Search Hint: Search for surnames by using the "Find" command usually found under the "Edit" menu or by the keyboard command "Ctrl+F" on most PC's. Use "Ctrl+G" to find next instance of same name. Names in some cases are not in alphabetical order. Others my be found in the body of the bio rather than as the subject.

Alvry, J. M., far., S. 8; P.O. Wilsonville.

Alvey, J. M.

Anderson, J., far., Sec. 5; P.O. Wilsonville.

Askew, Wm., far., Sec. 33; P.O. Utica.

Bailey, Josiah, far., S. 11; P.O. Wilsonville.

Bailey, W. A., far., S. 10; P.O. Wilsonville.

Barger, D., far., P.O. Wilsonville.

Berry, John, coal-miner, Wilsonville.

Boley, George, far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Boley, J. S., far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Boley, N., far.; S. 34; P.O. Hillsboro.

Bradford, O. W., far.; S. 19; P.O. Utica.

Brooks, J. T., far.; P.O. Vega.

Campbell, E. B., far., S. 35; P.O. Hillsboro.

Carmean, Curtis, far., S. 25; P.O. Hillsboro, Henry Co.; owns 274 acres of land, eighty acres being in Wayne Co.; home farm valued at about $7,000; born Oct. 3, 1806, in Sussex Co., Md.; in 1814, parents moved to Ross Co., Ohio; in 1830, to Tippecanoe Co., Ind.; to Fountain Co., in 1832; thence to Vermilion Co., Ill., in 1833, and to Macon Co., in 1835; in the spring of 1839, came to Henry Co., Iowa; in the spring of 1841, to Van Buren Co. Married Mary Coddington, of Tippecanoe Co., Ind., Nov. 7, 1830; she was born in Gallia Co., Ohio, Nov. 20, 1809; have six children living--Josiah, Mary C., Sarah C., Maria, Elvina and Henrietta; lost three--Martha, an infant and Cyrene (wife of Lieut. Col. Joseph H. Newbold, who was killed at the battle of Pleasant Hill, La.); in October, 1872, she went to St. Louis, Mo., with a sister, who left her at a private boarding-house on Thursday, she designing to remain only till the following Monday, since which time to trace of her whereabouts has been ascertained, everything indicating that she has been foully murdered. Mr. Carmean has held the office of Justice of the Peace in this township two terms. Democrat.

Christie, J., far., S. 29; P.O. Utica.

Clark, J., far., S. 13; P.O. Hillsboro.

Cochran, A., far.; P.O. Hillsboro.

Caltraine, J., far. and mill-owner, Sec. 2; P.O. Vega.

Caltraine, W. C., far., S. 1; P.O. Wilsonville.

Cox, D., far., S. 24; P.O. Hillsboro.

Cuddy, M. T., far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Davidson, Richard, far.; P.O. Hillsboro, Henry Co.

Davidson, R., far., Sec. 21; P.O. Wilsonville.

Day, A. H., farmer, and stock-raiser, Sec. 32; P.O. Utica; owns, in company with his brother, Ira B., 1,040 acres, valued at $45 per acre; born May 14, 1838, in Hamilton Co., Ohio; came with parents to this county in the spring of 1844. Married Anna Fox, of this county, Feb. 16, 1864; she was born March 9, 1842; have five children living--Rhoda F., William R., Oliver L., Carrie E. and Timothy; lost two--Ella and Nannie. His father, Timothy Day, was born Feb. 23, 1803, in Hamilton Co., Ohio; married there Elizabeth Edwards March 27, 1825; she was born March 20, 1809; in the year 1839, came to Van Buren Co., and entered 3,700 acres from Government, in Union and Cedar Tps.; returned and brought his family out in 1844, and located in Union Tp.; was a member of the convention that framed the Constitution of 1856 for the State of Iowa; also one of the Trustees of the State Agricultural College; has also been a member of the State Agricultural Society about twelve years. Is a successful breeder of thorough-bred stock; sold his farm in Union Tp. in 1877, and came to live with his son, A. H. He still owns about 600 acres of land. Democrat.

Day, Ira B., farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 32; P.O. Utica; son of Timothy and Elizabeth Day; born Jan. 22, 1842, in Hamilton Co., Ohio; came with his parents to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in the spring of 1844, and located in Union Tp. Married Miss Hollie Robinson, of Des Moines Co., Iowa, Oct. 9, 1867; she was born in the same county Oct. 9, 1846; have five children living--Mary L., Anna L., Frances E., William E. and an infant not named. Mr. Day owns, in company with his brother, A. H., 1,040 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre. Democrat.

Dounard, Ephraim, far.; P.O. Utica.

Dounard, J., far., Sec. 31; P.O. Utica.

Douglas, Albert J., far. and mill-owner, S. 8; P.O. Wilsonville.

Douthart, R., far., S. 27; P.O. Hillsboro.

Dow, C. W., farmer; P.O. Wilsonville.

Endersby, Edmond, far., Sec. 26; P.O. Hillsboro.

Endersby, F., far., S. 22; P.O. Hillsboro.

Farmer, Samuel, far., Sec 10; P.O. Wilsonville.

Fender, Jacob J., far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Fickle, Samuel, far.; P.O.Hillsboro.

Giauque, A. T., far., Sec. 11; P.O. Hillsboro.

Graber, C., far., S. 15; P.O. Wilsonville.

Grim, J., far., Sec. 36; P.O. Hillsboro.

Harlan, Elihu, far., Sec. 3; P.O. Wilsonville.

Harlan, J., far., S. 10; P.O. Wilsonville.

Harlan, Levi, farmer and merchant, Sec. 9; P.O. Wilsonville.

Harlan, Nathan, farmer, Sec. 17; P.O. Wilsonville; owns 340 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born Jan. 20, 1821, in Union Co., Ind.; came to Lee Co., Iowa, in the fall of 1849. Married there to Nancy McGreer, March 18, 1852; she was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Aug. 16, 1833; the same spring, came to Van Buren Co., and located on the farm upon which he still lives; have five children living--Albert, Ann M., George W., Sarah J and John B.; lost two--Samantha and Ada. Member of the Christian Church; Republican.

Harlan, S. A., far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Helterbran, D. K., farmer, Sec. 27; P.O. Hillsboro, Henry Co., Iowa; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born Nov. 22, 1831, in Westmoreland Co., Penn.; went into Fayette Co. in 1852. Married there to Mary Farquhar Jan. 10, 1856; she was born Dec. 5, 1835, in the same county; came to this county in the spring of 1856, and settled on his present farm; during the year 1863, he was in a dry goods store in Hillsboro, Henry Co.; held the office of Justice of the Peace in his township six years; also Assessor and Trustee; have two children--Joshua A. and Aaron F. Members of the Free-Will Baptist Church; Republican.

Holliday, F. E. and C. D., fars., Sec. 26; P.O. Hillsboro.

Howard, I. L. V., far., Sec. 16; P.O. Wilsonville.

Huff, J. P., far., P.O. Wilsonville.

Huffman, J. R., far., S. 30; P.O. Utica.

Johnston, R., far.; P.O. Utica.

Jacobs, A. J., farmer, Sec. 21; P.O. Wilsonville; owns 150 acres of land, valued at $5,000; born Feb. 8, 1829, in Fayette Co., Penn.; his early life was spent on a farm; in the fall of 1855, he engaged in the mercantile business; in the summer of 1856, he came to Iowa to see the country, returned home, and in the spring of 1857, came with his family and located on the farm upon which he still lives. Married Anna M. Jordan, of Pennsylvania, Dec. 18, 1851; she was born Feb. 1, 1832; died May 5, 1871; was again married to Mrs. Clarinda Junk (nee Nixon), Oct. 19, 1876; she was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Sept. 27, 1841; had seven children by first wife, living--William R., Oscar J. A., Joseph B., Ida E., Edson C. and Anna M.; lost one--Ella H., by his second wife; has one son by former marriage--LeRoy Junk. Mr. Jacobs has acted as Township Clerk five years, Assessor four years, and Treasurer of his School District five years. Member of the Free-Will Baptist Church; Republican.

Johnston, Smith, far., P.O. Wilsonville.

Knowls, Virgil, farmer; P.O. Wilsonville.

Keck, Jos. A., farmer, stock dealer and shipper, Sec. 32; P.O. Utica; owns 420 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born Dec. 9, 1827, in Westmoreland Co., Penn; came with parents to this county in the spring of 1846, and settled in Harrisburg Tp., on the farm now owned by his brother Henry Keck; in the spring of 1850, went, with his brother Henry, to California overland with an ox-team; engaged in mining; returned in the summer of 1852 by water; the cholera broke out among the crew and passengers while near the West Indies, destroying them in great numbers. Married Ingaba Ebert May 5, 1853; she was born Dec. 2, 1835, in Fayette Co., Penn.; have eleven children living--Mary A. E., Hugh G., Catharine B., Rose E., George C., Lida N., John H., James E., Allie J., Charles R. and Robert R.; lost one son--Willie. Settled on his present farm in 1853. Member of M. E. Church; Republican.

Lane, F. H., farmer, Sec. 16, P.O. Wilsonville.

Lane, Wm., far., S. 3; P.O. Wilsonville.

Lazenby, R., far., Sec. 23; P.O. Hillsboro.

Loofbourrow, Jas. S., farmer, Sec. 21; P.O. Hillsboro, Henry Co.; owns 252 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born June 22, 1837, in Fayette Co., Penn.; parents moved to Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1840; thence to this county in the spring of 1855, and located in Harrisburg Tp. Enlisted in Co. D, 14th Iowa V. I., September, 1861; participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh, Pleasant Hill and Old Oak, La.; was with Banks in his Red River expedition, and Gen. A. J. Smith, in his raid through Mississippi, at the battle of Holly Springs and Pilot Knob; was discharged at Davenport, Iowa, Nov. 5, 1864. Married Mary Syfert April 24, 1866; she was born Dec. 29, 1845, in Fairfield Co., Ohio; have three children living--Irvin, John and Ella; lost one--Laura. Member of F. W. Baptist Church; Republican.

Leffler, A. J., farmer, Sec. 28; P.O. Utica; owns 270 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; also owns one-third interest in 160 acres of land in Harrisburg Tp.; born Feb. 6, 1847, in this county; was educated at the district school and at the graded school of Bonaparte. Married Lydia A. Vale, daughter of Jacob G. Vale, deceased, Jan. 1, 1878; she was born Nov. 8, 1853, in Lee Co., Iowa; educated at Monmouth College, Illinois, of which she is a graduate. Member of Baptist Church; Democrat.

Lyon, James, farmer; P.O. Utica.

McClellan, B. A., far., Sec. 3; P.O. Wilsonville.

McVeigh, J. H., far., S. 21; P.O. Wilsonville.

Marshall, John, far., S. 33; P.O. Utica.

Marshall, W. G., far.; P.O. Utica.

Marriott, Jas. L., far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Martin, Alexander, retired farmer, S. 15; P.O. Wilsonville

Millikin, C. & O. L., farmers; P.O. Wilsonville.

Morris, A. H., far., S. 7; P.O. Wilsonville; owns 400 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; born Nov. 1, 1833, in Harlan Co., Ky.; came with his parents to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in the fall of 1838, and settled in Cedar Tp.; from the spring of 1863 till the fall of 1866, he lived near Monroe, in Jasper Co., Iowa; then returned to the farm upon which he now lives. Married Harriet Ebert, of this county, Nov. 12, 1857; she was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Nov. 12, 1839; have eight children--Rebecca E., Ellen J., Belle C., Asbury D., Margaret A., Emma, Winfield L. and Mary E. Mr. Morris has served his township as Trustee. Member of the M. E. Church; Republican.

Morris, George F., far., S. 17; P.O. Wilsonville.

Morris, Henry T., far., Sec. 17; P.O. Wilsonville; owns 320 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born March 16, 1837, in Harlan Co., Ky.; came with his parents to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in the fall of 1838, and settled in Cedar Tp. Enlisted in July, 1861, in Co. H, of the 5th Iowa Inf.; was in Gen. Pope's division in Missouri; on acount of disability, was discharged in October, 1862; returned home. Married Sally A. Spencer Jan. 28, 1864; she was born in this county April 11, 1842; have six children living--Sherman, Frank, Charles, John H., Arthur and William. Settled on present farm in 1870. Republican.

Morris, Wm. C., far., S. 17; P.O. Wilsonville; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; son of Henry and Jane (Mark) Morris; was born March 9, 1825, in Harlan Co., Ky.; came with parents to Lee Co., Iowa, in June, 1838; the following September, came into Van Buren Co., and settled in Cedar Tp.; father died Feb. 16, 1871, and mother died Feb. 24, 1871. Mr. Morris entered his present farm from the Government in 1846.Married Sarah J. Evans June 25, 1848; she was born March, 1830, in Clark Co., Ky.; died Aug. 10, 1872; again married, Esther L. Culbertson May 24, 1874; she was born in this county Aug. 25, 1841; has ten children living by first wife--Wilburn, George L., Amanda, Margaret M., Thomas N., John A., William G. B., Laura B., Mayberry L and Sarah E.; lost three--Henry C. C., Joseph T. and Evans; by second wife has two--Lloyd C. and Grace E. Mr. Morris has been identified with the business of his township officially most of the time since its organization, filling most of the offices. Member of the M. E. Church; Republican.

Murdock, J. F., far., P.O. Wilsonville.

Newbold, Alex, far., S. 35; P.O. Hillsboro.

Newbold, C., far.; P.O. Hillsboro.

Nixon, Samuel, farmer, stockraiser and breeder of the choicest varieties of Poland-China hogs and fancy-bred sheep; S. 31; P.O. Utica; owns a farm of 420 acres, valued at $40 per acre; born June 13, 1820, in Wayne Co., Ohio. Married there Rachel Webb March 25, 1841; she was born in Pennsylvania April 15, 1821; he came to Van Buren Co. in the spring of 1848, and settled upon the farm on which he is still living; Mr. Nixon ranks among the best farmers of Van Buren Co.; has taken an active part in the County Agricultural Society. Served as a County Supervisor. Has nine children living--Jacob, Emily J., Harriet A., George, Moses, Alonzo, Ezra, Clemenza A. and Julius G.; lost one daughter--Maria, who was the wife of R. S. Wherry; died Sept. 24, 1878. Wife is a member of the Baptist Church; Republican.

Phillips, Clement, farmer; P.O. Wilsonville.

Plumer, William F., farmer, Sec. 34, P.O. Utica; owns 180 acres of land, valued at $7,000; born Feb. 4, 1832, in Washington Co., Ohio; educated at Marietta College, where he learned the business of land surveying, which he has followed to some extent; moved to Knox Co., Mo., in 1856; served while there in the State Militia three years, also as County Judge six years, came to Van Buren Co. in 1870; located on his present farm. Married Sarah F. Beswick, of Washington Co., Ohio, Dec. 21, 1856; she was born Nov. 18, 1834; have six children living--Happy M., John J., Augusta K., Fanny G., William P. and George G.; lost one--Jane E. Democrat.

Priestly, J., far., S. 26; P.O. Hillsboro.

Rockey, E. and J.; P.O. Hillsboro.

Rockey, F., S. 27; P.O. Hillsboro.

Rowley, T. B., far., S. 19; P.O. Utica.

Rowley, John W., County Superintendent of Schools; P.O. Utica; son of Theodore and Emiline (Watson) Rowley; was born July 23, 1846, in Columbiana Co., Ohio; parents came from there to Cedar Tp., of this county, in December, 1854. Mr. Rowley was educated at the common schools, and the Bentonsport and Davenport (Iowa) graded schools, and the commercial college of Davenport. Was elected as County Superintendent of this county in the fall of 1865, and re-elected in 1867, which position he still fills; is also President of the State and County Superintendents' Association, and of the Southeastern Iowa Educational Association, composed of thirteen counties; also one of the Vice Presidents of the State Teachers' Association, and one of the editors of the Central School Journal, of Keokuk. Was married to Melvina Thompson, daughter of the Rev. David Thompson, of Bonaparte, Oct. 27, 1868; she was born Oct. 27, 1849, in Highland Co., Ohio; have three children--Roland B., Frank W. and Clinton C. Member of Christian Church and Republican.

Ruby, J. H., far.; Sec. 16; P.O. Wilsonville.

Runyon, A., far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Runyon, J. H., far.; P.O. Hillsboro.

Runyon, J. W., far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Savage, William, farmer; P.O. Wilsonville.

Shelman, W. H., far., S. 12; P.O. Hillsboro.

Siviter, T., far., Sec. 11; P.O. Wilsonville

Simpkins, T. J., far., Sec. 17; P.O. Wilsonville.

Smutz, B. R., far., S. 22; P.O. Hillsboro.

Snider, G. W., far., S. 18; P.O. Wilsonville.

Snider, J. M., farmer, Sec. 18; P.O. Wilsonville; son of William C. and Elizabeth Snider; born Feb. 10, 1849, in Highland Co., Ohio; in the fall of 1850, his parents came to Des Moines Co., Iowa; in the spring of 1852, to Van Buren Co.; his mother died May 3, 1876; father is living with him; is in his 79th year; lives on the old homestead of 130 acres, valued at $35 per acre. Married Mary A. Archibald, Feb. 10, 1869; she was born in Jefferson Co., Iowa, in May, 1853; have only one child living--Edward J; lost four--Charles W., Alta M., Benton W. and an infant daughter, all of whom died in 1876, within a space of thirty-nine days, from diphtheria. Member of M. E. Church; Republican.

Spencer, J. M., far., S. 8; P.O. Wilsonville.

Spencer, William, farmer, Sec. 6; P.O. Birmingham; owns 360 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born Oct. 5, 1823, in Kentucky; in 1824, parents moved to Jefferson Co., Ind., where they remained till the fall of 1841, when they came to Van Buren Co., Iowa, and settled upon the farm where he now lives; his father, Absalom Spencer, died Sept. 14, 1873, and his mother, Nancy Spencer, died Oct. 6, 1870. Married Sarah J. Walker March 18, 1865; she was born in 1835, and died March 23, 1870; was again married, to Susan Shott Jan. 24, 1875; she was born Nov. 8, 1834; have two children by his first wife--Martin N. and Isabella; and, by second wife, one son--William H. Democrat.

Stewart, J., sawyer, Utica

Stanley, W. M., far., S. 11; P.O. Wilsonville.

Syphers, J., far., Sec. 14; P.O. Wilsonville.

Taylor, C. G., far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Taylor, O. P., far., P.O. Hillsboro.

Taylor, T. E., far., S. 15; P.O. Wilsonville.

Taylor, W. A., far., P.O. Wilsonville.

Thomas, E. A., far., S. 36; P.O. Hillsboro.

Veach, Samuel, far., Sec. 9; P.O. Wilsonville.

Watson, James A., far., S. 25; P.O. Hillsboro.

Watson, James L., far., S. 25; P.O. Hillsboro.

Watson, John H., far., S. 28; P.O. Wilsonville.

Watson, William, far., S. 27; P.O. Hillsboro.

Watson, W. H. H., far.; P.O. Hillsboro.

Westover, Oliver, far.; P.O. Wilsonville.

Wheatley, Caleb.

Wheatley, Job, farmer, carpenter and joiner, Sec. 27; P.O. Hillsboro, Henry Co.; son of Caleb and Margaret Wheatley; born June 9, 1848, in Athens Co., Ohio; came with parents to Van Buren Co. in the spring of 1857, and settled on the farm (comprising 150 acres) where he now resides. His mother died Dec. 15, 1874; his father living with him. Though a boy, he enlisted in Co. H, of the 45th Iowa Infantry; May, 1864, he went to Tennessee and participated in the battle of Memphis against the rebel Gen. Forrest; was in the 100-day service service; discharged at Keokuk October, 1864. Returned home and engaged with John Ayres to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed till 1872, since which time he has farmed. Married Nancy Taylor June 29, 1873; she was born in this county April 13, 1853; have two children--John W. and Eliza M. Wife member Christian Church; Republican.

Wheatley, Ross M., far., S. 16; P.O. Wilsonville.

Whitaker, S., far., P.O. Utica.

Whitlam, Tilghman, far., P.O. Wilsonville.

Wise, William, far., S. 33; P.O. Utica.

1878 Biographies of Bonaparte Township, Van Buren County, Iowa
transcribed by Rich Lowe. E-mail - richlowe@web-iowa.com

1878 Township Index | Van Buren County, IAGenWeb

Van Buren County 1878 Biography Index created and maintained by richlowe@web-iowa.com
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