Benton County >> 1878 Index

Unless otherwise specified, biographies submitted by Tierney Ratti.

Waddington, Richard, teamster. (1878 Taylor Township)

Waddle, Samuel, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Wagner, C., merchant tailor. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wagner, Frank, P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wagner, Fred, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Kane Township)

Wagner, J. K., M. D.. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wagner, Otto, farmer; Sec. 5; P. O. Robin. (1878 Fremont Township)

Wagner, W. B., M.D., Blairstown; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., Feb. 5, 1818; he worked on a farm near Harrisburg, Penn., until his 19th year; during this time, he attended school in the Winter, but the grade of school being low, be derived but little benefit; at the age of 21, he began preparing for the ministry, and in the year 1841; he entered the Conference of the United Brethren Church as traveling minister, and in that capacity, labored for seventeen years, preaching principally in Pennsylvania; in 1856, he moved to this State, and successfully labored in Muscatine County; during his ministry, he devoted much of his time to the study of medicine and preparing himself for practice; in 1857, he removed to Linn Co., Iowa, where he engaged in his new profession, which profession he has since continued in; he has a fine library of over 600 volumes, from which he has gathered a store of knowledge; he still retains an abiding interest in his religious denomination, and has always been an ardent supporter of Western College, their denominational school, and served as one of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and as President of the Board a number of years; he removed to this place in April, 1876. He married Barbary Rank in 1842, and has the following family -- J. K. Wagner, born Oct. 23, 1843, is now a practicing physician at this place; was in the 2 nd Iowa Cav., during the war of the rebellion; he married Miss Jenny Swiney in 1871; Anna M., born April 29, 1845, died Aug. 5, 1845; Emma C., born Sept 6, 1846, she married William P. Henderson; George M., born Nov. 4, 1848; William A., born Nov. 6, 1850; John W., born Feb. 24, 1852; Benjamin F., born April 28, 1854; Edward C., born Aug. 1, 1856; James H. S., born April 21, 1858. Mr. Wagner is to be truly termed a self-made man; beginning without education, he has, by his own unaided industry and perseverance, fitted himself for a life that has been useful to others as well as himself. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wahl, Anthony, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Urbanna; born in France in 1820; emigrated to America to Erie Co., N. Y., in 1848; thence to Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1852 thence to Benton Co. in 1864; has 145 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Married Mary A. Aman in 1842; she was born in France Sept. 3, 1817; they have three children -- Lana, born in France in 1843; Catharine, born in France in 1846, and Charles, born in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1850. Democrat. Mr. And Mrs. Wahl, and all their children, are members of the Catholic Church. (1878 Polk Township)

Wahl, James, farmer, P. O. Dryden. (1878 Homer Township)

Waite, E. G., minister. (1878 Taylor Township)

Waitman, J. G., Sr., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Wakefield, Ira C., farmer, Sec. 14. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wakefield, M. A., Farmer, Sec. 14. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wakefield, William L., farmer, Sec. 10. (1878 Taylor Township)

Walden, Freeman W., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Walker, A. L., farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Bruce Township)

Walker, Andrew, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Walker, C. T., dealer in drugs, boots and shoes, groceries, etc.; Mt. Auburn; born in England in 1832; came to America in 1842, and located in Lenawee Co., Mich.; removed to Iowa in 1855, and settled in Muscatine Co., and in 1861, came to Benton Co.; engaged in his present business in 1874. Married Eliza A. Westgate in 1854; she was born in Michigan in 1834; have two children - Eugene and George. Are members of the M. E. Church; Republican. (1878 Cedar Township)

Walker, E., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Walker, Ed C., Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Walker, George H., farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Walker, N. T., farmer and stock raiser and dairyman, Sec. 23; P. O. Watkins; born in Rensselaer Co., N. Y., March 24, 1825. Married Nancy Arbuckle in Benton Co., Iowa, in 1856; she was born in Juniata Co., Penn., in 1838; they have two children -- Nettie J. and Frank W.; they were born in Benton Co., Iowa. Has 240 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. Walker moved to Benton Co., Iowa, in 1856. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Wallace, D. M., Sec. 34; P. O. Vinton; owns 300 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born in Morrow Co., in Ohio, 1832; came to Iowa in 1851, and located in Harrison Township. Married Martha J. Berry in 1860; she was born in Boone Co., Ind., in 1839; they have five children - Marion, Frank, Sherman, Willis, Anna. Are members of the M.E. Church. Republican. (1878 Harrison Township)

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

Wallace, J. P., editor and proprietor of the Blairstown Independent; was born in Caldwell Co., Mo., May 20, 1843; come to Madison Co., this State, in 1855, and to this county in 1868. Married Miss M. A. Guthrie, in Dallas Co., this State, in 1866; she was born in Richland Co., Ohio. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wallace, James R., Sec. 35; P. O. Vinton; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; born in Brooke Co. W.Va., in 1837; came to Iowa in 1859, and located in Vinton; removed to his present farm in 1868. Married Alice Bickett in 1877; she was born in Green Co., Ohio; Mr. Wallace has two children by a former marriage - Ella M. and John W. Are members of the U. P. Church; Republican. Mr. Wallace enlisted in Co. G, 13 th I.V.I., in 1861, and was discharged in 1864; was in all the battles that regiment participated in; the most prominent battles were Shiloh, Corinth, Siege of Vicksburg and Atlanta. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wallace, L. M., farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wallace, M. E., farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wallace, M. M., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Wallace, R., farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Wallace, W. A., Sec. 35; P. O. Vinton; owns 180 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born in Richland Co., Ohio, in 1840; came to Iowa in 1851, and settled in Harrison Township. Married Juanna Williams in 1863; she was born in Randolph Co., Ind., in 1840; they have six children - Edgar F., Stephen W., George, Effie M., Minnie and Nina (twins). Are members of M.E. Church. Republican. (1878 Harrison Township)

Wallace, William, retired farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Vinton; was born in Genesee Co., N.Y., Aug. 18, 1805; when 13 years of age, moved to Richland Co., Ohio, in March, 1818, they being among the earliest settlers there; he learned the blacksmith trade. He held the office of Postmaster of Barcelona; appointed under Jackson 's Administration; he held it under Van Buren and Harrison 's Administrations; also held the office of Town Treasurer. He married Elizabeth Pitt, from Westmoreland Co., Penn., Oct. 21, 1830; they came with their own conveyance to Benton Co., and were six weeks on the way; arrived in July, 1851, and located near where he now lives, and entered 600 acres of land; they were among the early settlers, only a very few being here then; used to go to Dubuque for groceries. In 1864, he was commissioned by Governor Stone to go South and take the vote of the 27 th Iowa V.I., and of all soldiers in the hospitals in Memphis; he has held office of County Supervisor for four years, and Justice of the Peace four years; also town and school offices; he has disposed of most of his land, and only owns about seventy acres. They have five children - David M., William A., Electa A., Marinda J. and Elizabeth; lost four children. (1878 Harrison Township)

Waller, J. P., farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Paul. (1878 Homer Township)

Waller, Robert, farmer, Sec. 7; P. O. Paul. (1878 Homer Township)

Waller, W. H., farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Paul. (1878 Homer Township)

Wallery, T. B., laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Walterdorf, F., farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Walters, J., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Walton, J. H., retired. (1878 Taylor Township)

Walton, P. R., farmer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wandro, J., farmer, Sec. 29 P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Eldorado Township)

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

Ward, F. M., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Ward, Samuel, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Garrison; born in Licking Co., Ohio, May 16, 1831; came to this county in 1866; has 320 acres of land, valued at $10,000. Married Mary Hayes; she was born in Licking Co., Ohio; she is mother of six children -- Frances M., Martha R., William E., Albert C., Elizabeth and John. Emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ogle Co., Ill.; lived there fifteen years; thence to Benton Co., Iowa, where he has resided since; raises on an average, eighty acres corn, 4,000 bushels; wheat, 300 bushels; oats, 500 bushels; turns of 60 head of hogs, and two car loads of cattle. Mr. Ward has a fine farm of one-half of a Sec., situated in a fine county and is one of the solid farmers of the county. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Ward, Thomas, farmer, Sec. 34. (1878 Taylor Township)

Ward, William, shoemaker, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Wareham, D. H., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Dryden; born in Lawrence Co.; Penn., in 1842; removed to Scott Co., Iowa, in 1864; thence to Cedar Co., Iowa, in 1865; thence to Benton Co. in 1870; owns 200 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Married Sarah C. Criswel, Feb. 15, 1866; she was born in Blair Co., Penn., in 1844; they have two children -- Mary Alice, born in March, 1867, and Mertie, in Aug., 1877. Democratic in politics. School Director four years; Supervisor one year. Members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Wareham enlisted in July, 1862, for nine moths in the 134 th Penn. V. I.; participated in the battles of South Mountain, Fredericksburg and the Wilderness; mustered out in March, 1863. (1878 Homer Township)

Wareham, Stephen, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Homer Township)

Warfield, James M., farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Warfield, W. H., laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wariner, J. G., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Burk. (1878 Polk Township)

Warner, H., farmer; Sec. 16 P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Warner, H. E., Clerk of District and Circuit Courts; born in Lake Co., Ohio, Jan. 10, 1839, went to Rock Co., Wis., at an early age. Was in the army; enlisted in the 22d Regt. Wis. Inf., Co. E; was wounded in the battle of Resaca, Ga.; was taken prisoner at Brentwood; taken to Richmond, and afterward exchanged. Held the office of Clerk of the Board of Supervisors in Rock Co., Wis., two years; was elected to his present office in 1874, and was re-elected in 1876. Married Miss Anna J. Riggs, from Beloit, Wis., in October 1870; they have three children - Majora, Arthur H. H., and baby. (1878 Taylor Township)

Warner, N. S., farmer, Sec. 33; P. O. Dysart. (1878 Bruce Township)

Warwick, William, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Union Township)

Wasmand, C., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Union Township)

Wass, H. N., merch. tailor, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Waterson, J., farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Bruce Township)

Watkins, A. C., proprietor of Howard House; born in Genesee Co., N.Y., July 28, 1826; lived in that State about seventeen years, and removed to Ohio; went to California and was there four years, and returned to Ohio; removed to Illinois, and was in the hotel business at Plainfield, Will Co.; kept hotel at Cortland, Trumbull Co., five years; came to Vinton in March, 1869, and has been engaged in hotel business here the past nine years. Was in the army; enlisted in the 8th I.V.C., Co. K; was elected First Lieutenant of Co. K, and was obliged to resign on account of ill health. Married Marion E. Oviatt, from Summit Co., Ohio May 2, 1851; they have seven children - Edwin F., Ida May, Mona M., Broderick E., Almeron, Daisy and Burt; lost two - Frank and Lily. (1878 Taylor Township)

Watson, A. K., speculator. (1878 Taylor Township)

Watson, Henry, grocer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Watson, P. W., of the firm of S. H. Watson & Sons, bankers; born in Harrison Co., Ohio, Dec. 17, 1852; came with his parents to Iowa at an early age, and has been engaged in banking business with his father for the past six years; is also engaged in the grocery and provision business, the firm of P. W. Watson & Co. Married Miss Blance V. Hewes, from New York State, May 14, 1873; they have one son - Samuel H. Watson, Jr. (1878 Taylor Township)

Watson, Samuel H., of the firm of Samuel H. Watson & Sons, bankers, born in Ohio Co., W. Va., July 3, 1828; when 6 years of age, moved to Harrison Co., Ohio; came to Vinton, Iowa, Oct. 14, 1856, and engaged in the banking business with Judge Douglass; he retired from the business in 1861, and Mr. Watson continued it until 1866, when he organized a national bank and continued for four years; then the organization was dissolved; Mr. Watson continuing the business, his sons becoming interested with him. He has held town and school offices; has held the office of treasurer and one of the Trustees of the State College for the Blind about ten years. Married Miss Emeline Perrine, from Belmont Co., Ohio, Nov. 21, 1849; they have seven children - William P., Peter W., Clara, Clifford, Frank, Lillie and Estella. (1878 Taylor Township)

Watson, W. P., Railroad employee, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Waychoff, J., farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Waychoff, John D., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Watkins; born in Pennsylvania in 1839. Married Catherine Hunt in Pennsylvania in 1859; she was born in Virginia in 1839; they have eight children -- Morgan J., Mary Ellen, John E., Lewis J., Frank C., William J., George H. and Oliver L.; has eighty acres of land, valued at $2,400. Mr. Waychoff enlisted in the 15 th Penn. Vol. Cav., in 1862; was in all the engagements with his regiment; was mounted Orderly for General Thomas, commanding 14 th Army Corps, three months, and discharged with the regiment at the close of the war. Is a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge. Mr. Waychoff and wife are members of the Baptist Church. They came to Iowa in 1873. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Warner, Jacob, farmer, Sec. 29. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wayner, Philip, carpenter, Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Wean, G. E., farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Wean, S., farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Weatherwax, A. T., farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Fremont Township)

Weatherwax, C., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Cedar Rapids. (1878 Fremont Township)

Weatherwax, J., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Cedar Rapids. (1878 Fremont Township)

Weatherwax, J. C., farmer; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Fremont Township)

Weatherwax, L. P., farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Fremont Township)

Weatherwax, M., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Cedar. Rapids. (1878 Fremont Township)

Weatherwax, T., farmer, Sec. 12; P. O. Cedar Rapids. (1878 Fremont Township)

Weaver, Amos, minister. (1878 Taylor Township)

Weaver, William H., mechanic; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)

Weba, George, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Webb, A. K., plasterer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Webb, E. C., laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Webb, G. W., stock buyer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Webb, J. R., retired. (1878 Taylor Township)

Webb, J. W. O., boot and shoe dealer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Webb, M. D. L., retired; born in Woodford Co., Ky., April 2, 1824; when 15 years old, moved to Franklin, Ind.; lived there eleven years and came to Iowa; his father's family came by wagon, and he came by stage and arrived at Vinton Oct. 19, 1851; he was one of the earliest settlers - Mr. Tilford, Dr. Traer and James Wood, the only ones here now that were here then. He married Miss Mary J. Beckett April 5, 1853; she was born in Danville, Hendricks Co., Ind., and came with her parents to this county in 1847; they were the first couple married in Vinton; they commenced housekeeping and have only moved once since then. Mr. Webb has been engaged in the farming, stock and mercantile business and says that for several years after he came, that he, or Dr. Traer, Russell Jones or Dr. Stanberry, when they needed, could get all the money there was in the town in twenty minutes. Mr. and Mrs. Webb have two sons - Elliot C., born April 9, 1855; Wilbert W., born Oct. 4, 1857. Mrs. Ruth Webb, mother of Mr. Webb, is 86 years of age and is living here; her husband died in 1852. Mrs. Melinda M. Beckett, Mother of Mrs. Webb was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., she came here in 1849, one of the earliest settlers; she is 78 years of age, and is very active, and has a wonderful clear memory of the incidents of her early life here; she has three children - James R. Webb, of Chicago, Mrs. Eliza Sanders, and Mrs. Webb; her husband died in 1851. (1878 Taylor Township)

Webster, A. B., horse dealer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Webster, H. B., Sec. 4; P. O. La Porte City; owns 487 acres of land, valued at $10,000; born in Monroe Co., N. Y.; came to Iowa in 1854, and settled on his present farm. Married Mary Dillon in 1846; she was born in Ontario Co. N.Y., in 1826; have eight children - Charles H., Helen J., Alzina J., Willia W., Frank E., Addie F., Belle I. and Carrie. Mr. Webster has held the office of Justice, and other town offices. Enlisted in Co. D, 31 st, V.I., in 1863, and held a commission as Second Lieutenant; discharged in 1864. (1878 Cedar Township)

Weddle, G. D., miller. (1878 Taylor Township)

Weed, William, carpenter. (1878 Taylor Township)

Weeler, P., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Weger, Chris, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Fremont Township)

Wehr, S., retired farmer; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wehrman, Augustus, farmer; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)

Weil, Frederick, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Weise, Claus, farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Dryden. (1878 Kane Township)

Weise, Peter, farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Weland, Ole, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Welch, P., farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Dysart. (1878 Monroe Township)

Welch, T. J., farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Shellsburg; born in Belmont Co., Ohio, April 16, 1816. Married Jane Cranston in Benton Co., Iowa, in 1858; she was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio. March 13, 1821; has two children -- Azubah and Leonard Haney. Has 324 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; moved to Illinois in 1854, and moved to Iowa in 1859. Mr. Welch has held the offices of Supervisor, Trustee and Justice of the Peace a long time; has a good property, made by his energy, and is free from debt; Mr. Welch followed carpentering and building several years. Mr. and Mrs. Welch are members of the Presbyterian Church. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Wells, C. N., farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wells, C. T., farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wells, E. J., farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

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

Wence, A., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Benton Township)

Wence, J. H., farmer, Sec. 18; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Benton Township)

Wendel, Conrad, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Robin. (1878 Fremont Township)

Wengert, Jacob, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Kane Township)

Wenner, C., Sr., farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Wentz, Arthur A., farmer and raiser of fine stock; born in Chester Co., Penn., Oct. 8, 1846; he lived there twenty years, and came to Linn Co., Iowa, in 1866, and engaged in the book business; came to Vinton in 1867 and engaged in the abstract business for some years; he made the present abstract books; on account of his health he sold the abstract books to Mr. Knapp, and bought the farm where he now lives, just out of the city limits, and engaged in raising fine stock; he held office of Town Clerk for some years; holds office of Supervisor of this county; was appointed in June, 1876, and was elected to fill the same office in the Fall of same year. Married Miss Clara Blackman, from Marion, Linn Co., Iowa April 23, 1868; they have two children - George E. and John T.; they have lost three sons - Harry, Charley and Allen. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wentz, C., of the firm of C. & S. Wentz, dealers in groceries and provisions, etc., Belle Plaine. Mr. C. Wentz was born in Germany in 1838; came to this country in 1855, and stopped in Kendall Co., Ill.; while in that county, be enlisted in Co. 1, 36th 111. Vol. Inf., in July, 1861; served four years and four months, and was honorably discharged; he was in many severe battles, the principal ones being the battles of Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and all through the Atlanta campaign, and also at the battle of Franklin, Tenn. The war being over and peace restored, he returned to Kendall Co., Ill.; after remaining there a short time, he came to Belle Plaine; he engaged in his present business in the Fall of 1870. He married Miss E. Beek, in Vinton, this county; he was born in Germany. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wentz, Samuel, merchant, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Werhman, Henry, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Werner, H., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Werning, C., farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Werning, M., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Wernnay, J. F., grain dealer, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wertley, J., farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wertley, John., Sr., farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)

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

Wescoatt, O. P., farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wessel, Hartwig, retired, Belle Plaine; was born in Holstein, Prussia, in 1835; came to Davenport, this State, in 1852, where he remained until the Fall of 1868; the four years prior to 1868 he was engaged in the agricultural implements business in Davenport; he came to Belle Plaine in 1868, and engaged in dealing in agricultural implements, which business he continued in until the Fall of 1873, when he sold to Mr. Junge. He married Maggie C. Nagel, in Davenport; she was born in Holstein, Prussia; they have five children living. Mr. Wessel has held the offices of Assessor, member of City Council, and various school offices. He owns 350 acres of land; resides at corner of 4th and Beech Sts., Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

West, N. N. T., farmer and herder, proprietor of livery stable; P. O. Watkins; born in Albany Co., N. Y., in December, 1847; moved to Iowa in 1873; holds the office of Township Constable; owns eight horses, barn and farm utensils, valued at $1,000. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Weston, John, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Westover, William, stock dealer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Westyshal, C. F. A., farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Wetz, Jacob, pension agent. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wetz, Wit., laborer (1878 Taylor Township)

Weyand, Daniel. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wheeler, Charles H., carpenter, Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Wheeler, George W., Constable, Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Wheeler, J., farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Wheeler, J. A., farmer; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Wheeler, P. V., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Wheeler, W. H., Justice of the Peace, Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Wheeler, W. H., farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Wheton, H. F., farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Dysart. (1878 Monroe Township)

Whipple, Cyrenius T., farmer; born in Licking Co., Ohio, Oct. 11, 1827; lived in Ohio until 11 years of age, and moved with his parents to Logansport, Ind.; lived in Indiana fifteen years; in 1850, in company with three other young men, came by wagon to Iowa, to this county, and selected land here and entered it; there was only one log house here at that time; returned to Indiana and came here again in 1852; in 1854, he came with his parents to reside permanently; located on his land and built a house costing about $1,000, the best one around here then; engaged in farming; in 1860, he bought where he now lives and paid $50 an acre for it; he owns about 350 acres of land, most of it adjoining the city and very valuable. Married Nancy J. Cline March 6, 1856; she was born in Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., and came here in October, 1850, and was one of the earliest settlers here; they have three sons and one daughter - William P., Miles E., Selmon T., and Cora Jane; they lost one daughter - Callie. (1878 Taylor Township)

Whipple, L.B., farmer; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Whitcomb, O. B., Sec. 23; P. O. Mt. Auburn; owns 250 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre; born in Merrimack Co., N. H., in 1820; came to Iowa in 1856, and located on his present farm. Married L. H. Boyd in 1850; she was born in Hillsborough Co., N. H.., in 1826; have two children - Maria F. and Emma L.; lost one - George H., died at the age of 14 months. Are members of the M. E. Church; Republican. (1878 Cedar Township)

White, Alexander, butcher, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

White, B. H., proprietor Fremont House, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

White, C. L., carpenter. (1878 Taylor Township)

White, Charles G., carpenter and builder; born in Rutland, Vt., Nov. 29, 1830; moved to New York State in infancy and when 5 years of age came with his parents to Davenport, Iowa, being forty days on the way; they were among the earliest settlers; there was not a house in Davenport except a ferry shanty; the government soldiers were on the island and most of the inhabitants were Indians; they were among the earliest settlers in the State; learned the trade of carpenter and joiner in Le Claire; came to Vinton in 1857 and engaged in building, and has built and has helped to build some of the best buildings here. Has held office of City Marshal and Collector in Le Claire, Iowa. Married Evelina Miller, from Allegheny City, Penn., Dec. 5, 1850; they have four children - Clarence L., William, Mary M. and Bessie; they have lost two sons. (1878 Taylor Township)

White, David H., carpenter and builder; born in Albany Co., N.Y., Sept. 7, 1818; learned the trade of carpenter and joiner; was engaged in building there until 1865, when he came to Vinton and since then has been engaged in building here. Married Miss Catharine Walley, from Albany Co., N.Y., in September, 1837; they have ten children, six sons and four daughters, and lost two children. His son Jesse was in the army, 44th Regt. New York Vols., and was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg. Andrew was in the 91st Regt. New York Vol. Inf., James E. was Captain in Co. G., 13th Regt. Iowa Inf., and is now Superintendent of the Railway Mail Service, Sixth Division, with headquarters in Chicago. (1878 Taylor Township)

White, Ed, farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

White, Enoch, retired farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Shellsburg; born in Carroll Co., Ohio, Sept. 7, 1821; has 120 acres of land, valued at $4,800; came to this county in the Fall of 1849; held the office of Constable; belongs to the M. E. Church. For his first wife he married Eva Rice, who is the mother of two children -- John, born Sept. 6, 1842; Lizzie, born Feb. 12, 1847. For his second wife, Adeline Shipman, born in New York State, Jan. 9, 1828; she has had three children -- Hattie, born Oct. 19, 1856; Alice, Dec. 22, 1860; Lucy, March 29, 1863. Mrs. White married for her first husband, William Waller; she had three children by him -- William, Ella and Fannie. When Mr. White came to this county Cedar Rapids was a very small place. He had a son in the Union Army. (1878 Canton Township)

White, Gilman, carpenter. (1878 Taylor Township)

White, J., farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

White, J. C., farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Iowa Township)

White, John A., laborer, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

White, John J., retired farmer, Sec. 11; P. O. Shellsburg; born in West Virginia Aug. 31, 1797; came to this county in 1849; has 270 acres of land, valued at $10,000. Married Sarah Deitz; she was born in Erie Co., Penn., Aug., 1800; is the mother of thirteen children, four deceased -- Enoch, William, Mary, Rachel, John, Isaac, Hannah, Harriet and Debias. Emigrated from Virginia when he was a boy; came to Pennsylvania; lived there sixteen years; from there went to Ohio; lived there thirty- one years, then came to this county; when he first came here there were only three families in Vinton; there was not a house in Shellsburg; came here before the organization of the county. Mr. White is probably the oldest settler living in the county; when he came here he was a poor man, and by hard work has made a fine home and a good property. (1878 Canton Township)

White, Robert, clerk, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

White, S., clerk. (1878 Taylor Township)

White, W. H., farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Eldorado Township)

White, William J., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Shellsburg; born in Carroll Co., Ohio, April 20, 1824; came to this county in 1849; has 232 acres of land, valued at $7,000. Married Elizabeth McDole; she was born May 4, 1826; is the mother of one child -- Abraham, born Sept. 20, 1848. Mrs. White died March 28, 1849. For his second wife he married Sarah Ann Elson, born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, Dec. 2, 1831; is the mother of three children -- Willis B., born Jan. 1, 1855; Archibald, June 15, 1856; Lucy A., Aug. 16, 1860; emigrated from Ohio to Van Buren Co., Iowa, in the Spring of 1849; stayed there until the Fall and then came to this county; entered 200 acres of land and has made himself a good farm; was at an election when there were only three precincts in the county and only polled nine votes. Mr. White was amongst the earliest settlers of the county. (1878 Canton Township)

Whitehead, Alex, laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Whitehead, J. S., teamster. (1878 Taylor Township)

Whitlock, A. S., dairyman. (1878 Taylor Township)

Whitlock, J. A., retired. (1878 Taylor Township)

Whitney, H. E., farmer; P. O. Shellsburg.. (1878 Benton Township)

Whitney, M. G., teamster. (1878 Taylor Township)

Whitney, S. H., farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Whitson, C. W., laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Whitson, Harry, farmer; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Whitus, U. B., physician, Sec. 22; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Wicks, Lars, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Wieneke, C., farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Robin. (1878 Fremont Township)

Wiese, Henry, Sec. 19; P. O. Mt. Auburn; owns 260 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre; born in Germany in 1838; came to America in 1852, and settled in Moline, Ill.; removed to his present farm in 1874. Married Catherine Kahlar, in 1865; she was born in Germany in 1844; have one child - Johnny, born July 7, 1876; lost three - Anna, Charles and Lena; died within six days, with diphtheria. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wikre, J., farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Robin. (1878 Fremont Township)

Wilcox, D. L. W., laborer, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wilcox, S. A., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Belle Plaine; was born in Oneida Co., N.. Y., in 1822; he remained in New York until 1843; he then went to Bureau Co., Ut., and remained until. 1854; he then moved to Tama Co., this State, thus becoming one of the pioneer settlers of the Northwest; he resided in Tama Co. until the year 1857; he then moved on to his present farm in this township; Mr. Wilcox owns 129 acres of land. He is one of the present Board of Township Trustees, which office he has held three terms previous to this; has also held various school and township offices; he was one of the Delegates to the Convention held in Tama Co. for the purpose of organizing the Republican party; this was the first Republican Convention held in that county, and we believe the first in this State. He married Miss P. M. Rogers, in Now York, in 1845; she was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1828; they have four children living -- Daniel O., Ann Eliza (she married Charles R. Barnett), Miron C. and Sherman H. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wilcox, W., farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Wilcox, Warren M., jeweler, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Wilcox, William, druggist, Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Wilcoxon, George I., mason, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wilcoxon, I., farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wilder, Henry, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 18; P. O. Belle Plaine; born in New York Jan. 18, 1833. Married Mary E. Zimmer in Illinois, in 1862; she was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1840; they have two children - Charles B., born in Illinois Dec. 12, 1862; William R., born in Illinois Feb. 3, 1864. They have 160 acres of land valued at $35 per acre. Mr. Wilder moved into Illinois in 1855, and followed carpentering and farming until 1866; he then moved to Benton Co., Iowa, where he now carries on farming. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder are members of the M. E. Church. (1878 Kane Township)

Wiley, J. J., Railroad employee, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wilford, Samuel, laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wilkerson, John, farmer, Sec. 31. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wilkinson, C. R., editor People's Journal; born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. 25, 1844; lived there twelve years, and came to Iowa in 1856; was in the army during the rebellion; went out as Adjutant 18th Ohio V.I., and served on staff duty; was in battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Nashville; came to Vinton in 1866; was local editor Vinton Eagle, and was connected with the Daily Observer at Cedar Rapids; became connected with the Journal in 1872, and is editor and manager. Married Miss Nette Cooledge, of N.Y. State, May 14, 1872; they have one daughter - Stella. (1878 Taylor Township)

Will, D., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Will, Henry, farmer, Sec., 10; P. O. Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Will, Jacob, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Watkins. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Willet, D., farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Willett, William C., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 36; P. O. Vinton; born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, in 1824; removed to Fairfield Co., Ohio in 1827; thence to Delaware Co., Ohio, in 1833; thence to Benton Co. in 1854; has 270 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Married Miss Elizabeth Sherman, a descendant from General Stark, of the American Revolution, in 1849; she was born in Salina, N.Y., 1828, and died in 1852, leaving two children - Mary Helen and Francis M. Then he married Miss Margaret Blackledge in 1854; she was born in Carroll Co., Ohio, in 1825; they have three children - Corydon E., Sherman and Missoura I. Republican in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Willett and their children are members of the M.E. Church, and Mr. Willett has held all the school offices except Treasurer; Township Assessor five years, Trustee, President of the Agricultural Society, and member of the I.O.O.F. at Marysville. (1878 Harrison Township)

Willford, J., farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Williams, A. C., retired; born in Wayne Co., Ind., Sept. 18, 1832; he received his education through his own efforts, and prepared himself for teaching, and taught school some years; he was Superintendent Schools Cambridge City, Wayne Co., Ind., for some years, and also in Plymouth, Ind.; he was Professor Penmanship and Bookkeeping in White Water College, Wayne Co., Ind.; came to Benton Co. in 1856, and engaged in teaching school, and taught penmanship; went to Chicago and was in the commission business four years, then was engaged in selling goods on the road for ten years; having bought land here in 1865, he engaged in raising fine stock, principally hogs; he was the first to introduce Poland hogs in this Sec.; on account of his health, he sold his farm, except eighty acres near town; he made the largest public sale of hogs ever held in Benton County, Feb. 20, 1878; in March, April and May, of 1877, he answered over one thousand letters. Married Miss Inez E. Dwelle, from Michigan, in Jan. 1873; they have one son - Lewis Clifford, born Sept. 13, 1877. (1878 Taylor Township)

Williams, B. F., farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Jackson Township)

Williams, C., Sec. 36; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Williams, E., Sec. 36; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Williams, H. H., merchant, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Williams, I. Z., farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Williams, J. G. (1878 Taylor Township)

Williams, J. I., farmer, Sec. 4. (1878 Taylor Township)

Williams, J. N. (1878 Taylor Township)

Williams, N. L., grocer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Williams, Stephen, minister. (1878 Taylor Township)

Williams, T., Sec. 36; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Williams, T. J., shoemaker, Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Williams, W. E., retired (1878 Taylor Township)

Williams, W. F., banker; born in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio, May 22, 1830; lived there nineteen years, and went to California by way of Panama, in 1849, and engaged in mercantile business in Marysville, and in the mountains; in 1856, he came to this county and entered 500 acres of land, and spent the Summer in making improvements, and in the Fall returned to the Pacific coast; he spent seventeen years in California; he returned to Vinton, Iowa, in April, 1867, and engaged in banking business with Traer & Co., afterward, engaged in banking and dealing in lands, extensively; he has done more building, and probably made more improvements here, than any man in Vinton, or in Benton Co. Married Miss Frances E. Fielding, from Lancaster, Ohio, Jan. 26, 1860; they have four daughters - Mae Ella, Lizzie, Maud and Jennie. (1878 Taylor Township)

Williamson, Daniel, farmer, Sec. 26. (1878 Taylor Township)

Willmore, J., farmer, Sec. 8; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Bruce Township)

Wills, G. W., engineer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wills, O. F., Teamster. (1878 Taylor Township)

Willson, John. (1878 Jackson Township)

Wilmirth, Charles, laborer, Florence. (1878 Florence Township)

Wilson, A., farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Homer Township)

Wilson, Andrew. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wilson, Andrew, laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wilson, D. L., farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wilson, G. W., farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Urbanna. (1878 Polk Township)

Wilson, George, Tinner. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wilson, Henry, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Irving. (1878 Kane Township)

Wilson, Henry M., Capt., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 30; born in Scott Co., Ind., Dec. 18, 1841; lived there until 14 years of age; then came with his parents to Vinton, in April, 1855; they were among the early settlers. Enlisted as private in the 28th I.V.I., Co. D.; was elected Orderly Sergeant; was in the battles of Magnolia Hill, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Pleasant Hill, Winchester, Cedar Creek and a number of others, twenty-three in all; he was promoted, and commissioned Lieutenant, and then to Captain and commander of Co. D, 28th regiment. Was elected Sheriff of Benton Co., in 1868; re-elected in 1870, and again re-elected in 1872; served six years. T hen engaged in farming and stock raising; owns farm of 150 acres. Married Miss C. J. Cline, from Johnson Co., Ind., in Sept., 1868; they have four children - Callie E., Evert May, Charles S. and Baby. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wilson, Hugh, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wilson, J. D., lumber dealer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wilson, J. E. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wilson, J. Q., laborer; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Wilson, Mitchell, Sec. 34; P. O. Vinton; owns 160 acres of land valued at $5,000; born in Allegheny Co., Penn., in 1822; came to Iowa in 1854, and settled on his present farm in 1860. Married Elizabeth Moore in 1858; she was born in Coshocton Co., Ohio, in 1830; have four children - John H., Rebecca A., Martha E. and Maggie A. Are members of the U. P. Church. Republican. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wilson, R. C., printer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wilson, R. H., farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Vinton; born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Nov. 9, 1827; came to this county Oct. 6, 1856; has 485 acres of land, valued at $14,550. Politics, Democrat; belongs to the Presbyterian Church; been a member twenty-five years. Married Isabelle J. Evans; born in Brown Co., Ohio, Jan. 27, 1835; mother of seven living children -- Elmer E., born June 27, 1859; Jerome E., April 2, 1861; James P., July 14, 1863; Margaret A., Sept. 27, 1865; Archibald F., Aug. 30, 1868; Annie R., Dec. 11, 1870; Phoebe A., Jan. 3, 1872. Emigrated in June, 1836, to Hadcock Co., Ohio; lived there twenty years, then came to Benton Co. Raises from 5,000 to 6,000 bushels of corn, 1,000 bushels of oats, and 1,000 bushels of wheat yearly, on an average. (1878 Eden Township)

Wilson, Samuel, farmer, Sec. 10; P. O. Garrison; born in North of Ireland in 1827 emigrated to Upper Canada in 1842, thence to Benton Co. in 1872; owns 280 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Married Elizabeth Arnt in 1852; she was born in Ottawa, Canada; they have eight children -- Adam H., James, John, Jane, Mathew, Edward, Albert and William Henry. Members of the Presbyterian Church. (1878 Homer Township)

Wilson, Thomas (1878 Taylor Township)

Wilson, Truman, Sec. 5; P. O. La Porte City; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; born in Canada West; came to Iowa in 1855. Married Anna Atwood in 1854; she was born in Canada; have seven children - Andrew, Mary E., William A., John, Charlie, Ella M. and Patton Albert. Republican. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wilson, W. J., teamster, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wilson, W. R., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Wilson, Walter, laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wilson, William, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wilt, J. W., farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Benton Township)

Wing, John, teamster, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Winter, A., farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. Watkins. (1878 St. Clair Township)

Wise, Daniel, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Belle Plaine; owns 1371 acres of land; was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, 1825, in which State he remained until 1851; he then went to California, and followed mining three years, at the end of which time he returned to Ohio; remained a short time, and came to Vinton, this county, in 1864. Married Miss E. Potter, in Marion, Linn Co. this State, in 1857; she was born in New York; they have seven children living - Alice Z., Effie G., Willard A., Blanche E., Caroline E., John Vincent and Maude E. Mr. Wise and family resided in Vinton until 1865, when they moved to this Township, on their farm, which is only one-fourth mile from the city of Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wise, J. K., lumber merchant, Blairstown; was born in Union Co., Penn., April 30, 1829; he came to this State in 1839, with his parents; they settled in Cedar County, in which county he remained until 1850; he then went to Muscatine, and remained there three years; returned to Cedar County, and after remaining some time, he again went to Muscatine, and remained three years; he came to this town in the Fall of 1865, and engaged in his present business (lumber merchant); he is the only lumber dealer in the town. He has held the office of Mayor one term. Married Miss Emma Hanslip in Muscatine, this State, in Sept., 1858; she was born in Leeds England, in 1834; they have three children living - Charley H., born June 17, 1859; Emma J., born Oct. 3 1870; Jennie May, born in 1873. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Withrow, David M., merchant tailor; born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, Feb. 3, 1830; lived in Ohio about twenty-six years; learned the tailor's trade; came to Vinton in March, 1857, and has lived here twenty-one years; he was the first merchant tailor in Vinton, and the oldest one in Benton Co., having been in business longest. Married Miss Mary S. Watson, from Harrison Co., Ohio, March 16, 1853; they have five children - Virginia, Frank, Anna, Carl and Clifford; lost two sons - William and Joshua. (1878 Taylor Township)

Witrouck, W., farmer, Sec. 5; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Union Township)

Witt, Karson, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Irving. (1878 Kane Township)

Witt, M., farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Homer Township)

Witterreck, H., farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. Shellsburg. (1878 Fremont Township)

Wittrock, Henry, retired farmer, Luzerne. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wittie, G. D., Shoemaker (1878 Taylor Township)

Wodstreil, W., farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Florence. (1878 Eldorado Township)

Wolf, J. H., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Garrison. (1878 Jackson Township)

Wolf, James, farmer; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wolf, William, Sr., farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wolf, William, Jr., farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wolfe, James, Sec. 19; P. O. Mt. Auburn; owns ninety-five acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; born in Bradford Co., Penn., in 1830; came to Iowa in 1852, and settled in Cedar Township. Married Diantha Livermore in 1852; she was born in Knox Co., Ill., in 1836; have one child - Edith H., born in 1867. Are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Wolfe enlisted in Co. D, 28 th Iowa V.I., in 1863, and was discharged in 1865; was in all the battles that regiment participated in. Republican. (1878 Cedar Township)

Wonderlich, E. A., farmer; P. O. Irving. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wood, A. M. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wood, Henry, carpenter, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wood, James, Hon., was born March 28, 1822, at Barnesley, England, and was educated at the Grammar school located in his native town and founded by Queen Elizabeth, which he attended until he was 13 years of age, when he was apprenticed to the machinist trade, serving seven years, at Leeds, England. In May, 1842, he came to this country, locating first near Steubenville, Ohio, where he remained only a short time; he worked at his trade for some time at New Philadelphia, Ohio, where he was married in October, 1843; he also worked at Wheeling, W. Va., and Pittsburgh, Penn., removing to Iowa in the Spring of 1850, and located at Fremont, now Vinton, where he has since resided, having been thoroughly identified with the growth and progress of the town and county; he opened the first blacksmith shop, which he carried on for about three years, when he engaged in real estate business, which he followed for some time. In 1854, he was appointed Postmaster of Vinton, which office he held for nine years; elected Justice of the Peace in 1862, and has since continuously held the office by re- election, performing its responsible yet unpleasant duties to the satisfaction of the general public. He commenced reading law when in New Philadelphia, which he kept up by himself as he had time or opportunity, and was admitted to the bar in 1865. He is the author of several books of reference for attorneys, which are regarded by competent judges as among the most valuable works of the kind ever published. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wood, Nicholas, farmer; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Harrison Township)

Wood, P. J., carpenter, Blairstown. (1878 LeRoy Township)

Wood, Robert, farmer, Sec. 24; born in Canada in 1811, and lived there forty-five years; they came with their team, and were six weeks and five days on the way, and arrived in Aug., 1856; they were among the early settlers here, and have lived here twenty-two years, engaged in farming; used to haul grain to Cedar Rapids, and has sold wheat at 40 cents per bushel; owns the farm where he now lives. Married Miss Eliza Taultner, from Lower Canada, in the fall of 1842; they have nine children - Mrs. Mary A. Barton, Mrs. Hannah Nichols, Mrs. Dorcas Ten Eyck, Mrs. Lucy Ditch, Mrs. Hattie Rhoades, Mrs. Amanda Owens, Maggie, William, and Hiram; lost two sons - Wellington and James; Wellington was in Co. C, 47th I.V.I., and died at Helena, Ark., from disease, and his mother now draws a pension; William was in the same regiment, and is now in Washington Territory; Mr. Wood had beside two sons, four sons-in-law, Mr. Barton, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Ten Eyck and Mr. Ditch, all in the army. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wood, W. H., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Garrison; born in Ohio in 1843; came to Benton Co. in 1849; owns forty acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Married Harriet Wilson in 1866; she was born in Indiana in 1846; two children -- Stewart, born in 1869; Charles, born in 1871. Republican. (1878 Monroe Township)

Wood, W. H., laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wood, W. T., laborer. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wood, William, dairyman. (1878 Taylor Township)

Woodard, James, carpenter. (1878 Taylor Township)

Woodburn, William, barber. (1878 Taylor Township)

Woodley, A., farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. La Porte City. (1878 Bruce Township)

Woodley, J., farmer, Sec. 23; P. O. Mt. Auburn. (1878 Cedar Township)

Woodley, Jacob, farmer, Sec. 16; P. O. La Porte City; born in Lycoming Co., Penn., in 1823; thence to Medina Co., Ohio, in 1838, and to Benton Co. in 1856; has eighty- five acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. Married Melinda Treanor in 1848; she was born in New York in 1830; they have one child - Ann, born in 1849. Republican in politics. Township Trustee. (1878 Bruce Township)

Woodrow, S., carpenter. (1878 Taylor Township)

Woodruff, J., farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Union Township)

Woods, H. D., blacksmith, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Woods, John C., farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Shellsburg; born Aug. 12, 1843; came to this county in 1839. Married Jane L. Bennett; she was born Nov. 5, 1855; is the mother of two children -- Magnolia and May Bell. Enlisted in the 31 st Regt. Iowa V. I., Co. 1; was in the battles of Arkansas Post, Chickasaw Bayou, siege of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, with Sherman on the march to the sea, and at the surrender of Johnston; was in twenty-two regular battles; was mustered out at Savannah, Ga., and discharged at Davenport, Iowa. (1878 Fremont Township)

Woodward, L. H., retired grocer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Worley, J., physician, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Worrall, C. D., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Shellsburg; was born in Linn Co., Iowa, June 1, 1848; has ninety acres of land, valued at $3,000. Republican. Held the office of School Director. Married Margaret E. Youel;. she was born in Montgomery Co., Ind., Aug. 29, 1849; mother of three children -- William Y., born Aug. 9, 1871; Harry E., born March 30, 1874; James W., born July 21, 1875. His father emigrated to Cedar Rapids when there was only one store, they being among the earliest settlers of Linn Co. The subject of this sketch was the first white male child who was born in Cedar Rapids; has lived in Linn and Benton Counties ever since. (1878 Canton Township)

Wortcel, G., farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Dysart. (1878 Monroe Township)

Worthen, Joseph H., firm of Tewksbury & Worthen, attorneys; born in Thetford, Orange Co. Vt., Sept. 12, 1848; entered Dartmouth College, and graduated there in the class of 1873; went to Nebraska City in 1874; was Superintendent of Schools there two years. Studied law, and was admitted to the bar there in April, 1876; practiced his profession in Sidney, Fremont Co., two years, and came to Vinton in Jan. 1878, and associated with Mr. Tewksbury. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wortzel, N., farmer, Sec. 25; P. O. Luzerne. (1878 Kane Township)

Wright, E. B., farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Belle Plaine; was born in Meigs Co., Ohio, in 1824; while he was a child his parents moved to Indiana, in which State they remained until 1842; they then moved to Winnebago Co., Ill., in which the subject of this sketch married Miss Elizabeth Cormaness; she was born in Stark Co., Ohio; they moved to this county in 1854, and located on the farm on which they now reside; they own 200 acres of land. Mr. Wright is the present Secretary of School District; he has also held the office of School Treasurer several terms. His father, J. Wright, was born in Ohio, and married Miss L. Smith, who was born in Vermont; they moved to this county in 1854; he died four years after coming to this county, aged 58; his wife still resides in this county. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wright, Enos, laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wright, Franklin, farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wright, G. H., farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Wright, H. H., laborer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wright, Henry, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Vinton; was born in England June 9, 1821; came to this country in 1842, and to this county in 1872; has 364 acres land, valued at $10,900. Republican; held the office of Township Trustee two years. Married Elizabeth Thomas; she was born in Wales Sept. 14, 1831; mother of three living children - George H., born July 5, 1851; John W., Dec. 22, 1855; Angeline, Nov. 30, 1857. Emigrated from England to Posey Co., Ind.; lived there two years; thence to Iowa Co., Wis.; lived there twenty six years; thence to Benton Co., where he has resided since; raises on average, 90 to 100 acres corn 4,000 bushels; wheat, 1,500 bushels; oats, 400 bushels; flax, 166 bushels; barley, 400 bushels; turns off about 60 head of hogs yearly. Mr. Wright has a good home, plenty of fruit of the choicest varieties, such as strawberries, raspberries, grapes, etc.; is one of the sound farmers of the township. Mr. Wright has just returned from his native country, perfectly willing to make America his home. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Wright, J. A., farmer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wright, J. M., farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)

Wright, Leroy S., farmer; P. O. Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wright, Thomas, of Traer & Wright, fine stock raisers; born in England Aug. 5, 1833; came to Wisconsin and lived there eleven years, and came to Vinton, Iowa, in 1864; has been engaged in raising fine stock for the past five years; went to England and imported Yorkshire hogs, also raised Poland-China hogs and Short-Horned cattle. Married Miss Mary Ann Gray, from Yorkshire, England, Nov. 1, 1855; they have eight children - Matilda (she married Thomas L. Manwell April 4, 1878), Sarah, Annie, Minine, Mary, Ella, Leonard and Elsie; they have lost two sons. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wright, W. J., farmer, Belle Plaine. (1878 Iowa Township)

Wyant, Emory, clerk, Shellsburg. (1878 Canton Township)

Wyckoff, A. J., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 33; P. O. Urbanna; born in Sangamon Co., Ill., in 1821; came to Benton Co. in 1840; has 277 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. Married Miss Rebecca Permenter in 1847; she was born in Hopkins Co., Ky., in 1831; they have six children -- Richard A., John W., Harriet P., Robert E., Nancy J. and Edmond E. Greenbacker in politics. Has held the township offices; also County Supervisor. Mr. Wyckoff and son, John, are members of Altar Lodge, No. 362; Mr. Wyckoff, wife, two boys and daughters are members of Cedar Ridge Grange; he is a member of the State Grange. (1878 Polk Township)

Wyckoff, Elijah, Sec. 4; P. O. Urbanna; born in Sangamon Co., Ill., in 1826; came to Benton Co. in 1850; has 278 acres of land valued at $40 per acre. Married Miss Mary Bryson in 1852; she was born in Sumner Co., Tenn., in 1836; they have eight children -- Lenora A., John F., Nathaniel G., Mary E., Charles H., Samuel F., George L. and Eugene F. An Old Line Whig; now a Republican; has held the offices of Assessor, Trustee and Treasurer. Mrs. Wyckoff has been a life-long member of the M. E. Church. He is a member of Altar Lodge, No. 362, Marysville; Treasurer; was Warden until last meeting. While District Treasurer, he held from $17,000 to $18,000; paid for every school house in his township. (1878 Polk Township)

Wycoff, P. B., teamster. (1878 Taylor Township)

Wyman, T. F., farmer, Sec. 14; P. O. Vinton. (1878 Big Grove Township)