Clay Township

John H. Hoover was born in Shelby county, Ind., April 2, 1850.   He is the son of Samuel W. and Eliza J. (Williams) Hoover,  and came to this county with hi parents when but two years of age.  He was educated in the district school, and was raised a farmer.  He remained with his mother after his father's death, in 1862, till her marriage to Samuel Richards.  In 1874 he purchased his mother's interest in the old homestead.  In 1875 he was married to Ella M., daughter of D. B. and Nancy (Cook) Cartwright.  A sketch of her parents will be found elsewhere in this history.  Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have three children -- Etta L., born August 31, 1876; Lee D., born February 16, 1878; Marian M., born February 23, 1881.   Mr. Hoover was a member of the United Workmen, of Steamboat Rock, and is a Republican in politics.

Samuel W. Hoover was a native of Kentucky, and located in Clay township in 1852, and was among the earliest settlers of the township.  He located on section 20, where he built a small cabin and lived until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in one of the infantry regiments, and served until his death, which occurred at Savannah, Tenn., in 1862.  Mr. Hoover was born in 1820, and married Eliza J. Williams, December 6, 1843.  Mrs. Hoover, subsequent to the death of Mr. Hoover, married Samuel Richards, and now resides in Warren county, Iowa.

Henry Isebrands was born in Holland, Dec. 2, 1831, and is the son of Isebrands H. and Gertrude Isebrands, the maiden name of the latter being Kamminge.   The former died in Germany, and the latter was susequently married to Benjamin Smith.  They emigrated to America in 1854, and settled in Hardin county.  They moved to Grundy county in the spring of 1882.  Henry preceded his parents one year to the United States, stopping for a while in Illinois, and from thence to Etna township, in September, 1854, where he resided until 1869, when he moved to his present place of residence, on section 2, Clay township, where he owns 429 acres of land.  In 1858 he was married to Gertie Johnson, who was born in 1832.  They have had five children, four of whom are now living -- Minnie, John, Elsina, Matlje; one deceased, Gertrand.   Mr. and Mrs. Isebrands are members of the German Presbyterian Church.  In politics, he is a Republican.

Henry Johns came to Iowa and located in Clay township, Hardin county, in 1854.  He is a native of England, and was born in London, March 7, 1829. His father was George, and mother Maria (Savage) Johns, also natives of England.  The emigrated to the United States and located in DuPage county, Ill.  They had seventeen children, all of whom died in England, save Henry and John, who came with their parents to this country.  The family all came to Hardin county at the same time.  The elder Johns located on section 4, where he died December 6, 1864.  Mrs. Johns, the mother of Henry, still lives on the old homestead.  Until 28 years of age, he remained with his parents, and during his youth obtained the rudiments of an English education in the common schools.  On the 17th of July 1858, he was united in marriage with Martha Ranesberger, daughter of George and Catherine Ranesberger.  Eleven children were the fruits of this marriage, ten of whom are now living -- William, Sarah J., James, Edward, Clara, Frank, John, Jesse, Myrtle May and Harvey.  Soon after marriage, he began farming on 80 acres of land.  In 1877, he moved to his present residence on section 4.  Mr. Johns has been a fortunate man, and has accumulated a large amount of property.  He owns about 1,200 acres of land in Hardin county, and in Lyons, Osceola, Grundy, Wright, Franklin, Butler and Clay, he owns 7,000 acres more.  In township affairs he has taken great interest, especially in school affairs and in the improvement of the public highways.

John Kelso was born in Licking county, Ohio, December 17, 1822; came to Hardin county in the fall of 1854, and yet resides on the old homestead in Clay township.  

Solon F. Lathrop

In 1857, S. F. Lathrop purchased of Charles Boyle the old saw-mill and dam, which had been erected by a joint stock company -- Isaac N. Lesh, Charles Boyle and Sam G. Higenbotham.  He at once began the erection of a grist mill three stories in height, and in size 32x40, at a cost $10,000.  There were then two run of burrs, with a capacity of 125 barrels per day.  In 1862, a freshet washed out the sam and swept away the old saw-mill.  He replaced the dam, but did not rebuild the mill.  In 1867, the dam was again washed out, and rebuilt in a more substantial manner.  There are now three run of burrs in the mill, and it is doing a good, safe business, the flour manufactured here ranking among the best.  The mill has never changed ownership.  W. C. Baker, from Cedar Falls, has now the superintendency of the mill.  It was enlarged by an addition 24x36 in 1881.

Solon F. Lathrop was born in Oneida county, N. Y., September 5, 1827.  His parents were Zephaniah and Tryphena (Field) Lathrop, natives of Massachusetts, who emigrated to New York in 1820.  His father died there in 1853. His mother subsequently came to Iowa City, where she died in 1872.  The educational advantages of Solon were good when a boy.  When ten years of age, he left home and worked out among farmers of the neighborhood until eighteen years of age, when he began to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, and also thatof millwright.  At this trade he labored in many places in the States of New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.  In 1851, he was united in marriage with Sarah D., daughter of Samuel D. and Laura (Hurd) Durkee.  In 1855, he came West and located in Iowa City, from which place he went to Waterloo in 1856, and from there to Steamboat Rock, where he purchased the mill site and seven acres of land, as already stated.  They have had one child -- Sarah, who died at fifteen years of age.  Mrs. Lathrop died in 1855, and Mr. Lathrop was again married, taking for a wife Emily Moon, a native of Vermont.  Her parents were Dexter and Abigail Moon.  Mr. Lathrop has been quite successful in his business enterprises, and is now in comfortable circumstances.  He takes great pride in his herd of short-horns and other fine stock.  In public affairs, he has ever taken a lively interest.

Isaac N. Lesh was born in Preble county, Ohio, February 26, 1813.   He is the son of Henry and Susannah (Harter) Lesh, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Maryland.  His parents moved to Wayne county, Ind., when Isaac was but twelve years of age, where they both died.  Isaac received a limited common school education, and was reared on a farm.  On the 28th of June, 183, he was married to Mahala Harris, a native of Indiana.  Six children were born unto them, only one of whom is now living -- Armeda J., now Mrs. Francis Parker.  Mrs. Lesh died March 16, 1851, in Marshall county, Ind.  Mr. Lesh was again married September 19, 1852, with Elizabeth Baldwin, who was born in North Carolina.  They have been blessed with seven children, six of whom are now living -- Daniel E., Henry M., Isaac M., Lewis, William A., Marilla A.

Mr. Lesh and family moved to Clay township, May 8, 1852, and entered the land on which Steamboat Rock is now located.  In 1861, he moved to Nebraska, where he remained for a time, and then moved back to Clay township, locating on section 29, where he now resides on a farm of 140 acres.  In politics he is a Republican.

William Leverton came to Hardin county in the summer of 1854, locating on section 3, Clay township, erecting his cabin on the southwest quarter, where he remained some years, and then moved to his present place of residence on the southeast quarter of section 4.  Mr. Leverton was born in England, June 15, 1812.  His parents were William and Mary (Tolbert) Leverton, natives of the same country.  William remained in England until 1831, when he realized that it was no place for a poor man and therefore determined to emigrate to America.  He first came to Canada and worked as a common laborer on the public works of that country.  From Canada he made his way into Michigan, and from thence to Illinois working for a time on the Illinois and Michigan canal.  While in the neighborhood of Joliet, he concluded that it was not good for a man to be alone, and therefore proposed and was united in marriage with Mary Lyon.  Soon after marriage they moved to a small farm about twenty-five miles south of Chicago, where they resided about three years, and where Mrs. Leverton died.  Three children were born unto them, all of whom died in infancy.  Mr. Leverton was again married, taking as a companion Mary A. Kelly.  They has ten children -- Elizabeth, Harriet, Mary A., Margaret J., George, Francis, Caroline, John, Albert and Sarah A., all of whom are now living.  Mrs. Leverton died in 1873.  Soon after this second marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Leverton came to Hardin county as already stated.  Success has here crowned his every effort, and he has been recognized as one of the successful farmers of Clay township.  In politics he has been a Democrat of "the strictest sect of our religion."

John C. McConkie came to Clay township in 1858, and located on an eighty-acre farm.  He now resides in the town of Steamboat Rock.

Alfred Moore came in 1851, and made a claim on section 15, on land now owned by Wm. Haynes; afterwards sold that and made a claim now owned by Mathias Jackson -- northeast quarter of section 22.  He remained until 1855, and then left here with his brother, John Moore.  About the same time came John Smith, and located on section 4, on land now owned by Henry Johns.  He remained here until during the later part of the 60's; now living in Nebraska.

John Moore came here in 1851, and located on section 9, on land now owned by Anthony Robertson, and afterwards sold it to Isaac Fail, and he to Wm. Jenings, and he to Fail again, and hr to Anthony Robertson, the present proprietor.  Mr. Moore built a log house on this claim, which was subsequently torn down.  John Moore left here in 1855, and went to the western part of the State, and afterwards to Salem, Neb., where he now resides.

A. A. Noyes is a native of New York, and was born in Shenango county, February 26, 1836.  He is the son of Daniel and Appha (Dickenson) Noyes, the father being a native of Vermont and the mother of Massachusetts.  The latter died in 1864, and the former now resides in Norwich, New York.  There were five children in the family, the subject of this sketch, A. A. Noyes, being the only one now living.  He came West, and located at Steamboat Rock in 1857, where he engaged as a laborer for a time, principally on account of his health.  He then engaged in stock business until 1860, when he went to sea, spending two years on board of a ship for the benefit of his health.  He then returned to Steamboat Rock and engaged again in the stock trade.  Subsequently he engaged in railroading for six years, part of the time on the Texas Pacific Railroad.  Returning again to Steamboat Rock he has engaged in various lines of business, farming, banking, etc.  In connection with his father he owns nine hundred acres of land in Clay township.  In 1866 he was married in Norwich, New York, to Julia Baldwin, a native of that State.  They have one child -- Grace L.  Among other branches of business he engaged in that manufacture of hay stackers and hay rakes in Cedar Rapids, as one of the Home Manufacturing Company.  In April, 1881, he purchased the interest of his partners.  He now manufactures the name at Steamboat Rock.  The extent of sales is about one hundred a year.  He employs nine men in the factory.

William F. Pence came to Hardin county and located in Clay township, in 1856.  Mr. Pence is a native of Ohio, being born in Champaign county, February 15, 1830.  His parents were Martin and Susan (Maggard) Pence, the former being a native of West Virginia, and the latter of Ohio.  William resided with his parents in Logan county, where they removed shortly after his birth, and where the parents both died.  William F. Pence and Eliza J. Fuson were united in marriage in 1853.  They have had nine children, seven of whom are now living -- James M., Etna E., William D., Ellen M., Minnie E., Oliver B. and Cecil.  The deceased are Margaret A. and Jessie.  Mr. Pence has 170 acres of land on section 20.  He has been prominently identified with the township since his arrival.  Mr. and Mrs. Pence are members of the Baptist Church at Steamboat Rock.

E. M. Rainsbarger

No well ordered community can exist without the blacksmith shop, and often around the smith's shop, located at some cross-road, a thriving village springs up.  In Steamboat Rock, the village was first laid out, but it was a comparatively short time before the sound of the anvil was heard.  Isaiah Frost, in the winter of 1855.  There are now two shops in the town, owned by E. M. Rainsbarger and A. Van Dornam & Brothers; the latter also having in connection a plow shop, which they opened in 1874.  In their trade they employ from three to five hands. 

E. M. Rainsbarger is a native of Hardin county, and was born in Clay township, march 17, 1857.  His father was one of the pioneers of Hardin county.  E. M. was reared on a farm, and when about eighteen years of age, began the trade of a blacksmith.  He was married May 7, 1881, to Etheleen Seabury, daughter of Jerome and Mary (Reynolds) Seabury.  About the same time he began business with Henry Dinges, continuing with him about one year, when he purchased the shop, and is now running it alone.  He is a Republican in politics.

William Ranesberger was born in Koskiusko county, Ohio, August 31, 1839.  His parents, George and Catherine (Myers) Ranesberger, were among the early settlers of Hardin county, settling here in 1853, where they subsequently died.   William remained at home until eighteen, attending now and then the district school, and assisting on the farm.  In 1857 he went to Clear Lake, where he worked in a saw mill two years,  and then went to Missouri, where he was united in marriage, in 1860, with Elizabeth A. Eargood, who was born in Tippecanoe county, Ind., in 1831.   She is the daughter of John and Sarah (Harkrader) Eargood.  Mr. Ranesberger remained in Missouri until 1860, when he returned to Hardin county, and purchased the farm of 120 acres on which he has continued to reside until the present time.  His family consisted of six children -- Mary E., now Mrs. John Robinson; George W., Rosetta, Joseph C., John H. and Martha B.  Mr. Ranesberger has been identified with the School Board for some years.

Gideon Rathbone came to Clay township in 1853, and purchased the claim and cabin formerly owned by Nicholas Rice, on section 27.  He is now one of the oldest citizens living in the township.  He was born in Washington county, Ohio, August 6, 1809, and is the son of Edmond And Deborah (Taylor) Rathbone.  His father born in Massachusetts in 1777, and his mother in New York in 1782.  They were married in Virginia, and moved to Ohio when it was a territory.  In 1816 the old gentleman constructed a boat and started down the Ohio river for Illinois.  On arriving at Lawrenceville, Ind., on account of sickness, he stopped one year.  He sold out his boat, but the next season started again, and arrived in Crawford -- now Lawrence -- county,Ill., August, 1817.  In 1827, he moved to Sangamon county, Ill., remaining there sixteen years, and from thence to McLean county, the same State, where he remained until 1853, when he moved to Hardin county.  His wife, Deborah Rathbone, died June 22, 1861.  Edmond Rathbone died September 15, 1865.  Gideon resided with his parents until after he reached his majority.  In 1828 he was united in marriage with Eliza Jane Howell, who was born in Kentucky in 1812.  Thirteen children were born unto them, eleven now living -- Onatus C., John Q., Isaac F., Winfield S., Narcissa, Salicia, Electra, Mary J., Victoria A., Maria and Angella.  Mrs. Rathbone died September 9, 1874.  Mr. Rathbone again married, April 25, 1876, to Mrs. Lucy Ann (Brooks) Howell.  Mr. Rathbone was a natura machinist, and in 1827, while living in Sangamon county, Ill., he made the first iron mould-board plow ever used in that section.   Previous to this time, the old wooden mould-board plows were used.  Mr. Rathbone accompanied his father to the various places where he resided, and finally settled in Clay township, as stated.  He now resides on section 34.

John Q. Rathbone, son of Gideon and Eliza J., just mentioned, was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, July28, 1837.  He was reared on a farm, and came to this county with his parents, in 1853.  He was united in marriage with Marilla Johnson, on the 26th day of February, 1860.  Mrs. Rathbone was born in Warren county, Illinois, January 17, 1842.  She is the daughter of Alex. and Mary (Adams) Johnson, the former being a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio.  Eight children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Rathbone -- Frank P., Lillie J., Samuel H., Antoinette, Gideon G., Ralph R., Dan Q. and Dessa M.  Since coming to Hardin county, Mr. Rathbone has been quite sucessful, in a busines point of view, and now owns 240 acres of land in Clay township, all of which is under cultivation.  In politics, he is a Republican.   Mr. Rathbone has made several trips to Florida, and, while there, wrote a series of articles for the Eldora Ledger, which the readers of that paper will remember as being very interesting.

Benjamin F. Reed

In 1861 B. F. Reed commenced in the business of raising, buying and selling nursery stock, being the first in the township.  He remained active in the business until within a short period.  The business has been at times quite prosperous.  It is now conducted by J. Wells.

In the early settlement it was thought fruit could not be grown in this climate, but by continued trial and perseverance, it has been proven that idea of the early settlers was a mistaken one.  Nearly all the varieties grown in the Northwest are now raised here, especially small fruit.

Benjamin F. Reed is a native of New Hampshire, and was born in Claremont Town, Sullivan county, November 9, 1825.  His father, John Reed, was also a native of New Hampshire, as was his mother, Martha (Alcott) Reed.  His father died in 1865, and his mother in 1871.  Charles, until fifteen years of age, remained at home, and then went to work for an uncle, where he remained a year and a half, and then went to Boston, where he remained a short time.  At seventeen he enlisted on a whale ship, and went on a two years' voyage.  While on the voyage, on a certain occasion, he was sent out with a party in a boat to capture a whale, when the monster dived under the water, arising to the surface under the boat, breaking it in two, and precipitating the crowd into the water, killing the second mate.  Mr. Reed was himself badly bruised, but was rescued by another boat.  The two years' voyage was a prosperous one.  On his return he went back to his father's, where he spent one year.  He then started West, but turned around and went to Calais, Maine, where he remained two years, working at the trade of a mason.  After drifting around a while, he went to the Cochituate Water Works, working for a time as a hand, and then as inspector of a section.  Giving up that position, he traveled for a time, and then returned to Cochituate, where he engaged in the shoe business.  In 1851 he crossed the isthmus to the gold regions of California, where he remained until 1854, returning east to Calais, Maine, where he was married to Harriet E. Whitney, a native of Washington county, Maine.  Soon after marriage they emigrated to Hardin county, Iowa, and located on section 35, where he now resides, having in his farm 255 acres of land.  They have had eight children -- John F., Reuben W., Charles F., Cordelia P., Elizabeth J., Everett E., Daisy and Paul M., all of whom are living.  He has always been identified with the Republican party.  For a number of years Mr. Reed was engaged in the nursery business, and yet has a supply of ornamental fruit trees, evergreens and grape vines.  He is a member of the A., F. & A. M.

William Robertson was born in Hamilton county, Tenn., May 14, 1837.  He is the son of Anthony and Melinda (Witten) Robertson.  His father was a Virginian by birth, and his mother a Tennessean.  His father came to Hardin county in the fall of 1856, and in the spring of 1857 moved his family of seven children, the subject of this sketch being the only one now living.  His mother died in 1876.  William received the rudiments of an English education in Tennessee in the select schools.  In 1863 he married Nancy J. Quinn, who was born in Warren county, Ill.  She was the daughter of John and Rachel (Nash) Quinn.  Five children have blessed their home, three now living -- John Q., Frank H. and Myrta Mable.  On their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Robertson moved into their present place of residence, where they have continuously resided.  The farm now consists of 295 acres of well improved land.  Mr. Robertson is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Steamboat Rock.  In politics he is a Democrat.

Charles H. Rockwell was born in Portage county, Ohio, April 23, 1828, son of Elijah and Euphenia (Austin) Rockwell.  His father was a native of Massachusetts, and mother of New York.  His parents were married in New York, and moved to Ohio, in 1826, where they resided until death.  His father died in 1857, and mother in 1882.  Charles received a common school education, and remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age, after which he came to Iowa, arriving here in the spring of 1854, entering 240 acres of land in Clay township.  He returned to Ohio soon after, and in the following spring came to Clinton, Iowa, and remained there until 1857.  In 1855 he was married to Nancy Woolworth, a native of Canada, daughter of Joshua and Philecta (Worley) Woolworth, native of New York.  In the spring of 1857, he moved on to the place entered, in 1867, when he sold out and moved to section 26, where he now resides.  Eight children have been born unto them -- Hattie A., Euphenia P., Edith B., Alice, Maud, Charles F., Elizabeth and Elijah J., the two latter being deceased.

A. S. Root was born in Lewis county, New York, October 8, 1833.  He is the son of Charles W. and Cynthia (Baldwin) Root, who were both natives of the same State, and where his mother died in 1861.  His father came to Hardin county in 1877, where he remained until 1881, when he went to Bay City, Mich., where he now resides.  A. S. was reared on a farm, and received his education in the select schools of that State.  He came to Hardin county in 1857,and located at Steamboat Rock.  Here he commenced business for himself.  He was first employed in a steam saw mill, and then was in the employ of S. F. Lathrop for about one year.  In 1858 he purchased the stock of goods of John Giles, and was engaged in merchandising about a year and a half, when he sold out and began farming, continuing in that line until 1863.  He then purchased a hotel, and has since been engaged in the business in connection with livery.  He was first married in 1861, to Hattie J. Giles, a native of Michigan, and a daughter of John and Eveline (Smith) Giles.  Three children were born unto them -- Charles G., Clara E. and Harry E., the latter of whom is now deceased.  Mrs. Root died in 1869, and Mr. Root was again married, taking as his second wife, Mrs. Hattie J. Hedrick, whose maiden name was Robinson.  Mr. Root is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and in politics is a Democrat.

William Scott came to Hardin county in 1858, and located in Clay township.  He is a native of Tazewell county, Ill.

Martin Snider is a native of Germany, who came to Hardin county in 1857, and resides in Steamboat Rock.

F. H. Sterns was born in Saratoga county, N. Y., November 24, 1845.  He is the son of Charles S. and Mary (Hunter) Sterns, who were likewise natives of the same State.  At the age of twelve, he came to Hardin county with his parents, and lived with them upon a farm.  His father died in September, 1864, and his mother in February, 1879.  F. H. continued to reside upon the farm until February, 1882, when he sold out and removed to Steamboat Rock, where he purchased the hardware stock of R. H. Waite & Co., and now continues the business.  In 1868, he was united in marriage to Nancy Mathewson.  They have a family of four children -- Berthier M., Robert H., George L. and Mabel R.  Mr. Sterns is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics a Republican.

Samuel W. Stewart is a native of Ireland, and was born May 12, 1804.  He is the son of John and Jane (White) Stewart.  His parents emigrated to the United States in 1805, and located in Washington county, N. Y., where they resided until 1818.  They then moved to Steuben county, N. Y., where they resided until their death.  His mother died in 1825 and his father in 1829.  Samuel was educated in the district school, and remained with his parents on the farm until after reaching maturity.  In 1826, he married Mary R. Stewart, daughter of James and Jane (Clark) Stewart, natives of Ireland.  After marriage, the subject of this sketch and family resided on a farm in Steuben county until 1853, at which time they moved to Carroll county, Ill., where they remained until 1864, when they moved to Hardin county, locating on section 30, Clay township.  In 1880, he sold his farm and went to Nebraska, returning to this county in about a year, and is now living a retired life in Steamboat Rock.  He is the father of eleven children, six of whom are now living -- Charles, Sarah, now Mrs. B. F. Bear; Henrietta, now Mrs. H. P. Hughes; Mary, now Mrs. Lucius Clough; Samuel J., Lydia, now Mrs. R. N. Higenbotham.

John Trickey, a native of England, was born in Devonshire, December 26, 1833.  He is the son of John and Mary (Webber) Trickey, natives of England, where they resided until the time of their death.  In the fall of 1849, John, in company with an uncle, came to America, and spent a year and a half at Milwaukee, Wis.; then several years in Northern, Illinois, and in the spring of 1855, came to Clay township and located his present farm of 120 acres.  In 1866, he built his present house and moved to his present residence, having lived the intervening time at Steamboat Rock.  He has always taken a good deal of interest in the educational affairs of the township.  He was united in marriage in 1861, to Miss Martha Ellen Frazier, daughter of S. H. and Rebecca Frazier, of Indiana.  This union has been blessed with eight children, four of whom are now living -- Alice Belle, Sarah Elizabeth, Thomas Benton and Mina Adeline.

D. W. Turner

The first lumber yard was established at the depot by Lathrop & Timson, in the summer of 1868.  They remained in the business about two years, and then sold to hall & Conger, who removed it to the village.  In two years they sold the stock to D. W. Turner.

On the completion of the Railroad to Steamboat Rock, Noyes & Turner began the purchase of grain for shipment, erecting a small warehouse for the receipt of grain.  In 1870 P. H. Hayden began business.  In 1871 they erected the present large and commodious elevator, capable of holding 10,000 bushels.  In 1873 D. W. Turner purchased the interest of the other parties, and has since continued the business, shipping annually an average of 200,00 bushels.

Noyes, Turner & Hayden also commenced the sale of lumber at the same time, and opened a yard in Steamboat Rock.  Mr. Turner purchased the interests of his partners in the lumber business at the same time when he purchased their grain interest.  His lumber trade amounts to about 500,000 feet annually.

D. W. Turner was born June 8, 1836, in Chenango county, N. Y.  His parents are Simon and Amanda (Wells) Turner, who were natives of Connecticut.  His early life was without special interest, and was passed in the manner of a great majority of the youths of the land.  He attended the select schools of his native county, and also an academy for a short time, receiving a good common school education.  In 1862, he enlisted in the 44th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months, and was then transferred to the 114th Regiment, and was elected Lieutenant of Company A.  At the expiration of nine months, he was promoted Captain of the same company.  He was sent with his regiment from Baltimore to New Orleans, and served under General Banks, in the famous Red River expedition.  He saw much hard service, and was mustered out in June, 1865.  He then returned to his old home where he remained until December, 1867, when he came to Hardin county, and in August, 1868, commenced the grain business.  In 1874, he returned to New York, and was married to Frances E. Race, who was born in New York.  They have two children -- Harry H. and Nellie A.  Mr. Turner now owns 400 acres of land in Hardin county, and about the same number in O'Brien county.  In politics, he is a Republican.

Albert Van Dorman

No well ordered community can exist without the blacksmith shop, and often around the smith's shop, located at some cross-road, a thriving village springs up.  In Steamboat Rock, the village was first laid out, but it was a comparatively short time before the sound of the anvil was heard.  Isaiah Frost, in the winter of 1855.  There are now two shops in the town, owned by E. M. Rainsbarger and A. Van Dornam & Brothers; the latter also having in connection a plow shop, which they opened in 1874.  In their trade they employ from three to five hands. 

Albert Van Dorman is a German, born in Hanover, May 27, 1836; son of Viard and Jennie (Johnson) Van Dorman.  he learned his trade of blacksmith in Germany, and was there married, in 1861, to Delta Schmidt.  There were five children born unto them -- Frances, Bertha, Jennie, Frederick and Annie.  In 1864 he emigrated t the United States with his family, and located in Tazewell county, Ill., where he remained until 1874, when he came to Hardin county and located in Steamboat Rock, where he is engaged, in company with his brothers, in the general blacksmithing business.  He is prominently identified with the German Baptist Church.

John Van Ote, a resident of Clay township, living about three-quarters of a mile south of Steamboat Rock, who has been deranged some time, wandered off in the woods, down the Iowa river, to the coal banks, and there committed suicide by shooting himself in the head, and found about twenty-four hours after.  This was during the winter of 1855-6.

R. H. Waite, the present postmaster, is a native of New York.  He was born July 30, 1844, in Genesee county, N. Y.  He is the son of Richard L. and Nancy J. (Hyde) Waite, the former a native of New York and the other of Connecticut.  They both reside in New York, and are at an advanced age.  The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and seminary of his native State.  At the age of 18 he enlisted in the 129th New York Infantry, serving three years, and was honorably discharged July, 1865.  After his discharged, he returned to New York and engaged in the drug business until 1870, when he came to Iowa and located at Steamboat Rock, and was cashier of the Farmers' Exchange Bank three years, after which he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he still continues.  In 1868, he was married to Helen M. McIntosh.  They have two children -- Richard M. and Guy H.  In 1877, he received his first appointment as postmaster, and was re-appointed in 1881.

Nathaniel L. Webb

As already stated, the first to open a shop for the manufacture and repair of wagons and carriages, was I. M. Silverthorn, who came to the place shortly after the town was laid out, and setup in business in a small way.  He left the county some years ago.  Since Mr. Silverthorn's day, several have engaged in the business, but in a small way.  The present manufacturer of wagons and carriages, is Nathaniel L. Webb, who has a shop situated on Main street.  He employs two hands, and manufactures about $3,000 worth per year.

Nathaniel L. Webb was born, March 22, 1837, in Essex county, New York.  His father, Nathaniel L., was native of Rhode Island, and his mother Armetta (Bartlett) Webb, of New York.  The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools.  He learned the trade of ship carpenter, and worked at the business seven years.  In 1864 he enlisted in the Second Harris Light Cavalry, and served until the close of the war.  Returning to New York, he worked at his trade until 1868, when he went to Davis county, Missouri, where he remained one year, and then returned to new York.  He then worked in an Iron Ore Company for five years, and again came West to Quincy, Illinois, where he worked for a time for a hay press company, and then for Gem City File Company two and a half years.  From Quincy he went to Brown county, and worked two and one-half years.  From there he came to Steamboat Rock, where he is now engaged in the wagon manufacturing business.  In Missouri he married Miss M. A. Thompson.  They have four living children -- Nathan F., William E., Lawrence A. and Norman E.  They have lost three children.  Mr. Webb is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Steamboat Rock, and Chapter and Commandery at Eldora.

Asel Wickham, of Clay township, died suddenly Friday, March 26, 1880.  While sitting at his loom, weaving, he dropped over dead.   Dr. Lowe held an autopsy, and a piece of rib was revealed, having been broken during the war, and, by some misplacement later in life, had entered the heart, causing death.  He was a native of Ohio, serving as a dragoon all through the Mexican war, and received for services a patent to 600 acres of land in Texas.  Though past fifty when the Rebellion began, he was fired with patriotism, and enlisted in the 12th Iowa.   At Shiloh he was captured, and finally brought up in Libby Prison, where he was a captive eighteen months.  During a futile attempt to escape, he received a blow from the butt end of a musket, which broke the rib which ultimately caused his death.

Ebenezer B. Wilcox was born in Cayuga county, New York, January 13, 1836, and is the son of James R. and Anna M. (Peckham) Wilcox.  His parents were natives of New York, where they resided until September, 1836, when they removed to Branch county, Michigan, where they resided until death.  His mother died in 1858, and his father in 1880.  He resided with his parents until twenty years of age, attending the common district schools in the winter, and assisting on the farm in the summer.  In 1856 he removed to Hardin county, locating for a time in Union township, working on the old Sanderson & Hammond mill, until finished in the following December.  He then worked in the mill for three years, at the same time starting a nursery in Union township.  This nursery was destroyed by the great tornado that swept through the township in 1860.  He felt considerably discouraged at this loss, and went to work on a rented farm.  In 1863 he moved to Clay township, where he rented one year and then purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land.  In 1858 Mr. Wilcox and Charity R. Adams were united in marriage.  Mrs. Wilcox is a native of Ohio.  She was one of Mr. Wilcox's pupils, while teaching in Union township.  Five children have blessed their union -- Anna J., Myron D., Louis E., Charles B. and Eva M.  Mr. Wilcox has been prominent in township affairs, having held nearly all the various township offices.  His first vote was for John C. Fremont.  He is a Republican in politics.

John Wright was born in Jefferson county, New York, December 24, 1823.  His parents were natives of Vermont, and located in Jefferson county, New York at a very early day.  His father was Reuben Wright, and mother Polly (Hollenbeck) Wright.  The old gentleman cut out two farms in this county.  He died in 1848.  The mother died in 1872 in Hardin county.  The educational advantages of John were obtained in the select schools of his native place.  In 1844 he married Elizabeth Finster, who was born August 7, 1823.  She was the daughter of John and Nancy Finster.  Her parents both died in New York.  After their marriage they lived with the parents of Mr. Wright until the death of his father.  They still continued on the farm, until 1855, when it was sold, and Mr. Wright with his family and mother came to Iowa, and spent the first winter in Delaware county among friends, and in the spring fo 1856 came to Hardin county, locating at Steamboat Rock, and continued in the mercantile business three years.  He then sold out and commenced farming, and has continued in that business till the present time.  They have one child -- Carrie E., now Mrs. L. E. Campbell.  Mr. Wright has two hundred acres of good land in Clay township.