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.

Alexander, W. H., farmer, Sec. 20; P.O. Bentonsport.

Barr, Robert far., S. 1; P.O. Hillsboro.

Barger, L., merchant, in Harrisburg Tp.

Baugher, J., far., S. 26; P.O. Big Mound.

Bell, J. H., far., S. 33; P.O. Bonaparte.

Bennett, J., far. Sec. 25; P.O. Big Mound.

Blackford, J. W., Bonaparte.

Boon, R. L., Dr., physician and surgeon; Utica; son of Samuel and Sarah (Crawford) Boon; was born Jan. 1, 1850, near Birmingham in this county, where his father still lives; his mother died Aug. 26, 1856; parents emigrated to this county in July, 1845, from Wayne Co., Ohio. Dr. Boon was educated at the Birmingham Academy and at Monmouth College, Illinois; commenced the study of medicine in 1873, under Dr. J. N. Norris, of Birmingham, and subsequently attended Rush Medical College, of Chicago, Ill.; commenced the practice of medicine in Bonaparte in 1875, and, in 1877, came to Utica, where he is now located. Republican.

Brownfield, E. P., M.D., farmer and physician; P.O. Bentonsport; owns 350 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; son of Robert and Sarah Brownfield; born Aug. 20, 1832, in Fayette Co., Penn.; parents moved to Union Co., Ind., in 1834; and to Decatur Co., in 1839; to Van Buren Co., Iowa, spring of 1846, and located near Utica, in Cedar Tp., where his father died Sept. 10, 1857, in the 64th year of his age, having served in the war of 1812; his mother is living on the home farm in her 83d year. Mr. Brownfield married Mary A. Stevens, of this county, March 24, 1853; she was born May 12, 1834, in Ripley Co., Ind. In the fall of 1853, he moved into Wapello Co.; returned to this county in the spring of 1855; in the fall of 1858, moved to Sullivan Co., Mo., and, in February, 1860, returned to Van Buren Co. and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Allen, of Bentonsport; since, he has followed the stock business, continuing his studies and the practice of medicine; he graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in Keokuk, Feb. 14, 1878; purchased his present farm in 1873; has accumulated all his property since 1860, by economy, industry and perseverance. Has been Justice of the Peace about four years. Has nine children living--Sarah A., Rebecca R., William A., George B., Herman G., Carrie A., John F. A., Mary E. and Charles P.; lost two--Andrew A. and Robert V. Member of the Missionary Baptist Church; Democrat.

Buragruff, J., far., S. 27; P.O. Bonaparte.

Campbell, Lewis, far., S. 10; O. P. Bonaparte; owns 100 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; he was born Jan. 2, 1834, in Fayette Co., Penn.; came with parents to this county in the spring of 1855. Married Minerva McDow Dec. 15, 1859; she was born Sept. 25, 1832, in Illinois; have five children--Albert D., born Feb. 9, 1861; Elliott B., Feb. 27, 1863; Exavera, April 28, 1866; Julia L., Aug. 30, 1872; Hattie T., March 9, 1874. His wife is a member of the church. His father died in March, 1874; mother still lives with brother in Jefferson Co., Iowa. Republican.

Cass, L., far., S. 18; P.O. Bentonsport.

Cheney, L. C., far., S. 33; P.O. Bonaparte.

Christian, A. J., far. S. 13; P.O. Bonaparte; owns 200 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre; born Nov. 17, 1814, in Hawkins Co., Tenn.; parents moved into McMinn Co. in 1826. He married there Sarah McKeehan Feb. 12, 1832. Moved into Marshall Co. in 1834; in the fall of 1838, he came to Van Buren Co., Iowa; lived near Bonaparte till 1840, when he purchased the farm now owned by Jacob Fritsinger; in the fall of 1841, had the misfortune of having his house burned with all its contents; sold and purchased the farm now owned by W. C. Sturdivant; remained there a few years; then sold and came on his present farm. His wife died Sept. 22, 1864; again married, to Elizabeth Calhoun June 18, 1865; she was born Jan. 9, 1843, in Philadelphia, Penn.; has seven children by first wife living--Charles W., Asbury L., Naomi E., Mary J., Sarah J., Eliza A., Martha I.; lost one--William A.; by second wife--Edwin E. and Lottie M. Democrat.

Cline, A., far., Sec. 34; P.O. Bonaparte.

Connor, P., far., Sec. 28; P.O. Bonaparte.

Cresswell, Mathew, far., S. 11; P.O. Bonaparte.

Custer, John L., Bonaparte.

Dodd, D. J., far., Sec. 9; P.O. Utica.

Dodds, J., far., S. 16; P.O. Pierceville.

Dodds, W. H., farmer; P.O. Pierceville; owns 130 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; born Sept. 19, 1838, in Jefferson Co., Ill.; came with parents to Iowa in the spring of 1851, and located in Lee Co.; in 1854, came to Van Buren Co.; made his home at his father's till he enlisted in Co. F, 14th Iowa Inf, in October, 1861; participated in the battle of Fort Donelson; also at Pittsburg Landing; at the latter place was taken prisoner; sent to Montgomery, Ala.; thence to Macon, Ga.; then to Olivia, Va., where he was paroled and exchanged, after being in prison over nine months; re-entered the service in April, 1862; was promoted to Second Lieutenant; in the spring of 1863, to First Lieutenant; was with Gen. Banks in his Red River expedition; also with A. J. Smith in his raid through Mississippi; mustered out in November, 1864, and returned home. Married Catherine S. Geddis, of this county, June 1, 1865; she was born in 1847, died in November, 1868; he again married, Ellen M. Perry March 1, 1872; she was born in 1854, in Ohio; had two children by first wife--Lydia W. and William V., and two by second wife--John D. and Homer. Mr. Dodds went to California in February, 1870; returned the following fall. Is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church; Greenbacker.

Drakes, Joseph, far., S. 3; P.O. Utica; owns eighty acres of land, valued at $45 per acre; born March 15, 1809, in Lincolnshire, England; followed the occupation of coachman; came to New York City in April, 1830; remained there and in vicinity about three years as coachman; then went to Boston and engaged at same business; in 1835, went to Philadelphia; thence to Baltimore, Md., and was a driver on the Good Intent line of stages between Baltimore and Wheeling, W. Va.; a year after, went to Cincinnati, Ohio; drove stage on the line between there and Springfield; then engaged with a man of the name of Basey as horseman at Hamilton City; afterward in a livery-stable in Cincinnati, after which he went to Louisville, Ky., a short time, then to Vicksburg and to New Orleans; returned to Cincinnati and engaged in the livery business; went to Uniontown, Penn., and engaged in the stage-driving business again. Married, while there, Jane Nixon April 1, 1841; she was born March 12, 1819. In the fall of 1848, he immigrated to Van Buren Co., Iowa, and located on his present farm. Have no children. Republican.

Easling, H. L., far., Sec. 15; P.O. Bonaparte.

Easling, M., far., S. 22; P.O. Bonaparte.

Eich, Jacob, farmer, Sec. 28; P.O. Bonaparte; son of Phillip and Catherine (Swigert) Eich; was born Nov. 5, 1830, in Adams Co., Penn.; came with his parents to this county in the spring of 1844; in the spring of 1850, went to California by overland route; remained there till the spring of 1854, and then returned to Iowa. Married Agnes Beck, of this county, May 31, 1855; she was born Oct. 17, 1834, in Adams Co., Penn.; have eight children--Anna, Phillip, Alice, Thomas, Charles, Hattie, Katie and George. In 1860, moved into Bonaparte, and engaged in the employ of Meek Brothers, in the grist-mill, till 1872, and then engaged in the grain business with Mr. Chapman till 1874, then in the mercantile business till 1876, when he came on his present farm of 240 acres, owned by him in company with the other heirs of Mr. George Beck, his father, who died March 4, 1854, and his mother Feb. 22, 1859. Mr. E. has served his township as Clerk and Trustee several years, also as Assessor of Bonaparte Tp. Democrat.

Endersby, Arthur, farmer, Sec. 12; P.O. Hillsboro, Henry Co.; owns 280 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born March 11, 1835, in Bedfordshire, Eng.; his parents immigrated to the United States in 1841, and located near Hillsboro, Henry Co.; in 1843, came into Van Buren Co.; in 1857, went to California, and, in 1859, returned to Van Buren Co.; his father died in 1860. Married Anna M. Smith, of Lee Co., Iowa, May 16, 1860; she was born in 1841, near Zanesville, Ohio; have nine children living--Elizabeth S., Alvadus O., Arthur E., Ulysses S., Vincent C., William, Alonzo, Robert L. and Lorenzo D. Greenbacker.

Ely, J. W., far., Sec. 7; P.O. Pierceville.

Engle, S., far., Sec. 22; P.O. Bonaparte.

Farnum, Frederick, far., Sec. 23; P.O. Bonaparte.

Fletcher, William, far., S. 25; P.O. Big Mound.

Fritsinger, Jacob, far., Section 34; P.O. Bonaparte; owns 290 acres of land,valued at $40 per acre; born March 26, 1822, in Wayne Co., Ohio. Married there Catherine Ebe March 12, 1846; she was born Sept. 16, 1824; in the summer of 1848, emigrated to Iowa; stopped first at Mahaska Co., a short time, then went to Lee Co., near West Point; in the spring of 1849, came to his present farm. Have one son--John W., born Nov. 9, 1839. Member of the Missionary Baptist Church; Democrat.

Gilbert, H., far., S. 31; P.O. Bentonsport.

Harlan,Cyrus, far., S. 1; P.O. Hillsboro.

Harlan, N. B., S. 2; P.O. Hillsboro.

Harr, H. W., far., S. 35; P.O. Bonaparte.

Harris, G., far., S. 29; P.O. Bonaparte.

Heller, J. A., far., S. 15; P.O.Bonaparte.

Henry, T., far., S. 8; P.O. Pierceville.

Horn, Hugh N., farmer, Section 1; P.O. Hillsboro, Henry Co., Iowa; owns a farm of 300 acres, valued at $40 per acre; born Nov. 17, 1830, in Washington Co., Penn. In early life, he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade; came to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in 1857, and remained till the fall of 1860; returned to Pennsylvania, and, in the spring of 1861, enlisted in an independent cavalry company, from Washington Co., Penn., in which he continued two years and eight months, when he was transferred to Co. B, of the 22d Penn. Cavalry; participated in the battle of Winchester, Va.; also many of the battles of Hunter's raid to Lynchburg, Va., part of the time under Sheridan in his raid in the Shenandoah Valley; discharged in the fall of 1864. In the fall of 1865, returned to this county and followed his trade; in 1873, bought his present farm. Married Susannah Grim Nov. 17, 1874; she was born in 1843, in Pennsylvania; died Aug. 8, 1876. Republican.

Israel, J. D., farmer, Sec. 4; P.O. Utica; owns 710 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born Sept. 14, 1818, in Butler Co., Ohio; parents moved to Decatur Co., Ind., in 1830; in the fall of 1843, he came to Washington Co., Iowa; in the spring of 1850, went by overland route to California; returned in the spring of 1851, and located in Harrisburg Tp. Married Julia Nixon, daughter of Isaac Nixon, Sept. 14, 1851; have six children living--John I., Clara B., George H., Larissa, Nettie and Joseph; lost two--Mary J. and Emma. Mr. Israel has, by his own industry and economy, accumulated a handsome property, which will enable him to pass down the decline of life in peace and comfort. Members of the Missionary Baptist Church; Republican.

Jewett, A., far., S. 5; P.O. Utica.

Jewett, O., far., S. 5; P.O. Utica

Johnson, B., far. S. 1; P.O. Hillsboro.

Johnson, C. P., far., S. 2; P.O.Hilsboro.

King, M., far., Sec. 34; P.O. Bonaparte.

Keck, Henry, farmer, Sec. 5; P.O. Utica; owns 420 acres of land valued at $40 per acre; born Dec. 4, in 1823, Westmoreland Co., Penn.; went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and engaged in a wholesale and retail grocery store for his uncle; in the fall of 1849, came to Van Buren Co.; in the spring of 1850, went by overland route to California; returned in 1851; in 1852, again went to California; in 1855, returned and settled on the farm where he now lives. He married Mary Nixon, daughter of Isaac Nixon of this county, Dec. 13, 1855; she was born May 23, 1830, in Fayette Co., Penn.; have four children living--Anna B., Elmer E., Sallie C., Henry J.; lost one daughter--Ella J. Mr. Keck's father died here June 10, 1863, at the age of 59, and his mother died May 20, 1874, at the age of 64. Member of the M. E. Church; Republican.

Klise, G., far., Sec. 8; P.O. Utica.

Klise, John, far., Se.6; P.O. Utica.

Leffler, M., far., Sec. 17; P.O. Pierceville.

Lyon, F. M., far. and blacksmith, Sec. 7; P.O. Pierceville.

Lyon, J., far., Sec. 7; P.O. Pierceville.

Mahler, M., far., Sec. 32; P.O. Bonaparte.

Manning, A., far., S. 17; P.O. Birmingham.

Martin, A., far., S. 11; P.O. Bonaparte.

Masdon, J., far., S. 1; P.O. Hillsboro.

McCullough, D. C., far., S. 4; P.O. Utica.

McGoun, T. S., far., S. 25; P.O. Big Mound.

McGrear, G., far., S. 2; P.O. Utica.

McLain, R., far., S. 8; P.O. Pierceville.

Meredith, J., far., P.O. Bonaparte.

Miller, A., far., S. 32; P.O. Bonaparte

Miller, A., far., S. 22; P.O. Bonaparte

Miller, C. O., far., S. 34; P.O. Bonaparte

Miller, G. W., far., S. 26; P.O. Bonaparte

Miller, J. A., far., S. 22; P.O. Bonaparte

Miller, J. H., far., P.O. Bonaparte

Miller, W., far., S. 34; P.O. Bonaparte

Miller, Samuel H., far., Sec. 15; P.O. Bonaparte; owns 240 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born Feb. 24, 1826, in Hardy Co., W. Va. Married there Amelia Miller October 11, 1847; she was born March 4, 1829; came to Iowa in the fall of 1852, and settled in Appanoose Co.; in the fall of 1854, he moved to California; in the fall of 1858, returned to Iowa and settled upon his present farm in Harrisburg Tp., Van Buren Co.; has one daughter living, who married W. A. Christian in February, 1870, who died in May, 1877; she now lives at her father's; lost two children-Susannah and America. Democrat.

Moore, H., farmer, Sec. 25; P.O. Big Mound.

Moore, J., far., S. 13; P.O Big Mound.

Percival, J. B., far., S. 12; P.O. Hillsboro.

Pease, J. B., farmer, Sec. 24; P.O. Big Mound, Lee Co., Iowa; owns 215 acres of land, valued at $55 per acre; born Jan. 24, 1817, in Washington Co., Penn.; in the spring of 1851, came to Iowa, and located in Marion Tp., of Lee Co.; in the spring of 1865, moved into Washington Tp., same county; thence to his present farm in Harrisburg Tp. in the spring of 1866. Married Elizabeth McCullough Sept. 24, 1844, in Pennsylvania; she was born in November, 1820, and died Dec. 25, 1856; again married, Catharine L. Crawford in Pennsylvania Nov. 24, 1859; she was born in 1827, and died Dec. 29, 1865; again married Catharine C. Brownlee Oct. 17, 1867; she was born in 1827 in Pennsylvania; had four children by first wife-Frances M., Anna M., John M. and Samuel G., who died in Tennessee in the army; had four children by second wife, all of whom died in infancy. Mr. Pease was elected to the House of Representatives from Lee Co. in the fall of 1856, and to the Senate from Van Buren Co. in 1873. Is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Democrat.

Piper, John, far., S. 12; P.O. Hillsboro.

Proper, L. W., far., S. 15; P.O. Bonaparte

Proper, O. C., farmer, Sec. 14, P.O. Bonaparte; owns 805 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre; born March 7, 1825, in Tompkins Co., N.Y.; in the fall of 1845, went to Mason Co., Ky.; in the fall of 1846, came to Van Buren Co., Iowa, thence to Tennessee, and there appointed Assistant Quartermaster of the U.S.A., and went to Mexico during the Mexican war; in the fall of 1847, returned to Van Buren Co., and purchased a part of the farm which he now owns. Married to Caroline C. Sedgwick, of Tompkins Co., N.Y., May 1, 1851; she was born Jan. 12, 1831; have six children living-Alice M., Hena M., Clinton L., Marcus O., Elmira and Carlton C.; lost one-Charlotte. Mr. Proper is the owner of one of the best farms in his township. Republican.

Robbins, W. C., far., S. 6; P.O.Utica.

Rodestock, F., far., S. 29; P.O. Bentonsport.

Rounkles, J. P., far., S. 27, P.O. Bonaparte.

Russell, S., far., S. 27; P.O. Bonaparte.

Schmidt, John P., farmer, Sec. 32; P.O. Bonaparte.

Schmidt, C. W., farmer, Sec. 32; P.O. Bonaparte.

Smith, M., far., P.O. Bonaparte.

Snyder, Adam, farmer; P.O. Bentonsport; owns 102 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; born Aug. 10, 1816, in Chester Co., Penn.; worked at farming till about 30 years of age, then worked on the P. C. R. R. about ten years, till he came to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in the spring of 1859, and settled upon the farm upon which he is still living. Married Anna M. Tussey March 11, 1847, in Pennsylvania; she was born April 8, 1822; have two children-Adelaide V., born Feb. 29, 1848, and William M., born April 29, 1858; son was married to Rebecca R. Brownfield, May 4, 1876; daughter was married to Harris Easling, who is in Kansas. Members of the M. E. Church. Democrat.

Sprott, Samuel J., farmer, Sec. 3; P.O. Utica; owns 185 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; son of Thomas and Elizabeth Sprott; born Dec. 9, 1829, in Beaver Co., Penn.; came with parents to Lee Co., Iowa, in the fall of 1845; in 1853, came to Van Buren Co., Iowa; his father died Aug. 23, 1876, and mother March 13, 1869. He married Sarah E. Straight Sept. 15, 1857; she was born March 16, 1836, in Tyler Co., W. Va., and came to Iowa in 1855; have six children living-Samuel D., Ida, Fred, John, Frank and Fanny K.; lost five-Joseph T., May B., Charlie, Miriam and Willie. Mr. Sprott has filled the office of Trustee and Assessor of the township. Democrat.

Spraker, J., mer., Sec. 6; P.O. Utica.

Sprankle, W. U., far. Sec. 34; P.O. Bonaparte.

Steele, H., far., Sec. 3; P.O. Hillsboro.

Stephenson, J. H., farmer, Sec. 24; P.O. Big Mound, Lee Co.; owns ninety acres of land, valued at $50 per acre; born Dec. 11, 1826, in Washington Co., Penn.; came to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in the spring of 1854, and settled on the farm where he now resides; during the year 1875, he lived in Fort Madison. Married Miss Sarah J. Sutherland, of Jefferson Co., Ohio, July 27, 1848; she was born Jan. 10, 1826; have one daughter-Rebecca L., born July 15, 1849; married John H. Kinsley, of Fort Madison, Iowa, Nov. 12, 1873. Members of the Presbyterian Church. Democrat.

Stephenson, J. H., far., S. 24; P.O. Big Mound.

Stevens, D. F., far., Sec. 21; P.O. Bonaparte.

Stonehouse, Richard, far., Sec. 12; P.O. Hillsboro.

Sturdivant, R. J., far., Sec. 35; P.O. Bonaparte.

Sutherland, David, far., Sec. 25; P.O. Big Mound.

Tade, Wm. A., far., Sec. 4; P.O. Utica.

Tully, S. M., farmer, Section 24; P.O. Big Mound; owns 143 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born Jan. 28, 1825, in Frederick Co., Md.; went with his parents to Pickaway Co., Ohio, in the spring of 1853; in 1856, went to New York City, and shipped on board a sailing-vessel for Melbourne, Australia; was eighty-one days making the trip; followed mining, carpenter and joiner work; in 1859, left for home in a sailing-vessel to Liverpool, and steamer thence to New York City; in the fall of 1859, came to Iowa; stopped in Farmington, in Harrisburg Tp., and purchased his present farm. Married Margaret Baugher Dec. 25, 1859; she was born in March, 1841, in Pennsylvania; have five children living-Mary C., Alice A., William H., Rebecca L. and Albert M.; lost four-Jane E., Thomas, Alonzo and George. Member of the Christian Church; Democrat.

Vale, Benjamin R., farmer and stock-raiser, makes a specialty of Mambrino horses, Sec. 15; P.O. Bonaparte; son of Jacob G. and Anne Vale; born June 4, 1848, in Jefferson Co., Ohio; his parents emigrated to Iowa in the spring of 1850, and located near Primrose, Lee Co.; in the spring of 1856, he came into Harrisburg Tp., Van Buren Co., where his father died Feb. 17, 1875, in the 54th year of his age, leaving a wife and three children--Benjamin R., Lydia A. and Martha. Mr. Vale was a man of ability, having served as Senator, and in other official capacity; was one of the leading farmers of the county, owning, at the time of his death, nearly 2,000 acres of land, 845 acres in the home farm, of which B. R. has charge; since the death of Mr. Vale, there have been added to the estate, so that now there are 2,080 acres of land. Mr. B. R. Vale attended the Birmingham Acadamy, of this county; finished his education at Monmouth College, Ill., graduated in June, 1873. Married Nancy V. J. Biddle, of Kirkwood, Ill., Feb. 12, 1874; she was born Nov. 2, 1849, in Mercer Co., Penn.; have three children--Anne R., Mary B. and an infant. Members of the Union Presbyterian Church; Republican.

Wheatley, T., far., S. 11; P.O. Hillsboro.

Wallingford, Henry, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Bonaparte; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born March 5, 1855, in Warren Co., Ill.; his parents moved to Henry Co., Iowa, in January, 1866; the following fall he came to Van Buren Co. He married Elizabeth Miller, of this county, in September, 1875; she was born April 23, 1860, in Fayette Co., Penn.; have one son-Harry, born May 18, 1878. Democrat.

Wallingford, James M. , farmer, Sec. 22; P.O. Bonaparte; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born July 9, 1857, in Warren Co., Ill.; his parents moved to Henry Co., Iowa, in January, 1866; the following fall, came into Van Buren Co., and settled on the farm now owned by his brother Henry, where his parents both died June 9, 1872. Married Fanny Talbott, of Clarke Co., Mo., Sept. 19, 1878; she was born Oct. 23, 1859, in Keokuk, Iowa. Member of Baptist Church; Democrat.

Whilhelm, D. , far., S. 29; P.O. Bonaparte.

White, S. , far., S. 34; P.O. Bonaparte.

Woods, A. H. , farmer, Sec. 31; P.O. Bentonsport; owns 700 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born Aug. 11, 1808, near Wheeling, W. Va.; his parents moved to Wayne Co., Ohio, in 1816; in 1829, he went to Constantine, St. Joseph Co., Mich., and purchased land there, but engaged in milling for William Meek. Married his daughter Elizabeth Meek, in 1834, she was born April 8, 1813, in Ohio. Came to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in the spring of 1837, and settled on a part of the land he still owns, where, by careful management and economy, he has one of the best farms in his township, and well improved. Has eight children living-William, Robert, Ellen, Elizabeth, Sarah, Henrietta, Mary and Jesse; lost three-Margaret J., Mary A. and Nancy. Democrat.