1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
Panian |
Crique |
Custer |
Wyland |
Gammon |
Kerr |
Schouboe |
Wheeler |
Potter |
Wilfong |
Hammer |
Constable |
Baughn |
Smith
JOHN PANIAN, proprietor of the Buffalo Shoe Store, Harlan, is the only dealer in boots and shoes exclusively. He carries a large stock of reliable goods,
and does a large business. He has been in the trade in Harlan nine years, and by fair dealing and unswerving integrity he has gained the confidence of all his patrons. Mr. Panian was born in Austria, May 16, 1852, and is the son of John and Mary (Skoff) Panian. He attended school until fourteen
years of age, and then went to learn the shoe maker's trade. He served an apprenticeship of three years, and then at the age of seventeen years he emigrated to America. He worked at his trade in New York City for eight months, then went to Chicago, remaining there three years. From Chicago
he came to Iowa, settling in Clinton. His next place of abode was Brown Station, in which town he worked two years. Then he went to Dubuque for two years, and then returned to Clinton County. He then removed to Shelby County, stopping in Westphalia Township for seven months; thence he came
to Harlan. Mr. Panian was married at Westphalia, January 10, 1882, to Miss Tracy Rau, daughter of Anton Rau. They are the parents of four children -- Frank, Rosa, Joseph and Charles. Mr. Panian affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 392-393. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOSEPH CRIQUE was born in Lockport, Will County, Illinois, March 30, 1859, and is the son of Frank and Barbara (Addelman) Crique. Until he was fifteen
years old he attended the Public schools. He then began learning the trade of harness-making at Joliet, Illinois, during this time attending evening school. After he had learned his trade he pursued it for a time in Chicago, and in 1877 came to Avoca. He came without money, but possessed of industry and pluck. He worked at his trade until 1889, when he went into business for himself. He now has the largest harness shop in Shelby County, and carries a stock valued at $7,000; and this furnishes another example of what can be accomplished by determination and industry. Mr. Crique is deservedly popular in the trade. He was married in 1887 to Miss Minnie Swartz, of Harlan. They have one daughter -- Hazel. Mr. Crique's political sentiments find expression in the Democratic party, of which he is a staunch member. He owns his store building, which as valuable property.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 393. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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HENRY CUSTER, JR., is a genuine pioneer of Shelby County, having come here in 1853. He was born in Fountain County, Indiana, May 26, 1844, and is a son of Henry Custer, whose sketch will be found on another page of this volume. He was nine years old when his father removed to this county, settling at Custer's Grove; here he grew up on the frontier, spending his youth in driving an ox-team and breaking prairie, both in Iowa and Nebraska. His education was very limited; he attended six weeks of a term of school taught by John Davis. During the late civil war he was one of the first to go
to the defense of the nation; he enlisted in the fall of 1862 in the Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served ten months. He was in the line of battle at Columbus, Kentucky. He was honorably discharged and returned to his home in Shelby County. Mr. Custer was married January 22, 1865, to Miss Catharine Wright, a native of Putnam County, Missouri, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Cochran) Wright, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. Thomas Wright settled on Honey Creek, in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, in 1851, and died in 1852. His widow came to Shelby County in 1862, and died here in 1865. After his marriage Henry Custer lived in Fairview Township one year, and then came to Harlan Township. He settled on his present farm in 1881; this place contains 160 acres of land which Mr. Custer has greatly improved. Mr. Custer and wife are the parents of eight children, two of whom are deceased -- Samantha Dewey, Mary, Carl, Leroy, Jesse, Pearl. Jasper N. and Perry are not living. Mr. Custer votes with the Republican party, and is a member of the G. A. R., Harlan Post, No. 197. He is a member of the Anti-horse-thief Association of Fairview Township, No. 27. He owns a pair of mules he has worked twenty-one years; one animal is twenty-six years old and the other is thirty-three. Mr. Custer is a wide-awake,
energetic farmer, and all his surroundings show his thrift and wise management. He is plain of speech and manner, is a close observer, and is honored and respected by all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 393-394. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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W. W. WYLAND, Deputy Sheriff of Shelby County, and Deputy United States Marshal, was born in Elkhart County, Indiana, January 18, 1852. He is a son of I. P. Wyland, a well-known pioneer of Shelby County, now a resident of Dakota. He was four years old when his parents came to Iowa, and here on the frontier he grew to manhood. His youth was passed in assisting on his father's farm and in attending the district school. After his school days were over, Mr. Wyland engaged in farming until the year 1880, when he came to Harlan and obtained a position with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, as assistant freight and ticket agent. Two or three years later he engaged in the real estate business, and at the present time he is serving as deputy sheriff and as deputy United States marshal. He is a faithful and efficient officer, and is serving the public with much credit to himself. Politically he is a Democrat, and is a strong adherent to the principles of Democracy. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, No. 68. Mr. Wyland was married May 6, 1871, to Miss Clarinda Stanley, daughter of T. J. Stanley, of Shelby County. Mr. Wyland is yet in the prime of life, is a man of unusually
strong physique, a cordial, genial disposition, and has a host of friends in the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 394. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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WARREN GAMMON, attorney at law, Harlan, has been interested in the welfare of Shelby County since 1879. He is a native of Maine, born in New Portland, Somerset County, January 16, 1846; he is a son of Ancil and Eleanor (Young) Gammon, both natives of Maine, and of English ancestry. Warren Gammon was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools; he resided with his parents until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to Illinois and settled near Pontiac, Livingston County. His father was twice married; his first wife was Mehitable Young, by whom six children were born, four sons and two daughters. By his second marriage thirteen children were born, ten sons and three daughters. Of the nineteen children, twelve still survive. Six of the sons went out in defense of union and liberty during the late civil war; they served to the close of the war and returned without a wound. The subject of this sketch enlisted September 30, 1864, in the Thirty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company D, and served until the close of the war; he was honorably discharged June 26, 1865. He returned to Illinois and engaged in the horse-detective business, which he followed for five years. In the fall of 1869 he came to Iowa and located in Guthrie County, where he engaged in opening up a tract of wild land; here he remained for three years, and then employed his time in real-estate business, which he followed until 1876, when he entered the law office of J. B. Carpenter and began reading law; he was admitted to the bar in Audubon County, His Honor Judge Loofborough presiding. Mr. Gammon practiced his profession for two years in Guthrie County, and in 1879 he came to Harlan. November 24, 1881, he formed a partnership with Judge N. W. Macey, and
has built up a lucrative practice. Mr. Gammon was married January 15, 1871, to Miss Annie Pickett; a native of Jackson, Michigan, and a daughter of Lorenzo and Annie (Graham) Pickett. By this union two children were born -- Arthur L. and Bertie O. Mr. Gammon casts his vote with the Republican party.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 394-395. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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LOUIS M. KERR has been a resident of Shelby County, Iowa, since 1883. He was born in Hadersleben, in North Schlesvig, Germany, and is the son of Louis and Margaretta Kerr. He attended school in his native country until he was fifteen years of age. He then sailed from Hamburg, via Glasgow, to New York, and thence came directly to Clinton County, Iowa, making this his residence for the next four years. In 1883 he came to Shelby County, and engaged as a clerk for Graham Brothers at Kirkman, in a hardware store. The following year he accepted a position with F. M. Bowlin, who was at that time in the hardware trade at Harlan. Later he accepted a position with W. W. Wheeler, of Harlan, and remained in his employ until February, 1887, when he secured a position in the land office of C. J. & D. M. Wyland. Mr. Kerr is still in the employ of this firm, and discharges his duties faithfully and with ability. In political conviction and action Mr. Kerr is a Republican. He is a member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M.; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, and Mount Zion Commandery, No. 49. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 267, having filled all the chairs. He is a member of Mt. Sinai Encampment.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 395. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ALBERT A. SCHOUBOE, a resident of Jefferson Township, is a native of Denmark, and was born May 1, 1850. He is a son of Fritz and Minne (Friis) Schouboe, and was educated at home under the tutorship of a private instructor. When he had reached his twenty-first year he sailed to America. He settled on a farm in Ford County, Illinois, and ever since has followed agricultural pursuits. When he landed in this country he had but $20 in money, and was soon taken very ill, so he was compelled to spend all of his money and to dispose of a good suit of clothes. When he recovered he had the magnificent sum of 75 cents upon which to start in life on his own responsibility. He had borrowed $60 to pay his expenses to America, and he replaced this the first year he was in this country. His career in America was not begun under the most favorable auspices, but he had pluck and energy and ambition, and these traits of character pay little heed to circumstance. Mr. Schouboe was married February 11, 1879, to Miss Anna E. Launders, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Monroe) Launders, natives of England and Scotland, respectively. Mrs. Schouboe was born in Will County, Illinois, June 17, 1857. They are the parents of five children -- Minne E., Arthur F., Leonard B., Viola I. and Claudius P. In January, 1881, the family came to Shelby County, Iowa, and settled in Jefferson Township on 120 acres of wild land; here Mr. Schouboe erected a frame residence, and barns for stock and grain. He has planted a grove of two acres and an orchard of one and a half acres. Mr. Schouboe's family were among the earliest settlers in the eastern part of Jefferson Township, and they endured many hardships during the first years of their residence in the county. They now own 200 acres of land and enjoy all the comforts of a modern civilization. Mr. Schouboe has always supported the Republican party until 1888, when he joined the Union Labor party. He was the first member of his family to come to America, but he has since induced his brothers to emigrate to this land of the free and home of the brave. He also brought his mother and sister to America, but his mother died in Harlan in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Schouboe are worthy and respected members of the United Brethren church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 395-396. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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portrait
WILLIAM W. WHEELER, President of the Shelby County Bank, and one of western Iowa's leading hardware merchants, is one out of a thousand men who, without the aid of others, has by his own native tact and energy become the possessor of a good fortune in almost a phenomenally short period; he has won through actual merit the good-will and high esteem of both business and social acquaintance in a wide circle. As will be observed in the following sketch, three traits of character have been prominent in his life -- faithfulness, self-reliance and perseverance. His whole career from boyhood
has been exemplary and eminently fitted to become a pattern for any youth having an ambition for success in life.
He is the second son and fourth child of Norman E. and Harriet (Lake) Wheeler, natives of Connecticut, and of Puritan ancestry. Mr. Wheeler was born October 4, 1856, at Sharon, Litchfield County, Connecticut. He was reared on his father's farm, where they remained until 1867 and then moved to Millerton, New York, where they engaged in the hotel business, following this until 1870. The mother and one sister died in 1869. From New York the family, with the exception of one sister who was then married, removed to Fulton, Whiteside County, Illinois, where the father still resides. William W. attended the common schools at the different places he had lived, and finally graduated from the high school at Fulton, Illinois, in 1875. After he had entered the high school he left his studies and for about two years worked in a printing office, but being convinced that that art would not be what he cared to follow through life, he left the printer's case and again entered school, with a new ambition to finish his education and enter some business ursuit. The year prior to his graduation he clerked evenings and Saturdays in the hardware store of his uncle, Charles N. Wheeler, thus partly paying for his education. He then went to Clinton, Iowa, where he engaged to clerk in the hardware store of George Spencer, with whom he remained until January, 1879. As an evidence of his self reliance, it may be stated that when his uncle learned that he had hired to work for $5 per week in the Clinton hardware store, he told him that he was missing it, and that he could make more money to go out and work on a farm, as the inexperienced youth was to pay the whole amount of his wages for his board. But having determined to become a hardware merchant nothing could turn him from his chosen calling, so he thanked his uncle, but used his own judgment, believing his employer would soon raise his wages, which he did the first Saturday night. He worked to please and did his work well, hence was amply rewarded from month to month. His brother, E. H. Wheeler, and himself established a grocery business
at Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1877; W. W., however, remained at Clinton in the hardware store during the existence of the partnership, which continued eight months there and finally ceased at Prophetstown, Illinois.
In December, 1878, he came to Harlan, Iowa, his brother following the succeeding March. The two brothers were again to he engaged in mercantile trade, this time in the hardware business. E. H. bought a business lot and contracted for a frame store building, which they were to occupy in the spring. He then returned to Illinois and remained till February, when he shipped in a $5,000 stock and opened it in the building prepared for them, which, together with the lot upon which it stood, cost $2,000. The one-half interest in this $7,000 investment had been earned and kept by our frugal subject from the salary he had received during the four years previous to this date, with such amounts as his savings had made him by wise investments in a building association, etc. Mr. Wheeler and his brother came to Harlan the same year in which the railroad was built, and they were the leading hardware firm among three trading in the town, which then only had a population of about 600 people. They soon won an extensive and profitable custom, which was
the foundation of what has come to be one of the largest institutions in this section of Iowa. On account of his brother's failing health, the partnership was dissolved November 5, 1881, William W. purchasing the other half of the stock and business building. By 1885 his business had assumed such proportions that he was obliged to have larger quarters, and during that year he erected a fine business house containing three floors. It stands on
the north side of the public square, and is a model of solidity and convenience; it is 24x 120 feet, with two high stories and a deep basement where stoves and iron and heavy hardware are kept. By the use of an elevator the three floors become as easy of access as though on a level. The building and ground upon which it stands cost Mr. Wheeler $10,000. At present he has a large, well selected stock of goods of all sorts belonging to the trade, including the finest line of heating and cooking stoves in Iowa, of which he has always seemed to be the leader. His stove sales amount to $500 per year, while the barbed wire he handles runs upon an average of seven car-loads. As the country develops he keeps adding to his already large stock.
In 1882 his sales amounted to the handsome sum of $50,000.
In connection with his other affairs he has purchased 1,000 acres of land, situated in Iowa, Nebraska, Dakota and Kansas, and twenty town lots in the city of Chicago, which is no small estate for a man of thirty-two years of age to possess. He became one of the stockholders in the Shelby County Bank at Harlan, and in 1883 was made one of the directors, holding that position until 1887, when he was elected president of the concern, having already purchased the former president's stock, in addition to the above named property. Mr. Wheeler owns considerable town property, including his
charming residence, which he built in 1883, on the corner of Victoria and Third streets, at an outlay of $5,000.
For a life companion Mr. Wheeler chose Miss Kate Griffith, a native of Bridgeport, Ohio, and the daughter of B. B. Griffith, Sr., now of Harlan, Iowa.
They were united in marriage September 1, 1880, under the following laughable surprise: A short time before the event took place, his brother went to Chicago to buy goods, and told William W. that he expected to be married before his return; so in due time wedding cards were sent on to Harlan, and as
soon as they came, and thus fixed the exact date of the marriage, our subject took the cards to the home of Miss Griffith (to whom he was engaged), handing her the cards sent by his brother, and remarking, why can't we be married the same time here in Harlan? It was agreeable all round, and the ceremony was performed at the same hour in which his brother was being married at Morrison, Illinois. His brother telegraphed him to meet them at the train in Harlan, and upon their arrival he introduced him to his bride, and in turn William W. surprised them both by introducing them to his wife! Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are the parents of one child -- Charles Lake. In politics Mr. Wheeler is a Republican, but has never been an aspirant to public office, always deeming his own business of more consequence. At present he is a member of the school board of Harlan independent district, vice-president of the Harlan Business Association, and vice-president of the Harlan Coal and Mining Company. He and his estimable wife are both members of the Congregational church and consistent Christian workers, he having been church trustee for several years. He is also an acceptable member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No. 321; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, and Mount Zion Commandery, No. 49.
The reader must have been impressed with the thought, while tracing this most successful business man's career, from his start in the hardware store of George Spencer in Clinton to the statement of his fortune, that he is indeed an exceptional character, possessing in his make-up the finest elements which enter into the composition of a grand and successful life. He has ever been a hard-worker, yet seldom tiring in his labors. Whether in his store midst iron, nails and stoves, whether assisting in the banking-house with which he is connected, whether attending to his lands, whether in public or private life, this genial, whole-souled, Christian gentleman is the same earnest, faithful friend of whom the world has none too many.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 396-400. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOHN POTTER was born in Yorkshire, England, March 2, 1835. He is the son of Thomas and Nancy (Thirsk) Potter, and was reared in his native country. His education is purely practical, and was gained through his own efforts by diligent reading and close observation. In 1857 Mr. Potter came to America and resided in Illinois until 1861, when he made a trip to Canada, where he remained two years and then returned to England. Here he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Pearcy, February 28, 1863; she is the daughter of Marmaduke and Anna (Greene) Pearcy, and was born June 20, 1841, in Yorkshire, England. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Potter came to America and settled in Carroll County, Illinois, where they resided six years. They then removed to Montgomery County, Iowa, and lived there for six years; thence they removed to Shelby County, Iowa, in March, 1875,
where they have since made their home. Mr. Potter bought eighty acres of land in Jefferson Township, which he has greatly improved. He has planted a grove, in the midst of which he has good a frame residence, and barns for stock and grain. He has added to his first purchase until he now owns 240 acres in one body of fine cultivated land. Politically he is a staunch Republican, and has done much toward the advancement of the country socially and morally, and advocates all measures tending to the progress of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are the parents of four children -- Thomas H., born November 26, 1867, now attending the Western Normal at Shenandoah, Iowa; Libbie A., born October 12, 1870; James R., born October 4, 1872; and John A., born January 29, 1880. The family are worthy and respected citizens of the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 400-401. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ANDREW WILFONG, a native of Wabash County, Indiana, was born March 22, 1851, and is the son of Martin and Maria (Harvey) Wilfong. When he was two and a half years old the family removed to Carroll County, Illinois, where they resided until he was fourteen years of age. They then came to Tama County, Iowa, where they made their home until 1872. Andrew Wilfong was reared on a farm, that most excellent nursery of our national independence, and was educated in the public schools of Iowa and Illinois. When he had reached his majority he came to Shelby County and settled on a tract of 147 acres in Jefferson Township as a homestead. However, he was defeated in this by a scheme concocted by the railroad company to defraud settlers of their improvements, in order to retain the property upon which he had already expended much time and labor he purchased of the
railroad company what he considered his own property by right of pre-emption, paying $18 per acre.
Mr. Wilfong was married June 30, 1875, to Miss Parmelia Tibbott, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Horner) Tibbott, who was born in Ebensburgh, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1851. They are the parents of three children -- Ethel, William, and an infant daughter (deceased). When Mr. Wilfong came to this county he was seven miles from the nearest improved farm and three miles from the nearest neighbor, excepting one, James Lothrop, a brother-in-law, now deceased. Their whole possessions were a team of horses and $50 when they came to this new country, and they had many hardships to contend with, but they faced them bravely and are now reaping their reward. Mr. Wilfong has erected a good frame residence, and barns for stock arid grain; he has planted two and a half acres of grove and made numerous improvements. Politically he is a staunch Republican, and has held many positions of trust and honor. He has served his township as assessor, road supervisor and as a member of the board of education. Mrs. Wilfong is a worthy and consistent member of the Christian church. These people are a fair example of what can be accomplished by energy and industry, coupled with determination to win. Mr. Wilfong occupies his time exclusively in farming and stock-raising and is a member of the Farmers' Alliance of Botna.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 401. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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PETER HAMMER, of the firm of Sonneland, Hammer & Co., is one of the well-known business men of Harlan. He was born in Germany, October 4, 1864,
and is the son of Otto P. and Christina (Stendrup) Hammer. He was given the advantage of a good education, attending school until he was fifteen years old. Like so many other Germans, although fond of the father-land, he desired to try his fortunes in America; accordingly, he left family, home and friends, and came to America. After his arrival in this country he came to Iowa, and settled in Shelby County, working on a farm some time. In 1883 Mr. Hammer obtained a situation with Eidamiller Brothers, as clerk in their dry-goods store; there he remained until Eidamiller Brothers sold out, acquiring while in their service a thorough business training. He is now associated with Mr. Sonneland and Mr. Jorgenson in the general dry-goods trade, and they are doing a profitable business. Mr. Hammer was married October 25, 1886, to Miss Ida Nelson, of Harlan, a daughter of Peter Nelson. They have had born to them one child -- Fred O. Politically Mr. Hammer affiliates with the Republican party. He was reared in the faith and teachings of the Lutheran church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 401-402. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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WILLIAM CONSTABLE, a native of Sussex County, England, was born October 8, 1827, and is a son of Henry and Urania (Wilson) Constable. When he was seven years of age his parents emigrated to America, and settled in Cambria County, Pennsylvania; here he spent his early life, and his parents passed the remainder of their days. The mother died in February, 1856, but the father survived her many years, and passed away at the age of eighty-six
years; they were members of the Church of England. William was the fourth child of fourteen children, and his father being a brick-maker by trade, the Sons were naturally trained to the same avocation. He was thoroughly instructed and trained in the art of brick-making, near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His education was acquired wholly outside the school-room, in the evenings, and during leisure hours, under his father's direction, who likewise was a self-educated man, excepting two terms of night-school. By persistent effort he has gained an education which would be a credit to one having had
much superior advantages. Mr. Constable remained with his parents until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he engaged with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and remained in their employ for five years. After this he worked in the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Iron Works as puddler for five years.
He was married August 21, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Horner, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Horner, natives of Cambria County,
Pennsylvania. She was born February 13, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Constable are the parents of thirteen children -- Le Roy A. J. (deceased); Sophia E., wife of Edwin Richards; William D.; Mary E. (deceased); Leander C. (deceased); Anna M., Edward H., Oliver P., Melvin T. B., Franklin H., Clara L., and an infant daughter (deceased), and Nelson J. After Mr. Constable completed his engagement with the iron works he removed his family to Shelby County, Iowa, and settied in Jefferson Township, where he has since made his home. His first purchase was 200 acres which was partially improved. The only neighbor was his brother-in-law, E. W. Irwin, who came with Mr. Constable and settled one mile southwest. The family had many hardships to endure during the early days of their residence in the county, but they had courage to face them bravely, and surmount all obstacles, and to-day are reaping
the benefits. When they came to Shelby County the nearest marketing place was Avoca, to which point they were obliged to haul their produce and grain, and make their purchases. They have seen the country develop from a wild, uninhabited prairie to a prosperous, enlightened, agricultural district, and they have done much in bringing about this change, and well deserve the honor and esteem in which they are held. Politically Mr. Constable is a Republican, but is decidedly liberal in his views. He has held many offices of trust and honor; he has been treasurer of the township for fifteen years, and is at present a member of the board of education. Mr. Con stable now owns 460 acres of land in one body in Jefferson Township.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 402 & 405. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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portrait
Some characters are slow of development, and turn out much better than was expected from the promise of their childhood; and some show their metal from the very first, and are full-grown men and women while yet children in years and physical growth. Wilmot L. Baughn, whose history has suggested the preceding paragraph, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, November 1, 1850, and is a son of Charles and Pencela (Blue) Baughn. When he was six years old his parents removed to Harrison County, Iowa, where he was reared on a frontier farm and educated in the common schools, which were also, doubtless, frontier in character. During his boyhood days, when he was eleven or twelve years of age, he and his oldest brother, Harman, broke a tract of land in Harlan Township, Shelby County, which was afterward their home.
In 1866 the family removed to Shelby County and settled on a farm just north of Simoda. When Wilmot was fifteen years old, he and one of his brothers freighted to Denver with ox teams, carrying corn for 11 cents per pound. They left August 27, and returned on Thanksgiving Day. Wilmot L. drove two yoke of oxen and cooked for seven men on the trip. When eighteen years old he began the task of improving a farm of eighty acres, which he afterward purchased, with the assistance of his father. Soon after he bought forty acres more, adjoining the corporation line of Harlan. This he has improved and made additions to it, until he has in one body 540 acres. Mr. Baughn also owns a farm of 240 acres in Jefferson Township, and one of 120 acres in
Washington Township. In 1870 he shipped his first stock, driving it to Avoca for loading. In 1879 he began to ship extensively, and in the spring of 1885 made his largest shipment, consisting of eighteen cars, the proceeds amounting to $18,000. He frequently uses special trains for his shipments,
and has always taken the lead in this branch of business in the county.
Mr. Baughn was married September 29, 1874, to Miss Urania Adams, a daughter of J. H. Adams, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume.
Mrs. Baughn is a native of Pottawattamie County. After their marriage they resided on their farm for one year, and then moved to Harlan, where Mr. Baughn opened a livery stable, which he managed one year. At the end of this time he traded the livery stable for a farm of 280 acres in Douglas Township, which he has since disposed of, and returned to his farm. In the fall of 1878 he himself husked the first 1,000 bushels of corn that were contracted for in Harlan. He remained on the farm for nearly two years, and then returned to Harlan. In the summer of 1882 he erected his residence, one of the finest in the town, finished with all the modern improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Baughn are the parents of two children -- Wilmot L., Jr., and
Herbert A. Politically Mr. Baughn affiliates with the Democratic party.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 404-405. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOHN W. SMITH, a native of the Buckeye State, was born near Cincinnati, November 29, 1851. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Lawrence) Smith,
and one of a family of seven children. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Jasper County, Iowa, where he passed his early life. He was trained in agricultural pursuits, and received a limited education in the common schools, but is qualified to transact any business that may devolve upon him. Mr. Smith was united in marriage, October 21, 1874, to Miss Esther Wollard, daughter of James and Amanda Wollard. She was born in Delaware County, Ohio, September 17, 1856, and was eight years old when her parents came to Iowa and settled in Jasper County on a farm, where they still reside. After his marriage Mr. Smith continued farming, and in 1878 he came to Shelby County arid settled on a farm of eighty acres of partially improved land. Here he built a small frame house, which he has since replaced by a fine, large residence. He has erected buildings for stock and grain, and planted a grove of one acre. His farm is situated in section 2, Jefferson Township, and is a credit to the surrounding country, as everything looks
thrifty and prosperous. Mr. Smith is occupied exclusively with agriculture and stockraising, and stands in the front ranks of Shelby County's well-to-do citizens. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children -- Frederick, Riley (deceased), Oliver and William. They are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 405-406. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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