, Ruth, Edward,Emma, Chattie and Jennie, twins, Jennie being the wife of Willson Wurtzbaugh; Cornelia, and John. Ruth, Julia, Chattie and Jennie have all been engaged in school work. In February, 1816, Mr. Irwin and family came to Shelby County, Iowa, and settled in Jefferson Township on a farm of 160 acres of partially improved land. Here he has made his home, adding many valuable improvements in the way of erecting buildings and planting a grove. All the surroundings bespeak the thrift and energy of the owner. Mr. Irwin has done much toward the opening up and improving of the surrounding country, and has served as justice of the peace and on the board of education. He is a Republican, and stands by his party. He and his wife are zealous members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and were among the promoters and workers in the founding of the society at Irwin, Mrs. Irwin died March 18, 1883. When they first came to, Iowa they suffered many privations, but faced all hardships with true pioneer spirit. Mr. Irwin is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in every way is a worthy citizen. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 569-570. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

D. S. IRWIN

D. S. IRWIN, son of E. W. and Mary A. Irwin, was born in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, December 8, 1848. He was the second child and only boy in a family of nine children. His early childhood was spent in an uneventful manner. Residing more than a mile from the nearest school-house, under the then imperfect free-school system of Pennsylvania, his means of acquiring a liberal education, or even laying the foundation of the same, were necessarily limited. The school term then consisted of a period of three months. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, being the son of poor parents, young Irwin was obliged to bid adieu to his school life and assume the management of a contract to furnish sand for the western division of the Central Railroad and the city of Pittsburg. His life was spent in this work until the spring of 1865, when he removed with his father's family to Iowa. Just as the glad news of Lee's surrender was received he turned his back upon the home of his childhood. On reaching Iowa he settled with his father's family in Washington County. His desire for an advanced education had not grown less, but the wolf was to be kept from the door, and the struggle for existence was to be made; being the only help his father had in the support of a large family, attending school was impossible. Mr. Irwin then formed the very excellent habit of investing a few dollars, as they could be spared, in books, and employing all his spare time in study. During the winter of 1867 he taught school, and the following summer assisted his father in the farm work. In the autumn of the same year he attended the Iowa City Commercial College; mastered the Bryant & Stratton system of bookkeeping in eight weeks, and returned in time to help harvest the corn crop and teach a winter's term of school. In the spring of 1870 Mr. Irwin removed to Shelby County, Iowa, and purchased land in section 30, Jefferson Township, a part of which is occupied by the town of Irwin. He improved this farm and continued teaching during the winters. At that time the improvements in the northeastern part of Shelby County consisted of three small dwellings. Avoca, thirty miles distant, was the nearest market for grain and live-stock. Harlan at that time was a hamlet of less than a dozen houses, contained one store carrying a general stock of merchandise, and one drug store. In February, 1875, D. S. Irwin was married to Hila, daughter of Garland Edwards. He then built a house on his farm in section 30, and resided there until 1879. In 1879 Mr. Irwin purchased a law library and began reading law; he was admitted to the bar at the March term of the Circuit Court in 1880. At the time of the completion of the Iowa & Southwestern Railroad, Mr. Irwin sold a portion of his farm for the town site of Irwin. Soon after he sold all but a small part, on which he built a residence, and engaged in the practice of law in Irwin with more than ordinary success. D. S. Irwin is an uncompromising advocate of Prohibitory legislation against the liquor traffic, and the large vote in Jefferson Township in favor of this amendment is due to the influence of Mr. Irwin. In 1883 death claimed his wife, and at the early age of thirty-two years she was laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery, leaving her husband and four small children - Leroy, Willie, Oliver and Jennie. Mr. Irwin was wedded to Mary Stovall, of Metcalfe County, Kentucky. She was born August 1, 1859. One son, Lee, has been born to them. Mr. Irwin continued the practice of law until 1886, when he traded his residence for a farm in Greeley Township, and abandoned law for the more congenial pursuit of farming. He has 240 acres of fine land, commodious barns, and is engaged in stock-raising. As early as 1871 he became prominent in the politics of the county, and the excellent financial standing of Jefferson Township is due in a great measure to D. S. Irwin. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 570-571. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

W. J. DAVIS

Whenever a new country is opened to settlement, with such attractions of soil and climate, such future prospects of growth and business development as to make it a promising field for the energies of young men, scores and even hundreds flock thither to take their chance in the great and untried race of life. At the start all seem to be on equal footing, but if the reader would pass that way in a quarter of a century, he would find only a few of those who started out in the vigor of their young manhood together. In this connection we do not, of course, refer to those who fell by the way-side and perished, but to those living and active, who have remained from the day of small things. The majority of such settlers do not tarry; a few return to their old homes, while many press forward to other promised lands, or perchance fail of business success. But from out of the mass one will always find that a small, very small proportion have staid where they first landed and set their stakes, exhibiting the utmost manly energy and a determination to win in the great conflict of life. Each will, most likely, have earned and saved a handsome competency, besides obtaining an enviable personal record and good social position in the community. Such seem to be the results in nearly every country, and the history of one is for the most part an epitome of the history of all. About such a proportion win the position and meed of praise due to substantial citizens, while the greater number are seldom heard of among their fellow men. Among the vanguard of early settlers in Shelby County, few have borne a more conspicuous, useful and honorable part than W. J. Davis, who first came to the county in the month of April, 1860, and located at Harlan, then a small village of less than a dozen houses. His first labor was that of dropping corn for L. D. Sunderland a few days. The same season he was engaged to teach school for a term of six months, at a point northeast of Harlan; the first few weeks he taught in a log cabin, formerly used as a residence, but the remainder of the term in a school-house just then finished. Upon completing his school he had but $15 left; but he then taught a three months' school in what was known as the Ouster district, followed by a six months' term in the Hactown district. He then moved to Bowman's Grove, where he purchased seventy acres of partly improved land, which he finished improving and cultivated for four or five years; he then sold the same and purchased a farm near Harlan, known as the long farm, consisting of 200 acres; he farmed this for several years. In 1881 he was elected clerk of the district court, serving for two terms and filling the position with satisfaction to all and credit to himself. So much for the history of a man who has made his own way through the pioneer years of Shelby County. Now to go back to his earlier life and learn something of his youthful days. He is the son of William and Jane Davis, who were natives of Wales. The father was left an orphan when a boy, and the family came to America in 1829; he followed coal-mining for a time in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, but later moved to Portage County, Ohio, where he cleared up a farm out of the big woods, which at that time was little less than a wilderness. He married Miss Jane Davis, daughter of John Davis, who emigrated from Wales to this country, settling in the great forest lands of Ohio at an early day. Our subject's parents spent the remainder of their days on the farm improved by Mr. Davis. The father died in December, 1884, and the mother survived him until April, 1888. W. J. Davis, the subject of this sketch, was born October 3, 1836, in Portage County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, spending his youth in aiding his father on the farm and attending the district school; when far enough advanced he entered Hiram College, of which the late President James A. Garfield was then president. In 1860 he started out for himself to seek what the world might have in store for him, but little comprehending what was to be overcome and passed through in hewing out for himself a home and a fortune sufficient to keep him in advanced age. Just before coming west he finished teaching a school for which he was entitled to $106, but he was unable to draw more than half this amount; so he started with the $53 and one suit of clothes. He first took a trip through Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, with the intention of following teaching, but owing to the laxity of the school-laws in this section he decided to push on west. While in Kentucky he visited the farm of the distinguished statesman, Cassius M. Clay. After spending some time in that vicinity, he came to Iowa, via the Ohio & Missouri River line of boats, as at that date there was no line of railroads built farther west than Iowa City, Iowa. Upon getting off the boat at Council Bluffs he had but $4.50 in his possession. He entertained the idea that the hotel was but a short distance from the boat landing, and so he started out for a few minutes' walk, which proved a five-mile tramp; and worse than the walk was the hotel, which he had pictured as one with all the first-class appointments of those in the eastern cities; its name was the City Hotel, and he supposed it would be first-class; he was anything but agreeably surprised to find a double log house with few accommodations for the pleasure and comfort of a weary traveler, who had been for many days tossed about on a river boat. However, he ate his dinner and set out on foot, going seven miles to a farm-house where he remained over night, receiving the kindest attention at the hands of the good pioneer farmer and his wife, who in the morning refused to accept any pay from him, for which he was very grateful. From there he proceeded to Eight-Mile Grove, which was a distance of twenty miles, without a solitary house in view, giving naught but wild prairie landscape, upon which his eyes could have a perpetual feast. The first house to which he came was vacant, and the next one seemed to be occupied, but he found no one at home. He was hungry, however, and after searching about the premises, discovered a Dutch oven containing a short-cake, which made him the best meal he had ever eaten. After having partaken of this heartily, with perfect satisfaction to the inner man, he walked on to a house where he remained that night. The next day he arrived at the county seat of Harrison County, in hopes of finding a school to teach, but was seemingly doomed to disappointment; so he retraced his steps to the house at which he had stopped the previous night, and the following day came to Shelby County. Here he succeeded in obtaining a school, as first stated in this sketch. Mr. Davis was married in 1863 to Miss Sarah Long, a daughter of James M. Long, one of the founders of Harlan, of whom mention will be made elsewhere in this volume. By this marriage union five daughters were born, two of whom still survive - Marguerite G. and Josephine. in April, 1880, Mr. Davis was greatly bereaved by the sudden death of his wife and three daughters, all of whom were taken from him within five days. They were stricken down by diphtheria and scarlet fever. The first to be taken from the family circle was their bright-eyed little daughter Mary, aged seven years. The next to follow was Susie B., who was just entering the threshold of young womanhood, aged fourteen years. Grim death, not yet content, called the baby and pet of the household, Inez, aged five years. In the midst of all this sadness and gloom the wife and mother was also stricken down and died; and had it not been for the true kindness and practical sympathy of Judge Chathburn and his good wife, in all probability the remaining members of Mr. Davis's family would also have been called from earth. These truly good people took Maggie and Jossie to their own home and cared for them until this terrible destroyer had subsided in the community. In the death of Mrs. Davis, who was a member of the Baptist church, the community met with a sad loss, as well as in the death of the three children, who were indeed fair flowers in life's garden. By nearly thirty years' residence in Shelby County, Mr. Davis has, by his manly, upright course, justly merited and won the confidence and esteem of the entire population with whom he has lived and mingled. He has always taken an active part in politics, being an ardent Republican. In 1888 he was chosen one of the delegates to time Chicago Convention, which placed in nomination General Harrison for President. He is one of the radical, uncompromising men who always find the place of leader. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a charter member of the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No. 321, and having passed through all the chairs of such lodge. He also belongs to Olivet Chapter, Lodge No. 107, and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 40. Besides his Masonic connection, he is a worthy member of the Odd Fellows' order at Harlan, having passed through all of its degrees. Nothing better can possibly be said, as a matter of final record of' a man's life, than that he always had the confidence of his fellow-men, which is unquestionably true of W. J. Davis. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 315-317. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

LEWIS GINGERY

LEWIS GINGERY, of Cedar Hill stock farm, is one of the intelligent and enterprising citizens of Shelby County. He was born in Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, November 1, 1847. His father, Daniel Gingery, was a native of Germany, where he was reared, educated and married to Miss Amelia Helena Wilhelmina Stuart. Soon after their marriage they came to America, and stopped for a short time in Baltimore, Maryland, and then vent to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. From Bethlehem they removed to Massillon, Ohio. Daniel Gingery enlisted in the Mexican war, and died while in the service of his adopted country; he was buried in Mexico. There were ten sons, six of whom lived to maturity. Lewis was the youngest, and he was thirteen years old when his mother came to Cass County, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. Mr. Gingery was married December 19, 1869, to Miss Cylinda Howard, a native of Rock Island County, Illinois, and a daughter of William and Mary C. Howard. In 1877 Mr. Gingery removed from Cass County to Shelby County, and settled on the land where he now lives. The land was then wild prairie, and the next six years were devoted to its cultivation. In 1883 Mr. Gingery rented his farm and removed to Harlan, where, in company with John Lorge, he engaged in the agricultural implement business. This he continued for two years, and then returned to his farm. At the end of one year he came back to Harlan, and engaged in the nursery business until the fall of 1888, when he sold his interest in the business and went back to his farm. Cedar Hill Stock Farm contains 200 acres, and is two miles east of Harlan. There is a comfortable residence, pleasantly situated, a good barn, a grove and an orchard. The proprietor makes a specialty of shorthorn cattle and Chester White swine. Mr. and Mrs. Gingery are the parents of three children - John C., George Eugene and Mary B. Claudia. Politically, Mr. Gingery is a Democrat, and has served as township assessor. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church, and he is treasurer of the Sabbath-school. He is yet in the prime of life, is honorable in business, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 317-318. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

DANIEL DALEY

DANIEL DALEY, conductor of the Harlan branch of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, has been a resident of Shelby County since 1878. He was born in West Stockbridge, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, January 3, 1840. He is a son of Michael and Mary (Morrison) Daley, natives of Cork, Ireland, who emigrated to America immediately after their marriage. They settled in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and in 1871 removed to Iowa, and settled in Atlantic. When Mr. Daley was seven years old his parents moved to Janesville, Wisconsin, where his father carried on farming; here he grew up and received his education in the common schools. He remained with his parents until his majority, when he entered the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, first working on the section at $1.15 per day. He occupied this position only a short time, and then went on the line as brakeman; while coupling cars his hand was injured, so that he was disabled for six months. He then took the position of baggage-master at Atlantic, which he held for two years, and again took the position of brakeman. He was afterward promoted to the position of yard-master, which he held for five years. When the Harlan branch was constructed Mr. Daley was given the train, and is the only conductor this branch has ever had. Mr. Daley was united in marriage, August 8, 1878, to Miss Jennie Grant, a native of Michigan, and a daughter of Robert Grant, now a resident of Adair County. By this union three children have been born -- Gracie, John and Roberta. In 1878 Mr. Daley removed to Harlan, where he has as comfortable and pretty a home as one need wish. Mr. and Mrs. Daley are members of the Roman Catholic church. He is a member of the R. W. Conductors, Des Moines Lodge; the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 65, Harlan; the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No. 321; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49. Mr. Daley's political sympathies are with the Democratic party. No man in Shelby County is more highly esteemed, or has a more enviable reputation, than Daniel Daley, of Harlan. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 319-320. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

DAVID GISH

DR. DAVID GISH was a native of Botetourt County, Virginia, and a son of John and Adaline Gish. When about sixteen years of age he went to Greene County, Ohio. His life in Virginia was spent on a farm and in attending the common schools. He was married to Miss Frances Hopping, of Greene County, Ohio. In 1858 he came to Iowa and settled at Greencastle, Jasper County; here he engaged in farming and steam-milling in company with his brother Elijah. He pursued this avocation about one year, and then commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Love in Greencastle, and graduated from the Keokuk Medical College in 1863. He commenced the practice of medicine with his preceptor, Dr. Love, in Greencastle, where he continued for one year. He then entered into partnership with Dr. Sheldon, in Story County, and came from this place to Shelby County in 1868, where he continued the practice of his profession until his death, which occurred August 13, 1879. He purchased vast tracts of Shelby County land, which was placed under a good state of cultivation by his own direction. Dr. Gish had an extensive practice, and was one of the pioneer doctors of the county. He was one of the most prosperous citizens, and at the time of' his death was worth a considerable fortune. He distributed a good portion of his wealth among his children. Dr. and Mrs. Gish were the parents of six children - Charles; Laura, wife of A. Barton; Harvey, Calvin and John; one child is not living. The Doctor was a man that had the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and his acquaintance was an extensive one. C. O. Gish, the son of David and Frances (Hopping) Gish, was born in Greene County, Ohio, September 25, 1853. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Jasper County, Iowa, and remained there about ten years. They then made two other moves, but finally located in Harlan Township. When C. O. Gish had attained his nineteenth year he commenced farming, and has since followed this pursuit. In 1875 he purchased his first piece of ground, it being an eighty-acre tract of wild prairie in section 35, Douglas Township; he bought it from the railroad company at a cost of $7 per acre; he placed it under good cultivation, and made many excellent improvements. To this first purchase he added other tracts, until he now owns 560 acres of Shelby County land; through his own efforts and personal supervision, this land has been improved, has been taken from the raw prairie and made into one of the best farms in Shelby County; there are a good house, a barn, a grove and all the improvements that go to make a fine modern farm. Mr. Gish devotes himself to farming and stock-raising quite extensively. He has disposed of some of his lands, but now controls 440 acres. He is an active, energetic business man, and is deserving of much credit. Although but a young man, he is one of the foremost in agricultural pursuits in Shelby County. He is a strong supporter of the Democratic party, and has been officially identified with the township. He is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Gish was married November 16, 1876, to Miss Minerva A., daughter of Dwight and Catharine (Bowman) Terrill; she was a native of Shelby County. She died in 1882, after a wedded life of six years. Three children resulted from this union - Pearlie M., Lester D. and Ray. Mr. Gish was again married June 4, 1883, to Miss Mary E., daughter of John and Rebecca East; she was born September 13, 1861, in Indiana. Three children resulted from this union - Maud, Fern and Joseph. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 320-321. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

MARY MICHENER HAVENS

In the history of Shelby County no name is more deserving of mention than that of Mrs. Havens. She will long be remembered by the older residents, and there are many living at the present time who were first cradled in her loving, motherly arms, and many more who, under Providence, owe their lives to her skillful medical treatment. Mrs. Havens was born November 28, 1815, in Licking County, Ohio. Had she been a man, or had she made her advent into the world a quarter-century later, when the professions had been opened to women, she would have undoubtedly made a name, either as a minister of the gospel or as a physician, for she came of a family of ministers on one side, and of doctors on the other. Possessed of a line mind arid liberal education, she was far in advance of the times, being a firm believer in total abstinence, prohibition and woman's suffrage. Without the means of mental culture now open to the majority, she improved the opportunity within her reach, and became well versed in general literature, and quite well read in medicine and theology. Of a genial disposition and a good conversationalist, she made many friends, while her poetic vein, which enabled her to write verses upon every occasion, from a lover's quarrel to an elegy on the death of a favorite horse, made her exceedingly popular, especially with young people. At the age of sixteen she united with the Presbyterian church, and as long as she lived was a consistent Christian, and an earnest worker in the vineyard of the Lord. For eight years she followed the profession of school-teaching, and was eminently successful, controlling unruly pupils and maintaining order in what were known as unmanageable schools. In 1839 the subject of this sketch, whose maiden name was Mary Mills, was married to Daniel Michener, of Morrow County, Ohio, who was a perfect specimen of noble manhood. He survived only seven short years after his marriage. After the death of her husband, Mary Michener suffered a long illness, from which she recovered with her hearing much impaired. She then took her two children, Mattie and Angie Gertrude, and went to live with her brother at Columbia City, Indiana. In course of time she married Lorenzo Havens, a widower with two little girls. In the spring of 1861 they came to Harlan, where they lived several years. It soon became known that Mrs. Havens was not only a skillful accoucher, but was remarkably successful in her treatment of all kinds of diseases. At that time there was but one physician in Shelby County, and he was not in practice; therefore it is not strange that Mrs. Havens should have many calls to visit the sick. She was never very strong, but summer's heat nor winter's cold, beating rain nor howling blizzard, ever hindered her from answering the call of suffering humanity until there were other physicians to take her place. Owning no conveyance of her own, she was compelled to ride in any kind of vehicle and after any wild and spirited animal that a messenger might bring for her. Although she spent much of her time and strength in this work, it was more a labor of love than anything else, for her charges were not in proportion to the service rendered, but according to the ability to pay. In 1872 Mrs. Havens was mysteriously poisoned, strychnine having been put into her quinine bottle, from which she took a dose. Dr. Bayer, of Harlan, was called immediately, and her life was saved. As soon as she was able she was taken to the home of her son-in-law, L. L. Winters, in Clay Township. Here she passed her remaining days with her children, living five years after this attempt upon her life. The five years of suffering were borne with patience, and a cheerful looking forward to her release. Knowing it to be only a matter of time, she prepared her burial clothes with her own hands, speaking frequently of her departure as if she were going on a pleasant journey. In October, 1877, in the sixty-third year of her age, at the home of Mrs. Winters, in Marne, Cass County, her summons came, and she passed to the sleep that knows no waking. Her remains lie buried in the Marne cemetery, but the good she has done will live forever. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 321-322. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

WESLEY SCUTT

Among the prominent citizens of Shelby County there are none more worthy of notice in this history than Wesley Scutt. He has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since 1879. He is a native of Columbia County, New York, born January 25, 1843, and a son of Peter and Eliza (Race) Scutt, natives of New York, and of Hollandish ancestry. The family were among the first settlers of eastern New York, and were descended from the Hollanders who settled on the Livingston patent. The father of our subject was a carpenter by trade, but Wesley's youth was spent on a farm, where he worked at ~6 per month. He resided with his parents until he was nineteen years old, when he caine to Iowa, and located in Mechanicsville, Cedar County, where he remained eight years. From that place he moved to Avoca. He was married in November, 1878, to Miss Sophia Sherman, whose father came to Iowa with his wife when Iowa was a territory. Mrs. Scutt was born in Maquoketa, Jackson County, Iowa. Soon after her birth her parents moved to Wisconsin and purchased land where Milwaukee now stands. Here Mrs. Sherman died, and Mr. Sherman with two little daughters returned to his former home in New York, where he soon after died. Mrs. Scutt was reared in Wyoming County, New York, and after she was grown to womanhood she went to Bloomington, Illinois, where she taught school for some time. From Bloomington she came to Avoca, Iowa. In the pring of 1879 Mr. Scutt came to Harlan, where he engaged in various occupations until the fall of 1886, when he accepted a position in the Harlan bank. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No. 321; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49. He is present junior warden of the Blue Lodge, king of the chapter, and warden of the commandery. In politics Mr. Scutt affiliates with the Republican party. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 322-325. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

W. L. WILLSON

W. L. WILLSON, a native of Pulaski County, Indiana, born January 1, 1845, is the son of W. L. and Mary (Ingram) Willson. When our subject was seven years of age his parents came to Washington County, Iowa. They settled on an unimproved farm, which they made their home until the death of Mr. W. L. Willson, Sr., which occurred in 1881. W. L. Willson, Jr., spent his early life on a farm in Washington County, occupying his time in farm work and in attending the common schools. It was here he met and married Miss Sarah E. Irwin, January 27, 1869. She is a daughter of Edward and Mary A. (Homer) Irwin, both natives of Pennsylvania. She was born in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1847, and came to Iowa in April, 1865. Her parents settled in Washington County. The second year of their marriage they came to Shelby County, where they rented one year, and then settled on section 20, Douglas Township. They homesteaded eighty acres, and erected a small house. They went to work with the intention of making themselves a home, and they have succeeded. They now own 360 acres of as fine land as lies in the county, and have a comfortable frame residence, surrounded by three acres of grove. He also has good buildings for stock and grain. He directs his attention to stock-raising and farming, carrying on both quite extensively. After Mr. Willson's father died, he brought his mother, who is quite an elderly person, to Harlan, providing a comfortable home for her. The parents of Mrs. Willson still reside at Irwin, which place derived its name from theirs. Mr. and Mrs. Willson are the parents of six children - Estella died in 1871; Howard, May, Maud, Elba and Pearl are living. Mr. and Mrs. Willson take great pride in their family, who are bright and interesting children. Their home is adorned with all the luxuries and comforts of life, and when one wishes to see a happy family, let him look in on the family of Mr. and Mrs. Willson. He is a thorough - going business man, taking a great interest in everything that tends to elevate and benefit the country in general. Mr. Willson is a Democrat. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 325. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

JUDGE WILLIAM WYLAND

  (portrait)

JUDGE WILLIAM WYLAND, retired farmer, is the second son of Jonathan Wyland, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this book. He was born in Mercer County, Ohio, September 14, 1830; when about two years of age, his parents moved to Indiana, and settled in Elkhart County, where his youth was spent in assisting his father in the woolen mills. He lived with his parents until he grew to manhood. He was married January 3, 1854, to Miss Helen Mary Thompson, a native of Elkhart County, Indiana, and a daughter of Mark B. Thompson, who came from southern Indiana to Elkhart County, April 5, 1829, among the early settlers. Mr. Thompson was a native of Orange County, New York, and of English and Irish descent. In 1855 William Wyland came to Shelby County with his father, by way of railroad to Dubuque, then by stage to Council Bluffs. He entered 240 acres of land in what is now Harlan Township. He then returned to Indiana, and the following year, in company with his brother Isaac and family, removed to this county. He then began the task of improving his farm, and resided on the place until the fall of 1858, when he purchased a share in the Wyland saw-mill, and operated that for one year. In the spring of 1857 he was elected to the office of county treasurer and recorder, and on account of the larger portion of the settlement being at Galland's Grove, he appointed David Baughman as deputy; but when the county seat was moved to Harlan in 1859 he removed to Harlan and took charge of the office, which he held until January, 1860. Mr. Wyland was elected county judge in 1859, and took charge of the office January 1, 1860; this office comprised that of the board of supervisors and the probate business; he held this office one year and then returned to Indiana, with the intention of assisting in the care of his father's business, but before reaching there his father sold out, and he returned with the rest of his family to Iowa, and settled on what is now known as the Wyland homestead, in Douglas Township. He farmed here until 1872, when lie returned to Harlan and clerked one year for J. W. & E. W. Davis. In 1874 he engaged in the general merchandise business with Wood & Robbins, under the firm of William Wyland & Co.; this was continued for three years. Afterward he engaged with Jackson & Gibbs for one year. In 1884 he removed to his present farm, which contains 100 acres adjoining town; he also owns some town property. Mr. and Mrs. Wyland are consistent members of the Baptist church, he holding the position of clerk. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No. 321; Olivet Chapter, No. 107. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. He has served as county supervisor, and was also appointed county treasurer, D. M. Wyland serving as deputy. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 324-326. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs

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