1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
Burwell |
Linn |
Jacobson |
McDowell |
Swinehart |
Graves |
Roberts |
Obrecht |
Penniston |
Guthrie |
Fountain |
Nieman |
Croft |
Robertson |
Buckman |
Pulver
JOHN BURWELL, house, sign and carriage painter, is one of Shelby County's well known citizens, and has been identified with the place since 1879. He is a native of England, born in Lancastershire, eighteen miles from Liverpool, April 30,1838. He is a son of George and Mary Burwell, natives of England. He attended school until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to learn the painter's trade. On April 15,1865, he sailed from Liverpool to America. On the same day news was received on board the vessel that President Lincoln had been assassinated; this caused great excitement as
there were many Americans on board. He landed at Castle Garden and from there went to Wisconsin, settling in Warsaw County, where he worked at his trade some time. He traveled quite extensively in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. He worked for a time at Chicago, Illinois, and at Davenport, Iowa, and then
came to Shelby, where he soon built up a good trade; during the summer season he employs three men. His many years of practical experience and his thorough knowledge of the business are the foundation of his success. He was married in Shelby County to Miss Susan Cox. He is a Democrat, a member of the I. O. O. F., Canopy Lodge and Encampment, of Avoca. He is an enterprising man and one of Shelby's enterprising citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 519-520. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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JACOB B. LINN is one of Shelby County's honored citizens and an ex-soldier. He was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1839. He is a son of James, a soldier of the war of 1812, and Nancy (Hooker) Lynn. He is the youngest of seven children. He received a fair education in the public schools of Pennsylvania, and was attending college in order to gain an education that would be sufficient for a profession, when the war broke out. In answer to Lincoln's call for 50,000 men he, in company with seven class-mates, enlisted, April 23, 1861, in the Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, Company F. He intended to enlist for three months, but he served three years in the same regiment. He was under fire at Gainesville and took an active part in the second battle fought on the Potomac, and in the seven days' fight on the Peninsula; he was taken prisoner June 27, 1861, and sent to Libby Prison; he spent sixty days here and at Belle Isle, experiencing all the horrors of these terrible prisons. After his discharge he was unfit for duty and was sent to the United States hospital in New Jersey, but he took French leave and joined his regiment at Sharpsburg, Maryland. He took an
active part at Sharpsburg, Antietam, battle of Fredericksburg under General Burnside, the battle of the Wilderness and in the seven days' battle before Richmond. He was honorably discharged at Spottsylvania Court-House, and mustered out of the service at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1864, as
Sergeant. He returned home and took charge of his two brothers' farms, they still being in the service.
He was married October 7, 1864, to Hester Ann Chilcote, of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Alva and Catharine (Booker) Chilcote. He lived in Pennsylvania until 1874, when he came to Shelby County. He settled on wild land and was one of the first on the prairie; he improved his land in good style, and has a substantial house, and barn for stock and grain. The farm consists of 120 acres of rich land, two and a half miles from Shelby. Mr. and Mrs. Linn have seven children, six sons and one daughter -- Ambrose B., McKindre, Anna Laura (a successful teacher), Monroe, Walter M. C., Franklin, and Hugh L. Mr. Linn is a Republican. He has served as township clerk for three years, as a member of the school board, and is the present assessor of the township. He has filled all these offices with credit to himself and to the best interest of the public. He is a member of the G. A. R., Dick Yates Post, No. 364; was a charter member of the first post of Shelby County. He is a member and class-leader of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Linn and four children are also members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Linn has ever taken an active part in religious and educational affairs, and is always a liberal supporter of any enterprise that has for its object the advancement of the best interests of the community. He is cordial to all, upright in business, and one of Shelby County's most valuable citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 520. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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ANDREW JACOBSON was born June 28, 1837, in Schleswig, Denmark; this province afterward became a part of Germany. He was a son of Peter and Catharine (Christianson) Jacobson; he lived in Denmark until he was thirty years old. He attended school until he was sixteen years of age, and then worked on a farm. In the spring of 1867 he sailed for America, from Copenhagen, via Liverpool, England. He landed at Castle Garden, and first went to
Little Washington, New Jersey, where he worked until he went to Davenport, Iowa; he then went to Jasper County, Iowa, and returned to Davenport where he spent the winter and spring of 1868; he again went to Jasper County, where he worked two years on the railroad. In the spring of 1870 he, in company with his brother, drove out to Shelby County with an ox-team; he bought eighty acres of wild land, and has since made a nice home for his family. He has a good frame house, and a barn for stock and hay, an orchard and a grove; everything shows the owner to be thrifty and prosperous. Mr. Jacobson was married December 14, 1867, to Dorothea Kock, at Davenport, Iowa; she was born in Denmark and came to America when twenty-two years of age.
They have seven children -- Mary, Peter, Ida, Andrew, Bertha, Catharine and Clara. Mr. Jacobson is a Republican, and has served as director and road supervisor. He and his wife are Lutherans. He has always been interested in the educational affairs of the county. He is honest and upright in business, and is one of Shelby County's successful farmers and solid citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 520 & 523. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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OLIVER McDOWELL, retired, was the pioneer blacksmith of Harlan. He opened a shop there in the year 1870, and continued in the business until 1883,
when he retired. Mr. McDowell was born in Henry County, Indiana, at Newcastle, February 28, 1820. His father, William McDowell, was born in Vermont in 1800, and his mother, Hernida Bandy, was born in North Carolina, and reared in Wayne County, Indiana; she died when Oliver was a small boy, and her husband died in 1884. Our subject was reared to farm life, and at an early age learned the blacksmith's trade, in connection with carriage-making. In 1853 he came to Pella, Marion County, Iowa, and there worked at his trade until 1870 when he sold out and came to Harlan. He owns a good farm near the town, and a comfortable dwelling in Harlan. Mr. McDowell was married in Henry County, Indiana, July 26, 1849, to Mary Frazer, a native of Wayne
County, Indiana, and a daughter of S. H. and Rebecca (Valentine) Frazer. The father was a native of North Carolina and died in Harlan, in May, 1879; the mother was born in Kentucky, and died in Marion County, Iowa, September 12, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have two children living -- Arminta Taylor, of Denver, Colorado, and Albert L. Four children are deceased -- Rebecca J., William H., Charles, and Rufus K. The last named was a partner of his
father. Mr. McDowell is an adherent to the principles of the Republican party, and has served on the town council, he is a consistent member of the Baptist church.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 524-525. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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GEORGE SWINEHART, a farmer of Harlan Township, has been identified with the interests of the county since 1865. He was born in Stark County, Ohio,
September 8, 1830, and is a son of John A. and Elizabeth (Himebaugh) Swinehart, both natives of Pennsylvania. The family lived in Summit County, Ohio, for several years, and in 1847 removed to Elkhart County, Indiana. George was reared a farmer, and received his education in the subscription
schools. He was married October 20, 1853, to Miss Eleanor Philson, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of James and Susan (Heffleg) Philson. In 1857 Mr. Swinehart came to Jasper County, Iowa, where he improved a farm, and in 1865 he came to Shelby County, where he bought ninety-five acres of land of Leonard Bowman; he now owns 155 acres in the home farm and eighty acres in Jackson Township. His home place is well improved, having a good residence, a large barn, and a fine grove of timber, and an orchard. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. By his first marriage
he had eight children -- James, Effie, Emma, Owen P., Lemuel E., George M., Susan B., Ed. D.; one child died, William Darbin, at the age of four years. Mrs. Swinehart died May 6, 1874; she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a kind wife and an affectionate mother. Mr. Swinehart
was again married January 19, 1885, to Miss Elizabeth Culler, a native of Stark County, Ohio, and a daughter of Benjamin and Catherine (Myers) Culler. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother was a native of France, who came to Ohio, when eight years of age. By this marriage Mr. Swinehart has one child, Goldie Mildred. Our subject is a Republican, and has served several years as township trustee with credit to himself. He has given his children a good education, and two of his daughters are successful teachers. Mr. Swinehart is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has always taken an active interest in the religious and educational affairs of the community. He and his family are highly respected members of the community in which they live.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 525. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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C. E. GRAVES, farmer, of Harlan Township, has been identified with the county since 1870. He was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, February 23,
1849, and is a son of Homer Graves, a prominent pioneer of Jo Daviess County, Illinois. C. E. grew to manhood in his native county, where he was trained to agricultural pursuits and educated in the public schools of the county. In 1870 he came to Shelby County, and in 1872 he bought land on which he lived until 1875, when he purchased what is known as the old Castile farm; this place was first settled by a man named Lyon. In 1884 Mr. Graves built on this place. The farm contains 360 acres of land, well watered and well improved; besides his residence there are buildings for stock and grain. Mr. Graves was united in marriage in Stephenson County, Illinois, February 25, 1872, to Miss Carrie Daws, a daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Neeves) Daws. She was born, reared and educated in Stephenson County. Mr. and Mrs. Graves are the parents of five children -- Rodney E., Charlotte E., Clotilda, John and Azalia D. In political matters Mr. Graves affiliates with the Republican party. He has served as a member of the school board. By energy, industry and upright dealing Mr. Graves has gained an enviable position in the county.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 525-526. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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BENJAMIN ROBERTS, of Harlan Township, claims England by birth, but America by adoption. He was born in Yorkshire, England, February 7, 1842, and
is a son of Joseph and Hannah (Hurst) Roberts, also natives of Yorkshire. He remained in his native land until he was twenty-eight years old, so that his coming to America was no flight of restless youth, but the determination of sober, serious manhood. While yet a youth he went to work in a cotton factory, where he was employed until 1870. In 1866 he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Ann Smithers, who was born and reared in Yorkshire, England, and who was a daughter of John and Adelaide Smithers. Mr. Roberts, with his family and brother William, sailed from Liverpool for New York in 1870, and thence came directly to Shelby County, Iowa. He bought forty-five acres of land where he now lives, and also owns eighty acres in section 20, Harlan Township. He has a comfortable home, and buildings for live-stock, to the raising and care of which he gives special attention. Mr. Roberts has two children -- Sarah Ellen and Hannah. His great loss was the death of his beloved wife, which occurred in 1881. She was a good neighbor, a loving mother, and a devoted wife. Mr. Roberts lost one son, Joseph, at the age of seven years; he was drowned in the river. Mr. Roberts is not bound to any political party, but casts an independent suffrage. He is yet in the prime of life, and is one of Shelby County's reliable and respected citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 526. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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MARTIN OBRECHT is one of the pioneers of Shelby County, having been identified with its interests since 1857. He was born in Strasburg, France, November 17, 1835, and is the son of Martin and Catharine (Miller) Obrecht, natives of France. He was sent to school until he was fourteen years old, and then he worked on a farm for four years. At the age of eighteen years he came to America, and settled in Ashland County, Ohio, where he lived
two years; he then removed to Elkhart County, Indiana, where he resided two years. In 1857 he came to Shelby County, and at the end of three years he returned to Elkhart County, Indiana, and was married February 5, 1860, to Miss Mary Bachman, a native of Germany, and daughter of George William
and Anna Gertrude (Eckhart) Bachman, natives of Germany. The father died in Germany, and the widow emigrated to America with her children when Mary was thirteen years old. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Obrecht, with all their possessions, which consisted of a team of horses, a wagon,
and a few dollars, returned to Shelby County, Iowa. They had brave hearts and willing hands, and were not afraid of work; they settled on fifty acres of land near Bowman's Grove, where they lived until 1871, when they came on their present farm; this was then wild land, and there was not another
house between them and Harlan; the place contains 240 acres under good cultivation; there is a comfortable residence, surrounded with five acres of grove, and a large barn, having a stone basement; there are buildings for stock and grain, and all the surroundings show the economy and wise management of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Obrecht are the parents of nine children -- George W., William M., Aletta C., Charles O., Lillie May, John Albert, Rufus Chaucer, Anna Gertrude, and Mary Huldah. Politically Mr. Obrecht is a member of the Democratic party. He and his wife are worthy members of the Dunkard church. He is a deacon in the church, and gave two acres for the church grounds. Mr. and Mrs. Obrecht have given their children a good education, and have instilled in their minds good principles. They are plain of manner and speech, firm in their convictions of right and wrong, and are
among Shelby County's most respected citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 526-529. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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EDMUND PENNISTON, a native of Leicestershire, England, was born December 15, 1845, and is the son of George and Caroline (Thaup) Penniston, who
emigrated to America when our subject was six years old. They settled in La Fayette County, Wisconsin, where Edmund was reared and where the parents resided until death. The father passed away in 1883, and the mother had gone before, in 1867. Mr. Penniston was one of a family of twelve children, and was trained to the occupation of a farmer. He assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-four years old, when he started
in business for himself, renting a farm in company with his father for one year. He was married July 2, 1870, to Miss Mary J. Theobald, daughter of Robert and Isabella (Bernard) Theobald. The father is a native of England, and is still living. The mother was born on Prince Edward's Island, and died
in 1886. Mrs. Penniston was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin, April 2, 1853. Mr. Penniston and wife are the parents of four children -- Carrie B. (deceased), Robert G., Ross E. and Ed Leroy. They have become much attached to a bright little girl of fourteen years, Lulu Cynthia Pratt, who has lived
with them since her mother's death, five years since. After their marriage they continued their residence in La Fayette County, Wisconsin, for fifteen months, and then went to Crawford County, Iowa, where they remained one year. In 1873 they came to Shelby County and settled on 160 acres of wild
prairie in section 7, Greeley Township, which they have since made their home. Here Mr. Penniston has erected a comfortable frame residence, and barns for stock and grain, all bespeaking the energy and enterprise of the owner. He has added to his first purchase of land until he owns 400 acres of as fine land as Shelby County affords, all lying on the gentle slopes of the West Nishnabotna Creek, two miles north of Defiance. He devotes himself to farming and stock-raising, and has been very successful in these avocations. Mr. Penniston is identified with the Republican party, and has held many positions of honor and trust in his township, serving eight years as trustee, and eight consecutive years as treasurer of the school board. Starting in life with very little of this world's goods, Mr. Penniston has just cause for pride in the position which he occupies in the county, financially, politically and socially.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 528-530. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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J. H. GUTHRIE,a native of Jones County, Iowa, born July 10, 1865, is a son of Clement and Agnes (Brown) Guthrie, natives of Scotland, who came to America about 1841; they located first at Salem, Massachusetts, where Mr. Guthrie acted as foreman in a factory; he afterward came to Iowa, settling in Jones County, where they still reside. There is a family of ten children, five, boys and five girls, of whom our subject is the youngest; he was brought up to farm life and received his earlier education in the common schools. When at the age of fourteen he attended High School, and commenced teaching when but sixteen years old. He taught and attended school alternately for some time, teaching to provide means with which to continue his education. He took a course at Bushnell, Illinois, Business College, graduating from this school in art and penmanship. Afterward he attended the Iowa State Medical University, Iowa City; then he taught for a time, and afterward entered Rush Medical College for one term; he then went to Louisville, Kentucky, and attended the Louisville Medical College; he graduated from this institution in 1887, when he came to Shelby County, Iowa, locating at Kirkman in
August, 1887. Here he has established himself in his profession and has a good practice. Doctor Guthrie was married April 12, 1888, to Miss Hattie Pank, a daughter of Jonathan and Anna (Watson) Pank, natives of Pennsylvania; she was born in Illinois, May 16, 1868. The Doctor possesses eight diplomas: One of general practice, chemistry, surgery, penmanship, literature and art, and some minor ones. As a penman he has few equals;
he defeated Prof. Hoff in an exhibition of penmanship at the Cass County Fair, and has many fine specimens of his skill, which decorate his home. When he undertakes a thing it is with a determination to excel, and well does he execute his desires. He is a live, energetic man, and we anticipate for him a brilliant career. He is courteous and affable and at once wins the respect and esteem of those with whom he comes in contact.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 530. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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PIERSON FOUNTAIN, a native of Mead County, Kentucky, was born March 5, 1838, and is the son of William and Maria Fountain. He was reared in his native State, and it was not until he had attained his twenty-third year that he removed to Noblesville, Indiana. He made this his home until 1862, when he went to Boston, Massachusetts, and enlisted in Company D, Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He served three years, and was twice wounded during the battle of Honey Hill. He participated in a number of hard-fought battles, and after the war returned to Boston, going thence to Hamilton County, Indiana. There he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth O. Roberts, a native of Hamilton County, Indiana. They are the parents of four children -- Augustus, Edward, Ida and Harrison. In 1867 Mr. Fountain came to Shelby County and located on a farm of 160 acres in Douglas Township. He has made many improvements upon this land and has placed it under cultivation. Politically he is a staunch Republican. He has held the office of road supervisor, and has done much toward the advancement and progress of Shelby County. Mr. Fountain is a member of the A. F. & A. M.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 530-531. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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H. A. NIEMAN, a native of Hanover, Germany, born August 24, 1831, is a son of Christopher and Dora Nieman. His early life was spent in Germany on a
farm. He took the regular course in the common schools, which covers a period of eight years, and after that he studied for over a year. In 1854 he came to America and located in Wisconsin, remaining over two years; he then took a trip down the Mississippi River, stopping at all the principal
towns, making the longest stays in Davenport, Burlington and Saint Louis; at the latter place he remained about two years; he continued his trip as far south as Memphis, Tennessee, intending to visit New Orleans, but the yellow fever was infesting the city at that time and he decided not to venture any
farther. He then returned to St. Louis and spent two summers in Illinois, about seventy-five miles from St. Louis; after that he returned to Wisconsin, where he farmed one year and then sold out, going to Madison, Wisconsin, where he remained one year or more. In 1875 he moved to Avoca, Iowa,
where he worked for Caldwell in his elevator for over two years; from there he went to Walnut, where he engaged in the farming-implement business, in company with his son-in-law, H. C. Hanson, for one year; he then sold out his interest and came to Shelby County, and purchased a farm in Douglas
Township, of 100 acres, which was but partially improved. Here he went to work to make himself a farm and a home, which he has done by his own toil; he has placed the soil under good cultivation and improved the place till there is none better in the county; he has increased the farm to 240 acres. He
has built a beautiful frame residence, with barns for stock and grain, and has planted about one and a half acres of grove, all of which bespeak the wise management and spirit of the owner; he employs his time exclusively in farming and stock-raising. Politically Mr. Nieman is liberal in his views,
casting his vote for the man he considers best qualified for the office. He was married December 21, 1861, to Dora, daughter of Christ and Kate Meyer; she was born in Hanover, Germany, September 24, 1839, and came to America in 1861. They are the parents of six children -- Emma, wife of H. C. Hanson, resides in Nebraska; Augusta H., wife of P. F. Cold, resides in Irwin; Henry W., Lewis F., Julia E., and Willie J. C. are at home.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 531. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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G. W. CROFT was a native of Pennsylvania and married Mary M. Saner, also of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and passed their early life. After their marriage, at a very early day, they moved to Ohio and located in Coshocton County. Mr. Croft was a man devoted to agricultural pursuits, and is still living, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. They had a family of eleven children -- Catharine (deceased), Lydia A., wife of Thomas Mulford, resides in Franklin County, Iowa; John, who also resides in Franklin County, Iowa; Betsey (deceased); Joseph resides in Page County, Iowa; Mary
A., wife of Samuel Dick, resides in Kansas; Hannah, wife of William Hawlin, resides in Nebraska; N. C., the subject of this sketch; George S. resides in Douglas Township; two children died in infancy. N. C. Croft was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, October 1, 1844, where he was reared to farm life. In
August, 1875, he landed in Shelby County, locating on section 23, Douglas Township, on a farm of 120 acres of improved land. When he landed here he had only twelve head of cattle, five horses, and less than $5 in money. Here he went to work on the raw prairie to carve out a home for himself and family, and by dint of hard and honest toil he has suc- ceeded in securing what he has labored for, having to-day one of the best farms in Douglas Township. He has erected good buildings, planted groves and made other improvements. He devotes himself to farming and stock-raising, and is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. He was married April 5, 1867, to Minerva Allen, daughter of Elizabeth Allen; she was born in May, 1851. They are the parents of six children -- Nellie, Maud, Claud H., Fred, Pearl and Nettie.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 531-532. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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J. M. ROBERTSON is a native of Brown County, Indiana, born March 29, 1852, a son of W. R. and Elizabeth J. (Baily) Robertson, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky. In the fall of 1855 he came to Iowa with his parents, locating in Poweshiek County, on a farm where he was reared and where he received his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. He was brought up on a farm and spent his life in this capacity until February, 1888, when he came to Kirkman. He figured quite prominently in the local political field in Poweshiek County, holding the office of justice of the peace and several
minor offices, an evidence that be had the confidence of the people, especially in the good old Democratic party, which he represented. He is a lover of good horses, and is working to improve the quality by introducing a couple of standard stallions, a Norman and a Clydesdale, which he has brought with him to Shelby County. In May, 1888, he purchased the Kirkman House, the only hotel in Kirkman, which he now owns and controls, and where he and his wife can be found, who will give you a cordial greeting and extend the comforts of a home. They are well adapted to the avocation they have chosen, and Kirkman has need to be proud of her hotel and its proprietors. Mr. Robertson was married May 24, 1888, to Margaret, daughter of Phillip and
Eliza Reid, who was born August 20, 1855, in Jasper County, Iowa; her parents were natives of New Hampshire and North Carolina. She had two children by a former marriage, Frederick and Raymond.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 532. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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When western Iowa was in its infancy, a wild, uncultivated prairie, inhabited by few white people, and visited by the ferocious red man whenever it pleased his unruly disposition, J. C. Buckman came to Shelby County. April 1, 1869, he brought his young bride to the new country, when they began to make a home for themselves. They purchased eighty acres of land from Ephraim Douglas, in section 18, Douglas Township. Immediately after their
arrival they set about to build a rude hut for temporary residence; this was accomplished by erecting four posts in the corners of a square, putting in siding of slabs, and completing the whole by an entire roof of tarred paper; so a little home was made in a space 10 x 12 feet, and although the most comfortable quarters, judging from the exterior, the interior was made bright and shining by the affable wife, who knew the needs of the occasion, and suited herself thereto. She made the little place a palace, indeed, with her constant congeniality and contented spirit. In the meantime they labored patiently, early and late, to erect a comfortable residence; the lumber was purchased in Dunlap, thirty miles away, but the nearest point; there were many
small streams to be crossed after leaving Dunlap; so, when there was a heavy load, Mr. Buckman was compelled to unload most of the lumber, drive the mules across the stream, then carry the lumber over and re-load. In this way the lumber for his present residence was secured. But he and his wife were determined to succeed in their efforts for a new home, and met all the unpleasant features unflinchingly. At one time they were out of flour, and not being able to procure any, their only resort was the coffee-mill; they ground wheat, of which they made bread and cakes for six weeks. At last they decided to conduct a ferry boat to cross the many streams; they made the boat of an old hollow basswood tree, by fastening boards firmly to both ends, and attaching a washtub securely to one side to prevent it from upsetting; by means of a rope stretched across the streams from one bank to the opposite one, acting as a propeller, they were able to cross the streams when quite high, with safety. And they are now reaping the reward of their earnest and unremitting toil. They own a fine farm of 160 acres; two acres of this are in a grove, and two in a thrifty orchard. Mr. Buckman devotes his time to farming and stock-raising.
He spent his early life on a farm in Newtown,Pennsylvania, where he was born February 7, 1846. He is a son of William and Sarah (Cooper) Buckman. March 4, 1860, he was married to Anna D., daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Daniels, February 16, 1851, being the date of her birth; she is a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Buckman are the parents of four children -- Julia D., Bessie Belle, Harry W. and Roy, all at home.
Politically Mr. Buckman lends his support to the Republican party. He has held the office of township clerk for twelve years, and has also served as trustee for several years. He assisted in the organization of the township, and was one of the promoters of the Shelby County Agricultural Society, and is at present one of its directors. In all things pertaining to the advancement of the county Mr. Buckman has taken an active interest, thereby gaining the confidence and respect of all his acquaintance.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 532-533. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.
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M. PULVER, son of Waudle and Nellie (McCarthy) Pulver, was born in New York State, May 16, 1835, where his boyhood was passed on a farm. His education though somewhat limited, compared with that received in the schools of to-day, was obtained principally in the common schools. When at the age of thirteen he accompanied his parents to Illinois, locating on a farm in Carroll County, where the greater portion of his life was spent. He remained
there twenty years, engaged in the pursuit of farming. Subsequently he removed to Whiteside County, where he remained until 1883, when he came to Shelby County, Iowa, and located on the Carter farm, in section 19, which he has since made his home. In 1860, April 29, he was married to Martha Delitt
Bunce, the daughter of James A. L. and Esther Bunce, born July 14, 1842; she is also a native of New York State. They are the parents of eight children -- William resides in Colorado; Dennis (deceased); Jennie, wife of Edward Smith, of Custer County, Nebraska; Frank, Herbert A., Arthur L., Lloyd V., Clarence C. The five latter are at home. Mrs. Pulver is a worthy member of the Christian church. In 1862 Mr. Pulver enlisted in Company H, Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served his country about one year in her defense against the south. The family are numbered among Shelby County's
most worthy and respected citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 533-534. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
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