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.

Archer, J. A., far., S. 19; P.O. Birmingham.

Arnold, John Baldwin, farmer, Sec. 34; P.O. Winchester; son of George and Rachel (Wright) Arnold; born Jan. 5, 1827, in Fairfield Co., Ohio. Married Louisa Cupp Sept. 10, 1848; the same fall, came to Van Buren Co.; the following spring, returned to Ohio; in the fall of 1855, came here and purchased 160 acres, where he now lives; by industry an economy, he has added to it till he now has 500 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre, which he has well stocked. His wife was born June 20, 1828, in Ohio; have six children living -- Emeline F., Mary A., John L., Clara A., Alpha N. and Ada C.; lost two -- George W. and Rachel L. Member of A., F. & A. M. Democrat.

Barker, Matthew, farmer, Sec. 32; P.O. Winchester.

Barnes, Hiram, farmer and livery; P.O. Birmingham; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born March 18, 1818, in Harrison Co., Ohio; parents moved to Tuscarawas Co., in 1820; in 1834, to McLean Co., and from there to this county in the fall of 1839, and settled near Birmingham; he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade in early life, which he followed till he enlisted in 1861, in Co. H, of the 3d Iowa V. C.; was elected Second Lieutenant, and soon promoted to First Lieutenant; was discharged in March, 1863, for disability; returned home, and soon after engaged in his present business. Was married to Hannah B. Loomis, of Jefferson Co., Iowa, Aug. 26, 1846; she was born July 3, 1822, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y.; children -- Louisa, William A., Belle, Virginia, Mary and Iola; lost two -- Lester and James A. Member of the M. E. Church; Republican.

Bechtel, A. K., far., S. 15; P.O. Winchester.

Bechtel, S., far., Sec. 15; P.O. Winchester.

Belknap, E. B., far., Sec. 21; P.O. Winchester.

Beswick, J., Sr., retired far.; P.O. Winchester.

Beswick, James, Jr., farmer, Sec. 26; P.O. Winchester; owns 320 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; son of James and Augusta Beswick; born March 13, 1832, in Washington Co., Ohio; his father came to that county from Chelshire, England, in 1818, and married there Dec. 10, 1826; the family came to this county in the spring of 1850, and settled in this township. Mr. Beswick married Mary E. Whittlesey Oct. 21, 1858; she was born Aug. 18, 1840, and died Sept. 4, 1868; he again married Viola Racer, Nov. 25, 1869; she was born Sept. 6, 1849, in Washington Co., Ohio; have four children by first wife -- Agnes V., Alice M., Wilson S. and Lena R., and one by second wife -- W. Lloyd. Democrat.

Beswick, T. T., far., S. 23; P.O. Winchester.

Beswick, W. S., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Bickford, M., retired far., P.O. Birmingham.

Birch, M. I., mechanic, Birmingham.

Blackford, J. W.

Bogle, S. A., feather renovator, Birmingham.

Bonar, D. B., plasterer, Birmingham.

Bonnett, H., far., S. 8; P.O. Birmingham.

Bonnett, L., far., S. 9; P.O. Birmingham.

Bonnett, S. J., far., Sec. 9; P.O. Birmingham.

Bowers, W. F., far., Sec. 34; P.O. Winchester.

Bradford, A. H., far., Sec. 29; P.O. Winchester.

Beans, J. F., wagon-maker, Birmingham.

Bryant, J. M., retired far., Birmingham.

Byers, I., far., S. 20; P.O. Winchester.

Calhoun, John, Sr., farmer; P.O. Winchester.

Calhoun, David K., farmer, Sec. 15; P.O. Winchester; owns 245 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born March 9, 1844, in Westmoreland Co., Penn.; came with his parents to this county in 1855, and to his present farm in 1858. Enlisted in Co. I, 19th I. V. I., in August, 1862; participated in the battles of Springfield, Mo.; Vicksburg, Miss.; Port Hudson and Sterling Farm, La.; in the latter, he was taken prisoner, and was confined at Shrevesport, La., and Tyler, Tex., for nearly ten months; was exchanged and returned to his regiment, and was at the battles of Spanish Fort and Mobile, Ala.; discharged at the close of the war and returned home. Married Emma Travis, of this county, Nov. 9, 1868; she was born June 12, 1849, in Pennsylvania; they have three children -- Elvina B., Mary L. and Johnson B. Members of the Presbyterian Church; Republican.

Calhoun, J., Jr., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Calhoun, V. S., far., S. 22; P.O. Winchester.

Calhoun, Newton, retired farmer; P.O. Birmingham; owns 368 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born in Beaver Co., Penn., May 19, 1809; parents moved to Holmes Co., Ohio, when he was small; he came to Van Buren Co. in the spring on 1839, and settled near Birmingham, there being but few settlers in this vicinity; in the spring of 1850, he went to California, and returned in the spring of 1852; left his farm and came into Birmingham in 1870. Was married to Matilda Sanders April 8, 1830; she was born Oct. 16, 1811, and died Feb. 12,1836; married her sister, Esther Sanders Oct. 18, 1836; she was born April 5, 1815, and died Sept. 17, 1878; has two children living by first wife -- George C. and Thomas E.; lost one -- Thomas E., by first wife and six by second wife -- Vernum S., Newton L., Ross, James F., Nathan S. and Rosetta M.; lost three -- Orange S., Smith C. and John C. His sons Newton and Ross served their country in the late rebellion. Mr. Calhoun is a member of the M. E. Church, and a Republican.

Campbell, J., far., S. 11; P.O. Birmingham.

Christler, H. G., far., S. 28; P.O. Winchester.

Christler, M., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Clark, A. S., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Cole, A., hotel man, Birmingham.

Cole, J. W., proprietor of Birmingham Marble Works with E. M. Talbott, Birmingham; born June 25, 1826, in Norfolkshire, England; came with parents to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1832; moved to Butler Co., Penn., in 1836; went to Pittsburgh in 1838, and worked at the marble business till 1843; went to Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., in 1847; went to Monongalia Co., W. Va.; came to Keokuk, Iowa, spring of 1851; to Quincy, Illinois, in 1853; to Village Tp., in 1854; in 1859, moved to Davis Co.; came to Birmingham in 1873; established the Birmingham Marble Works, with Mr. E. M. Talbott, as partner spring of 1878. Married Everella Overturf, of Brownsville, Penn., April 25, 1850; she was born Jan. 10, 1831, in Pennsylvania; have three children -- Malzena B. C., M. Georgie, Maud D. Republican.

Corry, James, Jr., far., Sec. 18; P.O. Birmingham; son of James and Isabella Corry; born in Allegheny Co., Penn., in 1832; his parents were natives of Ireland; came to the United States in 1818; settled in Allegheny Co., Penn.; his father was born in 1797, and is still living; mother died in 1841, in Pennsylvania; came to Van Buren Co., spring of 1855 and stopped in Harrisburg Tp.; in 1858, moved just north of Birmingham, and came to his present farm in 1868. Married Ellen M. Redman of this county, Nov. 4, 1858; she was born in this county; died Aug. 8, 1863. Married Laura E. Hiatt, of Lee Co., Iowa, Sept. 23, 1875; she was born Feb. 19, 1850, in Iowa; have one son by first wife -- Chester E.; and one by second wife -- Clyde L.; owns a farm of 306 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Is a member of Presbyterian Church; Republican.

Countryman, G. W., furniture dealer, Birmingham.

Creamer, D. C., prop. Woolen Mills, Birmingham.

Culbertson, J. S., retired farmer, Birmingham.

Cupp, George, retired far., Birmingham.

Dunn, Adeson, far.; P.O. Birmingham.

Daniels, T., farmer; P.O. Winchester.

Day, C. V. B., far., Sec. 24; P.O. Winchester.

Deahl, George, carpenter and joiner, Birmingham.

Deahl, Samuel, carpenter and joiner, Birmingham.

Dill, J., far., Sec. 10; P.O. Birmingham.

Donnell, D., far., Sec. 11, P.O. Birmingham.

Elbert, T. D., stock dealer, Birmingham.

Eichleberger, F., ret. far., Birmingham.

Evans, J. B., far., Sec. 2; P.O. Birmingham.

Evans, W. A., far., S. 2; P.O. Birmingham.

Evans, W. C., far., S. 2; P.O. Birmingham.

Ferrell, John W., wagon-maker, Birmingham.

Fast, William, farmer, Sec. 5; P.O. Birmingham; son of Jesse and Rebecca (Gans) Fast; born Sept. 23, 1824, in Greene Co., Penn.; parents moved to Jefferson Co., Ohio, in 1827, where his early life was spent; was educated at the Richmond Academy in the same county, and followed teaching and farming for several years. Married Mary A. McCullough, of Jefferson Co., Oct. 11, 1849; she was born May 17, 1828; in the spring of 1857, moved to Clark Co., Mo., same fall to Davis Co., Iowa, and to his present farm in spring of 1863; have five children living -- Jno. M., Francis D., William, Abe Lincoln and George M.; lost two -- Homer J. and an infant. Mr. Fast's great-grandfather, Nicholas Fast, was of German descent; grandfather was Francois Fast, of Pennsylvania, and on the side of his mother his great-great-grandfather was Jacob Gans, of Holland, and great-grandfather was George Gans, of Maryland, and grandfather Benjamin Gans, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Fast is a member of the M. E. Church; Republican.

Fickel, Josias, far., S. 36; P.O. Utica; owns 390 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born Dec. 22, 1819, in Perry Co., Ohio; came to this county in fall of 1846, and settled on his present farm. Married Julia A. Warner June 16, 1841; she was born Jan. 8, 1821, in Fairfield Co., Ohio; have eight children living -- Susannah, Mary, Samuel, Darius, Jeremiah, LeRoy, Julia A. and Josias. Democrat.

Ford, B. F., far., Sec. 28; P.O. Winchester.

Fordyce, Lewis F., far., S. 14; P.O. Winchester.

Fordyce, Seth, farmer, S. 25; P.O. Winchester; owns 390 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born March 6, 1819, in Wabash Co., Ill.; came to Iowa in fall of 1837; to Van Buren Co. in February 1839, and settled on the farm where he still lives; his father, Jairus Fordyce, died here July 22, 1840; his mother, Susan Fordyce, died March 12, 1855. Married Harriet J. Alexander, daughter of John and Elizabeth Alexander, of this county, Jan. 24, 1844; she was born Aug. 19, 1821, in Warren Co., Tenn.; have three children living -- Lewis F., Laura and Martha E., the first two are married; lost two -- Mary J. and Louisa A. The mother of Mrs. F. is living with her; is upward of 80 years old. Members of Christian Church; Republican.

Fry, A. A., merchant, Winchester.

Gianque, Charles, far., S. 9; P.O. Birmingham.

Gould, E. S., far., S. 19; P.O. Birmingham.

Griffith, J., far., S. 11; P.O. Birmingham.

Grousbeck, P., retired farmer; P.O. Birmingham.

Gurwell, L., carpenter and joiner, Birmingham.

Graham, Joseph, dealer dry goods and general merchandise, Birmingham, owns eighty acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born April 21, 1832, in Guernsey Co., Ohio; came to this county in the fall of 1849; located in Village Township; in 1852, moved into Lick Creek Tp.; to Birmingham in 1870, and commenced his present business. Married Margaret Walter Oct. 30, 1856; she was born in September, 1835, in Barbour Co., W. Va.; have three children living -- George W., Elmer E. and James H.; lost one -- Letetia. Member Free Methodist Church; Republican.

Harbaugh, John, shoemaker, Birmingham.

Hastings, Will, farmer Sec. 27; P.O. Winchester; owns 100 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; son of John C. and Mary E. Hastings; born Nov. 23, 1844, in Hardin Co., Ohio; his mother died in 1846; the same year, his father came to Van Buren Co., Iowa, leaving him in Ohio; his father again married Mary E. Purdum, of Keosauqua, Iowa, and settled on the farm upon which his son now lives; he came to this county in 1858, and made his home with his father, who died Dec. 24, 1875; he taught school during the winters and farmed in the summers for several years; taught fourteen terms in one district and three in another. Was Township Clerk and Secretary of the School Board several terms, both of which he is now filling. He has no family. Democrat.

Henderson, J., shoemaker, Birmingham.

Hoagland, F. L., clerk, Birmingham.

Holmes, J.S., far., S. 24; P.O. Bonaparte.

Hootman, Wm., far., Sec. 32; P.O. Mt. Zion.

Hootman, Wilson, far., Sec. 32; P.O. Mt. Zion.

Hope, Jas., retired far., Birmingham.

Howard, Wm., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Huffstedler, J. H., ins. agt., Birmingham.

Huffman, H., ret. mer., Birmingham.

Hughes, J., far., S. 1; P.O. Birmingham.

Huff, W. E., harness-maker, Birmingham.

Hope, Will H., stock dealer and shipper, Birmingham; son of James and Margaret Hope; born June 6, 1842, in Westmoreland Co., Penn.; came with parents to this county in the spring of 1852; settled near Birmingham. Enlisted in Co. H, 3d I. V. C., in February, 1864; was in the battle of Guntown, Miss., the battles of A. J. Smith's campaign, and with Gen. Wilson in his raid to Macon, Ga.; was honorably discharged Aug. 21, 1865. Returned home and engaged in the agricultural implement business in Birmingham; in the summer of 1866, went into the drug business; in 1873, sold out and commenced his present business. Married Frances McDonald Jan. 17, 1867; she was born in Ohio in December, 1848; have four children -- Doc, Dap C., Clarence and Lida. Republican.

Jameson, R., far., S. 21; P.O. Winchester.

Jefferson, T., laborer, Birmingham.

Johnston, J. S., far., S. 36; P.O. Utica; owns 176 acres of land, valued at $45 per acre; born June 14, 1817, in Giles Co., Ind., in the fall of 1827; in October, 1849, he came to Van Buren Co., Iowa, and settled on his present farm. Married Margaret Brownfield Oct. 17, 1844, in Indiana; she was born in 1822 in Fayette Co., Penn.; have six children living -- Robert M., Mary E., Lucretia A., Ida B., Charles W. and John F.; lost one -- James F., who was in Co. H, of the 2d I. V. I.; died at Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1863. Republican.

Johnston, P. R., far., S. 23; P.O. Winchester.

Jones, J., far., S. 20; P.O. Winchester.

Julian, John, far., Sec. 21; P.O. Winchester; owns a farm of 268 acres, valued at $30 per acre; born March 28, 1814, in Cornwall, England, and came to the United States in 1842, and settled in Coshocton Co., Ohio. Married there to Jane Crawford, July 6, 1843; she was born July 28, 1816, in County Antrim, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1818; they came from Ohio to this county in the fall of 1852, and settled in Union Tp.; have had two children -- Mary, born June 16, 1847; married Ross Calhoun Nov. 16, 1865; died May 27, 1874; and Margaret J., born Nov. 7, 1849, and died Dec. 2, 1854. Members of M. E. Church; Republican.

Kerr, Christopher, far., Sec. 16; P.O. Winchester.

Kirkpatrick, G. O., blacksmith, Birmingham.

Lawrence, A. A., farmer; P.O. Winchester.

Lundy, J., far., S. 12; P.O. Bonaparte.

McCoy, J. A., ret. far.; P.O. Birmingham.

Madden, J., ret. far., P.O. Birmingham.

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

Mercer, H., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Miller, J. S., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Moore, J. P., carpenter, Birmingham.

Moore, N. J., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Moore, D., far.; P.O. Birmingham.

Moss, C. L., far. and proprietor cheese-factory, Birmingham.

Moss, T., far., P.O. Birmingham.

Morse, J., miller, Birmingham.

Murphy, E., far., S. 36; P.O. Utica.

Nelson, H., far., S. 18; P.O. Birmingham.

Newell, J., far., S. 30; P.O. Birmingham.

Newell, W., far.; P.O. Birmingham.

Newman, J. D., far., S. 1; P.O. Birmingham.

Nelson, W. W., M. D., physician and surgeon, Birmingham; born Nov. 30, 1834, in Wayne Co., Ohio; came with his parents to this county in the fall of 1845, and settled in Washington Tp., where he was employed on his father's farm till of age; then went to Washington College two years; after, to Wooster, Ohio, and commenced reading medicine with Dr. Dane Wilson, and subsequently attended lectures at the Iowa State University, Medical Department, and at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn., where he graduated in the spring of 1860; returned to this county, and commenced practicing at Pierceville. Was commissioned as Assistant Surgeon in 1862 in the 15th Iowa V. I., which position he held till the close of the war. Located in Birmingham in 1865; he owns a farm of 100 acres, valued at $3,500. Married Almira Matthews March 20, 1860, in Lawrence Co., Penn.; she was born July 22, 1839; have five children living -- Meldon W., Nellie X., Minnie A., Audley E. and Mary L.; lost two -- Anna M. and Elizabeth S. Dr. Nelson moved to Sonoma Co., Cal., in 1874, and returned the following year. Member of the U. P. Church; Republican.

Norris, J. N., M. D., physician and surgeon, Birmingham; born June 7, 1816, in Steuben Co., N. Y.; went to Millersburg, Ohio, in 1836; commenced the study of medicine with his brother-in-law, Dr. Wm. Miller; came with him to Iowa in the fall of 1837, and located at the crossing of two Indian trails, where he subsequently assisted John Harrison in laying out the town which he gave the name Birmingham; continued the study and practice of medicine and attended medical lectures at the Iowa State University, medical department, of Keokuk, where he graduated in 1853, and has continued the practice; he has had eighteen students under his supervision, fifteen of whom have graduated and become successful practitioners; Mr. Norris is associated at present with his son, William P. Norris. He was married to Margretta S. Culbertson July 24, 1842; she was born in December, 1822, in Ohio, and died Sept. 30, 1847. Was again married, to Barbara Miller Oct. 26, 1848; she was born Dec. 22, 1823, in Ohio; had two children by first wife -- Hattie F. and Samuel C., the latter dead; have five children living by second wife -- Izora M., William P., Henry W. B., Jay C. M. and Wilmot Proviso; lost John M. G. and Claud S. Member Presbyterian Church; Republican.

Ogilbee, A. W., dealer in butter and eggs, Birmingham.

Pattison, Alex., Rev., minister, Birmingham.

Parker, George, retired merchant and farmer, Birmingham; born in Lewis Co., W. Va., Dec. 22, 1814; came to Adams Co., Ill., in the fall of 1835, and from there to this county in the summer of 1836, and made his claim adjoining what is now Birmingham; spent the time improving his land and traveling in the Southern States to Memphis, Vicksburg, New Orleans, etc., till 1844; engaged in the mercantile business, which he continued till 1861; sold out and engaged as clerk for Pitkin & Moss for about ten years , and for others afterward till 1874; went to California on a visit for about seven months. Mr. Parker was County Treasurer during 1851-52. Married Hannah C. Calhoun, of this county, Dec. 23, 1847; she was born Dec. 25, 1825, in Holmes Co., Ohio; have two children -- William R. and Jesse F. Member M. E. Church; Republican.

Parker, W. R., publisher and editor, with C. L. Sheward, of the Birmingham Enterprise; son of George and Hannah C. Parker; born in Keosauqua, Aug. 12, 1852; commenced learning the printer's trade in 1873, in the Enterprise office; in January, 1875, became a partner in the office. Was married to Mamie Randall June 10, 1877; she was born April 5, 1858, in Illinois. Republican. Mr. C. L. Sheward, partner of W. R. Parker, was born April 3, 1845, in Morgan Co., Ohio; came with parents to Fairfield, Jefferson Co., Iowa, in December, 1851; commenced to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Fairfield Ledger in the spring of 1859, and subsequently in Burlington and Milwaukee, where he enlisted in Co. E, 17th Wis. Regt., in December 1863; participated in all the battles in Sherman's march to the sea; mustered out in July, 1865, and returned home, and worked at journey work in different offices, including eighteen months in the Times office at St. Louis; became a partner in the Enterprise office in July, 1875. Was married to Margaret Skinner, of Fairfield, Iowa, June 30, 1870; she was born July 11, 1845, in Pennsylvania; have one daughter -- Stella A. Republican.

Pepper, J. S., broom-maker, Birmingham.

Pettit, D. C., laborer, Birmingham.

Pettit, G. R., laborer, Birmingham.

Phillips, M., far., S. 22; P.O. Winchester.

Pitkin, E., merchant and banker, Birmingham.

Pitkin & Skinner, merchants.

Pleasant, C. C., painter, Birmingham.

Porter, Robert, photographer, Birmingham.

Riddington, D.; P.O. Winchester.

Ragsdale, J. N., Postmaster and dealer in drugs and stationery, Birmingham; born May 12, 1840, in Owen Co., Ind.; came with parents to this county in the spring of 1850; stopped in Harrisburg Tp. in 1852; moved to Lucas Co., where they still reside; he returned to this county in August, 1862. Enlisted in Co. I, 19th I. V. I.; went as 1st Sergeant; was at the battle of Springfield, Mo., siege of Vicksburg, Miss., and Morganza, La., where he was captured and taken to Tyler, Tex.; kept there three months; taken to Shreveport, La.; was there about three months, when he, with six others, made his escape; after nineteen days of fatigue and hardships, reached the Union lines; on return to his regiment, was promoted 1st Lieutenant; discharged Aug. 18, 1865. Returned home; moved to Hickory Co., Mo.; returned to this county in 1869; settled near Birmingham; in 1872, moved into Birmingham and took charge of the Enterprise office; two years after, sold out and commenced his present business. Was appointed Postmaster in 1875. Married Rachel A. Cupp March 13, 1860; she was born Jan. 5, 1841, in Ohio; have five children -- George W., Elmer E., Olive M., Cora B. and Ella I. Member of M. E. Church; Republican.

Randall, J. J., dealer in dry goods and general merchandise, Birmingham; born Aug. 27, 1828, in Clark Co., Ill.; came from there to Birmingham, this county, in October, 1846; purchased a farm near town and followed farming till 1855, when he engaged in the general merchandise business, which he has continued till the present. Married Miss Adaline E. Marquis, of Marshall Co., Ill., Jan. 9, 1856; she was born Sept. 23, 1835, in Ohio; have eight children living -- William M., Harry E., Marion R., Emma J., James N., Frank W., Mabel and Herbert R.; lost one -- Jessie. Member Presbyterian Church; Republican.

Richey, Isaac P., farmer, Sec. 19; P.O. Winchester; son of Jas. E. and Elizabeth (Parker) Richey; born in Van Buren Co. April 28, 1846; his parents were natives of Lewis Co., W. Va.; came to this county in 1836; his father died March 19, 1874. Isaac P. married Abagail Matthews Feb. 14, 1868; moved to Scotland Co., Mo., the same spring; returned the following fall, and lives on the home farm; has four children -- Ison E., Dallas N., Shannon D. and an infant. Republican.

Seward, Matthew; P.O. Winchester.

Shagley, J., far., S. 15; P.O. Winchester.

Sheppard, J. M., dealer in stock and proprietor of meat market; P.O. Birmingham; born Jan. 1, 1842, in Monroe Co., Ind.; came with his father E. D. Sheppard, to Keosauqua, of this county, in the fall of 1854. In the spring of 1861, enlisted in Co. F. 2d Iowa V. I., and was discharged for disability in October, 1861. Returned to Keosauqua and engaged in the grocery business for one year; went to Indianapolis, and engaged in the same business; a year after, returned to Bentonsport, this county, where he kept a harness-shop for two years; then went to Quincy, Ill., and followed the same business one year; returned to Keosauqua; in spring of 1867, came to Birmingham and engaged in the manufacture of harness, which he continued till January, 1878; commenced the stock trade in the fall of 1877. Married Adda Arington Dec. 6, 1869; she was born March, 1846, in New York. Have one child -- Mark; lost two -- Stella and Walter. Republican.

Sherod, M. C., far., S. 33; P.O. Winchester.

Sherod, Wm. N., farmer, Sec. 33; P.O. Mt. Zion; owns 167 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; son of Amos and Mary (Carnes) Sherod; born March 9, 1829, in Carroll Co., Ohio; came with parents to this county in the spring of 1854, and settled on the farm he now owns; his father died July 26, 1854, at the age of 67; he was the first white child born in Jefferson Co., Ohio; his mother, a native of Pennsylvania, died in this county, Sept. 8, 1868. Married Hannah Barker, of this county, June 10, 1858; she was born Jan. 28, 1835; died March 26, 1863; he married Elizabeth Barker Jan.19, 1865; she was born in this county Nov. 18, 1840; have one child by first wife living -- Henry B.; lost two -- Joseph P. and Ethelinda; and six by second wife -- Zaida E., Mary R., Charles O., Martha E., Rosanna, Amos R.; lost one -- William A. Members of M. E. Church; Republican.

Sheward & Parker, publishers of the Birmingham Enterprise.

Shott, Samuel B., proprietor of Birmingham Wagon and Carriage Works, Birmingham; is now procuring a patent for a very valuable improvement in drop end-board for lumber wagons, which he will use in his manufacture of wagons; born in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, May 4, 1826; commenced learning his trade in 1846; came to Iowa in the fall of 1854, and stopped at Fairfield, Jefferson Co., till the following spring; came to Birmingham and engaged in his present business. Was married to Isabella Croft, in Ohio, April 30, 1851; she was born June 4, 1834, and died Sept. 8, 1858; was again married to Alviza Skinner, Dec. 14, 1859; she was born in Iowa Aug. 30, 1841; have two children by first wife living -- Mary E. and Isabelle, and lost two -- William and Emma; and by second wife seven -- Samuel B., Margaret, Charles A., Austin B., Franklin, William and Alviza; lost one -- Maggie. Mr. Shott is among the leading and enterprising men of Birmingham.

Silvis, A., mechanic, Birmingham.

Skinner, John S., farmer, Sec. 19; P.O. Birmingham; son of Adi Skinner; was born March 20, 1812, in Steuben Co., N. Y.; same year, his parents moved to Seneca Co.; he remained at home till his father died, in April, 1830; from that time, till he was married, followed boating on Seneca Lake and the canal. Married Catharine A. Rail, of Yates Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1836; December, 1838, moved to Iowa; stopped at Fort Madison; spring of 1839, came to his present farm; have five children living -- Joseph V., Charles A., George N., Dick and Walrade A.; lost five -- Peter, Samuel, Franklin and two infants not named; his son Joseph served in Co. H. of the 1st Colo. V. I., and Charles A. in Co. H of the 3d I. V. C. Republican.

Smith, F. J., far., Sec. 9; P.O. Birmingham.

Smith, Hugh, far., Sec. 9; P.O. Birmingham; owns 470 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; son of John Smith; born Dec. 20, 1820, in Barren Co., Ky.; his parents moved to Fulton Co., Ill., in 1834; thence to this county in the spring of 1838, and settled on the farm he now owns; his father died in October, 1874; his mother in February, 1872. Married Martha Redman Jan. 14, 1842; she was born Oct. 20, 1813, in Morgan Co., Ill.; they have four children living -- Fulton J., Rolla W., George L., Minnie E.; lost three -- Amanda L., Fanny J. and an infant. He is among the leading and influential farmers in his township. Republican.

Spees, J. B., M. D., far., Birmingham.

Spitler, L. S., far., S. 5; P.O. Birmingham.

Stansberry, R. R., stone-mason, Birmingham.

Still, D. N., far., S. 8; P.O. Birmingham.

Stonebraker, Samuel M., far., S. 2; P.O. Birmingham.

Teal, John, far., Sec. 36; P.O. Utica.

Talbott, E. M., partner with J. W. Cole of Birmingham Marble Works, Birmingham; son of Joseph and Mary Talbott; was born Sept. 6, 1856, in Birmingham; his father was a practicing physician here, and died of cholera Nov. 27, 1876; Mr. E. M. Talbott learned the marble business in Des Moines; was there about three years; commenced working with Mr. Cole in January, 1878; and, in the spring, engaged as a partner in the business. Is a member of the M. E. Church; Republican.

Teal, Thomas, far., Sec. 35; P.O. Utica.

Thompson, W. H., cabinet-maker, Birmingham.

Topping, John, farmer, Sec. 32; P.O. Winchester; son of Robert and Esther (Rowen) Topping; born Dec. 23, 1823, in County Cavan, Ireland; came to the United States in the spring of 1847, to Fairfield Co., Conn., and engaged in a wrought-iron foundry; in June, 1851, went to California, and followed mining; returned in the spring of 1855, and worked in the same foundry; in the spring of 1856, came to Iowa; settled in Union Tp., Van Buren Co. Married Margaret Addy, of Orange Co., N. Y., Sept. 1, 1855; she was born Jan. 26, 1832, in Monaghan Co., Ireland; have nine children -- Robert J., John W., Homer R., George S., Maggie E., Hugh A., Samuel F., Mary E. and Catharine A. Owns a farm of 246 acres, valued at $35 per acre. Member of the Presbyterian Church; Republican.

Torrence, F. G., dealer in drugs, books, stationery, etc., Birmingham; born Jan. 14, 1843, in Westmoreland Co., Penn., came with parents to this county in June, 1851, and located in Birmingham, his father carrying on the cabinet business; was educated at Birmingham Academy. Enlisted June 13, 1861, in Co. A, 1st I. V. C.; was in the battles of Blackwater, Silver Creek, Mo., and Prairie Grove, Little Rock and Camden, in Arkansas; mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, Sept. 19, 1864. Returned home and commenced reading medicine with Dr. Joseph Talbott; practiced two years, but, on account of ill-health, engaged in his present business in 1869. Married Belle Hoverstock, of this county, Sept. 6, 1866; she was born in this county Oct. 17, 1848; have three children -- Samuel G, Kitty L. and William C. Republican.

Torrence, S. G., cabinet-maker, Birmingham.

Trumbo, J. H., far., Sec. 36; P.O. Utica.

Vale, B. R.

Valentine, E. F., blacksmith, Birmingham.

Vincent, Wm., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Walker, J., far., S. 22; P.O. Winchester.

Walker, E., far., S. 22; P.O. Winchester.

Walmer, J., retired far., P.O. Birmingham.

Walters, I. N., far., S. 21; P.O. Winchester.

Warner, F., far., S. 36; P.O. Utica.

Webber, John H., far., S. 1; P.O. Birmingham; owns eighty acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; son of John Webber; born Jan. 20, 1838, in Somersetshire, England; parents moved to Winnebago Co., Ill., in 1850; and to Van Buren Co., in October, 1857; his father died in April, 1858, and mother died Oct. 12, 1877. Enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. I, 19th Regiment Iowa Vols., and spent three years in fighting under the stars and stripes, except over nine months in rebel prisons; in the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., was wounded in the left thigh, and had six bullet-holes in his clothing; in his next battle, Sterling Farm, La., he was taken prisoner, sent to Shreveport, La., and from there to Tyler, Texas; after his exchange, was at the battle of Vicksburg, Spanish Fork and Mobile, Ala. Married Hannah E. Newman Dec. 9, 1869; she was born Jan. 20, 1851, in this county; have two children living -- Ella G. and Alta N.; lost one -- Frankie B. Republican.

Weber, P.C., far., S. 2; P.O. Birmingham.

Webber, Wm. H., far., S. 2; P.O. Birmingham; owns 144 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre; brother of John H. Webber; born Oct. 15, 1841; in Somersetshire, England, came with parents to Winnebago Co., Ill., in 1850; thence to this county in October, 1857, and settled on farm adjoining the one he now owns. Married Emma L. Mallory, of Chicago, Ill., April 1, 1872; she was born June 28, 1852, in town of Moscow, Hillsdale Co., Mich.; have two children -- Charles H. and Susan M. Member of M. E. Church; Republican.

West, A., far., S. 21; P.O. Winchester.

Whitaker, Wm. W., farmer; P.O. Winchester; son of John M. and Jane (Phillips) Whitaker; born Sept. 17, 1826, in Hamilton Co., Ohio; parents moved to La Porte Co., Ind., when he was a boy, thence to Illinois in the fall of 1835; the following January, came to Van Buren Co. and settled on the farm where he now lives; his father was one of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention which framed the first Constitution of Iowa; also represented the county in the State Legislature at Burlington several successive terms, the last in 1861 and 1862; in 1862, moved to California, where he still lives. Mr. Whitaker married Miss N. C. Newell, of this county, Dec. 5, 1858; she was born Dec. 5, 1833, in Kentucky; have three children living -- Carrie, Charley and Walter; lost one infant. Owns a farm of 200 acres, valued at $35 per acre. Democrat.

Whittlesey, A. P., far.; P.O. Winchester.

Wilkerson, J. S., painter, Birmingham.

Williams, B. F., far., S. 1; P.O. Birmingham.

Wilson, Samuel, retired farmer, and Mayor, Birmingham; owns 190 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre; born May 20, 1820, in the county of Donegal, Ireland; came to the United States in the spring of 1832, and settled in Butler Co., Penn., and to this county in the spring of 1846, and purchased a farm adjoining the town of Birmingham, part of which was subsequently platted in the town; he is the present Mayor of the town, and has served the people as Justice of the Peace about ten years; also as Mayor eight years. He was married to Magdalena Shults, of Keosauqua; she was born in 1834 in Westmoreland Co., Penn.; have four children living -- Margretta, Mary A., James L. and Willard A.; lost one infant. Members of the Presbyterian Church; Republican.

Wolf, J. Wesley, proprietor and principal of the Birmingham Academy and Boarding-School; son of William C. and Rhoda (Clutter) Wolf; born Oct. 4, 1842, in Washington Co., Penn.; in the spring of 1851, came with parents to Lee Co., Iowa; his early life was spent on the farm in summers, and attending school in winters; commenced teaching in 1862; was a student at Howe's school, Mt. Pleasant, and at the Iowa State University, of Iowa City, normal department, where he graduated in June, 1867; taught at Charleston, Lee Co., Boyleston, Henry Co., and Birmingham and Farmington, of this county; purchased the Birmingham Academy in the fall of 1871. He was married to Miss Maggie Hiatt July 26, 1872, of Lee Co., Iowa; she was born Jan. 1, 1848, in Iowa; she is acting as one of the teachers of the Academy.

Wolgamot, J. B., cabinet-maker, Birmingham.

Woods, Alexander H.

Work, S., far., Sec. 7; P.O. Birmingham.

Workman, Richard, farmer, Sec. 24; P.O. Winchester; owns 240 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre; born Jan. 7, 1818, in County of Londonderry, Ireland; came with parents to Western Continent in 1834; arrived at Quebec, where his father was attacked with the cholera and died, and his mother the day following of same disease, leaving him, a brother and sister orphans; the following year, he went to Buffalo, N. Y.; spring of 1838, went to Hamilton Co., Ohio. Was married there to Mary A. Bowers Dec. 12, 1841; in 1842, came to this county and settled in Union Tp.; his wife was born Sept. 26, 1822, in Pennsylvania; have one son living -- Girard W.; lost nine children -- William B., William L., Maria A., Mary R., Oliver P., Joshua, Girard, Lizzie and Richard A. Mr. Workman is among the most influential men of his township. Democrat.

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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