Benton County >> 1878 Index

Unless otherwise specified, biographies submitted by Tierney Ratti.

Daebel, C., farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Fremont Township)

Dagget, J. F., Sec. 30; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Dake, Benjamin, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Dakter, Julius, clothier. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dames, John, clerk, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Danes, Joel, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Daniels, G. W., laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Daniels, J. B., proprietor harness shop, Belle Plaine; was born in Fayette Co., Penn., Jan. 3, 1839; he remained in Pennsylvania until he was 18 years of age; he then came to Cedar Rapids, this State, in which place he remained until 1862; he then came to Belle Plaine and established himself in his present business; his was the first harness shop in this town; he does a good business and employs from three to five men. At the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in the First Regt. I. V. I. in 1861; was honorably discharged. He married Miss Adda Cole, in Iowa Co., this State, Nov. 23, 1862; she was born in Cleveland, Ohio, 1844; they have two children - Mary and Myrtle; both were born in Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Daniels, Joseph, dealer in real estate and builder, Belle Plaine; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in 1832; remained there until 1856 be then moved to Clinton Co., this State, thus becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that county; 1865, he moved from Clinton Co., to this city (Belle Plaine), since which time he has been actively engaged in building and dealing in real estate, which interests require his constant attention; still he is not indifferent to the public interests of the city, as the many fine buildings he has caused to be erected bear evidence of; he is a practical business man of energy and excellent judgment as his success in life give ample proof of, though never an aspirant for office of any kind. The citizens of Belle Plaine brought him out as a candidate for member of the City Council, to which office he was elected, and in now of the present Board; he is also one of the present School officers. He has been married twice, first wife was Frances E. Vance; she was born in New York; died in this city in 1867; present wife's maiden name was Miss Maria L. Wright; they were married in this city in 1869. (1878 Iowa Township)

Daniels, M., Rev., Baptist minister, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Daniels, S., stone mason. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dank, Frank, cabinet maker, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Danke, J., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Dankert, Ferdinand, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Danopnik, Francis, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Danskin, George M., station agent of C. & N. W. Railway Co. and agent for Am. Ex. Co., grain dealer and proprietor lumberyard; P. O. Watkins; born Canada Dec. 27, 1840; married Miss L. M. Thomas in Iowa Co., Iowa, Dec. 22, 1866; she was born in New York Jan. 4, 1845; they have four children -- Euretha, Lizzie, Rolph and Flora. Mr. Danskin moved to Iowa in 1853, and located in Benton Co. in 1873. Mr. Danskin built the first dwelling house and first business building in Watkins; was the first man to commence business; built a large warehouse and commenced buying grain, and owns warehouse and lumber yard, and house and lot valued at $3,000. Mr. and Mrs. Danskin are members of the Presbyterian Church. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Danskin, W. P., Postmaster and merchant, Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Darcy, James, farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Union Township)

Darin, J. H., farmer, Sec., 30; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Darin, Thomas, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Daugherty, D., gardener; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Davidson, J., farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Florence. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Davis, D., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Davis, E. W., carpenter. (1878 Taylor Township)

Davis, Elisha, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Bruce Township)

Davis, Evan, blacksmith. (1878 Taylor Township)

Davis, Henry, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Shellsburg; born in Baden, Germany, Dec. 1, 1837; came to the county in 1863; has 365 acres of land, valued at $14,600. Politics, Democrat. Held the offices of Township Supervisor, Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk. Married Louisa Baker; she was born in Prussia Feb. 17, 1838; mother of six children -- Henry, born May. 30, 1862; Mary, born Oct. 29, 1864; Lena, born March 30, 1867; Bertha, born Dec. 22, 1869; Louisa, born Dec. 13, 1873; Elizabeth, born June 13, 1876. Emigrated from Germany to De Kalb Co., Ill.; lived there one year, then went to Linn Co., Iowa, where be remained nine years; thence to Benton Co., where he his resided since. Mr. Davis is one of the leading men of the township when became here, he was a poor man had not a dollar in his pocket, but by good management has made a good property. (1878 Fremont Township)

Davis, J. J. (1878 Taylor Township)

Davis, John C., painter, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Davis, L., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Davis, P., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Davis, William H., farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Cedar Township)

Dayton, C. E., baggage master, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Dayton, G. B., conductor on N. W. Railroad, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Dayton, J. M., railroad employee, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Dean, Amos N., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Dean, C. F., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Dean, H. A., farmer, Sec. 34 5 P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Dean, W., farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

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

Deckraw, F. W., blacksmith, P. O. Shellsburg; born in Prussia Dec. 24, 1836; came to this county in 1861. Politics, Democrat. Married Mary Strawhacker; she was born in Pennsylvania in 1843; mother of six living children -- William, born Sept. 5, 1864; Emma, born Feb. 20, 1865; Carrie, born Feb. 13, 1867; Margaret, born Dec. 1, 1869; Josephine, born Nov. 8, 1873; Mary, born Nov. 13, 1876. Emigrated from Prussia when he was a boy to Ohio; lived there ten years; from there went to Cayuga Co., N. Y.; stopped there four years; then went back into Lucas Co., Ohio; lived there two years; from there to Pike's Peak; stopped there a short time; from there to Camp Floyd, Utah; thence, in the Spring, to New Mexico; on the 4th of July, 1861, came to Vinton, and came to this town in September of the same year; carried the dispatch from Fort Garland to Santa Fe, of the fall of Fort Sumter. (1878 Canton Township)

Deere, J. M., railroad employee, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Deklotz, John, farmer, Sec. 26 P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Delaney, W., farmer. Sec. 35: P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Delare, B., peddler, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Delfs, Claus, farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Cedar Township)

Delfs, John, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Cedar Township)

Delhorbe, E. A., farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Delhorbe, P., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Dellzell, Charles, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Dellzell, D. P., farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Dellzell, William, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Dempsey, John, P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Dempster, J., farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Cedar Township)

Demuth, Joshua, retired farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Shellsburg; born in Frederick Co., Md., Feb. 28, 1821; came to this county in 1858; has 430 acres of land, valued at $12,900. Politics, Democrat. Held the offices of Township Trustee and School Director. Married Louisa Wigle in 1843; she was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1827; mother of four children -- Alice (now Mrs. Tarlton Corbett), born Aug. 27, 1850; Mary (now Mrs. J. T. Inman), born May 1, 1856; William H., born May 27, 1861; Francis O., born July 14, 1869. Emigrated from Maryland to Wayne Co., Ohio, when he was 23 old; lived there fourteen years, came to Linn Co. in 1855; stayed three years, then came to this county; when he first got here, he had $11.50 in his pocket, with his wife and one child in Pennsylvania. Worked in a livery stable for a man of the name of T. K. Burgess, for $20 per month, in Cedar Rapids; afterward drove team for a man of the name of Rock, for $30 per month; then bought a team and went to hauling goods from Muscatine and Rock Island; followed that about a year, then came to this place, where he bought and has resided since. Came here poor, but is in good circumstances at present. (1878 Canton Township)

Denand, A. J., laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Denica, A., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Monroe Township)

Denison, S. H., farmer, S. 12; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Denman, Moses, tailor. (1878 Taylor Township)

Denoon, J. O., farmer, P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

DePew, George, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. La Porte; born in Canada in 1830; removed to Clinton Co., Iowa, in 1864; thence to Benton Co., in 1868; has 124 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Republican in politics. (1878 Bruce Township)

Deppe, Phillip, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Homer Township)

Derers, D., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Derillbiss, Casper, general manufacturer, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Dethleifs, J., farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Dethlep, F., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Detrich, John, farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Detwiler, Elijah, farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Detwiler, J. C., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Devine, J. H., laborer, P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Dewalt, Jonathan, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Vinton; born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Aug. 4, 1825; came to this county in 1856; has 372 acres of land, valued at $11,000. Married Magdelena Sweely; she was born in Lycoming Co., Penn., Dec. 31, 1829; mother of nine living children -- Catherine M., born Jan. 23, 1861; Emma T., Nov. 27, 1852; Mary E., Aug. 2, 1854; Aurrilla, Dec. 16, 1857; Harvey G., June 18, 1860; Ada, Sept. 19, 1862; John H., Jan. 29, 1867; Jennie D., Feb. 17,1870; Charles P., Oct. 26, 1872. Emigrated from Pennsylvania to Stephenson Co in 1854; lived there two years; thence came to Benton Co., Iowa, where he has resided since. Mr. Dewalt came here when it was new; has made a good home and fine farm; has made it by his own exertion; is one of the solid farmers of the township. (1878 Eden Township)

DeWitt, D. H., farmer; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Dice, N., farmer, S. 10; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Dickenson, J. N., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Dickerson, A. W., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Bruce Township)

Dickey, J. S., Presbyterian clergyman, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Dickinson, A. J., physician and surgeon, Shellsburg; born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., April 11, 1840; came to this county in October, 1856. Married Mary T. Brooks in 1867; she was born in Broome Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1843; mother of four children -- Eulalie G., born Jan. 18, 1868; Mary E., born Aug. 14, 1871; Le Roy, born June 21, 1875, and Claude B., Feb. 10, 1878. Emigrated to this county in 1856; spent most of his time going to school in Iowa University and Western College, until the Spring of 1861; returned to New York and taught school until Aug., 1862; then enlisted in the 134 th New York V. I., and served two years; was discharged for disability; afterward, went into Quartermaster's department; was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain and Rock Face Mountain; afterward, returned to Vinton, Benton Co., and studied medicine; graduated at the University of Michigan, and has practiced for ten years, and is the leading physician of the town. (1878 Canton Township)

Dickinson, G. W., farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Dysart; born in Lewis Co., N. Y., in 1839; removed to Benton Co. in 1869; owns 230 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Married Maranda Strickland Oct. 25, 1865; she was born in Lewis Co., N. Y., in 1842; they have three children �- Hattie, born Nov. 29, 1869; Bryant, born Nov. 23, 1872; Fay, born April 30, 1877. Republican. Enlisted in the 5 th New York Artillery, in 1862; was in fortifications at Washington fourteen months, and detached to United States Coast Survey, 8 th Missouri; went to Maryland Heights, Md., in 1863, and was there at time of Early 's raid through the Shenandoah Valley; served on non-commission staff as a non-commission officer; was mustered out in June, 1865. (1878 Monroe Township)

Dickson, E. S., farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Dickson, J., farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Dickson, W. D., farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Dilger, N., farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Homer Township)

Dillen, G. A., teamster. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dilling, J. A., farmer and mechanic, Sec. 16; P. O. Vinton; born in Blair Co., Penn., Dec. 31, 1833; came to this county in the Spring of 1851; has 167 acres of land, valued at $5,000. Republican; belongs to the United Brethren Church. Married Elizabeth Leamar in 1854; she was born in Blair Co., Penn., Nov. 16, 1837; mother of four children -- Henrietta (now Mrs. Silas Slaybaugh), born May 24, 1857; Emma J., born July 8, 1858; Mary C., May 23, 1861; Sarah A., Sept. 16, 1863. Came direct to this county from Pennsylvania in 1851; came by water from Pittsburgh, down the Ohio River to Cairo, then up the Mississippi to Muscatine, and by wagons to Benton Co; when he came here had but 50 cents in his pocket, and what he has made has been by his own hard work; has a good farm and is in comfortable circumstances. (1878 Eden Township)

Dillon, J. P., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Cedar Township)

Dillon, O., farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Dimit, Robert, farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Dysart; born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1834; removed to Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1865; keeping books for State, Mondon & Tate, until 1871, then came to Benton Co.; has 120 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Married Miss M. J. Steen in 1870; she was born in Mercer Co., Penn. in 1836. Republican. Township Clerk four years, and holds the office now. Mr. and Mrs. Dimit are members of the Union Presbyterian Church. He enlisted in 1862, in the 123 rd Penn. V. I.; participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville; mustered out in 1863. (1878 Monroe Township)

Dimmick, D. M., farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Cedar Township)

Dimpsey, W., farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Dysart. (1878 Monroe Township)

Dine, John C., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Vinton; born in Decatur Co., Ind., Dec. 19, 1840; lived there until 11 years old, and came with parents by wagon to Iowa; was four weeks on the way; arrived in this county in Sept., 1852; they were among the early settlers. Was in the army; enlisted in Co. A, 28 th Iowa V.I.; was in the battles of Port Gibson -- shot in the leg; was in the service eighteen months; returned and engaged in farming. Owns a farm of 100 acres. Has held the office of School Director for the past five years, and is President of the Board. Married Miss Louisa M. Wheeler, from Pennsylvania, in Feb. 1865; they have four children -- Alice A., Myrtie, Edson and Electa; lost two children in infancy. (1878 Benton Township)

Dingman, C. R., carpenter, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Dingman, G. W., Jr., farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Dingman, G. W., Sr., farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Ditcler, Samuel; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Union Township)

Ditto, Goo F., carpenter, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Ditzler, E. J., merchant, Luzerne; was born in Schuylkill Co., Penn., Aug. 13, 1832; in 1852, he went to Ohio, and remained there until the Fall of 1855; he then went to Will Co., Ill., in which county he remained until the Fall of 1856; he then came to Cedar Rapids, this State, and remained about four years, at the end of which time he returned to his former home in Pennsylvania, and after remaining there a short time, he returned to Cedar Rapids, and bought grain there until the year 1860; thence to Mechanicsville, where he engaged in the same business until 1861; from there he went to Buckeye, and engaged in the grain trade until 1867; he then moved to Luzerne, and his was the first mercantile house erected in this place; he carried a full line of staple and fancy dry goods, groceries, hardware, ready-made clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes, etc.; he also deals extensively in grain. Mr. Ditzler was the first Postmaster at this place, which office he held a number of years. He married Miss Maria Williams, in Tama Co., this State, in 1866; she was born in Miami Co., Ohio, in 1842; they have five children - Sheridan, born in Buckeye, this State; Myrtle, born in Buckeye, this State; Edwin L., born in this town; Loyd Sydney, born in this town; Lawrence Bird, born in this town. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Divine, John, retired merchant. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dixon, D., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Robin. (1878 Fremont Township)

Dixson, S. H., farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Doan, A. H., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Doan, Elias, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 12; P. O. Vinton; was born in Washington Co., Ind., June 5, 1814; came to this county June 24, 1850; has 217 acres of land, valued at $8,000; held the office of School Director, Township Trustee, etc. Married Catherine Coffman; she was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 3, 1827; is the mother of five living children - Thomas C., Florence A., Francis M., William W., George H. Emigrated direct to this county, where he has resided since; came through with teams, and camped out; was three weeks making the trip; came here when Taylor Township extended to the Iowa River; was here when it was divided up and helped to organize the town of Big Grove; was also at the first election; at the time he came to the county there were not more than ten votes polled in the township, in 1850; to do his trading he had to go to Cedar Rapids; would make a trip without striking a fence; had one son in the 28 th Regt. Iowa Inf., Co. A; was in the battles of Vicksburg, Red River Expedition, Winchester and Cedar Creek; was wounded by a musket ball through the thigh; was struck in five places at about the same time. When Mr. Doan came here he was poor with the rest of the emigrants, but by good management and economy has made a good home. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Doan, S. W., photographer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Doan, Thomas C., farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Vinton; was born in Big Grove Twp., Benton Co., Iowa, Dec. 8, 1850; was the first white male child born in the township; has eighty acres of land, valued at $3,000. Politics, Republican; belongs to the M. E. Church. Married Sarah H. Campbell; she was born in Scott Co., Iowa, July 11, 1849. Mrs. Doan married for her first husband Patrick Donahue, by whom she had five children -- Estella, Havilah, Sarah A., Mary E. and Lester C. Mr. Doan is the oldest living resident born in the township, having been born in it. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Dodd, H. H., laborer, Luzerne. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Dodd, W. K., farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Luzerne; was born in this county, 1861; his father, T. M. Dodd, was born in Tennessee, 1829; he came to Johnson Co., this State, 1847, thus becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that county. While in that county he married Miss Mary J. Kellar, 1851; she was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1830; a few years after their marriage, they moved to this county and located in this township. Mr. Dodd died at his residence in this township, the 27 th of May, 1876; his widow, Mrs. Dodd, still resides on the estate. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Dodge, Augustus C., married Laura Seeley; she was born in Stephenson Co., Ill., May 2, 1854; mother of one child -- William Le Roy, born June 27, 1877. (1878 Eden Township)

Dodge, E. S., farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Vinton; born in Portage Co., Ohio, June 28, 1820; came to this county in 1854; has eighty acres of land, valued at $3,000. Politics, Democrat. Married Letta A. Taylor; she was born in North Carolina Aug. 1, 1829; mother of three children -- Cornelius, Augustus C. and William G. Enlisted in Co. A, 28 th Iowa V. I.; was in the battles of Mansfield, Red River Expedition, Knoxville and Old Oaks; was discharged on account of poor health; went to California in 1852; crossed the plains with ox teams; was on the road four months; when he returned from California came by water by way of New York. When he was 16 years old, shipped from Buffalo, N. Y., with Captain Owens; was on the lakes seven years; when he first went to Chicago there were about 3,000 inhabitants. (1878 Eden Township)

Doebel, Christian, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 8; P. O. Shellsburg; born in Germany May 5, 1821; came to the county in 1857; has 496 acres of land, valued at $15,000. Politics, Republican. Held the office of School Trustee, etc. Married Mary Busacker; she was born in Germany Feb. 2, 1838; mother of five living children -- Mary, Annie, Eliza, Charley and George. Emigrated in 1852, from Germany to New Orleans; stopped there a short time; thence to Davenport Iowa; then went to Dubuque and worked through the Winter chopping cord wood and splitting rails; afterward worked on the Ill. Central Railroad, about four months; then went to Louisiana and worked in the swamps, floating timber, where he made $400 in gold, where he got his start; came to Benton Co., entered his land in 1854, and in 1857, came to Fremont Township, where he has remained since, and has accumulated a fine property. (1878 Fremont Township)

Does, V., farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Bruce Township)

Dolga, J., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Donahue, James, saloon keeper, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Donald, Jackson, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Donelan, M., Jr., billiard saloon. (1878 Taylor Township)

Donelan, Michael, stone mason. (1878 Taylor Township)

Donelan, P. J., farmer, Sec. 17. (1878 Taylor Township)

Donels, J., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Donels, W. G., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Donley, T., P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Donlon, J., shoemaker, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Donnelly, Michael, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Garrison; born in Gallaway, Ireland in 1832; emigrated to New Orleans, La., in 1849; thence to Benton Co. in 1870; has eighty acres of land valued at $30 per acre. Married Mary Corran in 1863; she was born in County Sligo, Ireland, in 1833; they have three children-- Ellen F., Mary A. and William J. Democrat. President of the School. Members of the Catholic Church. (1878 Homer Township)

Donnelly, T., farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Homer Township)

Donoly, P., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Donor, D., farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Fairfax. (1878 Florence Township)

Doolittle, A. P., farmer, Sec. 23 P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Doolittle, L. M., farmer, Sec. 36 P. O. Florence. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Doolittle, W. A., farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Florence; born in Knox Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1841. Married Miss S. C. Stookey in Iowa in 1871; she was born in Indiana in 1850; they have three children -- J. W., J. L. and Elma L. Has 160 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Enlisted in the 12 th Iowa V. I., Sept. 28, 1861; was discharged by reason of general debility in July, 1862. Came to Iowa in 1857. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Dorman, T. M., laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Dorsey, Beal, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31; P. O. Vinton; born in Lexington, Ky., April 29, 1823; came to this county in the fall of 1845; has 335 acres of land, valued at $10,000. Republican in politics. Held the offices of Township Trustee, Deputy Sheriff, etc. Married Eliza J. Railsback; she was born in Parke Co., Ind., July 13, 1827; they have nine living children -- Mary Ann, George, Samuel, Allie, James F., Lucinda J., Charles, Richard and Malissa E. Emigrated from Kentucky to LaSalle Co., Ill.; lived there one year; thence to Tazewell Co., Ill.; nine years; thence to Carroll Co., Ill.; stayed there one year; from there to Linn Co., Iowa, in May, 1839; thence to Benton Co., where he has resided since. Was at the first election held in Benton Township. When he came here there was not a house in Vinton, and only four families in the neighborhood. Had in his pocket $120, team, one plow, and old dray, two cows and five hogs, which was the extent of his wealth. Mr. Dorsey has by industry and economy made himself and family a good home, and is one of the sound farmers of the township. (1878 Benton Township)

Dorsey, George M., farmer, Sec. 36. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dorsey, J. F., farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Benton Township)

Dorwin, J. M., printer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dorwin, T. M., carpenter. (1878 Taylor Township)

Doty, Gilles, farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Urbanna; born in the State of New York in 1819; came to Benton Co. in 1874; has 100 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Married Miss Clarisa Brown in 1848; she was born in New York State in 1828; they have five children -- Mariah, Helen M., May, Eunice M. and Stephen. Democratic in politics. (1878 Polk Township)

Dougherty, G. F., farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Dysart; born in Bradford, Co., Penn., in 1843; removed to Carroll Co., Ill., in 1866; then went to Benton Co., in 1870; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Married Mrs. Fanny L. Wells in 1867; she was born in Mt. Rose, Penn., in 1833. Republican. Enlisted in the 17 th Penn. V. C., in Sept., 1863; participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cedar Run, Wilderness, Five Forks; was badly wounded; mustered out June, 1865, at Cloud's Mills, Va. (1878 Monroe Township)

Doughty, J. F., clerk, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Douglas, D., carpenter, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Douglas, E., carpenter, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Douglas, W. A., engineer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Douglass, John, carpenter, Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)

Dowell, A. B., auctioneer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Downs, J. C., farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Downs, R. W., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eden Township)

Drahos, J., farmer, S. 20; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Drahos, J. R., railroad employee, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Drahos, Vencil, clerk, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Draisen, J. H., clerk, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Drake, D. T., laborer, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Drake, Ira B., farmer, Sec. 3. (1878 Taylor Township)

Drake, James, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Drayton, William H., farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Dysart; born in Boston, Mass., in 1827; removed to Rock Co., Wis., in 1856; then went to Knox Co., Mo., in 1858; then went to Benton Co., in 1868; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Married Elizabeth Davis; she was born in Brooklyn, Mass., Feb., 1831; have two children -� William A., born Jan. 5, 1854; Eva L., born May 3, 1858; Elizabeth died July 17, 1862. Married Francis McGorilan May 29, 1864; she was born in Adams Co., Ill., in 1844; have five children -- Laura, Mary, Alpha, Anna and Johnny. Republican. Has held the offices of Township Treasurer and School Director. Enlisted in the Home Guards of Missouri; participated in several battles in Missouri. (1878 Monroe Township)

Dresser, F. G., farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Drinkert, F., Proprietor Central House, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Drips, A. J., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Driscol, Peter, farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. La Porte City; born in Ireland in 1833; emigrated to America in 1856; came to Benton Co. in 1876; eighty acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Married Miss Mary Hagan in 1858; she was born in 1837; they have five children -- Jeremiah, John, William, James and Jemimah. Politics, Democratic. (1878 Bruce Township)

Duhrkoop, August, farmer; P. O. Dysart. He was born in 1831 in Malente, Schleswig Holstein (now part of Germany). He married 1854 near Silkeborg, Denmark; they had four sons. He landed in New York City, July 3, 1871, with two young sons, Andrew and Theodore, who later spelled their surname Dehrkoop. They may have gone directly to Benton County. He was married to Bridget Redmond from 1876 to 1882, when he left with Theodore to homestead in the Dakota Territory. Bridget and August farmed in Sec. 10 of Monroe Township. According to an item in the Dysart Reporter Jubilee Issue, March 26, 1953, the newspaper had written in 1878 that August harvested 85 bushels of corn to the acre; at that time 50 or less was average. He became a citizen March 21, 1879, in Vinton. In the 1880 Census his son was listed as Andrew Deerkoop, working as a hired hand in Tama County. Andrew later farmed in Clay County, Iowa, before returning to the Traer area. He married two Glorfeld sisters from Benton County; one is buried in Lone Tree Cemetery near Everly. He is buried in the rural Oneida Cemetery south of Dysart. Several of his descendants live in Eastern Iowa. Bridget and her son William Shaw are buried in the old Catholic cemetery in Dysart. In 1887 Theodore moved to Waterford Township, Clay County, Iowa, from Beadle County, Dakota Territory. In 1893 he married Mary Moeller who was born in Benton County. Apparently several residents of Benton County moved to the Everly (formerly Clark) area of Clay County in 1884 or 1885. Accounts say that the train took two days and arrived in a blizzard. Two Moeller brothers, who also lived in Benton County and moved to Clay County, may have been August 's half brothers. August 's younger son Marius also married a woman originally from Benton County, Ida Mae Davis. (1878 Monroe Township)

Dukes, F. P., retired farmer, born in Carroll Co., Mo., Sept. 22, 1819; removed with his parents to Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, in 1826; they were among the early settlers there; lived in Ohio twenty-two years, and in 1848 removed to Peoria County, Illinois; came to Benton Co. in May, 1856, and located near Vinton and engaged in farming and stock raising; there were only a few settlers there; used to cart grain to Iowa City; has sold wheat at 40 cents per bushel; sold forty head splendid hogs at $1.25 per 100 lbs; after farming twenty years, rented his farm of 200 acres and moved to Vinton; has held town and school offices. Married Miss Cornelia Kerr, from Richland Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1850; they have four children - Mary, Charles, Edwin and Ida, and have lost one son and one daughter. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dulin, G. S., shoemaker. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dulin, J. L., laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dulin, W. F., laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Duncalf, R. T., farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Union Township)

Duncalf, Samuel; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Union Township)

Duncan, Andrew, harness maker. (1878 Taylor Township)

Duncan, John, horse dealer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dunker, J., farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Dunlap, Samuel, railroad employee. (1878 Iowa Township)

Dunne, C. C., tinner, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Durand, C. H., merchant, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Durand, George W., Eagle Flouring Mills; born in Litchfield Co., Conn., July 31, 1811; lived there twenty-three years, and learned the milling business; removed to Michigan and was engaged in cabinet business and farming; he came to Benton Co. by wagon, with ox team and horse, team being six weeks on the way, and arrived here in June, 1853; they were early settlers located at Cedar and engaged in farming; he has been engaged in milling business for past six years; has held office of Justice of the Peace, town and school offices. Married Laura A. Waterman, from Ohio, in 1836; they have two children - Mrs. Helen Kimball and Carrie; they have lost nine sons; he had two sons in the army - Robert was in 13th Iowa V.I., and was killed in Atlanta; Alonza was in 9th Iowa V.C., and died at St. Louis. (1878 Taylor Township)

Durand, James A., firm of Durand & Son, Belle Plaine; born in Crown Point, N. Y., Jan. 26, 1822; his father moved there soon after the close of the war of 1812, using it as a farm. Was married in Vermont in 1846, to Anna C. Beers; she was born in that State, April 17, 1824. Moved to Kendall Co., Ill., in 1854; came to this place in 1869; engaged in the mercantile business; is engaged in same at present; carries a stock of from $6,000 to $7,000, and does a business of about $20,000 annually; has one son -- Cassius H., born Feb. 16, 1849; has been a partner in the business since 1869. Are all members of the Congregational Church. (1878 Iowa Township)

Durston, J., Deputy Sheriff, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Dutler, David. (1878 Taylor Township)

Dwigans, B. R., Justice of the Peace and farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Dyrig, B., farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Florence. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Dyrland, E., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Dyrland, G., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Dyrland, G. G., farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Dyrland, Ole, farmer, Sec. 4; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)