1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
W Thomas |
Trotter |
Reynolds |
Hall |
Smith |
Asquith |
Burke |
Wilson |
Maxwell |
Watterbury |
Louis |
Schafer |
Paulk |
Vering |
Frost |
Roberts
WILLIAM THOMAS is one of the enterprising and successful residents of Lincoln Township. He was born in Germany in May, 1852, and is a son of Peter and Eva (Bukquah) Thomas, of French origin. William was four years old when his parents emigrated to America and settled in Marshall County, Illinois, where they lived until death. Our subject was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of Illinois. He was married in October, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Roth, daughter of Joseph and Eve (Fries) Roth. Joseph Roth was a native of France. William Thomas lived in Marshall County, Illinois, until 1877, when he came to Shelby County and bought 160 acres of wild land. He now has a comfortable dwelling-house, a grove and an orchard, and all the equipments of cattle-raising and feeding, to which he gives special attention. He is also agent for the Erie windmill, one of the most popular and one of the best makes, and is a very successful salesman. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are the parents of six children -- William, Henry, Frank, Leo, Tillie and Joseph; they are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Thomas is in sympathy with the Democratic party. He is genial in temperament, honorable in business, and altogether one of Shelby County's solid citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 408-409. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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M. W. TROTTER is one of the well-known citizens of Fairview Township, having come to the county in 1871. He was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, December 27, 1839, and is a son of Wakefield Trotter, a native of Virginia, of an old Virginia family of English ancestry. His mother was Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Kentucky. His parents had four sons and four daughters, and he was the fifth child. He lived in Hendricks County until he was fourteen years old; the family then went to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and in 1852 to Jasper County, Iowa. He was reared a farmer and educated in the public schools. He enlisted in 1861, in answer to the call for 200,000 men, in the Tenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company I. He was in the battles of Charleston, Iuka and Corinth, Mississippi, and was honorably discharged on account of disability. He returned to Jasper County, Iowa, and in 1864 went to Indiana and spent
two years. In 1866 he moved to De Kalb County, Missouri, and lived there five years. In 1871 he came to Harlan and engaged in freighting goods from Avoca to Harlan until 1875; he then bought his present farm. Some of it was broken, but he has built a good house, a barn, planted an orchard, and
improved the place in good style. He has 172 acres of valuable land. Mr. Trotter was married in Jasper County, in 1863, to Mrs. Martha O. Bleness, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of James and Sarah Broomhall. He and his wife are the parents of eight children -- Thomas A., Cora A., James M.,
Orlando M., Ernest, Lulu Myrtle, Emma Leota and Franklin. Mr. Trotter is a Republican, and a strong one. He has served on the school board for ten years, and is a member of the G. A. R., Post No. 197, and a member of the Anti-horse-thief Association, No. 27. Mr. Trotter is a man well posted,
and has traveled a good deal. He is honest and upright in all his dealings, and has the respect and confidence of his associates.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 437-438. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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MILES REYNOLDS has been identified with the interests of Shelby County, Iowa, since 1874, when he removed to Douglas Township. He was born
in Wyoming County, New York, August 26, 1817, and is the son of Nyrum and Sarah (Veiley) Reynolds, both natives of New York State. He passed his youth in his native State on a farm, and was educated in the common schools. He is one of a family of eleven children, nine of whom survive. In
the year 1868 he left New York and went to Illinois, spending six years in Livingston and Iroquois counties. He then came to Douglas Township, Shelby County, and lived for one year on a farm east of the place on which Kirkman now stands. He then removed to Greeley Township, where he had
purchased eighty acres of partially improved land. Here he made many improvements and placed the farm under good cultivation. He made additions to the farm until he owned 170 acres, on which he lived for eight years. In 1885 he made an exchange of property, by which he came into possession
of thirty-five acres in Jefferson Township. He added ten acres to this tract, which lies in the independent district of Irwin. He has a beautiful home. He was formerly occupied in buying and selling live-stock, and at present does some farming. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.
He has done much toward the improvement and advancement of the community, and is held in high esteem by all who know him. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Lodge No. 444. He was married February, 1854, to Miss Jane Bennett. She was a native of New York, and died in 1857. Mr. Reynolds
was married again to Miss Eva, daughter of E. W. and Mary Irwin. She was born in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1851. They are numbered with the reliable people of Shelby County.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 406. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JAMES L. HALL is a native of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, born July 26, 1837. He is the son of Alvin and Philantha (Yales) Hall, both natives of Massachusetts, who afterward moved to Wisconsin where they died rather early in life. When James L. was three years old his parents went to Walworth County, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. He was reared to farm life, and received a limited education in the common schools; although his opportunities have been few he has made the most of them, and has qualified himself to transact any business that may fall to him. At the age of fourteen he was thrown upon his own resources, and since that time he has made his own way in life. Mr. Hall was united in marriage August 16, 1868, to Miss Emeline Williams, daughter of Spofford C. and Mary (Hastings) Williams, natives of Vermont; she was born in Rutland County, May 29,
1845. They have three children -- Hattie, Azubah and Ida. In June, 1875, Mr. Hall came to Shelby County, Iowa, and settled on an eighty-acre tract of wild prairie in Jefferson Township. Here he has established a comfortable home, and has one of the best farms in this part of the county. He has
suitable buildings for stock, and has planted a three-acre grove. He devotes himself to agricultural pursuits, and deals extensively in live-stock. He has added 160 acres to his first purchase, and now owns 240 acres in a body.
Mr. Hall has done much toward the up-building of Shelby County, and is deserving the esteem and regard in which he is held. The first wages he received were $10 a month, and from this small start he has risen to a position of financial independence. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party; he has served faithfully in the various offices in his township from the beginning of his residence in the county until the present time.
He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Lodge No. 444, and of the Farmers' Alliance. He enlisted October 1, 1861, at the call for men to defend this nation's flag, in Company F, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was honorably discharged November 18, 1864, having served his country for three years. He entered the service as a private, but was soon promoted to Sergeant, in which capacity he served most of the time. The most noted battles in which he participated are Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Lay's Ferry, Resaca, Inka, Altoona, Snake Creek Gap, and Atlanta. He was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea, and saw all there was to see, but did not feel all there was to feel, as he escaped without a single wound, and without being taken prisoner. However, he endured all the privations incident to a soldier's life, and these are not few. He is a member of the G. A. R., Slacker Post, No. 139.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 406-407. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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W. J. SMITH was born in Canada, June 19, 1864, and is the son of George and Jane (Wadsworth) Smith, natives of Ireland. When he was two years
old his parents removed to Mercer County, Illinois, where he was reared and spent his early life. He was trained to agricultural pursuits and educated in the common schools. When he was in his twentieth year he began life upon his own responsibility; he came to Shelby County and purchased a farm of
eighty acres of improved land in Jefferson Township; here he remained and cultivated his farm until three years had passed away. He then traded his farm for another place in the same township, where he lived until 1889. He then exchanged his land for property, and established mercantile trade in partnership with D. W. Clarke, in Botna. They carry a stock of general merchandise worth $7,000. They are live, energetic young men, and are
destined to make their mark in the business circles of Shelby County, and the county is to be congratulated upon the acquisition of this firm.
Mr. Smith was united in marriage March 5, 1884, to Miss Alice R., daughter of David and Alice (Blakely) Clarke; she was born in Rock Island County, Illinois, October 18, 1865. They are the parents of two children -- Alice M. and Florence M. Politically Mr. Smith is an active Republican. D. W. Clarke was born in Rock Island County, Illinois, June 2, 1868, and is the son of David and Alice (Blakely) Clarke, natives of Ireland. He was reared in his native county on a farm, and was educated in the public schools of his own county and Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. After leaving college he went to Botna and engaged as clerk for S. B. Fritz, with whom he remained three months, and then entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, W. J. Smith, they
buying the stock of Mr. Clarke's employer. Messrs. Smith & Clarke are dealers in coal, grain and live-stock.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 407-408. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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THEODORE G. ASQUITH was born in Pennsylvania, near Pottsville, May 4, 1841. He is a son of William and Hannah (Arnold) Asquith, natives of
Yorkshire, England, who came to Pennsylvania in 1838. The family came to Rock Island County, Illinois, where the father and mother both died. Each had previously been married, and had children by the first marriage. Theodore was reared on a farm in Rock Island County, and attended Davenport
Commercial College after finishing the common-school course. During the great Rebellion he went to the defense of the old flag, enlisting September 2, 1862, in the One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company C. He was a member of the First Brigade, Third Division, Twentieth Army
Corps. At Resaca this brigade took four brass cannons and other arms from the enemy, receiving much credit and praise for their gallant conduct in this battle, which occurred May 15, 1864. He also participated in the battles of Peach-Tree Creek, Burnt Hickory, Averysboro, North Carolina, the most dan-
gerous battle being the one in which General McPherson was killed. Mr. Asquith was also with General Sherman from Atlanta to the sea and through the Carolinas, on to Richmond, Virginia, and then on to Wash- ington, D. C., to the grand review. He was honorably discharged June 6, 1865, and mus-
tered out of the service at Chicago. He returned to Rock Island County, Illinois, and resumed farming.
Mr. Asquith was united in marriage, February 24, 1870, to Miss Sarah E. Roth, a native of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. When she was seven
years old her parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth (Parker) Roth, came to Rock Island County, and later removed to Mercer County, Illinois. In 1881 Mr. Asquith bought his present home, known as the William Southwick farm, which is one of the best locations in the county. Here he has since resided,
and from year to year made many improvements. He has a story-and-a-half house, built in modern style, a good barn, a fine grove of five acres, and one of the best orchards in the county. He showed eighteen varieties of apples and crabs at the county fair, which is a very fine showing for a
comparatively new country. Mr. Asquith and wife have eight children -- Benjamin S., Oliver N., Lena Mabel, Elizabeth E., Winfield, Guy Theodore, Edith Flora and Alma L. Mr. Asquith casts his vote with the Republican party. He has served on the school board, and is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. He takes a deep interest in educational and religious affairs. Mr. Asquith is also a strong temperance man, and believes in prohibition.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 410 & 413. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JOHN T. BURKE was born June 13, 1841, in Greensburg, Decatur County, Indiana. His parents were Henry S. and Darinda (Spilman) Burke, natives of the Blue Grass State. His youthful days were passed like those of most farm boys, in becoming familiar with farm work and attending the common schools. Upon reaching his majority and having an ambition beyond that of his country associates, he took a business course at Purdy's Commercial College in Indianapolis; there his desire to engage in something different from farming was strengthened, and upon completing his education in 1865 he engaged in the mercantile lumber, grain and coal business at Wolcott, Indiana. At the end of one and a half years he returned to farm life and stock-shipping, and after one season at Wolcott determined to seek a home in the west. Accordingly, in 1868 he came to Monona County, Iowa, near Charter Oak, where he was farming and shipping stock. In 1880 he identified himself with Shelby County, securing at that time 120 acres of land three miles north of Harlan, on the Nishnabotna River. His farm now consists of over 400 acres, and is one of the most desirable in the county, being largely made up of bottom lands; a group of four or five excellent springs affords an abundant supply of water, which is forced to points where it is needed by hydraulic pressure, he having the finest water arrangement of any farm in Shelby County. Being so well adapted to stock-raising, Mr. Burke has availed himself of its natural advantages, and is prominent as a breeder of fine stock. Mr. Burke has not contented himself with managing his farm, but has been engaged in buying and shipping live-stock and grain from Kirkman since 1883. His grain shipments annually amount to about 400 cars, and he is one of the largest live-
stock shippers in the county. Like most men, Mr. Burke has had some rough sailing, but his is not the material easily conquered, and, Phoenix like, he rises from his defeats, and, like Banquo's ghost, "will not down."
Mr. Burke was married at Wolcott, Indiana, June 28, 1866, to Miss Clara J. Hardy, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Guss) Hardy; she was born in Pennsylvania, July 7, 1847, and is a lady of culture and refinement. She and her daughter Ida are respected members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Harlan. Their family consists of nine children -- Clayton H., the efficient and gentlemanly deputy county treasurer; Ida D., Elizabeth G., Haslet P.,
Christopher F., Alice, Cora, Amy and John W. Politically Mr. Burke trains with the Democrats. He is a member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M.; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, and Mount Zion Commandery, No. 49. Mr. Burke saw a short war service during the famous Morgan raid across the Ohio River.
He enlisted at Wolcott, Indiana, in a regiment raised by Colonel Gavin, who had been wounded at Bull Run, was mustered in at Indianapolis, and immediately started in pursuit of Morgan, who fled into Kentucky. After a service of forty days he was mustered out at Indianapolis.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 412-414. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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DANIEL WILSON has been identified with the interests of Shelby County, Iowa, since 1882, when his residence in the State began. He is a native of New
York, and was born in Oneida County, August 15, 1818. He is son of John and Jerusha (Dunbar) Wilson, both natives of Connecticut. The mother's parents removed to Oneida County when she was a child. The parents of the father settled in the western part of the county in the heavy timber district, where our subject grew to manhood. He passed his youth in assisting to clear the land and in attending the common schools.
Mr. Wilson was united in marriage October 26, 1842, in Oneida County, to Miss Jane Ann Crawford, a native of Cavan County, Arva, Ireland. She was born April 16, 1823, and is a daughter of Andrew and Isabelle (Armstrong) Crawford, who emigrated to America when she was seven years old. They settled in Oneida County, where Mrs. Wilson was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson removed to Shelby County in 1882, where they have three sons residing. Mr. Wilson bought 120 acres of land in section 1, Lincoln Township, which was under cultivation, but to which he has added many improvements; he has a comfortable dwelling, a barn for stock and grain, and all neccessary conveniences. The farm lies two miles northwest from Harlan. Mr. Wilson and wife have three sons living, all residing in Lincoln Township -- John W., Daniel A. and Charles H. The oldest son, Andrew W.,
one of the early settlers of the township, died November 20, 1887, leaving a widow and three children. He was an honored and respected citizen, and his death was deeply regretted by all who knew him.
Politically Daniel Wilson casts his suffrage with the Republican party, as also do his three sons. He and his wife have been worthy and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church for nearly half a century. When living in the east he was an active worker in the church, serving many years as class-leader and as Sabbath-school superintendent. His two sons, Daniel A. and Charles H., are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Daniel Wilson is one of the representative men of Shelby County, and has shown such business qualities and fine social traits that he has won and kept many friends in the home of his adoption.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 417-418. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ALEXANDER MAXWELL is the able and efficient superintendent of the poor farm of Shelby County, Iowa. He was born in Scotland, near Glasgow,
Jannary 12, 1842. He is a son of John and Jenette (Cunningham) Maxwell. He was thirteen years old when the family emigrated to America and settled in Whiteside County, Illinois; here he worked on a farm and attended school. Mr. Maxwell was married August 27, 1863, to Miss Sarah Ann
Switzer, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William and Katie (Schauley) Switzer, natives of Pennsylvania, who removed to Lee County, Illinois, when Sarah was twelve years of age. Mr. Maxwell resided in Whiteside County until 1866, when he removed to Jones County, Iowa; here he lived until 1874, when he moved to Shelby County and settled on a farm two miles west of Harlan. He lived on this place seven years and then sold it, going to Grove Township, where he had bought a farm of 200 acres. This land was partially improved, and Mr. Maxwell continued to make improvements until 1886, when he was appointed to the superintendency of the Shelby County Poor Farm. He has made a
faithful officer, attending with the strictest fidelity to the smallest details of the business. Everything is in excellent condition, and reflects credit upon the officer in charge as well as upon the people of Shelby County. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell are the parents of nine children -- Jane, William, Frank, Nettie,
Alexander, Sarah, Ed, Estella and Archibald. Politically Mr. Maxwell casts his vote with the Democratic party. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No.321.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 418 & 421. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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LEWIS WATTERBURY is one of the prominent early settlers of the county in which he has lived since July, 1853. He was horn in Onondaga County, New
York, December 9, 1838. He is a son of Stephen Watterbury, a well-known pioneer of the township. Our subject was a lad of eight years when his father came to this country. Iowa was then a Territory. They lived three years in Jackson and Jones counties; they then went to Clayton County, Iowa, where
they lived until 1853, when they came to this county, Fairview Township, section 17. There were only four families in the township. Lewis was then fifteen years old; he was reared as a farmer, assisting to improve the homestead, where he grew to manhood. His education was received in the common
schools. Mr. Watterbury was married November 4, 1860, to Miss Rachel Watson, a daughter of Abram Watson, a pioneer of the county, now a resident of Oakland, Iowa. Mrs. Rachel Watterbury died March 21, 1862. Mr. Watterbury was again married June 11, 1863, to Miss Catharine Custer, daughter of Henry Custer, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. By this union six children were born -- Elizabeth, wife of Jesse McCoy, of Nebraska; Grant, Elma, Elmer, Charles and Isabella (deceased). The mother of these children died in September, 1875. Mr. Watterbury married his present wife December 21, 1879. She was Mrs. Susan Green, a daughter of Japheth and Eliza (Gates) Brown, born in Clermont County, Ohio, and reared in Livingston County, Illinois.
Mr. Watterbury improved a farm of 100 acres in section 16, which he sold in 1881, and bought 240 acres of wild land where he now lives. He has
made many improvements; has a good frame house, buildings for stock and grain, and everything conveniently arranged for farming and stock-raising. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Lincoln in 1860. lie has served as township trustee, assessor, and as county supervisor for three years,
filling these offices with entire satisfaction to the public. He is a member of the Masonic order, Parian Lodge, of Harlan; and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Carthage Lodge. He is president of the Anti-horse-thief Association of Fairview Township, and has been for several years. He has ever taken an active and prominent part in politics and all public enterprises. He is a man yet in the prime of life, and has the respect and confidence of all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 420-421. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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J. H. LOUIS has been identified with the interests of Lincoln Township since 1886. He is a native of Snyder County, Pennsylvania, born November 21,
1841, and is a son of Jacob Louis, who was born in France and reared in Pennsylvania. When a youth our subject went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he remained three years. He received his education in the common schools of Pennsylvania and in the Milwaukee Academy. During the late civil
war he enlisted in August, 1862, in the One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company F, and served one year. He took an active part at South Mountain, Antietam, and was wounded at Fredericksburg and discharged on account of disability. Later he recruited a company for
the Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company D, and served as First Lieutenant, later Adjutant, and finally Captain of Company C. He served until the close of the war, his regiment being in Virginia most of the time.
After the close of the war he lived in Logansport, Indiana, for a time, and in 1866 came to Shelby County, settling near Cuppy's Grove. He engaged in farming and school-teaching. While living here he was elected county supervisor under the old law (one from each township), and was one of the first elected under the new law (three in the county). He was elected county auditor in the fall of 1871 and served four years. In 1876 he settled on a farm in Lincoln Township, where he lived six months; he then moved on the land now owned by Moses Hoskins, making many improvements. In 1882 he bought his present farm from M. K. Campbell, which contained 160 acres; he owns 140 acres adjoining this tract, so his home-farm contains 300 acres of land. It is one of the best improved places in the township, and is known as Pine Grove Farm. There is a good two-story frame residence surrounded with evergreen and pine trees; there is a large barn, a windmill and all the equipments of systematic farming. Mr. Louis makes a specialty of stock-feeding and raising. His official career has been marked with good judgment, and he has served with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public.
Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M.; Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49, and Olivet Chapter, No. 107; he is one of the charter members of the Blue lodge; he is a charter member of the G. A. R., Harlan Post, and was the second post commander. Mr. Louis was married January 22, 1873, to Miss Fannie B. Fetter, of Pottawattamie County, a daughter of J. L. Fetter. Mr. and Mrs. Louis are the parents of three children -- John J., Fred and Annie. No man has been more prominent in the history of the county than J. H. Louis, and none
have contributed more to the growth and prosperity than he.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 421-422. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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PHILLIP SCHAFER, proprietor of a grocery store on the east side of the public square, established himself in business January 1, 1889. He has identified himself with the interests of Shelby County since 1869, at which time his residence there began. Mr. Schafer is an American only by
adoption, having been born in Germany, December 14, 1841. He is the son of John and Charlotte H. Schafer, who emigrated to America when Phillip was a youth of fifteen years. He attended school in his native country, which is noted the world over for its fine system of education, until he was
fourteen years old. On emigrating to America his parents settled in Holmes County, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. Mr. Schafer was united in marriage in Holmes County, Ohio, February 11, 1864, to Miss Mary Ann Baker, a native of Holmes County, and a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Baker. The same year Mr. and Mrs. Schafer removed to Elkhart County, Indiana, remaining there five years. At the end of that time they came to Shelby County, Iowa, and settled on section 35, Harlan Township. Their farm consisted of eighty acres of wild land; as soon as possible Mr. Schafer had this under cultivation, and added many improvements to the place. Since his residence in Harlan he rents this place. He
is an adherent to the principles of the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church. They are the parents of five children -- Henry, Elizabeth, Ellen, Charlotte and John. Mr. Schafer is a thorough-going, reliable business man, and worthy the respect of his neighbors and friends.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 422-423. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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CHARLES H. PAULK, of Lincoln Township, has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since 1876. He is a native of Germany, born November 15, 1851, and is a son of Christ and Lucinda Paulk. He was three or four years old when his parents emigrated to America and settled in Morgan County, Missouri. Here the family resided in peace and contentment until 1865 when they were obliged to leave on account of the molestations of the rebels; they came to Cedar County, Iowa, where Charles H. grew to manhood. He was reared on a farm and attended the public schools, in 1875 he
bought 120 acres of land in Lincoln Township, upon which he settled in 1876; the land was wild and without any improvements. In 1877 he added to his first purchase forty acres, and now owns 160 acres of as good land as Shelby County affords. He has a good residence, pleasantly situated, a large
barn, and a windmill. Mr. Paulk pays especial attention to raising high grades of livestock, and is a success in this industry. His farm is three miles west from Harlan. Politically Mr. Paulk is a Republican. He is a genial bachelor, honorable in business, and one of the leading citizens of Lincoln Township.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 423. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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FERDINAND VERING is a well-known citizen of Lincoln Township. Like many of our most successful farmers, Mr. Vering was born in Germany; his birthday was September 6, 1853, and lie is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Dirkmann) Vering. He attended school until he was fourteen years of age, and from that time until he was nineteen years old he worked on a farm. He sailed from Bremen on the steamer Strasburg and landed in New Orleans, Louisiana; thence he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and thence to Menard, Illinois, where he engaged to work on a farm by the month. Here he remained
until he came to Shelby County, Iowa, in 1878. He first bought 160 acres of land, but he has improved and added to this until he now has 240 acres in a fine state of cultivation. He has a good residence surrounded with shade trees, buildings for stock and grain, stock-yard, stock scales, and all
conveniences for stock-raising and feeding. Mr. Vering was united in marriage in June, 1881, to Miss Cynthia Rau, of Shelby County, Iowa; she was born in Clayton County, Iowa, and is a daughter of Anton and Mary (Eberhardt) Rau. Mr. Vering and wife have five children -- Katie, Joseph, Mary, Anna and Anton. Mr. Vering is a member of the Democratic party; he has served on the school board and has always taken an active interest in the religious and educational advancement of the county. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 423. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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DR. LEWIS DISBROW FROST, the pioneer druggist of Harlan, has been engaged in the business since 1863. He was born in Morrow County, Bennington
Township, Ohio, August 23, 1834, and is the son of James and Laura (Knapp) Frost, natives of the State of New York. The Doctor was reared and educated in his native county. He was born with a natural gift in healing, and has always been very successful; he is possessed of a strong and robust constitution which has been of great use to him in his practice. In the beginning of the great rebellion he enlisted in a home company in 1861. As early as 1854 Dr. Frost located in Guthrie County, Iowa, and was there engaged in the drug business until he came to Harlan in 1863. Since his residence in the last-named place he has had a large practice and a good trade; his store is on the south side of the public square, and a large stock of drugs and
patent medicines can always be found there. Doctor Frost was united in marriage in Morrow County, Ohio, May 19, 1854, to Lydia Jane Babcock. He is a member of the Har- Ian Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 267.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 423-424. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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WILLIAM ROBERTS has been identified with the interests of Harlan Township since 1878. He was born at Dumfries Bridge, Yorkshire, England,
November 3, 1844, and is a son of Joseph and Hannah H. Roberts, honest, hard-working, Yorkshire people. When old enough William went to work in a cotton factory, where he was employed several years. In 1870 he left his native land and came to America, in company with his brother Benjamin; they
came directly to Shelby County, where they had an acquaintance, J. W. Chatburn, a miller. William worked for Mr. Chatburn for fourteen months, and then went to Massachusetts, where he found employment at his old trade in a cotton factory; here he remained five years, and saving his money, made
payments on land that he had purchased in Shelby County. In 1875 he made a trip to England, and remained there for two years, at the end of which time he came back to Shelby County. In 1881 he settled on his present home place, where he owns 160 acres of good land, one and one-half miles from Harlan. The land is well adapted to the raising of stock and grain, which pursuits Mr. Roberts is engaged in. Mr. Roberts was united in marriage May 13,
1866, to Miss Hannah Stock, a native of Yorkshire, England, and a daughter of George and Mary Stock. By this union six children were born, five of whom are living -- William, Benjamin, Nelly, Lucy and Charles. Sarah May died at the age of ten months and fifteen days. Mr. Roberts was greatly bereaved by the death of his wife, which occurred February 26, 1888; she was a loving wife and a fond mother, and a consistent member of the Latter Day Saints church. Mr. Roberts is yet in his best years, and is an honest, industrious man; although he has seen trouble, he has done the best he
could for himself and children. He is one of the highly respected men of the community.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 424. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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