Benton County >> 1878 Index

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Unless otherwise specified, biographies submitted by Dick Barton.

Packard, F. A., physician and surgeon, Shellsburg; born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., July 9, 1851; came to this county Nov. 17, 1875; does a business in drugs of about six thousand dollars a year. Married Dyanthia Lake in 1876; she was born in Jackson Co., Iowa, in Nov., 1856; mother of one child -- Lawrence, born March 8, 1877. Studied medicine at Milton Falls, Vt., and graduated at Burlington University and State Agricultural, Society, Vt., in 1872, and has a good office practice. (1878 Canton Township)

Packard, George A., Sec. 10; P. O. Mt. Auburn; owns 200 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1828; came to Iowa in 1865, and settled on his present farm. Married Margaret Sheip in 1872; she was born in Germany in 1845; Mrs. Packard is a member of the Lutheran Church. (1878 Cedar Township)

Pagel, C., farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Paige, Samuel, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 29; P. O. Garrison; born in Merrimack Co., N. H., Dec. 14, 1832; came to this county in the Fall of 1857; has 240 acres of land, valued at $10,000. Married Mary M. Schoonover; she was born in New York April, 1835; mother of six children -- Lucy Ann, Mary Alma, Oliver L., David E., Ira W., John. Emigrated from New Hampshire to Muscatine Co., Iowa, where he lived about three years; thence to Benton Co., where he has resided since; was among the earliest settlers in the township; when he came there it was in its wild state; there was only one shanty between here and Blairstown, that being a sod shanty built by a man name of Kanan. Has a fine grove of seven acres, planted by his own hands; raises on an average about sixty-five acres of corn yearly or 2,500 bushels; wheat, 200 bushels; oats, 600 bushels; turns off seventy head of hogs and about a car load of cattle. Mr. Paige has one of the finest Short-Horn bulls in the county, by which he is improving his stock, and is one of the thriving farmers of the county. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Paine, James, harness maker, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Palda, Alois, cigar maker; Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Palmer, A. H., farmer, Sec 2, P. O. Vinton; born in Wayne Co., Mich., in 1850; removed to Benton Co., in 1877; has eighty acres, valued at $35 per acre. Married Miss Dora A. Coonley in 1873; she was born in Illinois in 1858; they have one child -- Lida A., born in 1876. Republican. (1878 Monroe Township)

Palmer, H. N., drugs, books and stationery; born in Richland Co., Ohio, Oct. 27, 1843; lived in Ohio until 12 years of age, when he came to Vinton in 1854; has lived here twenty-four years; he has been engaged in the drug, book and stationery business since 1866. Married Miss Nellie Cleveland from Michigan, in January, 1872; they have two children - Paul Correll and Florence May. (1878 Taylor Township)

Palmer, T. S., druggist; born in Richland Co., Ohio, July 17, 1825; lived there until 21 years of age, then went South, to Tennessee and St. Louis, and came to Burlington, Iowa, in April 1848; in the Spring of 1849, he went overland to California; returned in 1851 to Ohio, and came to Vinton in April 1852, being one of the earliest settlers, there being no one in business here now that was here when he came; he engaged in the drug business in 1855. Has held town and school offices. Married Miss Nancy Hale, from Richland Co., Ohio, in May, 1853; they have three children - Walter S., Etta and Charles S.; they have lost one daughter. (1878 Taylor Township)

Palmer, W. S., clerk, drug store. (1878 Taylor Township)

Palmer, W. S., clerk. (1878 Taylor Township)

Palmerter, J. C., farmer, Sec. 7. (1878 Taylor Township)

Pangburn, Levi W., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Paris, Benjamin, farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Park, David H., clerk, Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Park, G. R., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Fairfax. (1878 Florence Township)

Parker, D. K., merchant, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Parker, Daniel, P. O. Paul; born in Indiana in 1828; removed to Clinton Co., Ohio in 1837 thence to Grant Co., Ind., in 1847 thence to Kosciusko Co., Ind., in 1853; thence to Lee Co., Ill., in 1867, thence to Benton Co., in Oct., 1877. Married Elizabeth J. Sisk in 1857; she was born in Wayne Co., Ind., in 1837; two children -- Sarah M., born in 1859; Chester M., born in 1861. Democratic. Member of the Grange; Mrs. Parker is a member of the Dunkard Church. (1878 Homer Township)

Parker, H. E., carpenter, Sec. 14; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Parker, J. E., farmer, Sec. 16 P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Parker, John, farmer and President of the Farmers' Exchange Bank, Shellsburg, Sec. 36; born in Ireland in 1817; came to this county in the Fall of 1849; has 600 acres of land, valued at from $16,000 to $20,000. Belongs to the Presbyterian Church. Married Harriet Kirkpatrick; she was born in Ohio April 5, 1833; they have five children -- David K., born July 20, 1855; Thomas A., Oct. 13, 1857; Nancy A., July 18, 1860; Sarah A., June 6, 1864; Mattie E., Sept. 9, 1868. Emigrated from Ireland in 1843 to Coshocton Co., Ohio, where he lived seven years; then came to Benton Co., where he has resided since. Worked the first year after he came here for a man of the name of Thomas P. Johnson for $12 per month; entered the land he now lives on the same year; went back to Ohio in the Spring of 1851; lived there one year; then came to Benton Co. Was married in 1854. The first election was held at John Pogue 's, in Benton Township. When he first came here he could have bought Parker's Grove for $700 -- a claim of about 600 acres; within two years some of the timberland was sold for $50 per acres. The first sermon preached in Vinton was by Rev. Dr. Wood, from Iowa City (a Presbyterian); Mr. Parker was instrumental in getting up the meeting; it was held in a little frame court house, not finished; laid planks down upon sleepers for seats. When he came to Iowa he was very poor; worked out by the month, and rented land, and in seven years had $500 to start into his Benton Co. farm; by good management has accumulated a fine property. (1878 Benton Township)

Parker, L. K., farmer, Sec. 16 P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Parker, M. W., nursery, Sec. 30. (1878 Taylor Township)

Parker, S. M., farmer, Sec. 16 P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Parker, W. H., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Parmelee, Arthur, merchant; Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Parris, W. A., farmer, Sec. 19, P. O. Belle Plaine; was born in Delaware Co. N. Y., in July, 1835 he came to this township in 1856. He married A. M. Crommett, in Marengo, Iowa Co., this State, in 1867; she was born in Maine; they have one child -- Nellie; Mr. Parris owns 120 acres of land in county and 160 acres in Tama Co., all of which is improved; he resides only a few rods outside of the corporation of the city of Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Parry, Thomas, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Union Township)

Parsons, James, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Vinton; born in England May 20, 1840; emigrated to Canada in 1855; thence to Sullivan Co., Wis., in 1859; thence to Mercer Co., Ill., in 1861; thence to Benton Co. in 1865; has 164 acres valued at $25 per acre. Married Anna Pollock in 1860; she was born in Nova Scotia in 1837; they have five children -- William H., John E., Catharine E., Lavella J., infant. School Director. Members of the United Presbyterian Church. (1878 Monroe Township)

Parsons, Richard, farmer and carpenter, Sec. 7; P. O. Irving; born in Delaware Feb. 6, 1824. Married Sarah Midleton, in New Jersey, in 1848; she was born in New Jersey, in 1823; they have five children, four are living - Thomas, Mary Ann, Emma Jane and Richard; Elizabeth died in Michigan at 8 years of age. Mrs. Parsons died March 4, 1860. Mr. Parsons married for his second wife, Mrs. Coburn, in Benton Co., Iowa, 1867; she was born in Lorraine Co., Ohio, June 1826. Has seventy acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. Parsons followed carpentering and building the principal part of his life; went to Pennsylvania as a child, with his parents, moved to New Jersey, thence to Michigan, and then to Iowa in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Parsons has held the offices of Supervisor and Road Commissioner. (1878 Kane Township)

Pasko, Charles, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Pasko, John, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Patten, Thomas, farmer, Sec. 24, P. O. Garrison. (1878 Monroe Township)

Patterson, D., proprietor of the Iowa Valley Nursery and farmer Sec. 9; P. O. Belle Plaine; he was born in Warren Co., Ohio, in 1833; came to this county and settled in this township in 1855. He married Miss E. Kennedy in this county, Sept. 24,1856; she was born in Chenango Co., N. Y.; they have seven children living -- James T., born 3 rd of June, 1859; Lucy R., born 6 th of January, 1865; Emma May, born 10 th of May, 1867; Charles Elmer, born 27 th March, 1869; John Franklin, born 2 nd of Aug., 1872; Edith Lyle, born 27 th April, 1873; Alice, born 16 th of May, 1877. Mr. Patterson owns 380 acres of land in this county and 240 acres in Nebraska; his apple orchard in this township is the largest in the State; it contains 240 acres of land, and contains 25,000 apple trees; in his nursery he grows all varieties of trees that are grown in the Northwest. (1878 Iowa Township)

Patton, Thomas; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Paulicek, J., merchant, Belle Plaine; was born in Bohemia in 1849; came to Marshall Co, this State, 1869, in which county he remained one year; he came to this place, Belle Plaine, in 1871, and engaged in his present business. He married Miss Mary Schlichting, in this town, Sept. 13, 1875; she was born in Davenport, this State, 1857; they have two children -- Emiler R. and Julia. Mr. Paulicek keeps a fall line of dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, ready made clothing, etc., (1878 Iowa Township)

Pawley, B. W., farmer; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Pawley, J. C., farmer; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Pawley, J. L., farmer; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Payne, J. H., blacksmith. (1878 Taylor Township)

Peacock, E. F., dentist, born in Troy, N.Y., March 11, 1845; lived in that State eighteen years; then lived in Pennsylvania for five years; removed to Rockford, Ill., and studied dentistry; came to Vinton in 1871 and has been engaged in the practice of his profession here since, except several years in Wisconsin and elsewhere. Married Miss J. M. Shoonmaker from Illinois in 1872; they have two children - Sarah L. and Frank H. (1878 Taylor Township)

Pearce, Isaac, retired; born in Rhode Island June 24, 1815; he moved with his parents to Washington, Ohio, and lived there, and in Columbus and Lancaster; learned the trade of woolen manufacturer; he came from Ohio on horseback to Vinton, Benton Co., being about three weeks on the way and arrived here in June, 1851, and was one of the early settlers here; only several here now that were here when he came; he selected some land and went to Dubuque and entered it; still owns 160 acres of land adjoining the city limits, which he entered; also, owns other town property. He was among the first to enlist in 1861 in the three-months service in the 17th Reg. Ohio Inf., Co. B; enlisted for three years in the same regiment; after serving three years, enlisted in the 6th Reg. Hancock's Corps and served one year; was in battles of Mill Spring, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca and Atlanta. (1878 Taylor Township)

Peck, Rollin, farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Paul; born in Rutland Co., Vt., in 1850; removed to Benton Co. in 1857; has eighty acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Married Dora Grase in 1871; she was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1853; they have two children - - Carry, born in 1873, and Charlie, born in 1877. School Director and Road Supervisor. (1878 Homer Township)

Peck, Sheldon, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Dryden. (1878 Homer Township)

Peco, W. C., railroad engineer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pegl, William, farmer. (1878 Homer Township)

Pelly, Patrick, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Penrose, Joseph, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 12; P. O. Shellsburg; born in Bucks Co, Penn., April 2, 1838; came to this county in 1839. Has ninety acres of land, valued at $3,000. Politics, Greenbacker. Held the office of Trustee, etc. Married Phoebe R. Jones; she was born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, Oct. 31, 1840; mother of six living children -- William, Deliah, Adella, Laura, Mary, Edwin, John. Emigrated to this county when he was 2 years old, and has lived here nearly forty years; when he was a boy, remembers that there were plenty of Indians; has been in Cedar Rapids when there were only two or three houses. Turns off about forty hogs, on an average, yearly; few cattle; raises, on an average, from 1,200 to 1,500 bushels of corn; 300 bushels wheat; 400 bushels of oats. Is one of the men that came in amongst the earliest settlers and has grown up with the country and seen all developments and knows what a pioneer life is. (1878 Canton Township)

Percell, L., farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Percell, L. C., farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Perin, E. S., laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Perkens, Russell, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Robin. (1878 Fremont Township)

Perkins, John M., farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Mooreville; born in Ohio in 1834; removed to Benton Co. in 1855; has eighty acres of land, valued at $45 per acre. Married Cordelia Landakan in 1854; she was born in Ohio in 1834; they have three children living, and one dead - John L., born in 1855, died May 19, 1877; Mary E., born in 1858; Alpha A., born in 1861; Anna, born in 1865. Mr. Perkins is Republican in politics. Held the offices of Road Supervisor and Constable. (1878 Bruce Township)

Perkins, Royal A., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 21; P. O. Mooreville; born in Ohio in 1840; removed to Benton Co. in 1866; has 250 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Married Catharine Gingrich in 1875; she was born in Pennsylvania in 1840. Republican. (1878 Bruce Township)

Perrine, Lew, clerk. (1878 Taylor Township)

Perry, D., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Perry, J. M., laborer, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Perry, William, farmer and breeder of fine stock, Sec. 29; P. O. Mooreville; born in Kentucky in 1839; came to Benton Co. in 1875; has eighty acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Married Tryphenia Hally in 1861; she was born in Ohio in 1845; their children are Effie, Mary, Lizzie, William, Jasper, Lee, Ellie, Dollie, Bessie, and an infant. Democratic in politics. (1878 Bruce Township)

Petermann, G. H., farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)

Petermann, J., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)

Peters, F., farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Kane Township)

Peters, George, farmer; S. 27; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Cedar Township)

Peters, Henry, shoemaker, Luzerne. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Peters, J., farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Kane Township)

Peters, S. H., farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Peterson, Hans, Sec. 30. (1878 Fremont Township)

Peterson, Henry, farmer; P. O. Dysart; born in Delaware Co., Ohio, in 1827; removed to Livingston Co., Ill., in 1835; thence to Grundy Co., Ill., in 1863; thence to Linn Co., Iowa, in 1867; thence to Benton Co. in 1871. Married Elizabeth Curry in 1857; she was born in Virginia in 1837; eight children -- Mary, Daniel R., Phebe A., Nancy J., Joseph, Margaret, Henrietta, William. Republican. He is a member of the Dunkard Church. (1878 Monroe Township)

Peterson, John A., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Florence. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Peterson, N. P., farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Peterson, P. A. C., bartender, Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Peterson, P., farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Cedar Township)

Peterson, W., Sec. 20; P. O. Paul. (1878 Homer Township)

Pettitt, H. L., farmer, Sec. 10. (1878 Taylor Township)

Pettit, William A., farmer Sec. 10. (1878 Taylor Township)

Pfaffle, A. F., painter, Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Phelps, R. G., farmer, Sec., 7; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Phelps, Stephen, pastor First Presbyterian Church, Vinton; born in Lewiston, Fulton Co., Ill., Feb. 6, 1839; he attended Jefferson College Pa., three years, and entered the Western Theological Seminary; he was licensed to preach in the Summer of 1861, and supplied the pulpit at Bedford, Pa., during seminary vacation; after graduation, he refused several calls from churches in the East, and accepted the call from the Presbyterian Church in Sioux City; after being there two and a half years, he was called to the Presbyterian Church at Waterloo, where he labored until obliged to resign his charge on account of his health; he was called to his present pastorate in October, 1871, and has the largest church in Iowa. He is Chaplain of the Iowa State Guards; has been moderator of the Synod, and has represented the Presbytery three times in the general assembly. Married Miss Amelia McComb, from Lewiston, Fulton Co., Ill., June 20, 1862; they have four children - Albert M., Myron, Ella and Clara. His father, Myron Phelps, was one of the earliest settlers in Illinois, emigrating there before the Black Hawk war; he has been a successful merchant for fifty-four years. (1878 Taylor Township)

Phillips, B., retired farmer; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Phillips, G. W., carpenter, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Phillips, John, farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Phillips, W., farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pickart, John, farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Pieper, Casper, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Pieper, Frank, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Florence (1878 Florence Township)

Pieper, John, farmer; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Pierce, E. L., iron molder, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pierce, G. R., merchant, Blairstown; was born in Wales Nov. 3,1842; he came to this country with his parents in the Spring of 1843; they settled in Wisconsin, in which State he remain until the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion. He then enlisted in the 9 th Wis. Battery; served three years and three months, during which time he was in many severe engagements. After being honorably discharged from the service, he went to Minnesota, where he remained, until 1872, when he came to this town and engaged in the mercantile business, which business he still continues in. He married Miss Elizabeth French, in this town Feb. 7, 1877; her father, the Rev. Ozro French, came to this county in 1864, and had pastoral charge of the Congregational Church until his death. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Pierce, Isaac, money lender. (1878 Taylor Township)

Pierce, J. F., iron molder, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pierce, M. S., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Pierce, N. R., farmer, Sec. 11, 13 and 22; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Homer Township)

Pierce, Nehemiah R., farmer; born in Barnstable Co., Mass., Nov. 11, 1823; lived in Massachusetts until 14 years of age; lived in Maine five years, then was engaged in the cotton mills in Massachusetts nine years. Married Miss Anna M. Allen, from Maine, Dec. 7, 1852; they came to Iowa in 1854 and lived in Allamakee Co. fourteen years; they came to Benton Co., to Big Grove, May 1, 1868, and engaged in farming. Mr. Pierce had but little when he started, and now owns over 1200 acres of land in this county; has held office of Assessor and other town and school offices; they have four children - Thomas A., Wendell P., Abbie A. and Ruth Ella. Mrs. Martha Pierce, mother of Mr. Pierce, lives with him, and is 86 years of age. His father died Nov. 27, 1873. (1878 Taylor Township)

Piester, M., farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Pike, James C., grain dealer; born in Albany, N.Y., March 4, 1852, and lived there thirteen years, and came to Whiteside Co., Ill.; lived there until 1869, when he came to Benton Co. and engaged in farming; in 1873, he engaged in his present business - buying and shipping grain. Married Miss Ella M. Young, daughter of W. H. Young, of Vinton, Dec. 28, 1867; they have one son - Charles R. (1878 Taylor Township)

Pilbeam, H., M. E. minister, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pine, Alex, farm laborer; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Pine, James, blacksmith, Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Pine, John, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Pine, William, blacksmith, Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Pingle, C., farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Pingle, H., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Pingrey, Amanda, Mrs., importer, dealer and breeder of thoroughbred Short-Horn cattle and Poland-China hogs, Sec. 19; P. O. Blairstown; born in Sullivan, N. H., March, 1825. Was married in Brattleboro, Vt., in 1843, to Daniel Pingrey (now deceased); has seven children - Solon, John, Daniel, Jr., Ida, Edwin and Edward (twins) and Ada. Has 600 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Is a member of the Presbyterian Church. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Pingrey, Daniel, Jr., farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Blairstown. Son of Daniel and Amanda Pingrey. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Pingrey, John, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Blairstown. Son of Daniel and Amanda Pingrey. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Pippert, A. Adam, farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Paul; born in Hessen, Ger., Feb. 24, 1830; emigrated to York Co., Penn., in 1854; thence to Lee Co., Ill., in 1858; thence to Benton Co. in 1873. Married Elizabeth Witzel in 1860; she was born in Hessen, Germany, in 1835; they have eight children -- Catharine, Henry, Adam, Elissa, Jacob, Mary, John and William. School Director. Member of the Evangelical Church for fourteen years. (1878 Homer Township)

Pirie, James, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Florence; born in Scotland in 1819. Married Lydia Stevens in Canada in 1854; she was born in England in 1832; they have four children -- James Stewart, William Edward, George L. and Susan Jane. Has eighty acres of land, valued at $46 per acre; he came to Canada in 1844; moved to Iowa in 1861; he followed blacksmithing twenty years. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Pirie, William, blacksmith, Florence; born in Scotland in 1821. Married Mary Taylor in Scotland in 1846 she was born in Scotland in 1820 came to Iowa in 1869; they had ten children; eight are living -- James, William, Alexander, John, Mary, George, Robert and Hans. Mr. Pirie owns house and lot, and shop and tools, valued at $1,000. Mr. and Mrs. Pirie are members of the Presbyterian Church. (1878 Florence Township)

Pitcheneek, V., railroad employee, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pitsor, O. J., hotel clerk, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pitts, C. J., farmer; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Pitts, Emery, farmer, Sec. 11. (1878 Taylor Township)

Pitts, W. H., farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Place, S. M., laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Platt, W., P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pletcher, A., farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Dysart. (1878 Monroe Township)

Pletcher, J., farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Dysart. (1878 Monroe Township)

Plumm, L. S., laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pogue, J. G., farmer, Sec. 22; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

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

Pollock, S., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Pool, M. H., mason, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Pool, S. M., farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Portenfield, William, Reverend, Sec. 18; born in city of Glasgow, Scotland, in the year 1820, and was educated for the ministry in the Free Presbyterian Church; emigrated from Scotland in 1850 and lived in Canada ten years, and came to Benton Co. in 1860; preaches some yet, but on account of nervous derangement, engaged in the nursery business; he and his sons have done a large business, selling as high as $10,000 of nursery stock in one year; his sons having engaged in business he is closing out his nursery. Married Isabella Stewart, from Montreal; they have four children - John O., merchant at Reinbeck; David A., merchant at Traer; Simon, merchant at Traer; George, at home; lost one son - William S. (1878 Taylor Township)

Porter, C. E., hardware. (1878 Taylor Township)

Porter, J. A., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 27; P. O. Shellsburg; born in Virginia April 17, 1817; came to this county in 1863; has 147 acres of land, valued at $5,000. Been a member of the Presbyterian Church forty-five years. Married first wife, Eliza N. Youel, born Oct. 19, 1818; mother of six living children -- William Y., born Sept. 15, 1839; Charlotte A., born Oct 21, 1847; R. Margaret, born March 29, 1850; James R., born June 24, 1845; Cynthia Ann, born Oct. 24, 1852; Charles L., born April 30,1860. For his second wife, married Mary Stevens, born in Scotland Oct. 15, 1818; has an adopted daughter -- Mary Hailstone, born Sept. 18, 1872. Mr. Porter went to Montgomery Co., Ind., and lived there thirty-three years; from there came direct to this county. His son William enlisted in the 10 th Ind. V. I.; was wounded at Mill Spring; lost thumb and finger; also John and James were in the Union army. Mrs. Porter had two sons in the army; Thomas D. Crawford, in the 9 th Kan. V. C., was killed in Missouri by the Marmaduke Guerrillas; had eleven balls shot into his body; John A. Crawford enlisted in the 35 th I. V. I., and served two years; was wounded in the battle of Tupelo; shot through the bowels and died in two days. Mr. Porter was a hospital nurse nearly two years; went out with the 35 th I. V. I. (1878 Canton Township)

Porter, S. M., farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Dysart; born in New York in 1817; came to Benton Co. in 1860; has eighty acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Married Harriet A. Hawkins in 1847; she was born in Vermont in 1830; they have seven children �- L. Augusta, Harriet N., Wallace W., Samuel N., Helen M., Charles H., Allen A. Republican in politics. Township Trustee eight years. Member of (The) Church. (1878 Monroe Township)

Porter, W. H. H., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Urbanna; born in Ireland in 1828; emigrated to America in 1847; came to Benton Co. in 1865 has 345 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Married Grace Sloan in 1856; she was born in Ireland in 1835; they have five children -- William H., James, Mary J. and Angeline (twins) and John. Democratic in politics. Members of the Evangelical Church. Enlisted at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1855, in the 10 th Regulars, under Colonel E. B. Alexander, for the frontier; was on the expedition to the Red River; crossed the plains in 1857 on foot; on half rations the whole of the Winter of 1856, and again the Winter of 1857; the officers, all Southern men except three or four, going with the South at the breaking out of the war. (1878 Polk Township)

Porter, W. M., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 2; P. O. Shellsburg; was born in Montgomery Co., Ind., Sept. 15, 1839; came to this county in 1863; has 160 acres of land, valued at $5,000. Politics, Republican. Held the office of Justice of the Peace. Belongs to the Presbyterian Church. Married Susan M. Wilson; she was born in Indiana July 3, 1841; mother of four living children. Enlisted Sept. 16, 1861, in the 10 th Ind. Regt., Co. B; was at the battle of Mill Springs, Ky.; was wounded by a minnie ball, taking away thumb and second finger; was discharged on account of wounds received in battle; was commissioned as Captain of a militia company of Indiana; also held commission from the Governor of Iowa an Captain of Co. K, Iowa National Guards. Mr. Porter has a good farm and a comfortable home. (1878 Fremont Township)

Postle, John, laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Potter, Anthony, retired, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Potter, C. H., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Potter, J. L., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Irving. (1878 Kane Township)

Potter, Sylvester, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Vinton; was born in Canada Oct. 25, 1828; came to this county in the Fall of 1864; has 360 acres of land, valued at $12,000. Married for his first wife Mary E. Niles by whom he had one child -- William N., born Jan. 22, 1858; for his second wife, married Flora Blanchard; she was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Feb. 13, 1848. Mr. Potter left Canada in 1854; came to Ogle Co., Ill.; lived there about ten years; thence to Benton Co. Raises on an average, 150 acres; corn, 6,000 bushels; wheat, 800 bushels; oats, 1,200 bushels; turns off 100 head of hogs yearly. Mr. Potter is one of the substantial farmers of the county; has a fine residence and a beautiful location. (1878 Eden Township)

Poulson, Samuel, farmer; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Powell, Joseph, farmer, Sec. 22. (1878 Taylor Township)

Power, J., farmer, Sec. 24: P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)

Power, J., farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Power, William,, farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Powers, I., farmer, S. 16; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Powers, John, farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Watkins. (1878 Florence Township)

Powley, E. H., farmer, Sec. 31; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Pratt, A. S., farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Pratt, M. S., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 3; P. O. Shellsburg; was born in Chittenden Co., Vt., June 26, 1843; came to this county in 1856; has 160 acres of land, valued at $5,000. Belongs to the Presbyterian Church. Married Mary Youel; she was born in Montgomery Co., Ind., Nov. 21, 1846; mother of four children - Bertha, born July 22, 1868; Clara, born Dec. 10, 1869; Frank E., born Aug. 6 1874; Thomas A., born Jan. 30, 1877; enlisted in the 5 th I. V. I., Co. G; was in the service nearly five years; was at the siege of Corinth; was in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg, and Mission Ridge, where he was taken prisoner, and taken to Richmond, Va.; was in Libby Prison a short time, and then taken to Bell Island; stayed there three months, thence to Andersonville; was there six months, thence to Millen, Ga., where he stayed three months; was exchanged at Savannah; while at Bell Island, he suffered terribly with the cold; was taken to Andersonville in the Spring; there were thirteen captured out of the same company, but only five ever lived to get home; has seen as high as one hundred died in a day; has seen them taken out in wagon loads, and would bring their rations of meal chuck in the same wagon; has seen men brought in all chewed up with bloodhounds; has seen Captain Wirz, hundreds of times; while at Bell Island men brought in with nothing but their shirts and drawers in the Winter, the rebels having robbed them of their clothing. (1878 Fremont Township)

Pray, C. U., clerk. (1878 Taylor Township)

Prentiss, M. L., painter, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Prepgrass, P., farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Preston, C. S., lawyer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Preston, Case, farmer, Sec. 32; born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Oct. 16, 1852; lived in Ohio eighteen years, then came to Benton Co., in 1870 and engaged in farming; he owns farm of sixty acres. His parents reside in Vinton, the county seat of Benton Co. (1878 Taylor Township)

Preston, L. A., farmer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Preston, L. C. (1878 Taylor Township)

Price, C. W., drayman, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Price, Frank, farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Price, S. R., farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Primmer, P. E., farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Polk Township)

Primmer, W. C., farmer, S.1; P. O. Burk. (1878 Harrison Township)

Primrose, J., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Robin. (1878 Fremont Township)

Prior, H., farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Florence. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Probert, W., dealer in agricultural implements, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Pruser, J., farmer, Sec. 15; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Pryne, A., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Irving. (1878 Kane Township)

Pryne, H., farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Irving. (1878 Kane Township)

Pryne, J., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Irving. (1878 Kane Township)

Puhlman, J., farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Kane Township)

Putnam, G. G., farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Fremont Township)

Pyne, John F., boots, shoes and harness; born in town of Ovid, Seneca Co., N.Y., Feb. 23, 1830; moved to Cazenovia when 10 years old; he was the oldest of the family; when he was 18 years old he bought a house and lot there, paid for it, and gave the deed to his mother; came to Vinton, Iowa, in June 1855, and when he got there was $2.50 cents worse off than nothing; he engaged in the boot and shoe and dry goods trade; was bookkeeper and cashier in Traer' s bank four years, and was engaged in the saddlery and harness business; published the Benton County Democrat during the campaign of 1856, and again in the campaign between Lincoln and Douglas; in 1868, published the Democratic Standard; he had four brothers in the army, but he "staid at home and stood the draft like a man." Married Ruth A. Stringham, from Broome Co., N.Y., in 1854; she died in 1863, leaving two sons - Edward A. and Joseph S., and lost two sons. Married Lovina F. Burruss, from Indiana, in 1865; they have one daughter Rosa May; lost one daughter. (1878 Taylor Township)