Benton County >> 1878 Index

Unless otherwise specified, biographies submitted by Tierney Ratti.

Abbott, L. C., farmer, Sec. 7; P.O. Mount Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Abbott, William, Constable, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Abraham, A., farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Abraham, G., grain dealer and elevator and lumber yard, Watkins; born in Germany May 27, 1850. Married Christine Carsten in Germany, 1872; she was born in Germany Feb., 1854; they have four children -- George, Ferdinand, Anna and Otto; owns elevator, lumber yard, house and lot, valued at $3,000, and 160 acres of land in Eldorado Township, valued at $30 per acre. Mr. Abraham came to Iowa in 1872; located on a farm, and moved afterward to Watkins; built a large store and hall, and went into the mercantile business; kept general store two years; sold out and bought the large elevator and lumber yard, where he now carries on business. Mr. Abraham kept general store seven years in Germany, and served in 101 st Kaiser William's Regiment in the late war in Germany; enlisted in June, 1871, and served fifteen months; was in several battles; ranked as Lieutenant in the German army; was discharged with his regiment at the close of the war in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham are members of the Lutheran Church. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Abraham, William, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Acuff, Edwin, actor. (1878 Taylor Township)

Adair, J. M., farmer, Sec. 8: P. O. La Porte City; born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1842; came to Benton Co. in 1865; has eighty acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Married Miss M. H. English in 1865; she was born in Clarion Co., Penn., in 1841; they have four children - Frank Milton, Margaret E., Anna M., and James A. Members of the Presbyterian Church. Enlisted in 1862 in the 15 th Penn. V. C.; participated in the battles of Stone River, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Cumberland Mountain, Lookout Mountain and others; was mustered out in 1865, at Nashville. (1878 Bruce Township)

Adair, John, laborer; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Adair, W. T., farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Bruce Township)

Adams, A. O., farmer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Adams, C., farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Irving. (1878 Kane Township)

Adams, George, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 19: P. O. Irving; born in Otsego Co., N.Y., Jan 12, 1816. Married May Hill, in Illinois, in 1849; she was born in Ohio, in 1826; they have two children - Charles and Viola; they were born in Illinois. Has 228 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. Adams moved to Illinois, remained five years, and moved to Iowa in 1854; was an early pioneer in Benton Co.; helped to organize the township of Kane; there were no roads; it was in its natural state. (1878 Kane Township)

Adams, Llewellyn, farmer, Section 25. (1878 Taylor Township)

Adamson, J. W., farmer, Sec. 22; P.O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Addy, George, farmer, Sec. 27; P.O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Ahred, Frederick, farmer, Sec. 16; P.O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Ahrendt, C. F., farmer, Sec. 31; P.O. Blairstown. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Ahrendt, John, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Watkins; born in Germany in 1829. Married Louisa Winreben in Germany, in 1854; she was born in Germany in 1828; they have six children -- Albert, Louisa, Benhart, Matilda, Lucy and Theodore. Has 240 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; came to Clayton Co., Iowa, in 1861; moved to Benton Co. in 1867. Mr. Ahrendt followed sailing thirteen years in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Ahrendt are members of the Lutheran Church. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Ahrens, Christian, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Ahrens, E., farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Ahrens, W., farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Aikley, David, brick maker. (1878 Taylor Township)

Aikley, George, proprietor of saloon. (1878 Taylor Township)

Aiserman, F., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Ake, D. C., farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Ake, Daniel C., farmer, Section 36. (1878 Taylor Township)

Albee, G. W., farmer, Sec. 11; P.O. La Porte City; born in the State of New York in 1846; came to Benton Co. in 1869; has 100 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre. Married Mary A. Ketring, in 1863; she was born in Bedford Co., Penn., in 1847; they have three children - Aaron E., Drane J. and Madison E. Republican in politics. Enlisted in the 2 nd Wis. Cav. in 1863, skirmishing and raiding until mustered out in December, 1865; has taught school in Cedar Valley, Black Hawk and Benton Counties ten terms or more. (1878 Cedar Township)

Albers, Hartwick, farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Homer Township)

Albers, J., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Albers, J., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Alberstett, F., manager of the grain warehouse owned by H. B. Hidy, Blairstown; was born in Germany on the 7th of December 1850; came to this country with his parents in 1854; they settled in Stephenson Co., Ill., where they now reside. Mr. F. Alberstett attended high school in the above named county and received a liberal education; he came to this town in 1876, when he entered upon his duties as general manager of the above-mentioned warehouse. His father, John Alberstett, served in the regular army in Germany. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Albert, H. D., Sec. 1; P. O. Burk. (1878 Harrison Township)

Albert, Henry, Sec. 2; P. O. Brandon. (1878 Harrison Township)

Alberts, Jacob, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Alberts, John, laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Alberts, M., farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Albustis, H. T., farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Kane Township)

Albuthnot, D., farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Irving. (1878 Kane Township)

Alcorn, David, Sec. 25; P. O. Vinton; owns eighty acres of land, valued at $50 per acre; born in Indiana Co., Penn., in 1847; came to Iowa in 1865, and settled on present farm. Married Hannah Brewer in 1869; she was born in Kentucky in 1847; have one child - Lola, born in 1872. (1878 Jackson Township)

Alcorn, Jerry, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Alcorn, John, retired farmer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Alcorn, William, A., farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Alden, J., farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Alden, J., farmer, Sec. 29; P.O. Blairstown. (1878 Union Township)

Alden, W., farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Aldridge, A. C., stock dealer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Alexander, William, retired farmer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Allen, A. F., banker, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Allen, Charles, shoemaker, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Allen, F. L., merchant, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Allen, O. F., laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Allen, R., farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Allen, S., farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Allen, W. G., ticket agent, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Allen, William, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Belle Plaine; was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, June 30, 1830, where he remained until 1856, when he came to Cedar Co., this State, remaining two years, at the end of which time he moved to LeRoy Township, this county; he remained in LeRoy until 1865, when he moved onto his present farm in Sec. 35, this Township. He married Miss E. J. Norick, in Carroll Co., Ohio, 1851; she was born in Harrison Co., Ohio; they have six children living -- Christiana (she married S. A. Crawford); John W., Elmer, Julia Ann, William Lincoln and Bertha. Mr. Allen owns 240 acres of land. (1878 Iowa Township)

Allers, C., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Allers, F., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Allhiet, M., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Allison, H. H., clerk lumber yard. (1878 Taylor Township)

Allum, Q. L., barber, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Alspach, Washington, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Fairfax. (1878 Florence Township)

Alspach, West, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Fairfax. (1878 Florence Township)

Alt, George W., farmer and breeder of Clydesdale horses, Sec. 28; P. O. Mooreville; born in Johnson Co., Iowa, in 1843; came to Benton Co. in 1869; has 160 acres of land, valued at $40 per acres. Married Miss Elizabeth Ross in 1867; she was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1841; they have four children - Olive J., Mary Maria, George W., Jr., and an infant. Republican in politics. Is road Supervisor. Mrs. Alt is a member of the United Brethren Church. Enlisted for the 18 th Iowa V.I., Aug. 1, 1862; was discharged on account of ill health Sept. 10, 1862; re-enlisted in the 22 nd Iowa V.I. Feb. 27, 1864; participated in the battles of Winchester, Shenandoah Valley, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Va.; was mustered out July 25, 1865. (1878 Bruce Township)

Alwood, Nicholas, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Monroe Township)

Amanawel, N., blacksmith, Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Amburn, H., Sec. 11; P.O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Amburn, Lewis, Sec. 12; P.O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Amburn, O., Sec. 12; P.O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Amburn, W., Sec. 12; P.O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Ames, H. W., plasterer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Amsden, J. H., carpenter. (1878 Taylor Township)

Amundson, Shure, laborer, Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Anderson, A. B., bookkeeper, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Anderson, Andrew, farmer, Section 32; born in Sweden in 1847, and came to America in 1870; came to Vinton in 1873, and worked on the railroad for five years, and then bought a farm and engaged in farming in 1877; owns a farm of 80 acres. Married Miss Sarah Warner, from Benton City, in 1874; they have one son, born Feb. 19, 1876. (1878 Taylor Township)

Anderson, David, carpenter, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Anderson, F. M., farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Anderson, G. W., plasterer, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Anderson, H. J., farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Anderson, Jerry, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Anderson, John, section foreman, C., N. W. Railway, Florence; born in Sweden, Jan. 1, 1844. Married Christena Johonas in Sweden; she was born in Sweden, in 1841; have four children -- John A., Anderson, Charlotte and August. Owns house and three lots, valued at $1,000; came from Sweden to Iowa in 1869. (1878 Florence Township)

Anderson, M. F., blacksmith, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Anderson, M., farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Florence. (1878 Fremont Township)

Anderson, P. G. (1878 Taylor Township)

Anderson, P. P. (1878 Taylor Township)

Anderson, R. K., proprietor of carriage, wagon, and horseshoeing shop, Blairstown; was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., on Sept. 1, 1852; came to this State in 1875, and commenced business at this place, and worked at his trade, that of blacksmith, in De Kalb Co., Ill., previous to his coming to this place. He married Helen Quilhot, in De Kalb County, Illinois, in 1873; she was born in De Kalb Co. in 1858; they have one child -- Francis, born in De Kalb Co., in June, 1875. Mr. R. K. Anderson 's brother, M. F. Anderson, is in partnership with him in the shop; they do first-class work and are the principal firm in the business of this place. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Anderson, Richard, retired blacksmith, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Anderson, Sol, farmer, Sec. 36, P. O. Florence. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Andrew, C. W., Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Andrews, J. A., farmer, Section 18. (1878 Taylor Township)

Andrews, S., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Andrews, W., farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Anson, J. W., farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Paul. (1878 Homer Township)

Applegate, H., Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Appleton, George, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 3; P. O. Vinton; born in England Dec., 1836; came to this country in 1853, and came to this county in 1874; has 340 acres of land, valued at $10,000. Politics, Republican. Married Flora I. Henry; she was born in Ohio March 6, 1839; mother of three children -- Ora M., born Aug. 3, 1863; Jennie, born June 9, 1868; Frank, born April 8, 1875. Emigrated from England, when he was about 18 years old to Canada; lived there one year; thence came to Clinton Co., Iowa, and lived there twenty-two years; thence to Benton Co., where he has resided since; when he came to this country, he had not a dollar, but by industry and economy, has made himself a comfortable home, and is one of the solid farmers of the township. Was in the Clinton militia of Iowa. Mr. Appleton handles fine stock; he paid $150 for a yearling, of Professor Knapp, of Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Arble, W. B., farmer, Sec. 32; P.O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Arbuckle, C. B., harness and saddle maker, and partner with Mr. Stewart in the photographic viewing of scenery, farm houses, groups, etc., Watkins; born in Pennsylvania March 4, 1850; moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1856; has been traveling and following clerking most of his life, through the entire United States; located in Watkins, Iowa, in July, 1877, in the harness business. Mr. Arbuckle was the only child north of the river in St. Clair in the days when Indians were troublesome here. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Armstrong, T. G., farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Shellsburg; born in Ireland in 1828; came to this county in 1857; has 900 acres of land, valued at $27,000. Married Sarah Fawcett; she was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1842; their children are John, Charles, George, William J., Hattie, May, Newton G., Mary J., Louis N. and Mina. Emigrated from Ireland in 1850 to Harrison Co., Ohio; thence to Muskingum Co.; thence to Coshocton Co., Ohio; lived there one and a half years; thence to Poweshiek Co., Iowa; entered 160 acres of land; thence to Henry Co., Ill.; lived there four years; thence to Linn Co., Iowa, where he resided two years; thence to Benton Co., where he has resided since; turns off forty to fifty head of cattle and one hundred head of hogs. When he came to this county he was a poor boy; had only $25; by industry and good management he has made a good home, and is one of the wealthiest farmers in the township. (1878 Fremont Township)

Armstrong, W. D., farmer, Section 35. (1878 Taylor Township)

Armstrong, W. S., engineer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Arnold, William, stone mason. (1878 Taylor Township)

Arreson, Peter, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Asch, Oliver, drayman, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Asshaur, J., farmer, Sec. 26; P.O. Blairstown. (1878 Union Township)

Atchison, James, City Marshal, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Atenhan, C., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Kane Township)

Athey, James W., farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Blairstown; was born in Parke Co., Ind., Oct. 26, 1829; he remained here until 1846; he then came to this State and settled in Iowa Co., in which county he remained until 1852, when he came to this county; he was early identified in the school interests in the township which he lives in, and took an active part in the organization of district schools. Has been twice married, first wife was Sarah C. Brown; they were married in Johnston Co., 1853; she was born in Ohio, and died on the 11th of November, 1865. Present wife was Minerva Haughenburg; they were married in Marengo, Iowa Co., in 1866; she was born in Ohio; Mr. Athey owns 456 acres of land; he also owns town property to the value of $2,300. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Atkinson, Thomas, clerk Farmers' Loan and Trust Co. (1878 Taylor Township)

Atkinson, W. F., farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Florence; born in Cook Co., Ill., Sept. 8, 1840. Married Ellen L. Phillips in Florence, Iowa, in 1867; she was born in Joliet, Ill., Feb. 24, 1848; they have four children -- Paul W., Ada E., Frederick W. and Charles D. Has 160 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Mr. Atkinson enlisted in Co. G, 18 th United States Infantry March, 1862; was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, 1864; was taken to Libby Prison at Richmond; kept two and a half months, and then taken to Danville, Va.; remained in prison five months; was paroled and exchanged and discharged at Parole Camp, at Annapolis, Md., April, 1865. Mr. Atkinson is County Supervisor of Benton Co.; he came to Iowa in 1865, and carried on the mercantile business twelve years at Florence, Iowa; was Postmaster in Florence twelve years. Mr. Atkinson is a member of the Good Templar, A.F.& A.M., and A.O.U.W. Lodges. (1878 Florence Township)

Auld, G. W., farmer, Sec. 6; P.O. Garrison. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Aulsbrook, H. (firm of H. Aulsbrook & Son), furniture dealer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Aulsbrook, Henry, furniture dealer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Aulsbrook, M. E., furniture dealer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Aungst, Samuel, farmer, Section 6. (1878 Taylor Township)

Austin, J., farmer, Sec. 17; P.O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Austin, James, farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Austin, Knudt, butcher, Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Austin, O., farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Austin, R., farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Austin, S., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Avery, W., farmer, Sec. 25; P.O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Axelsen, Adolph, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Watkins; born in Germany Aug. 6, 1847. Married Minna Schroeder in Iowa, in 1871; she was born in Germany Sept. 12, 1849; they have five children -- Dora, Minna, Phillip, Mary and Adolph (twins). Has 240 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Came to Scott Co., Iowa, in 1866, and located in Benton Co. in 1872. He followed school teaching in Germany three years; holds the office of Township Assessor, and has held it two terms. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Aye, Peter, laborer; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)