1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
Battey |
Boyd |
Williamson |
Gregg |
Snyder |
O Holcomb |
H Holcomb |
Black |
Reed |
Hinkle |
McNaughton |
Walters |
M Fish |
E Fish |
G Fish |
Doughty
GEORGE BATTEY has been dealing in grain and live-stock at Portsmouth since 1882, when the elevator was built; it was destroyed by fire in 1887, and then rebuilt, with a twelve-horse steam-power; it has a shelling capacity of 1,800 bushels per day, or 8,000 bushels of shelled grain per day. Mr. Battey does an annual business of three hundred cars. He is the pioneer grain-dealer of Portsmouth, and has secured a fine trade, of which he is well worthy. George Battey was born in Rhode Island, July 4, 1837, and is a son of Silas and M. M. (Wilcox) Battey, natives of Connecticut and Rhode Island respectively. While he was still a child his parents removed to Bureau County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood. He was reared to the life of a farmer and received his education in the common schools and Lombard College, at Galesburg, Illinois. During the late civil war he served in the One Hundred
and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company H. He went to the front in 1863, and served six months; he was stationed at St. Louis, Missouri; Cairo, Illinois, and Columbus, Kentucky. At the age of twenty-one years he engaged in teaching, and taught eighteen terms in Illinois and Missouri.
After the war he lived in Bureau County until 1869, and then removed to Vernon County, Missouri, engaging for the following seven years in stock-raising. He then came to Shelby, Shelby County, and engaged in farming until 1882, when he sold his farm and came to Portsmouth. Mr. Battey was married at Princeton, Illinois, June 24, 1861, to Miss Louise F. Cooper, daughter of Calvin and Harriet E. Cooper, of Mineral, Illinois. Four children are the result of this union -- H. V., editor of the Walnut Bureau; Frank S., in the grain business at Aspinwall, Iowa; Roy C. and George. In politics Mr. Battey
is Republican. He is a member of the G. A. R., and of Craftsman Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Persia, Iowa. He is one of Portsmouth's solid citizens, and has the regard of all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 490. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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REECE I. BOYD, marble dealer, Harlan, was born in Warren County, Ohio, January 3, 1850. He is a son of James H. and Eliza (Phillips) Boyd. His father
was a native of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and the mother of Warren County, Ohio. In 1855 the family moved to Iowa and settled in Muscatine County, where Mr. Boyd followed agricultural pursuits. Reece I. was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools and at the Wilton Baptist College. In 1866 he engaged as clerk in a drug store at Wilton, where he remained five years. After teaching school one year he engaged in the drug business for himself at Eldon, Wapello County, where he remained nearly three years. In the fall of 1877 he went to Nebraska, and for a year and a half followed various avocations. He then returned to Iowa, settling at Avoca, and dealt in horses and worked at the marble trade until February, 1882, when be caine to Harlan and engaged in the marble trade, in which he is doing a business of from $6000 to $10,000 per year. He has the only establishment of the kind in Harlan, and has met with satisfactory success. Mr. Boyd was married at Avoca, May 17, 1883, to Miss Louisa Cushing, a native of New Hampshire, and a daughter of Enoch Cushing, who came to Iowa in the year 1870 and settled in Pottawattamie County. Mrs. Boyd is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. Boyd gives his political support to the Republican party. He is a member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M., of Harlan. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Eldon Lodge, No. 28. He was made an Odd Fellow in February, 1872.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 490-491. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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CHAUNCEY WILLIAMSON, a native of Onondaga County, Town of Spofford, New York, was born May 23, 1823. He is the son of John and Nancy Williamson, natives of New York. When he was eight years old his parents removed from New York to Pennsylvania, remaining there one winter; they then went to Monroe, Ashtabula County, Ohio, and here our subject dwelt until he was twenty years old, receiving a common-school education. When he left Ohio he went to Oakland County, Michigan, remaining there about six years; here he was employed in various pursuits, and in the spring of 1850 he started to California. On reaching Council Bluffs he stopped, and concluded to remain in Iowa.
Mr. Williamson was married April 15, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth J. Liston. Seven children were born to them -- George H., Matilda (deceased), Henry (deceased), John, Nancy, wife of David Baughman; Mary, wife of C. A. Beebe, and David. Mrs. Williamson was called to the other life in October, 1869,
at the age of thirty-nine years. Mr. Williamson was again married February 22, 1872, to Leanah, the widow of Milton M. Beebe, and daughter of William and Polly (Headrick) Van Ausdell. She was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, May 29, 1826, and was married to Milton M. Beebe in Lee County, Iowa, in
1850. They resided in Shelby County from 1851 until 1857, and during this time Mr. Beebe figured quite prominently in business and political circles of the county. He was engaged in the mercantile trade in Manteno, and was elected the first sheriff of the county. In 1857 he removed to Missouri, and died
there before the close of the Rebellion. In 1866 Mrs. Beebe and five children returned to Shelby County; the children are -- Luella G. (deceased), wife of Isaac Fauts; Georgianna V., wife of George Williamson; Cornelius A., Kate I., wife of Henry Urfer; Mary M., wife of Marion Hawley. Mr. Williamson and
Mrs. Beebe were married February 22, 1872. After his first marriage Mr. Williamson resided in Mills County, then Harrison County, and in 1854 came to Shelby County, and purchased 160 acres of land in Grove Township, which he still makes his home. He has made many valuable improvements, erecting a residence and barns for stock and grain. Mr. Williamson has done much toward the advancement and growth of this part of Shelby County, and has held many positions of trust among the people. He assisted in the organizing of the school districts in his section. In politics his sentiments find expression in the principles of the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson are consistent members of the reorganized church of Jesus Christ, or the Latter- Day Saints, he having served as priest in this body for twenty-six years. They have been zealous workers in their church, and have done much for the religious element of the community, and are deserving of the regard in which they are held.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 491-492. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ALBERT E. GREGG, M. D., a practicing physician of Panama, Iowa, came to Shelby County in the fall of 1881. He is a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania; and was born February 15, 1851. He is a son of William P. and Mary J. (Snyder) Gregg, and the oldest of a family of eight children. They are -- Albert E., Eleanor, wife of George Black; James (deceased), Jackson, John, Mary, William and Eliza Bell. Albert E. worked with his father in a woolen factory during his vacations until he was fifteen years old. He attended the Blairsville Academy in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, and prepared for the junior year in college. One of his preceptors was a classmate of James G. Blaine. Dr. Gregg spent several years in teaching, and in 1874
he began studying medicine, reading one year under Dr. J. H. Crawford, of Saltsburgh, Pennsylvania. Afterward he read two years under Dr. I. P. Klingensmith, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania. In 1877 he entered Jefferson Medical College, and studied there one year. He then practiced one year
under his last preceptor, and then returned to Jefferson, from which institution he was graduated March 13, 1880. He then located in Pittsburg and practiced one year, at the end of which time he came to Carroll, Iowa, remaining there but a short time. For a time after coming to Iowa he was engaged in work with the engineer corps on a branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and during the winter of 1880 he taught school and practiced medicine in Kirkman, Iowa, and in the fall of 1882 he located in Panama. Dr. Gregg was married December 2, 1886, to Miss Mary B. Kinsella, a daughter of D. S. and Catherine (Holt) Kinsella. Mrs. Gregg was born in Jones County, Iowa, January 4, 1868. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He affiliates with the Democratic party.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 492-493. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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HUGH L. SNYDER is one of the intelligent and enterprising citizens of Shelby Township, who came here in, 1877. He was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1851, and is a son of John and Sarah (Linn) Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania. There were eleven children, of whom Hugh is the youngest. The family lived in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, until 1865, when they came to Johnson County, Iowa. The father lived until 1878;
he was born in 1800. The mother lives in Johnson County, aged eighty-two years. Hugh L. was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools and in the academy at Iowa City. He was married December 16, 1875, to Miss Myra Dennison, a daughter of George and Susan (Headley) Dennison. Mrs. Snyder was a successful teacher for twelve terms. A short time after his marriage he came to Pottawattamie County,
Iowa, for one year. The next year he settled on an eighty-acre tract of wild land in Shelby County, where he still lives. He has made many improvements, has a good story and a half house, and barn with basement for stock, a grove, an orchard, and a windmill. He now owns 160 acres of as fine land as lies in Shelby County. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have four children -- Mabel Edith, Marcus Arthur, Clifton Charles and Bertha Ellen. Mr. Snyder is a Republican, and has served as township assessor and on the school board. He is secretary of the District Agricultural Association. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a man well-informed on general topics, cordial to all, upright and honorable in his business
transactions. Mrs. Dennison, the mother of Mrs. Snyder, lives with them. She came to Iowa in 1839, seven years before Iowa was a State. It was but thinly settled at that time. She has witnessed the wonderful growth of the Hawkeye State, from its infancy to its present state of healthy development. She is seventy-one years old, and is in a good state of health.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 492 & 495. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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OLIVER E. HOLCOMB, the fourth child of O. E. and Sarah (Duntly) Holcomb, was born February 21, 1841, in Ashtabula County, Ohio. At the age of thirteen
he came with his parents to Iowa, which State has since been his home. He was brought up to the occupation of a farmer, and attended the common schools of the neighborhood. His first business enterprise was undertaken in partnership with his brother, H. C.; they made a purchase of land which they sold to good advantage after three or four years cultivation. In 1872 Oliver E. bought forty acres of wild land which he began at once to improve; he erected a frame residence, buildings for stock and grain, and placed the soil under high cultivation. He has added to the first small beginning until he now owns 170 acres, all in one body excepting ten acres of timber. Having taken it in its original state, its present advanced state of improvement
reflects much credit upon the owner. Mr. Holcomb's life is a fair example of what a man can accomplish in this country, even though he start with nothing but ambition and a determination to succeed. He was compelled to endure most of the hardships that fall to the lot of a pioneer, but his courage
did not forsake him, and to-day he occupies a position with the foremost men of the county. He affiliates with the Republican party, and has always taken an active interest in forwarding the principles of that body. He has served on the board of trustees of his township, and also on the board of education.
Mr. Holcomb was married December 25, 1873, to Miss Mary L. Hawley, daughter of George and Ann (Hatfield) Hawley; she was born in Texas August 15, 1853, and died August 21, 1888. They are the parents of four children -- George E., born January 18, 1875; Gertrude, January 2, 1877; Roscoe, October
1, 1879, and Leslie, October 16, 1883. They are members of the Latter-Day Saints church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 495. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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O. E. Holcomb, a native of New York, was born May 2, 1809, and December 12, 1832, he was married to Sarah Duntly, a native of New York, who was born March 12, 1809. After their marriage they came to Ohio and settled in Ashtabula County, making it their home until 1853; they then started to Iowa,
and on reaching the State stopped for a short time in Pottawattamie County. In the year 1854 they came to Shelby County, and chose a home in Grove Township, living there the remainder of their days. Mr. Holcomb was very prominently identified with the politics of the county from its organization. He was elected to the office of county clerk at an early day and filled many of the township offices. He took particular interest in the advancement and elevation of the educational features of the county. He was a staunch member of the Latter-Day Saints church, and was eager to promote the cause of Christianity, and lift the morals of the community. He died April 2, 1881, and his worthy wife passed away October 25, 1864. They were the parents of
nine children -- Zoroaster B., Hellen A., wife of Albert Crandall; Harmon C., Oliver E., Mary C., wife of Gideon Hawley; Chauncey S., Adella (deceased), Martha M., wife of Alfred Jackson; Bertha A., wife of R. Wright.
Harmon C. Holcomb was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, November 3, 1838, and in his childhood came to Iowa; here he was reared to farm life, and obtained his education in the common schools. When he had reached his majority he started in business for himself, and he and his brother purchased 110 acres in Grove Township, as a first venture. They sold this land, and Harmon C. bought eighty acres of wild land in the same township, which was the foundation of a beautiful home. He has made many valuable improvements, and has added to his first purchase until he now owns 235 acres, all in one body, except fifteen acres of grove which lie in section 10. The farm is one of the best improved in the county, and is a fair result of Mr. Holcomb's efforts and industry. Politically he is an ardent Republican.
December 7, 1873, Mr. Hol comb was married to Miss Nora Homer, daughter of B. T. and Patience (Bentley) Homer, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs.
Holcomb was born in Grove Township, Shelby County, Iowa, May 27, 1855. They are the parents of two children -- Mattie A., born December 9, 1875, and Homer C., born June 2, 1879. They are worthy and consistent members of the Latter-Day Saints church. O. E. Holcomb, Sr., was a stone-mason by trade, and was penniless when he came to Shelby County. He brought his trusty rifle with him and traded it for a cow, and from this profitable beginning he continued, until at the time of his death he was in very comfortable circumstances.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 326-327. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ALEXANDER BLACK was born in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, September 29, 1849, and is the son of Curtice and Malinda (Hunt) Black, natives of Mississippi and Kentucky respectively. They came to Iowa in the year 1848, and in 1856 came to Shelby County; here our subject was reared to farm life and educated in the common schools. At the age of twenty-three years Mr. Black was united in marriage to Martha J., daughter of Uriah and Rena Roundy; she was born in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, September 6, 1850; the date of their wedding is August 18, 1873. They are the parents of ten children -- Frederick, Effie, Mary Ann, Harry, Merrill, Rena, Mildred, Malinda J., Curtice Uriah and Bertha B. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Black settled on an eighty-acre tract of land in Grove Township, which was partially improved; here they have since made their home, erecting good frame
buildings for stock and grain. Mr. Black has planted an orchard of 700 trees, which is one of the finest and largest in the county. He devotes himself exclusively to agriculture and live-stock raising, giving especial attention to the better grades of horses and hogs. Mr. Black is one of the most enterprising farmers in the northern part of the county, and well deserves the esteem and respect in which he is held. He has improved 190 acres
of land in the most approved way, and has served his county otherwise than in his own personal interest; he has held the office of supervisor, and a membership on the school board. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and takes an active interest in forwarding the principles of that body. Mr. and Mrs. Black are consistent members of the Latter-Day Saints church, and are numbered among the most worthy and reliable citizens of Shelby County.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 496-497. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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CHARLES A. REED, dealer in general merchandise, Manteno, Iowa, was born in Shelby County, Iowa, July 1, 1855. He is the son of W. W. and Eleanor (Shafer) Reed, natives of Ohio, who came to Iowa about the year 1850 and settled in Grove Township; here they made their home until the death of Mr. Reed, which occurred March 19, 1887, at the advanced age of seventy-one years; Mrs. Reed still survives, in her seventy-fourth year, and resides in Dunlap. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom were born in Shelby County. Henry died in Little Rock, Arkansas, from a wound received in the service during the late civil war; he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Iowa Regiment Volunteers. Hannah, Rosaltha and Aurilla are deceased; John W., George R. and Charles A. are living. Mr. Reed was a blacksmith by occupation, but always followed farming in connection with his trade. For a number of years he was the only blacksmith in that part of the country, and people came to him from every direction to have their work done. Charles, the subject of this notice, was reared to farm life, and received his education in the common schools. He was united in marriage October 11, 1880, to Miss Hannah, daughter of Lawrence H. and Malinda (Slagle) Landaker, residents of Washington Township; she was born in Mercer
County, Missouri, July 23, 1858. They are the parents of four children -- Lawrence A., born December 8, 1881; Charles E., born September 19, 1883; Frederick W., born July 28, 1885, and John E., born January 12, 1889. In March, 1887, Mr. Reed purchased the stock of general merchandise of Mrs. W. W. Reed, and is still conducting this business. In 1887 he was appointed postmaster, a position which he still retains. Politically he is a Republican; he is a member of the school board, and is one of the leading citizens of Manteno.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 497. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JACOB HINKLE, one of the pioneer settlers of Shelby County, was born in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, January 29, 1808. He is a son of Joseph and Lena (Streeper) Hinkle, natives of Pennsylvania, and was reared in Easton, Pennsylvania, to the life and occupation of a miller, which business he followed for thirty-five years, being in the employ of one firm for eighteen years, James Thompson & Son. He was married July 29, 1832, to Elizabeth Unangst, who was born in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1813. They are the parents of two children -- Rosina, born September 15, 1833, who died October 9, 1854, and Joseph, who was born December 14, 1836. In 1858 Mr. Hinkle and family emigrated to Iowa, and settled on a farm in Grove Township, which they made their home for four years. Mr. Hinkle then purchased eighty acres of land in section 33, on which he made many
improvements; he erected a good residence, and buildings for stock and grain. He and his son have cultivated their farms jointly, and have increased their possessions until they now own 600 acres, all in Grove Township excepting 200 acres lying in Washington Township. They have done their share in the improvement of Shelby County, and are entitled to the esteem and respect in which they are held in the community. The hardships that fall to the lot of the pioneer they did not escape, but they encountered them with the spirit and courage that characterized the men and women of that day, and to-day they are reaping their reward. When they came to the county they possessed about $500, but by hard and earnest toil they have amassed a large and valuable estate.
Politically Jacob Hinkle affiliates with the Republican party. Although in his eighty-second year, he is hale and hearty, and in the full possession of all his faculties. His worthy wife passed to the other life March 11, 1880; she was a zealous member of the Lutheran church, and was honored and respected by a large circle of friends and neighbors. Joseph, son of Jacob Hinkle, as has been stated, cultivated his lands jointly with his father, and is one of the live, energetic men of the community. By a life of honorable dealing and integrity he has won the confidence of the community. He affiliates with the Republican party, and has held the office of township clerk. In 1865 he was married to Miss Mary Smith, a native of Erie County, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of six children -- Anna Rose, Charles F., Susan E., Nellie, Earl and Pearl (twins). Joseph Hinkle has been engaged in school work, having taught one of the first schools in the township; he received $10 per month for his services, and boarded around. He is at present a member of the school board.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 497-498. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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F. J. McNAUGHTON, a native of Canada, was born October 19, 1841, and is the son of Findley and Mary (Anderson) McNaughton, natives of New York
and Scotland respectively. When he was five years of age his parents removed to Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Mr. McNaughton was married November 24, 1868, to Miss Malissa A., daughter of Ephraim arid Clarissa (Roberts) Washburn, natives of Maine. Mrs. McNaughton was born in Wisconsin, March 20, 1843. In the fall of 1869 Mr. McNaughton and wife came to Iowa, spending the winter in Plymouth County. In the spring of 1870
they came to Shelby County, and settled on section 27, Grove Township, on a farm of forty acres of unimproved land. They have added to this first purchase until they own 260 acres of land in one body, excepting twenty acres of timber in section 21. Mr. McNaughton has made many improvements
on his farm; he has a fine frame residence, and barns for stock and grain. He started at the bottom of the ladder; he has risen to his present position, which is that of one of the well-to-do citizens of Shelby County. When they first came to the county Mrs. McNaughton engaged in teaching school
during the summer, and her husband attended to the farm work. Then during the winter terms Mr. McNaughton turned his attention to teaching; he continued this for five winters. They have always taken an active interest in the educational features of the community, and have done much toward
elevating the standard of the same. Politically Mr. McNaughton is a staunch Democrat. Mr. McNaughton and wife are members of the Congregational church, and are among Shelby County's most worthy and respected citizens. Mr. McNaughton is a member of the I. O. O. F., Dunlap Lodge.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 498 & 501. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JACOB WALTERS, bridge contractor, became a resident of Shelby County in 1878. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born March 23, 1849. He is the oldest son of D. B. Walters, whose biography appears in this volume. When a child his parents removed to Illinois, and he was reared in
Stevenson and Jo Daviess counties. In 1865 the family removed to Iowa, living first in Marion and then in Jasper counties. In 1869 Jacob started out for himself, engaging with the Rock Island Railroad in the bridge-building department. He remained in the employ of this company until 1873. During this time he resided in Des Moines. After severing his connection with the railroad company, he contracted for bridges on his own responsibility for several years. In 1878 he came to Shelby County and settled on a farm in Fairview Township. The farm contained 120 acres of unimproved land, which he improved and made into a good farm. In connection with his farming pursuits he followed his trade until 1882; he then moved to Harlan, but continued his interest in both occupations. Mr. Walters was married December 25, 1871, to Miss Lucinda Long, a daughter of Richard Long. She was a native of Greene County, Pennsylvania, and came to Iowa when a child. Mr. and Mrs. Walters are the parents of six children -- Millie O., Fannie E., Harry F., Eva L. and Maggie C. Stella G. died at the age of nine years. Mrs. Walters and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Walters has filled many local offices of trust and responsibility. He is a member of the K. P., Carthage Lodge, No. 65. He gives his political support to the Republican party. He does most of the city bridge-building, and also contracts for and builds barns. By his own industry and energy he has accumulated a good property.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 502-503. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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MASON FISH, (deceased), was one of the first settlers of Clay Township, Shelby County, Iowa. He was born in Cayuga County, New York, March 24,
1805, and is a son of Isaac Fish, a native of the State of New York, who was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a son of Nathan Fish, who served in the war of the Revolution for eight years. Nathan Fish's father was born in Wales, and with two other brothers was stolen and sold to planters, and
sent to different States. Mason Fish was reared in the State of New York, and at the age of twenty-seven years was married in Warren County, Pennsylvania, to Miss Clarissa Lyon, who was born in Onondaga County, New York. She was a daughter of Jeremiah Lyon, who served in the war of 1812 for two years. Mason Fish lived in Pennsylvania for thirteen years after his marriage, and then removed to Summit County, Ohio, where he lived six or eight years. He then went to Kane County, Illinois, and made his home there for two or three years. His next move was to Grant County, Wisconsin, in which place he resided until 1867, when he came to Clay Township, Shelby County, where he lived until his death, which occurred September 16, 1878. He and his wife reared nine children -- Rumina, Ed. F., Henry, Anna, Mary (who died in 1876), John, George M., Russell G., and Darliska. Mrs. Clarissa Fish, the mother, died February 24, 1884, aged seventy years. Mr. Fish was a member of the Masonic lodge, and was buried by the fraternity. He was made a Mason at Muscoda, Wisconsin, and was a member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M., of Harlan.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 582 & 585. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ED. F. FISH is one of the best known of Clay Township's citizens, having been a resident since 1867. He is a son of Mason Fish and was born in Warren County, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1835. He was a lad of seventeen when his father located in Grant County, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. He received a fair education in the common schools, and taught for two years in Wisconsin, and has the honor of being master of the first school taught in Clay Township. Mr. Fish was united in marriage April 21, 1867, to Miss Anna Berger, a native of Erie County, New York, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Miller) Berger, natives of Germany. Mrs. Fish was two years old when her parents removed to Rock County, Wisconsin, where she grew to womanhood. Her parents died in .Richland County, Wisconsin. When Mr. Fish came to the county he settled on 160 acres of wild land, building a log house for a dwelling; this has since been converted into a kitchen, and a frame house has been erected. A grove and an orchard have been planted, and all the improvements have been made that are necessary to comfort and convenience. Mr. and Mrs. Fish have had five children born to them -- Clarissa Elizabeth, wife of John Lamer; Charles Mason, Edith Anna, Florence Velzara and John Ed. In politics Mr. Fish affiliates with the Republican party, being
one of the wheel-horses in his township. He served in the late civil war, being a member of the Third Wisconsin Infantry for thirteen months, of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry for seven months, and of the Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry for seven months. He
participated in the battles of Shenandoah Valley, Winchester, under General Banks, Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, Antietam, and Spanish Fort. He was wounded at Rappahannock Station in the left hand, in consequence of which he lost his index finger. He was also wounded in the forehead by the fragment of a shell. Mr. Fish is a member of Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 197, A. F. & A. M., of Avoca. He is a member of the Knights
of Pythias, Carthage Lodge, No. 65. He has been identified with his township as justice of the peace, as clerk, and as a member of the school board. He is at the present time a notary public. Mr. Fish is in the prime of life, is of a genial disposition, is a good conversationalist, and is one of the leading citizens of Clay Township.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 584-585. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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GEORGE M. FISH is a well-known, early settler of Clay Township, having come to the county in 1867. He is a son of Mason Fish, deceased, whose biography appears upon another page of this history. George M. was born in Summit County, Ohio, February 16, 1846, and at the age of six years his parents removed to Kane County, Illinois; in a few years they went to Grant County, Wisconsin, and there our subject grew to manhood. June 9, 1867, he was married to Miss Rachel J. Gray, of La Fayette County, Wisconsin, a daughter of Socrates and Maria Gray, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Fish was two and a half years old when her parents removed to La Fayette County, Wisconsin, where she was reared and educated. Her mother died of
the cholera in 1849, and her father died in Clay County, Iowa, in 1881. After his marriage Mr. Fish came to Shelby County. He built a log-house on the land he now owns, which he replaced with a frame dwelling in 1887. He has eighty acres of rich land, forty acres in section 7 and forty acres in section
8. Mr. and Mrs. Fish have two children -- Stella Maria, wife of D. Lamer, and William Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Lamer are the parents of two children -- David F. and Pearl Irene. Mr. and Mrs. Fish have one daughter, Eleanor M., who died in her twelfth year. Politically Mr. Fish is allied with the Independent
party. He was a member of the school board, has served as justice of the peace, having tried thirty-five cases, giving entire satisfaction, and as constable. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been class-leader of the same, and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Honorable dealing and a strict regard for the rights of other people have won for Mr. Fish the esteem and friendship of all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 586-587. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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GEORGE H. DOUGHTY, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, was born 1 May 2, 1847, and is a son of Allen and Lucinda (Honnold) Doughty, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. He was the sixth of twelve children, and was reared to the life of a farmer in his native county, obtaining his education principally in the common schools. When he reached his majority he went west to Edgar County, Illinois, and remained there one year. Mr. Doughty was married October 21, 1869, to Miss Sarah J. Tingle, a daughter of Joseph Tingle, Esq. She was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, September 25, 1850, and died August 11, 1881. Two children were born of this marriage -- Effie, who died at the age of seventeen years, and Warner. Mr. Doughty's second marriage occurred February 18, 1886, to Miss Lois Van Horne, daughter of Cornelius Van Horne, Esq. She was born in the State of Illinois, February 15, 1859. One child was born of this union -- Edith Pearl, born March 6, 1888, and passed to the other life July 29, 1888. In 1882 Mr. Doughty came to Iowa,
and purchased 240 acres of land in Union Township, Shelby County; he made many valuable improvements upon this land, and later made additional purchases, until he now owns 320 acres of land, which is under good cultivation. He also owns property in the village of Earling, and since 1883 has made his home there, being among the first to engage in the grain business in that place. In 1884 Mr. Doughty bought a half interest in the elevator now owned by G. H. Doughty & Co., and since that time has devoted the most of his time to buying and shipping grain and live-stock. He also takes an interest in the breeding of high grades of horses. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. He is an industrious, enterprising man, and is
among the leading citizens of the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 587. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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