1890 Portrait and Biographical Album
of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, IowaVan Buren County Biographical Sketches Transcribed Below
Index
WILLIAM W. NELSON, M. D., has for thirty years been successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in this community. His home is in Birmingham. He was born on November 30, 1834, in Wayne County, Ohio, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Nelson. His father was born in Mercer County, Pa., December 5, 1790, and was descended from Irish ancestry. He served in the War of 1812, and in Pennsylvania, he married Miss Elizabeth Wilson, who was born in Ireland, May 25, 1791, and who, in her childhood accompanied her parents to this country and located in Pennsylvania. Soon after their marriage they removed in 1817, to Wayne County, Ohio, near Rowsburg, where Mr. Nelson engaged in farming until 1836, when he removed to Richland County, (now Ashland) and located on a farm near Savannah until 1845, when he traded his land in that locality for a tract in Washington Township, Van Buren County, Iowa, to which he then removed. He was a Whig, afterward an Abolitionist and in turn became a Republican. Both he and his wife were members of the Associate Presbyterian Church, but afterward joined the United Presbyterian. He died September 24, 1860, and Mrs. Nelson passed away on the 7th of October, 1858. In their family were nine children, of whom seven lived to be adults, while three are yet living — Hugh, a farmer of Van Buren County; Ann, widow of Joseph Dawson, of Washington County, Iowa, and the Doctor. Our subject is the youngest of the family. Having attended the district schools, he was not content to consider his education then finished but through his own resources acquired the means by which he was enabled to attend Washington College for two years. His taste lay in the line of medical practice and in 1857, he went to Wooster, Ohio, where he read medicine with Drs. Day & Wilson. During the winter of 1858-9, he attended a course of lectures in the medical department of the Iowa State University at Keokuk, and the following year completed a course of study in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pa., where he graduated March 12, 1860, although he has continued a student up to the present time, keeping himself well informed on all matters pertaining to the profession, its discoveries and the advancement made in the science.Soon after his graduation, Dr. Nelson was united in marriage on March 20, 1860, with Miss Almira Matthews, a native of Lawrence County, Pa., born July 22, 1839. Immediately after he returned with his bride to Van Buren County, locating in Pierceville, in the summer of 1860, where they began their domestic life. On the 19th of August, 1862, he was commissioned by Gov. Kirkwood as First Assistant Surgeon of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, and mustered into service by Lieut. Charles J. Ball of the Thirteenth Infantry, United States mustering officer, September 14, 1862, at Keokuk. He joined his regiment at Iuka, Miss., but soon afterward was taken with malarial fever and lay in the general hospital at Corinth, Miss., some three weeks, suffering severely, and recovering, he then rejoined his regiment at Grand Junction, Tenn. In the spring of 1863, he was ordered to take charge of a smallpox hospital at Lake Province, La., by order of Gen. McPherson. After a month he was relieved and placed in charge of the Sixth Division Pioneer Corps, commanded by Capt. Davis, of the Thirty-second Illinois Infantry. Returning to his regiment in August, 1863, he had charge of the sick of the brigade when the regiments went on the march to Monroe, La. After a short sickness and an absence, on furlough, of twenty days, given by Gen. Grant at Vicksburg, he rejoined his regiment and had charge of two companies detached for duty at the arsenal near Vicksburg, and also had charge of a pioneer corps and engineer regiment commanded by Capt. John Wilson. He remained with the above command until the spring of 1864, when he was placed in charge of non-veterans and recruits of the Iowa Brigade, and had charge of this detachment until their respective commands joined them near Huntsville, Ala., when he was placed in charge of the Third Iowa Veteran Infantry, with which he remained until it was consolidated with the Second Veteran Infantry near Jones' Plantation, Ga., on Sherman's march to the sea. Thereafter, the Doctor rejoined his regiment and from December 22, 1864, until he was mustered out he was the only medical officer with the command. He participated in the battles of Corinth, Vicksburg, Atlanta, and Bentonsville, and the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., May 24, 1865, and was mustered out with his regiment at Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1865, at the close of the war. In the fall of the same year, the Doctor located in Birmingham, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, with the exception of 1874, when with his family he visited the Pacific coast in the pursuit of health and returned the following year. He has a good record as a physician and surgeon, as is indicated by a liberal patronage. He holds the office of Secretary of the United States Pension Examining Board, of his county, is a Republican in polities and the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of improved land. Unto himself and wife were born seven children of whom two died in infancy. Those living are as follows: Meldon W., a farmer of Lick Creek Township, Van Buren County; Nettie X.; Minnie A., wife of Allen B. Adams, of Selma; Audley E. and Mary L., who are students at Parsons College. The family holds a high position in the social world and the Doctor has won a like enviable rank in the medical fraternity. In religious sentiment the Doctor and his wife are independent, and anti sectarian. Mrs. Nelson's grandfather, Jacob Matthews, was born in Maryland, in 1775. His ancestors were of Alsace; France, or of German descent. He married Miss Mary Boyl, who was born in Ireland, and their family consisted of three children. one son and two daughters. At an early day they moved to Lawrence County, Pa., and located on a farm near Edenburg. He served in the War of 1812, and died at the age of eighty-four. His only son, Phillip Matthews, Mrs. Nelson's father, married Miss Nancy Book, of the same county. Their family consisted of ten children, two sons and eight daughters. One son and two daughters died in childhood. The other son, George B. Matthews, Mrs. Nelson's remaining brother, served four years in the One Hundredth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, and was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. One sister died at maturity, and three still survive.
JOHN NELSON NORRIS, M. D.JOHN NELSON NORRIS, M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Van Buren County residing in Birmingham, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., June 7, 1816, and is a son of James and Hettie (Hyatt) Norris. The family is of German origin. Shadrach Norris, the grandfather of our subject, emigrated from Germany to this country and settled in New Jersey. His wife was a native of County Antrim, Ireland. After their marriage they removed to Steuben County, N. Y. The father of the Doctor was born in New Jersey, in 1784, He served his country in the War of 1812, and after his return from the army was married in Steuben County, in 1815, to Miss Hyatt who was born in the same county in 1790, and came of pure English stock. He was a farmer by occupation but at the time of his death which occurred in 1829, he was working at contracting on the Ohio canal. His wife died some six years later in the faith of the Baptist Church, of which she was a member. In political sentiments, Mr. Norris was a supporter of Democratic principles. In their family were four children, of whom three are yet living — Rebecca, widow of Isaac Young, a resident of Albany, Ore.; John Nelson of this sketch, and Weltha, widow of Dr. William Miller, also residing in Albany, Ore. The days of his boyhood and youth our subject spent upon a farm and in the common schools of that day acquired a good English education. However, not desiring to follow the pursuit to which he had been reared, he left the parental roof and bidding good-by to home and friends started out in life to make his own way in the world. The first pursuit to which he turned his attention was that of clerking, being employed in a store at Millersburg, Ohio. He conceived the idea of making the practice of medicine his life work and during his leisure hours gave his time to the study of that science. In 1837, he and his brother-in-law, Dr. William Miller, came to Iowa, and in February of 1838, located adjoining the site of the present town of Birmingham, which has since grown up around them. They built a cabin of hickory poles which they adorned with a stick chimney and though the roof served well in dry weather it proved hardly adequate in the rainy season. The Doctor was his own cabinet maker; with auger and ax he constructed a bed which at least possessed one admirable quality, that of strength. Soon after arriving, Dr. Miller and his wife were taken sick and Dr. Norris, being an "all around man" served as housekeeper, nurse, doctor and cook. To fill the last position required no little ingenuity. They had brought a sack of meal with them but it had got wet and spoiled and he therefore had to improvise a grater and provide the bread stuff. Salt was wanting but he boiled salt beef bones and thus obtained the much desired article. Stagnant pond water was not very palatable but who cared for that when with one stroke of the bucket you could drive the scum away and scare the tadpoles to the bottom. Is it any wonder that a person who could find some way to surmount such obstacles as this should succeed in professional life. The Doctor was blessed with a liberal patronage from the first. He would often have to drive twenty or twenty-five miles to visit a patient and became known all over the county. Having practiced until 1854, he was graduated from the medical department of the State University, then at Keokuk. Twenty-two students have prepared themselves for college under his instruction; he has been very successful in surgery, having cut out some twenty-two tumors and has had an extensive and successful course of practice on the eyes, patients coming to him from different States to receive treatment. On July 26, 1842, Dr. Norris was united in marriage with Miss Margaretta S. Culbertson, a native of Ohio, and unto them were born two children — Hettie F., widow of C. M. Selvey, and Samuel C. who served in the Third Iowa Cavalry during the late war. He was taken prisoner near Memphis, Tenn., and then sent to Andersonville, where he remained in captivity for four months. He died in 1871, from the effects of prison life. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in September, 1847. The Doctor was again married October 26, 1848, the lady of his choice being Barbara Miller, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, December 22, 1823, and came to this county among its early settlers. Their union has been blessed with six children — Izora M., wife of John S. Ragsdale, a druggist of Birmingham ; John M. who died when about two years old ; Dr. W. Pitt, who for some sixteen years has been a partner of his father, and Dr. Jay C. who has shared in their business for some seven years. In early life, Dr. Norris supported the Whig party until the rise of the Abolition party. On the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks but within the past fifteen years he has been independent, voting alone for the man who he thinks will best fill the position. Religiously, he grasps the broad idea of the brotherhood of all Christians, making the test of fellowship, loyalty to Christ. The Doctor has the honor of having aided in laying out the town of Birmingham and giving it its name. In 1839 John Harrison took a claim on which the city now stands. The Doctor after much argument and many promises of assistance induced Mr. Harrison to make the venture of founding the town and the result shows that his ideas were correct. He has witnessed its growth, has been identified with its advancement and has done not a little for its upbuilding. For fifty-one years he has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Van Buren County, during which he has won a reputation equal to any in this section and as a true student still keeps himself well informed concerning the progressive movement of the science.EDMUND R. NORVELLEDMUND R. NORVELL, one of the early settlers of Jefferson County, engaged in farming on section 32, Buchanan Township, is a native of Kentucky. He was born on the 6th of September, 1835, in Barren County, and is a son of Edmund and Anna K. (Winn) Norvell. His father, whose birth occurred near Lynchburg, Va., emigrated during his boyhood to Barren County, Ky., where he became acquainted with and wedded Miss Winn, who was born in that county on the 15th of August, 1812. He died when about twenty-five years of age from hemorrhage of the lungs caused by lifting at a log rolling. About 1838, the mother with our subject, her only child, accompanied her brother to Carthage, Ill., and in 1840, she came to Van Buren County, where she afterward married Charles L. Cox, who had located in Van Buren County, in 1838. Three years later they came to Jefferson County, settling in Cedar Township. Mrs. Cox, who was a member of the Missionary Baptist, Church, died on the 1st of September, 1887. Mr. Cox, who was born in Adair County, Ky., November 16, 1817, and is a member of the Christian Church, is still living. Edmund R. Norvell, of whom we write, spent his early life in the usual manner of farmer lads, receiving such educational advantages as were afforded in the old log school house, walking a distance of two and a half miles to the same. He remained at home aiding in the labors of the farm until he had attained his majority when he started out in life for himself. It was his intention to follow some other pursuit than that to which he had been reared and for some eighteen months he read law in the office of Judge Charles Negus, but health failed him and he was forced to abandon his cherished plan. In the summer of 1859, in company with David Thompson and Ellis Woods he made a journey to Colorado, locating near Central City, where he engaged in mining for about two years. He spent a part of the summer of 1860 in prospecting in Southern Colorado and New Mexico, but since his return to Jefferson County in the spring of 1861, he has devoted his time and attention to farming, meeting with excellent success. His farm comprises two hundred and sixty acres, all but twenty of which are arable and it is furnished with all the necessary buildings and stocked with a high grade of horses and cattle, including a herd of eight thorough-bred Short-horns. A marriage ceremony performed near Pittsburg, Pa., on the 8th of February, 1864, united the destinies of Mr. Norvell and Miss Leonora Shearer, who was born in Pennsylvania, February 2, 1840. She accompanied her parents to Jefferson County in 1858, and was visiting in her native State at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Norvell began their domestic life upon the farm which is still their home and their union has been blessed with four children — Anna, who is now the wife of Jesse Van Nostrand, a resident of Thomas County, Kan.; Charles S. and Amanda C., who are still with their parents; and Mary, the youngest, who died at the age of four years. Mr. Norvell is accounted one of the leading and representative citizens of the community in which he makes his home and well deserves representation among the prominent men of his adopted county. In his political affiliations in early life he was a Whig, but on the dissolution of that party joined the ranks of the Democracy. He served acceptably for seven years as Township Clerk. Mr. Norvell may rightly be termed a self-made man, as his possessions which place him in comfortable circumstances have been acquired through his own efforts. For half a century he has been a resident of Iowa, and forty-seven years he has spent in Jefferson County. He is one of the original members of the Old Settlers Society and is both widely and favorably known.WILLIAM R. PARKERWILLIAM R. PARKER, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Van Buren County, residing in Birmingham, was born in Keosauqua, August 12, 1852, his parents being George and Hannah C. (Calhoun) Parker. His father, a native of Lewis County, W. Va., was born December 22, 1814, and having remained tinder the parental roof until 1835, he went to Illinois, where he remained some time. Eleven years later, he made his appearance in Van Buren County, Iowa. He was without capital, yet by splitting rails, digging wells, etc., he succeeded in accumulating a small sum, with which he began merchandising in a log store in Birmingham. Business at that time was done in a very primitive way. The proposed purchase of a barrel of molasses would he announced before hand and on its arrival all would be there with their jugs, waiting to be supplied. He continued in business until the war and in that way became widely known throughout the community. In 1851-52, he was County Treasurer and during his term of office lived in Keosauqua. He helped hew the logs for the first county jail and in other was was connected with the early history of the community. Mr. Parker was married on the 23d of December, 1847, and from that time until his death devoted himself to his family and the advancement of their interests. His wife was born December 25, 1825, and like her husband was an active and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they also made liberal contributions in money. His beneficence however did not extend to the church alone, but also to the poor and afflicted. He died in June, 1888. Thus another pioneer, whose life was a blessing to all with whom he came in contact, passed away. His wife still survives him. In their family were five children, but only two of the number are now living — William R. and Jesse F. The subject of this sketch has spent his entire life in Van Buren County, and was educated at the Birmingham schools and at Bailey's Commercial College, from which he graduated. At the age of eighteen years he began life for himself and since that time has been dependent upon his own resources. He was then quite young for such an undertaking, but he purchased the Birmingham Enterprise and after running it alone for six months he took as a partner C. L. Sheward. Together they operated the paper successfully for twelve years, at the end of which time, on account of failing health, Mr. Parker sold out to his partner. Having disposed of his interest in business, he took a trip to California where he spent the winter. Shortly after his return he went to Pennsylvania, where for a paper published in Beaver Falls, he acted as city solicitor until he was taken sick and brought home. On the 10th of June, 1877, in Birmingham, Mr. Parker was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary J. Randall, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Capt. William Randall, who was killed in the war. She belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church and is the leading milliner of Birmingham, having carried on a store for four years. Her exquisite taste which is an important factor in the selection of goods, together with her pleasant and affable manner, makes her a favorite with the ladies and has brought her an excellent trade. In political sentiment, Mr. Parker is a Republican. He is engaged in mercantile pursuits being senior member of the firm of Parker and Cramer, who carry a large stock of general merchandise, and is also interested in the dairy business, having engaged in that pursuit, in company with his brother since the spring of 1890. They own sixty head of cows which are pastured upon their four hundred and thirty-five acre farm. As a citizen, he cheerfully performs every duty devolving upon him and as a business man of enterprise, as well as a representative of one of the pioneer families of the community, he is deserving a representation in this volume.BENJAMIN PENNINGTONBENJAMIN PENNINGTON, a harness-maker of Milton, Van Buren County, and one of the leading citizens of that place, was born in Kent County, Del., April 25, 1826, and is a son of Benjamin and Ann (Wilson) Pennington. His father died when he was quite young and with his mother and step-father he removed to Franklin County, Ind., when a lad of nine years. He remained in that county until 1844, which year witnessed his arrival in Van Buren County, where the greater part of his life has since been passed. In the month of January, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Cowger who was born in Rush County, Ind., in 1829. They have five children, two sons and three daughters — William George married Sarah Stall and is living in Colorado Springs, Col.; Thomas F. wedded Mary Lavel and is living in Green Mountain Falls, Col.; Clara, is the wife of Michael O'Connell, of Milton; Martha, is the wife of Frank Humphrey, a jeweler of Milton; and Addie is at home. About 1854, Mr. Pennington removed to Davis County, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming for almost a quarter of a century. He came to Milton in 1878 and turned his attention to other pursuits. He had previously learned the carpenter's trade and now devoted himself to that business until February, 1884, when he purchased a harness shop, since which time harness making has been the means employed whereby to gain a livelihood. He is an expert workman as will be indicated by the fact that in the same year in which he embarked in business he made a set of harness which took the premium at the fair held that autumn. Since he began business in that line, Joseph Spencer has been associated with him in business as a partner. They have the only harness shop in the city and have secured a flourishing trade, their liberal patronage yielding them a good income. Mr. Pennington is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in political sentiment he is a supporter of the Democracy and socially, a member of Lone Star Lodge, No. 155, I. O. O. F. of Milton.GEORGE PENNINGTONGEORGE PENNINGTON, an early settler of Van Buren County, who for thirty-three years has held the office of Justice of the Peace, is now a resident of Milton. Delaware is the State of his nativity. He was born in Kent County, September 30, 1823, and is a son of Benjamin and Ann (Wilson) Pennington, who were also natives of the same county. The father died in Delaware in early life, after which the mother became the wife of William Russell. The family removed to Rush County, Ind., in 1835, and some years later to Franklin County, where the subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He was married on the 24th of September, 1843, in Franklin County, Ind., the lady of his choice being Miss Casander Amos, daughter of Ditto Amos, and a native of Kentucky. One child, a daughter, was born unto them — Mary Adeline, who died aged three years, in this county. In April, 1846, Mr. Pennington came to Iowa and settled in Jackson Township, Van Buren County, and engaged in farming. During his residence there his wife died on the 24th of July, 1848, and on the 1st of August, 1850, he was again married, to Miss Mary M. Mowre, daughter of David and Sarah Mowre. She was born in Kentucky in February, 1834; during her girlhood accompanied her parents to Indiana, and in 1848 came to Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Pennington are pa-rents of the following children: David Benjamin, the eldest, died at the age of eight months; Sarah Ann resides with her parents; Mary Frances is the wife of Samuel A. McCombs, of Milton; Charlotte E. is the wife of Oscar Smith, a resident of Fairfield, Iowa; Amanda J. wedded A. H. Dodge, who is living in Bloomfield, Iowa; George Sherman married Miss Kate Gilfillan, and resides in Milton; Charles E. is single, and is now located in Centerville, Iowa; Cora Belle, the youngest, is unmarried and yet makes her home with her parents. In 1867, Mr. Pennington left the farm and removed to Milton, where he engaged in hotel keeping with good success for a number of years. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1851, immediately after the first code of the State was enacted, and was reelected from term to term, having for the past forty years, with the exception of six terms, held the office continuously. He is now serving in the same position, his time not expiring until 1891. He has served more years in the office of Justice than any man in Van Buren County, and more acceptably — a fact indicated by his long retention in the position and by the large majorities which he receives at the elections. His views on political subjects are in support of the principles of the Democratic party. Other local offices he has frequently filled. He was at one time the candidate of his party for the position of Sheriff, and received the flattering home endorsement of one hundred and six votes out of one hundred and forty-six cast in the precinct, although defeated by an adverse party majority in the county. Mr. Pennington served as Notary Public many years; has held the office of sub-district Treasurer of his township, and is now Secretary of the independent school district of Milton. He has also assessed the city of Milton ever since it was incorporated as a city, and is now entering upon a new term in that position, and has assessed the township several times. He is a member of Jackson Lodge, No. 28, K. P., and he and his wife, with several of their children, are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Pennington is a genial and affable man, whose sound judgment and upright and impartial discharge of duty have won for him the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.JOSEPH F. PERKINSJOSEPH F. PERKINS is one of the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of Van Buren County, his home being in Bonaparte. In presenting his sketch to the readers of the ALBUM we record not only the life of an honorable pioneer but also that of a self-made man whose example of industry, enterprise and zeal can hardly be excelled. He overcame the difficulties caused by limited education, surmounted the barriers of poverty and working his way upward, step by step, at length reached a position of affluence. Mr. Perkins was born in Pocahontas County, Va., July 21, 1816, and belonged to a family numbering four sons and four daughters, the parents being Francis and Mary Perkins, who were also natives of the Old Dominion. Elizabeth, his eldest sister died in California; Joseph, is the second in order of birth; Robert, makes his home in California: William died in Van Buren County; Dorathea became the wife of B. F. Myer. and died in Oregon; Eveline, widow of Charles Flowers, is living in California; George W., makes his home in New Castle, Cal,; Rebecca, is the wife of George W. Cavitt who is living near Sacramento City; and Mary Frances died in Virginia in youth. In 1843 Mr. Perkins came with his family to Van Buren County, but his death occurred three years later. In politics he was a Jackson Democrat and served as Clerk of the court in his native State. During the War of 1812 he entered the service but while on his way to the front, hostilities were brought to a close. After the death of her husband Mrs. Perkins went to California where she spent her last days. The subject of this sketch, Joseph F. Perkins, was reared, until seventeen years of age, in his native State and as his family were in limited circumstances his educational advantages were not of the best. Experience and observation, however, have been to him excellent teachers and he has stored away a fund of useful information, practical in character, which he would probably not have acquired had he been enabled to attend school more regularly. In 1832, at the time of the Black Hawk War, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, but cholera was prevalent in the city at that time and he continued on to Lima, Ind. On his twentieth birthday, the 13th of June, 1836, he arrived in Van Buren County, which then formed a part of the Territory of Wisconsin. At that time the entire State was but little inhabited and its bright future could have never been been dreamed of, much less realized. In fact, it was thought to be almost beyond the borders of civilization. Such men as Mr. Perkins, who were among the early comers and bore the hardships and privations of pioneer life, laid the foundation for its present prosperity and to them we owe unbounded gratitude. The land was unsurveyed and in Van Buren County there were only a few houses, situated along the river. Mr. Perkins made a claim in Farmington Township, near Bonaparte, and when the land came into market went to Burlington in 1839 and secured the title, paying $1.25 per acre for sixty-three acres, which he made by working for William Meek at seventy-five cents per day. To this he has since added by subsequent purchase until now a highly cultivated farm of four hundred acres pays a golden tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. The entire amount is under fence and there are seen all modern improvements. Mr. Perkins has been twice married. The year succeeding his arrival in this county he was joined in wedlock with Miss Eliza Maxwell and unto them were born two children who lived to adult age, namely: Mary F., wife of John B. Edwards, a resident of Bonaparte; and Joseph W., who makes his home in Ketchum, Idaho. The death of the mother occurred in 1844 and for a second wife Mr. Perkins chose Miss Eliza Myers. Their union was blessed with seven children, four of whom are living -- Sarah, who married Andrew Petrie of Van Buren County; Robert who died at the age of twenty-four years; 'William, of Van Buren County; James, who is engaged in farming: Jane deceased wife of Thomas B. Johnson; Ellen, who married Noah Moler; and Allen, who is also living in Van Buren County. Mrs. Perkins was called to her last rest in 1885 and her death was the occasion of deep regret on the part of many friends. In connection with the cultivation of his land Mr. Perkins devotes considerable attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of horses. e has some very fine animals on his farm of the Norman Clyde and Morgan breeds. In political sentiment, Mr. Perkins is a Democrat, and a stanch supporter of party principles. Though seventy-five years of age he is fresh in appearance, active in movement and bright in intellect.JOHN G. PETERSONJOHN G. PETERSON, one of the extensive landowners and successful farmers of Van Buren County, resides on section 34, Jackson Township. With only one hundred and twenty acres of raw land with which to begin life, he has added to his capital, and just as the result of his thrift and enterprise seven hundred and sixty acres of arable land now pay tribute to his care and cultivation. The Peterson family is of Holland extraction and was founded in America during Colonial days by the great-grandfather of our subject, who settled in New Jersey. He was one of the first to cross the Blue Ridge Mountains and made a location at Cincinnati, Ohio, when that city was composed of only a few log huts. The father of our subject, Ralph Peterson, was horn in Adams County, Ohio, in 1808, and after attaining to mature years, in 1829, wedded Miss Mary Groves, who was left an orphan during her infancy. They continued to reside in the Buckeye State until 1835, when they became residents of Indiana, and in 1839 they located in Van Buren County, Iowa, where Mr. Peterson purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land. At the time of his death he was the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres, and to all of his children he had given either money or land in order to furnish them with a good start in life. His death occurred in 1888, at the age of nearly eighty years, and his wife died in 1885. They were the parents of twelve children, three of whom died in infancy and two daughters in mature life. The rest of those who grew to mature years are still living, but the family is now widely scattered. Five brothers — Jacob R., William H., George A., Ralph B. and Edward A. are living in Sprink County, S. D., near Northville. John G. Peterson was born May 31, 1831, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Van Buren County. The date of their arrival was October 12, 1839, and they settled upon a farm four miles south of Keosauqua, where our subject was reared to manhood. On attaining to mature years he left the parental roof and started out in life for himself, his capital, as before stated, being one hundred and twenty acres of raw prairie land. With characteristic energy he improved this tract, transforming it into rich and fertile fields, and as his financial resources increased he made other judicious purchases from time to time, until his possessions now aggregate seven hundred and sixty acres. In addition to the cultivation of his farm, he is engaged in feeding cattle for the market, which branch of industry also yields him a good income. Mr. Peterson is a sagacious and far-sighted business man, and the success which has attended his efforts is the result of his own thrift, perseverance and good management, supplemented by correct business principles. In 1852 Mr. Peterson was united in marriage with Mary Jane Creath, but after a short wedded life of five years she was called to her final rest, dying in 1857. He was again married, in 1859, to Margaret E. Stemple, who was born in 1846. One child graces their union — Jennie, wife of Frank P. Blanchard, and has two children, Beulah and John G. In politics Mr. Peterson is a Republican and has served as Assessor but has never sought public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests, in which he has certainly met with excellent success. Without displaying egotism, he may justly be proud of his business career.DANIEL C. PETTITTDANIEL C. PETTITT, dealer in farming implements at Birmingham, is another of the prominent business men of Van Buren County who deserves mention in this volume. As he is widely and favorably known the record of his life, which is as follows, will be received with interest by our readers. Clark County, Ind., was his birthplace and on the 17th of August, 1843, he first opened his eyes to the light of day. His father, George R. Pettitt, was born in Indiana, November 11, 1815, and his wife, whose maiden name was Martha J. Davis, and who was a native of Kentucky, was about two years his junior. Having married, they began their domestic life in Indiana, which continued to be their home until 1844, at which time they crossed the Mississippi into the Territory of Iowa. They located in Van Buren County and Mr. Pettitt is still a resident of Birmingham, but in 1883 he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife. Our subject is one of a family of three children. His early life was unmarked by any event of special importance, for midst play and work and in attending the district schools his boyhood days were spent. However, at the age of eighteen years he entered the service of his country. He had watched with interest the progress of events in the South but at the beginning of the war was too young to respond to the country's call for aid, but on the 9th of March, 1862, he enrolled his name among the boys in blue of Company H., Third Iowa Cavalry. The two following years were spent mostly in skirmishing in Missouri and Arkansas. While stationed at Mexico, Mo., Daniel and another boy went to get the former's horse which had run away, as they supposed, to a farm about two miles distant, but on reaching that place they learned that he had gone on some thirteen miles. Starting forward again, they met the rebel commander, Purcell, whom they did not know, and who told them where to find the horse. His directions proved correct, but while returning the lads found a squad of rebels in ambush. Without a word the enemy arose and fired. Both horses dropped dead and the boys started to run but almost in another moment Mr. Pettitt's comrade fell pierced by twelve bullets. Seeing that it was impossible to escape, he then surrendered without receiving a scratch. Afterwards he was paroled and started to join his command. While returning he met an ambulance containing two coffins which were for himself and friend, as his comrades had heard that both were dead and glad they were to find that one was not needed. On the 1st of January, 1864, Mr. Pettitt veteranized and was therefore granted a furlough. When the time had expired he went to Memphis, Tenn., where he was attached to A. J. Smith's corps and participated in the battles of Guntown, Tupelo and Oxford. He spent part of the winter in Louisville, Ky., and then, newly equipped, started on the Wilson raid, in which he took part in the engagements of Monte Valley, Plantersville, Selma and Columbus, Ga. He was mustered out at Atlanta and discharged August 20, 1865, at Davenport, after serving three years and eight months. When his country no longer needed his services Mr. Pettitt returned to Birmingham and for a short time engaged in the butchering and grocery business, after which, for some fourteen years, he devoted himself to freighting, his efforts in that line being attended with considerable success. He also dealt in walnut timber until 1886, when he engaged in his present business as a dealer in agricultural implements. Four years in that line have served to bring him a good trade, and his fair dealing and good business management have won him the confidence and respect of the community. On the 31st of October, 1867, Mr. Pettitt was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah J. Deal, a native of Pennsylvania. One child was born unto them but died in infancy, but they have an adopted child, Iva M. Mrs. Pettitt is a member of the Methodist Church. He is a Republican in politics and has served as Marshal, Constable and City Recorder. He is a member of the Old Settlers Society and an honored member of Perry A. Newell Post, No. 232, G. A. R. His social standing and business record make him one of the prominent and influential citizens of Birmingham.PORTER PLEASANTSPORTER PLEASANTS is the senior member of the hardware firm of P. & R. W. Pleasants. In presenting his sketch to the readers of the ALBUM, we record the life work of one of Birmingham's most enterprising citizens, whose business industry and energy have done not a little for the upbuilding of the city. The Pleasants family is of English extraction and was founded in America during the early days of Virginian history. The Goff family, from which our subject is descended on the maternal side, was one of the early families of Massachusetts and had its representatives in the Revolutionary War. The gun which the great-grandfather of our subject carried during that struggle is now in possession of Charles C. Pleasants, father of Porter, and is one of the cherished relics of the family. Mr. Pleasants is a Bostonian by birth, the date of his arrival in that city being 1812. When he was ten years of age, he was left an orphan and soon afterward was bound out to learn the ship carpenter's trade. With the son of his "boss," who was captain of a vessel, he went to sea, and believing that he was able to look after his own affairs, he left his master and for twelve years continued to follow that life. He arose to the position of mate, but not having education enough to permit further advancement, he left the ocean and worked at his trade on the Erie Canal. In Seneca County, N. Y., he married Miss Sarah A. Goff, who was born in that county in 1818. Believing that it would be for the interests of his family to make a home in the West, in 1855, he came to Van Buren County and for a time kept a hotel in Birmingham. Twenty-two years later he and his sons opened a hardware store in Birmingham which has been carried on by the family continuously since. In 1882, Porter and Richard W. became sole proprietors and are still the owners of the establishment. In the family were six children: George W., a ranchman and teacher of California; Porter, whose name heads this sketch; Charles H., a resident farmer, of Brown County, South Dak.; Eleanora, wife of G. B. Sapp of Illinois; Frances M., wife of Robert Fee, of California; and Richard W., Charles H. served two years in the late war as a member of the Fifth Iowa Infantry. To return to the history of our subject. He was born in Seneca County, N. Y., on the 25th of March, 1843, and was twelve years of age when he accompanied the family to the then far western state of Iowa. Four years later he was apprenticed to learn the cabinet trade but ere the completion of his term of service he enlisted for the late war, becoming a member of Company H, Fifth Iowa Infantry, the first company that went from Birmingham, in July, 1861. After operating under Fremont in Missouri, with Pope, the troops went to the capture of New Madrid and when that was accomplished proceeded up the Tennessee River to the siege of Corinth, where he was stationed during a greater part of the summer. Receiving his discharge in December, 1862, at Quincy, Ill., Mr. Pleasants returned to his home and finished learning his trade in Fairfield, after which he spent a year working at the same in Hannibal, Mo. In 1865, he crossed the plains to California, reaching after five months of travel, Virginia City, Nev., where he carried on operations as a millwright for about four years. In the meantime, the Pacific Railroad was constructed, and in 1869 he returned to Iowa by rail, but after a few months spent at home again traveled, but this time his course laid southward. He found work in New Orleans very scarce and soon the supply of means which he and his friend had brought with them was exhausted. But still no work. Mr. Pleasants then pawned some of his clothes, but the money thus obtained was also spent before work was secured. As they saw no opportunity for securing work at their trade, they shoveled dirt on the levee for a few days and then started for Jackson, Miss., making the entire distance one hundred and fifty miles, on foot. There occurred a change in his fortune and his efforts to secure employment were at last met with success. He erected a number of sawmills and became superintendent of the machinery in a planing mill. It was also in the South, that on Christmas Day of 1870, Mr. Pleasants was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah Warner, who was born near Jackson, Miss., December 13, 1848. In 1872, they returned to Birmingham but soon afterwards went to Jacksonville, Ill., Mr. Pleasants hoping thereby to regain his health. In 1873, he went to Hannibal, Mo., where he followed his trade for a short time and in June we find him in St. Louis, where he remained until December, 1881. Again coming to Birmingham, he then became a partner in the hardware store of which he is now senior proprietor. His father was for some time a part owner but in 1882, the business was turned over to himself and brother, Richard W. The latter was born in Birmingham, September 12, 1859, and was reared and educated in the city schools. He entered the business in February, 1878, and with the exception of about two months has always been found behind the counter, strictly attending to the interests of the store. The firm of Pleasants Bros. is composed of two of the leading business men of Birmingham and the excellent trade which has come to them is justly merited. The senior partner is also a director in and secretary and superintendent of the Birmingham Butter and Cheese Manufacturing Company. He is a Republican in politics but Richard is a Democrat. The former has been honored with the office of Mayor of Birmingham, to which he was four times elected, and the latter has served as Councilman. Mrs. Pleasants is a member of the Christian Church and Mr. Pleasants holds membership with the Grand Army of the Republic. With no rich relatives or influential friends to aid him, he started out on foot from Birmingham after the war, with a capital of $1.50 in his pocket. Many discouragements and difficulties were encountered by him but pressing forward with indomitable energy and determined will he at length reached the goal of success. It takes push and thrift to succeed in this world, and when we know under what obstacles Mr. Pleasants labored we see that he must have had an abundance of those elements essential to prosperity.ROBERT PRALL
ROBERT PRALL, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 23, Des Moines, Township, Van Buren County, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, August 7, 1832, and is of German, Irish and English descent. The founder of the Prall family in America was the grandfather of our subject, Thomas Prall, a gentleman of German birth who left his native land and emigrated to America in the early part of the eighteenth century. His son, Asa, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania where he grew to manhood and in 1828, wedded Asenath Botkin, also a native of the Keystone State. Her parents were Robert and Sarah Botkin, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of England. They came to America during Colonial days and settled in Greene County, Pa., where they continued to make their home until called from this life. For two years after his marriage Mr. Prall and his wife continued in Pennsylvania but the year 1830 witnessed their removal to Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in Morgan County until 1842, when accompanied by wife and children he went to Clark County, Ind. Ten years were there spent and in the winter of 1852 he went to Van Buren County, Iowa, where he purchased a partially improved farm. At once beginning the work of improvement he soon had a comfortable home, which continued to be his shelter from the storms of life until 1880, when he was called to his final rest. His wife who had proved to him a true helpmate, survived her husband some six years. Their family once numbered ten children, of whom the following are now living — Thomas, who is married and resides in Des Moines Township, Van Buren County; Robert, of this sketch; Cornelius, who is married and makes his home in Coles County, Ill.; Mrs. Sarah Bradford, of Schuyler County, Mo.; Mrs. Matilda Fowler, of Harper County, Kan.; and C. C. who is married and living in Ringgold County, Iowa. In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and in the common schools of Ohio and Indiana he acquired his education. On attaining to mature years, he left the parental roof and began life for himself. Farming has been his chief occupation and his success has proved that his choice of labor was a wise one. His first purchase of land consisted of a one hundred and sixty-acre tract of timber but he cleared away the trees and brush, plowed the broad acres, planted crops and soon had a fine farm, the the value of which he also greatly increased by the erection of a commodious residence and good barns. As time passed and his financial resources were increased, he also extended the boundaries of his Iand, his possessions now aggregating three hundred and eighty acres, part of which is under a high state of cultivation, while the remainder affords excellent pasturage to the fine stock which he raises in considerable numbers. Mr. Prall is practically a self-made man, having acquired his possessions by industry, energy and good management. which in almost every instance will bring about success. In Van Buren County, October 11, 1855, Mr. Prall led to the marriage altar Miss Aliza Singleton, a native of Ohio, born October 25, 1831, and came to this county with her grandparents in 1836, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Singleton, both of whom died in Ohio some years ago. To this union have been born four children — Asa William, who is married and resides in Bonaparte, Iowa; Frances, now Mrs. Craig, of Des Moines Township, Van Buren County; Carrie and Della at home. Mr. Frail manifests considerable interest in political affairs and casts his ballot with the Republican party. He held the office of Township Trustee, serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned.ANTHONY T. PREWITTANTHONY T. PREWITT, deceased, was a native of Kentucky, his birth having oc curred on the 25th of October, 1810. While growing to manhood he learned the tanner's trade and worked thereat until he came West. Prior to leaving his native State he was united in marriage with Sophrona J. Latimer, and, accompanied by his young bride, emigrated to Lee County, Iowa, in a very early day. About 1843 they removed to Van Buren County, where Mrs. Prewitt died November 9, 1845, leaving four children to mourn her loss, namely: Goldson, who is engaged in carpentering; James D., a farmer by occupation; Sarah J., wife of James Stuckey; and Ann M., wife of C. C. Reynolds. On the 14th of October, 1846, Mr. Prewitt was again married, his second union being with Nancy C., daughter of James and Mary A. (Miller) Rut-ledge, both of whom were of Southern birth, the former born May 11, 1781, and the latter October 21, 1787. The place of their nativity is not certainly known, but they lived in South Carolina and Georgia, prior to emigrating to Pike County, Ill. About 1824 they removed to Sangamon, now Menard County, Ill., where Mr. Rutledge built and operated a mill for some time. He afterward kept a tavern in New Salem and subsequently settled on a farm, where he died December 3. 1835. He and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and were intelligent and industrious citizens, well respected by all. Their family numbered nine children, as follows: Jane 0., John M., Anna Mayes, David H., Robert B., Nancy C., Margaret A., William B. and Sarah F. The third child, known in history as Ann Rut-ledge, was the lady to whom President Lincoln was engaged, and whose death, at the age of twenty-three, spread such a gloom over the young lawyer's life. In 1838 Mrs. Rutledge, with six of her children, removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, locating near the Jefferson County line. She died in Birmingham, that county, December 26, 1878, being over ninety-one years of age at the time of her death. Mrs. Prewitt was born in White County, Ill., on the 10th of February, 1821, and, with her family, settled in Van Buren County, as above stated. After her marriage she lived on the farm in that county, making it her home until 1880, when she became a resident of Fairfield, which is still her home. The death of Mr. Prewitt occurred on the 9th of February, 1864, and was the cause of deep regret throughout the entire community. He was a man that looked with wistful eyes to the moral advancement of the community and in every way possible aided in the triumph of right over wrong. He served as an Elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and made his religion a part of his life. Politically, he was a Republican, but he loved the quiet of his home more than the excitement of a public career, and in consequence never sought political distinction. He was not of a grasping disposition, but always strove to make his family comfortable, and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. The rearing and educating of the children fell largely upon Mrs. Prewitt, who tenderly and care-fully performed the duty thus left to her. The record of her children, four in number, is as follows; David, the eldest, died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving a wife and two children; Mary E. died in infancy; Anthony M. is a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, now engaged in pastoral work in California; and William S., an expert stenographer, is court reporter for the district. Mrs. Prewitt and her youngest son are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.Transcribed by Rich Lowe for the Van Buren County IAGenWeb Project - copyright 2007 Please Report Any Transcription Errors Found