1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
Hack |
Mansfield |
Christopher |
Gibbs |
Herkenrath |
Dent |
Murfield |
Wright |
Smith |
T J Miller |
J P Miller |
Jacob J Miller
H. P. HACK was born in the Hoosier State, Fountain County, October 20, 1853. His parents were Albert and Mary Hack, natives of Kentucky and Indiana. In the autumn of 1854 the family came to Shelby County, and settled in the northeast of section 16, Fairview Township, where Albert Hack improved a farm and made a home. He improved fifty-two acres and owned 180 acres. He died June 29, 1859, aged thirty-one years. He left a wife and four children; two of the children are living - H. P. Hack, and Hannah M. Preston, wife of O. A. Preston. The two children not living were John, who died at the age of eighteen months, and Margaret, who died at the age of nineteen years. Mrs. Hack still resides on the old homestead where she first
settled when coming to Iowa thirty-four years ago. H. P. Hack grew to manhood on the old home place, and remained there until he was twenty-three years old; his youth was spent in farm work and in attending the district school. Arriving at the age of manhood he was united in marriage with Miss
Phoebe S. Williams, of Fairview Township. She is a daughter of John and Lornhamah Williams. Mr. Hack located on his present farm in 1877, and has improved the wild prairie land until he now has it under excellent cultivation. He has a good comfortable frame house, and buildings for stock and
grain. His farm is located one-half mile southeast from Corley Station. Mr. and Mrs. Hack have one child - Venie, aged eight years. One child, Lulu,
died in infancy.
Mr. Hack is a Republican. He has been called to serve in most of the township offices; he has been township clerk for two years and assessor for two years; he has also served on the school board, and acquitted himself with credit in all these offices. He is a member of the Masonic order, Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 297, Avoca. He is the present secretary of the Anti-horse-thief Association of Fairview Township. Mr. Hack has always lent his hearty support to all public enterprises, and is one of Shelby County's honorable, upright and reliable citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 445. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
J. C. MANSFIELD, proprietor of Springdale Farm, Shelby Township, is one of the early settlers, having come to the county in 1872. He is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Harrison County, September 22, 1847. He is a son of Richard and Elizabeth (Shimers) Mansfield. Mr. Mansfield was reared to farm life, and was educated in the common schools. During the late war he was one of the first of the many gallant patriots to go to the defense of his country's flag. He enlisted January 27, 1862, when but fifteen years of age. He was in the Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, Company G. He was first under fire at Gallatin, Tennessee, and was in the battle of Stone River, and was wounded December 31 by a gunshot in the right leg. He was confined to
the hospital at Nashville, Louisville, and Quincy, Illinois. He rejoined his regiment at Murfreesboro. He took an active part in the Tullahoma campaign, in the battle of Chickamauga, the siege of Chattanooga, and the campaign of Atlanta, when he was under fire four months. He went through the Carolinas to Washington, and was present at the grand review. He was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, and mustered out of the service at Camp Denison, Ohio, in July, 1865. He then returned to Harrison County, where he remained one year. He then went to Illinois and lived in
McLean and Logan counties until 1867, when he came to Mahaska County, Iowa. Here he lived until 1872, when he settled on the land which is his present home. It was then wild and unimproved, but to-day Springdale Farm is one of the finest in the county. There is a good house, barns for stock and grain, and a grove and orchard. A strong, pure spring supplies the stock with water. Mr. Mansfield has twenty-six head of thoroughbred shorthorns of good pedigree, that cannot be excelled in the county. June 24, 1871, Mr. Mansfield was married to Miss Sophia E. Coffin, of Oscaloosa, Iowa, a
daughter of Samuel Coffin, Esq. They have four children - Elizabeth Ann, Flora E., Nellie G. and Mary Clyde. Mr. Mansfield is a Republican, and a member of the G. A. R, Dick Yates Post, No. 364. He has ever shown a public spirit, and is among the foremost in every laudable enterprise. He is
still in the prime of life, is genial and hospitable in his disposition, honest and upright in his dealings, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 446-447. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
W. F. CHRISTOPHER, proprietor of the Shelby harness shop, is one of the live, active business men of the town. He is successor to J. C. Garmong, who
was in business some time at the same stand. The harness business was started in Shelby by William Campbell and passed through several changes previous to Mr. Garmong's ownership. The present proprietor carries a full line of harness goods, such as will be found in a first-class harness shop. He does a trade of $2,500 to $3,000 per annum. W. F. Christopher is a native of Germany; he was born August 21, 1853, and is a son of John
and Mary Christopher. The family came to America in the fall of 1864, landing at Castle Garden, New York. They settled in Schenectady County, New York, where our subject grew to manhood; he passed his youth in farm work and in attending the common schools. At fourteen years of age he began
the trade of harness-making at Glenville, New York; later he worked at Amsterdam, New York, and finished his trade at Utica, New York, in the autumn of 1874, when he removed to Kansas, where lie spent some time. He went to the Black Hills during the gold excitement in 1875; in July of the same year
he came to Shelby and went to work at his trade. After a time he accepted a position in Council Bluffs, where he had charge of one of the largest shops in the city, C. Beckman being the proprietor. In 1882 he bought the interest of the proprietor of the Shelby harness shop and took charge of the business.
He is a thoroughly practical workman and a good judge of the stock used in his business. He was married December 31, 1881, to Miss Mary Sandal, of Council Bluffs, Iowa. They have two children - William and Albert. Politically Mr. Christopher is a Republican; he served in the town council four years; he is a member of the I. O. O. F., Canopy Lodge, No. 401, and has served as treasurer several years. Though but a young man he stands high politically and financially.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 447. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
G.S. Gibbs, dealer in general merchandise, is now the oldest merchant in Harlan. He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, October 7, 1848, and is the oldest son of O.A. and Elizabeth (Watts) Gibbs. The father was a native of Vermont, born in Rutlnd County in 1814, of Puritan stock. He was reared in Vermont, and cme to Michigan when that was first settled. He was married to Elizabeth Watts, who was a native of Norfolkshire, England. When he first came to Michigan, Mr. Gibbs was a sub-contractor of the Michigan Central Railroad. He afterward engaged in farming and lumbering, which he followed until he came to Iowa. He engaged in farming in Harlan Township in 1869, and continued this pursuit until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs were the parents of five children -- G.S., O.O., Forest, William, and Hattie, wife of Matthew Thompson. They were active and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gibbs was a member of the I.O.O.F., and of the board of supervisors in the years 1870 and 1871. His death occurred in September, 1887. His widow still survives.
G.S. Gibbs was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. He resided with his parents until they came to Shelby County in 1869. He entered the employ of J.W. and E.W. Davis, as clerk in a general dry-goods store. He served this firm until 1876, when he engaged in business with Joseph Jackson, under the name of Jackson & Gibbs. This firm continued until July 1, 1879, when Mr. Gibbs purchased his partner's interest and continued the business alone. Afterward he became associated with Mr. P.B. Hunt, the firm being Gibbs & Hunt. This firm existed until 1887, since which time Mr. Gibbs hs carried on the business in his own name. He carries a large stock of dry goods and general merchandise.
He was married January 21, 1875, to Miss Della Baughn, a daughter of Charles, of Council Bluffs, Iowa. She is a native of Ohio, and came to this county as a child. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs -- George S. Jr,, Lulu D., and John. Mr. Gibbs served as a member of the board of supervisors, and was the first city treasurer, serving in 1879 and 1880. In 1881 he was a member of the city council, and served until 1885. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., Harlan Lodge, No. 267, and Mt. Sinai Encampment, of which he is the scribe. He is also a member of the A.F. & A.M., Parian Lodge, No. 321; Olivet Chapter, No. 107; and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49, of which he is junior warden. He is a member of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Gibbs is a member of the Congregational church of Harlan.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 352. Transcribed by Dennis Walsh.
|
Peter Herkenrath, on of the prosperous farmers of Cass Township, Shelby County, was born in Germany, February 21, 1851. He is a son of Joseph and Gertrude Herkenrath. He attended school in his native country until he was fifteen years of age and acquired a good education. During the three years following he was occupied with farm works, and in March, 1869, he sailed for America. He landed in New York, and thence went to Keokuk, Iowa/ In 1876 he came to Shelby County and bought eighty acres of land, which now forms part of his farm. He has added to his first investment, and now has 400 acres of as good soil as the county affords. Mr. Herkenrath has erected a good residence, a barn, and has planted an orchard and a grove. He has a modern windmill, which is a very valuable addition to a stock-farm.
Joseph Herkenrath, father of the subject of this notice, lived on the same place; his wife died in March, 1888, in the sixty-fifth year of her age. They were the parents of two children -- Peter, and Anna, wife of Matthias Olinger. Peter Herkenrath was married in Keokuk County, Iowa, January 23, 1873, to Miss Mary Olinger, a native of Keokuk County, and a daughter of Peter and Angeline Olinger, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Herkenrath are the parents of seven children -- Angeline, John, Anna, Peter, Matthias, Antony, and Theodore. Mr. Herkenrath is a staunch and leading Democrat of the township. He is the present trustee, and has fulfilled the office acceptably. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church. He is honorable and upright in all his business dealings, and has the respect of al who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 489-490. Transcribed by Dennis Walsh.
|
WILLIAM H. DENT, a native of Jefferson County, Indiana, born April 18, 1849, is a son of Daniel and Mary (Parsons) Dent, natives of Lynn City, England, who now reside in Marshall County, Iowa, at the advanced age of eighty-three and eighty-seven years. They are the parents of seven children, two boys and five girls - Elizabeth, Robert (deceased), killed in the battle at Millican's Bend, having enlisted from Marshalltown, Iowa; Ann, Rebecca, Martha,
Barbara, Alice (deceased), and William H., the subject of this sketch, who was born in Indiana. When he was three years old his parents removed to Champaign County, Illinois, where they spent five years; then they went to Marshall County, Iowa, where the remainder of his early life was spent. He
was reared to farm life; his education was received outside of the school-room, being of purely practical character. He is a keen observer and a good, live, energetic business man, and stands in the foremost rank of Shelby County's well to-do farmers. He came to Shelby County, March, 1873, and purchased a tract of eighty acres of unimproved land in sections 20 and 21, Polk Township; here he remained nine years and made many improvements, erecting the first dwelling on the stream, known as Long Branch, which finds its source in the extreme northeast part of the county. He had to undergo many hardships incident to pioneer life, as he was among the very first to settle in this part of the county. Upon this first purchase he
planted about seven acres of' grove, and in 1881 lie sold the forty acres lying in section 21 and purchased an adjoining 120 acres in section 20, making his farm one quarter-section; it is as fine land as there is in the county. He has put it under good cultivation, erected a fine frame residence and barns
for stock and grain; he has planted another grove of four acres. He has done much toward building up and improving Shelby County, and well deserves the esteem and respect of the citizens. He has always supported the Republican party until 1888, when he joined his vote with the Union Labor party. He was married January 1, 1870, to Loretta Gaer, daughter of Shelton and Lorena Gaer, natives of Illinois; she was born in Marshall
County, Iowa, May 12, 1852. They are the parents of five children - William R., Robert D., Raymond, Mary, Leonard; they have three children deceased, twin boys died in infancy, and Winnie, who died at the age of fifteen months. Shelby County has no people more energetic and deserving.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 539. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
DELMER F. MURFIELD, of Spring Hill Stock Farm, has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since 1873. Re is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Marysville, Union County, February 4, 1849. He is a son of J. S. and Elizabeth (Bancroft) Murfield, natives of Ohio. When D. F. was yet in infancy the parents moved to Jones County, Iowa, being among the earliest settlers; here they resided until death. Our subject was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. He was married June 2,1870, to Miss Martha Biggart, a daughter of Archibald and Caroline (Shoop)
Biggart, natives of Ohio; Mrs. Murfield was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, and was brought to Iowa when four years of age; her mother died in 1887, and her father still lives in Jones County. As before mentioned, Mr. Murfield came to Shelby County in 1873; his first purchase was forty acres of wild land
in Lincoln Township, on which he resided until 1844, when he moved to his present place. He bought more land in section 24, and has added to it as his means increased, until he now owns 240 acres of Shelby County's best soil; he has made all the improvements necessary to a good stock farm. He was one of the first settlers, there being only one house between his home and Harlan. Mr. and Mrs. Murfleld are the parents of eight children -
Joshua E., Clem, Perry, Ida Belle, Bessie, Guy, Roy and Gilbert. Mr. Murfield's parents were members of the Christian church, and he was reared in this influence. Mrs. Murfield is a member of the Christian church. Politically Mr. Murfield affiliates with the Democratic party. He devotes most of his
energies to stock-raising, giving special attention to pure breeds of swine and thoroughbred cattle; he was one of the first in the township to engage in this industry, and he has been very successful. Mr. Murfleld can be relied upon as one of the solid men of Shelby County.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 414. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
J. T. WRIGHT has been identified with the interests of Lincoln Township since May, 1875. He was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, June 25, 1845, and is a son of Robert E. and Elizabeth (Evans) Wright. Robert E. Wright was a native of Virginia, and came to Indiana when a boy; here he grew to manhood, and married Elizabeth Evans, a native of Virginia; they resided in Indiana until 1856, when they removed to Rock Island County, Illinois. Our
subject was one of eleven children, three sons and eight daughters. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. He lived in Rock Island County, Illinois, until the spring of 1875, when he came to Shelby County and bought 160 acres of prairie land. Here he has since made his home,
and improved his land until he has one of the best farms in the neighborhood; he has a comfortable dwelling, a large barn for stock and hay, and everything conveniently arranged for general farming purposes. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, and has some fine specimens of draft horses on his farm. Silver Creek runs through his place, furnishing an abundance of water for stock. The farm lies three miles from Harlan. Mr.
Wright was married December 23, 1875, to Miss J. M. Curtis, of Jackson County, Iowa, a daughter of A. T. and Mary L. (Roper) Curtis. Mrs. Wright was a teacher for several years previous to her marriage; she was born in Ohio, and educated in Rock Island County, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are the parents of four children - Mamie B., Luella, Jennie and Alma. Mr. Wright is a Republican, and has served as township clerk for eight years,
and for five years has served as secretary of the school board. He is a man well informed, cordial in his disposition, honorable in business, and one of Shelby County's representative men.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 415. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
CALEB SMITH is one of the prominent and well-known citizens of Fairview Township; he arrived in the county May 23, 1870. He was born in Snyder
County, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1847, and is a son of John P. Smith and Elizabeth (Troxell) Smith, both natives of Pennsylvania. Caleb passed his early youth on a farm and in attending school; his education was received at the Freebury Academy, of Snyder County, Pennsylvania, and at the Union Seminary, of Union County, Pennsylvania. At the age of seventeen he began teaching school, and was very successful. In 1870 he acted on Horace
Greeley's advice to young men, and went west; he traveled over a portion of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois; he finally reached Shelby County, Iowa, where he decided to remain. The first season he engaged in teaching in Monroe Township; in the spring of 1871 he was appointed county
superintendent of the schools; in the autumn of the same year he was elected to this office, serving two years with credit to himself and the best interests of the public schools. In February, 1872, he bought 152 acres of land, partly improved; here he has since lived, and made many improvements, adding to the first purchase until he now owns 220 acres of the best soil, consisting largely of rich bottom lands on the east branch of the Nishnabotna River. He has a good frame house, a barn and buildings for stock, and a modern windmill, supplying the water for the different yards;
all the surroundings betray the thrift and energy of the owner. Mr. Smith has not sold any corn in twelve years, as he finds it more profitable to feed it to stock at home; he has been very successful in this enterprise. He was married January 4, 1874, to Miss Hattie Pieffer, a daughter of Benjamin Pieffer, a
prominent pioneer, whose history will be round elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children - Lester and Laura E. Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and is one of the wheel-horses of the Democracy in the county; he has filled several offices of trust, with honor to himself. He is a member
of the Anti-horse-thief Association of Fairview Township. He is a man well informed on general topics; is decided in his views, friendly to all, and is numbered with the first citizens of the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 543. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
T. J. MILLER has been a resident of Shelby County since 1879. He is a native of Indiana, born in Putnam County, June 14, 1843. He is a son of Robert and Ann (Hillis) Miller, both natives of Kentucky. The parents were married in Kentucky, and located in Putnam County, Indiana. In 1845 they removed to Illinois, where they remained eighteen months and then came to Jones County, Iowa, where they were early settlers; here they entered government
land. Robert Miller died in 1866, and his widow resides in Harlan. T. J. Miller was reared a farmer, and received his education in the common schools. He was married November 3, 1872, to Miss Samantha Taylor, a native of Warren County, Indiana, whose parents, James and Minerva (Lindley) Taylor, were natives of Kentucky and Ohio respectively. Miss Taylor had taught school for ten years in Iowa. In 1879 T. J. Mifler purchased 160 acres of land, partially improved, in Shelby County. He has since added to it until he now owns 240 acres in a flue state of cultivation. He has a comfortable residence, a good barn, a fine grove and orchard, and a windmill, all indicating the energy and thrift of the proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of five children - Oral, Lois, Myrta R., Ray R., Hugh H. and Agnes J. They are members of the Christian church in Harlan. Mr. Miller is a member
of the Democratic party. He is frank in manner, upright in business, and one of Lincoln Township's best citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 408. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
J. P. MILLER, proprietor of Bull Run Stock Farm, has been identified with the interests of Lincoln Township since 1872. He is a native of Jones County, Iowa, born April 22, 1851, and is a son of G. W. and Sophia (Pence) Miller, natives of Fairfield County, Ohio. G. W. Miller and wife are pioneers of Jones County, having come there about the year 1840; they still reside in Jones County. J. P. Miller was brought up on a farm, and received his earlier
education in the common schools. He remained in Jones County until 1872 when he came to Shelby County, and settled on eighty acres of wild land, where he has since made his home. He has gradually improved the place and has invested his surplus means in land; he now owns 240 acres, 160 being in the home place, and eighty in section 14, Lincoln Township. He has a pleasant house, a barn 64 x 70 feet, with a capacity for 150 head of cattle, and 135 tons of hay. He has every convenience for handling stock, of which he makes a specialty. He is a stockholder in the Harlan Live Stock Association. For ten years Mr. Miller has made a specialty of Poland-China swine, and has been very successful in this work; he has also had unusual success in breeding short-horn cattle. Mr. Miller was united in marriage December 25, 1875, to Miss Flora J. Bothwell, a daughter of John
Bothwell. They are the parents of five children - George E., Lillie May, Leona S., Grover P. and Chauncey Brady. Mr. Miller is a strong adherent of the Democratic party, and was the choice of his party for county recorder in 1881, but his party was in the minority. He is a member of the Masonic
order, Parian Lodge, No. 321; Olivet Chapter, No. 107; Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49. He is yet in the prime of life, and already has an enviable position socially, politically and financially in the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 414-415. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
( portrait)
JACOB J. MILLER, farmer and stock raiser, section 13, Harlan Township, has been interested in the welfare of Shelby County since 1857, when he began his residence here. He is a native of Germany, born in Alsace, March 8, 1827. He is a son of Jacob and Catherine Miller, both natives of Alsace. When he was one year old his parents emigrated to America, landing at Baltimore, where they lived about one year. Then they moved near Hagerstown,
Maryland, where they resided until Jacob, Jr., was six years old, when they moved to Butler County, Ohio. January of the year 1845 found the family in Elkhart County, Indiana, where the father bought eighty acres of heavily timbered land, which he began to improve. Here the parents remained the rest of their lives. The mother died in June, 1855, and the father passed to his eternal rest at the age of sixty-five years. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom still survive. Jacob J. was seventeen years old when his parents removed to Indiana. He remained with his parents for five years, assisting in clearing and improving the farm. He was married May 30, 1850, to Miss Nancy Jane McConnell, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of James McConnell. After his marriage he cleared a farm in Indiana, and there made his home until the spring of 1857, when he moved to Iowa. The trip was made in twenty days with a team of horses. He bought 220 acres of land, only eleven acres of it being broken. There was a small log cabin, 14 x 16 feet, into which he moved his family. A part of the land was entered by a man named Dalton, and forty acres in section 12 by Dwight Terrill. Mr. Miller has since followed farming and stock-raising. He has a landed estate of 500 acres, and has given 400 acres to his children. Mr. and Mrs. Miller
are the parents of seven children - Mary Catherine, the wife of Park F. Philson, of Jackson Township; Charles M. died May 7, 1874, at the age of twenty years; Susan Permelia, the wife of Alexander Philson, of Harlan Township; Samuel M., Damaris Jane, John C. and George H. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Brethren church. Mr. Miller was elected, in 1862-'63-'64, a member of the board of supervisors, and also subdirector. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. Mr. Miller is a self-made man, and by industry and thrift and upright dealing has made an enviable place for him.
self, socially and financially.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 536-537. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
|
