History of Hardin County, Iowa 1883 - Pleasant Township

Hardin County >> 1883 Index

History of Hardin County, Iowa
Springfield, Ill: Union Publishing Company, 1883.

Pleasant Township

Thomas Bennett was another one of the settlers in 1851 in this township.  He located on section 29.  He came to this place from Washington county, Iowa, but of what State he was a native is unknown by the early settlers now living in the township.  He is remembered as a hardworking man, and a good, kind neighbor.  He was the first Sheriff of Hardin county.  In 1860 he moved to Michigan, where he remained a few years, and then came back to Iowa.  He now resides somewhere in Kansas.

Charles Boody was born in Hanover, Germany, January 12, 1835.  His parents, Frederick Boody and Doretta (Fredericks) Boody, were natives of Hanover, and lived and died there.  The father died in 1838, the mother in 1872.  Mr. Boody, at the age of nineteen, came to this country, first stopping in Margan county, Missouri; from there he went successively to Clayton and Jones counties, Iowa, and then to Hardin county, settling in Pleasant township, where he now resides, on section 18.  On October 27, 1860, he was married to Miss Sarah Rousseau, of Marshall county, Iowa, who was born March 17, 1837, she being a daughter of Reuben Rousseau and Sarah Bangus Rousseau, who were among the earliest settlers of Marshall county.  There has been born to them seven children, all of whom are living -- Estella J., born August 17, 1861, now the wife of Jasper J. Parsons, of Hubbard; Robert V., born February 7, 1863; Otis S., and Orley S., (twins) born June 27, 1865; Reuben, born August 14, 1868; Frederick, born August 20, 1873; Cecil, born March 6, 1877.  In politics Mr. Boody has been a Democrat.  He has followed farming as his business, and has been eminently successful, having in his possession 235 acres, all under fence, and all well improved, except 20 acres of timber, the whole valued at $30 per acre.

Frederick Boody, one of the wealthiest and most influential farmers of Pleasant township, was born in Hanover, Germany, January 10, 1825.  At the age of twenty-eight he came to the United States, first stopping in Illinois a short time, thence to Indiana, and from there, in 1853, to Jones county, Iowa, and from there he came to Hardin county in the summer of 1854, and located the land in Pleasant township where he now resides; then returning to Jones county, he, in the fall of the same year, was married to Miss Magdaline Ecker, and immediately came with her to his land, where he has ever since resided.  On the 7th of February, 1860, Mrs. Boody died, leaving her husband and three small children -- George, born March 17, 1856; Joseph, born August 16, 1857; Doretta, born March 12, 1859.  Mr. Boody, thus left in a new country with no one to take the care of his children which their tender years demanded, was compelled to seek out a helpmeet at the earliest possible time, and on June 14, 1860, was married in Whitely county, Indiana, to Miss Sarah Fager, and with her he returned and again set to work with a will to overcome the difficulties of a pioneer life.  There has been born to them four children, three of whom are living -- Mary E., born September 19, 1861; Charles M., born March 11, 1863; Frank D., June 26, 1866.  Before coming to America Mr. Boody, in 1815, enlisted in the service of the King, at Hanover, remaining the required term of seven years, according to the laws of that country.  In politics Mr. Boody is a Democrat.  He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and Mrs. Boody, of the Presbyterian Church, of Point Pleasant.  They have been handsomely rewarded for their years of toil and privation, in their elegant, and well-furnished home, with a farm of 220 acres of good land, well improved, with one of the best and largest barns in Hardin county, the whole being worth, on an average, at lest $40 per acre, as well as being stocked with the best graded stock to be seen in the county.

George Brooks, one of the old settlers of Pleasant township, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., October 17, 1803.  His parents were natives of Connecticut, and have been dead many years.  His early life was spent on a farm in New York.  At the age of twenty-seven (1830), he was married to Miss Arvilla A. Myers of Chenango county, N. Y., she being a native of Vermont.  The children born to them number five, of whom three are living -- Cornelia, born September 10, 1837; Lewis, born July 18, 1839; Lorcelus L., born January 2, 1845.  After their marriage they removed to Crawford county, Pa., where they resided until the spring of 1855, when they removed to Hardin county, settling in Pleasant township, section 17, where they still reside; two of their children live at the home place -- Cornelia unmarried, and Lorcelus L., who was married June 13, 1878, to Miss Mary Smith, daughter of Charles Smith of Eldora.  They have two children -- Charles, born November 6, 1879, and Arvilla, born May 3, 1881.  Lewis is married and lives in Pleasant township.  Mr. Brooks has been identified with the Democratic party, but not taking an active part.  All the occupants of the home place are members of the Presbyterian Church at Point Pleasant.  They have followed farming for a business, Mr. Brooks owning 90 acres of good land, and his son, Lorcelus L., 160 acres, valued at from $25 to $30 per acre.

M. J. Crosser, one of the pioneers of Hardin county, Iowa, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, January 1, 1822.  When a mere babe his father removed to Richland county, Ohio, where he remained until he was twenty years of age; the country was wild, and many the night, he has heard the wolves howl about their cabin.  In September, 1853 he married Sarah Meeker, born in New Jersey, in 1832.  In 1855 he emigrated to Hardin county, Iowa.  He erected the first frame building in the township.  Mr. Crosser has a farm of 172 1/2 acres valued at $35 per acre.  Mr. Crosser received a common school education, and when twenty years of age he learned the carpenter and joiners trade, which business he followed in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, and since coming to Iowa has done most of his own building.

Cavender Deere was a Virginian by birth, locating in Illinois at an early day, for which place he came to Iowa, and took up a claim in Pleasant township, in Hardin county.  He now resides in Marshall county.

Luther A. Devendorf was born in Onondago county, N. Y., November 30, 1845. His father, Oliver Devendorf, was born in Montgomery county, N. H., July 20, 1815; his mtoher, Louisa (Furman) Devendorf, was born in the same county, where they were married in 1837. The subject of this sketch was the fourth of their nine children. In the spring of 1854 he accompanied his parents to Michigan, and from there to Wisconsin, where they resided until the spring of 1865, when they removed to Hardin county, settling in Eldora in May, 1865. Mr. Devendorf enlisted in Company G, 141st Illinois Infantry for 100 days at Rockford, Ill., serving in Kentucky. At the expiration of his term of service, he re-enlisted at Belvidere, Ill., in Company G, 9th Illinois Cavalry, serving until the close of the war, and was discharged at Springfield, Ills., November 20, 1865. On October 20, 1871, he was married to Miss Anna J. McCall, daughter of John W. McCall, deceased, and Louisa A. McCall of Berlin, Hardin county. There has been born to them five children, three of whom as living -- Katie P., born November 8, 1872, died July 23, 1874; Minnie L., born June 28, 1875; Wm. O., born October 29, 1877, died November 15, 1880; Frank M., born September 20, 1880; Charles W., born December 14, 1881. Mrs. Devendorf is a member of the M. E. Church of Eldora. Mr. Devendorf has followed farming and stock raising, in which he has been very successful, his farm of 160 acres of prairie being well stocked and finely improved, worth at least $35 per acre.

Peter H. Doty was born in Orange county, N. Y., November 24, 1830, and while quite young his parents removed to Sussex county, N. J., where his early life was spent.  His parents were natives of New Jersey.  The father died in 1842, and the mother in 1851.  Of their four children, only two are now living -- Margaret J., widow of Jeptha Meeker, now living in New Jersey, and the subject of this sketch, who was married November 25, 1854, to Miss Mary E. Mead, born in Orange county, N. Y., soon thereafter removing to the State of Indiana, where they remained only a short time, when they removed to Iowa, stopping in Eldora township a short time; from there to Union township, and, November 9, 1855, they removed to Pleasant township, section 22, where they now reside.  The fruit of this union was six children, five of whom are now living -- George E., born September 30, 1857; Charles A., born February 26, 1860; Sarah C., born June 19, 1864; James E., born April 4, 1869; Martha, born April 27, 1872 -- all unmarried and living at home.  Mr. Doty has always been identified with the Democratic party, and is at present the constable for his township.  Mrs. Doty's father was a native of Connecticut.  The mother was born in Sussex county, N. J., where they were married.  The father died July 25, 1862, and the mother is still living, at the age of seventy-nine years, making her home with her daughter.  They have always followed farming, having now in their possession 170 acres of good prairie land.

John Downend was born at Wadsworth, near Dorcaster, Yorkshire, England, September 9, 1825.  His parents were natives of England, where the father died.  The mother came to the United States in 1853, and made her home at Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, until 1859, when she removed to Hardin county, settling in Eldora, where she continued to reside until her death, which occurred October 11, 1876, aged seventy-six years.  Mr. Downend's early life was spent in England, and, at the age of twenty-five, he was married at Lick Hill, Yorkshire, England, to Miss Anna Bell, of that place, March 26, 1850.  A few days thereafter the young couple started across the sea, to try their fortunes in the New World.  They first settled at Mansfield, Richland county, Ohio, where they lived until the fall of 1855.  They then moved to Iowa, stopping a short time in Vinton, Benton county, and, in the spring of 1856, came to Hardin county, settling in Eldora, where they lived until in 1863, when, having purchased a farm in Pleasant township, on section 13, he removed to it, where he lived until his death, which occurred, after a short illness, October 12, 1880.  Mrs. Downend, who survives him, continues to reside on the farm, which is being conducted by her son, who remains with her.  There have been born to them seven children, of whom five are living -- Frank L., born January 25, 1851, married May 12, 1880, to Miss Ella A. Nicholson, of Mansfield, Ohio; Lizzie, born May 5, 1852, married September 22, 1874, to John R. Wright, died at Dennison, Texas, May 15, 1876; Anna M., born December 17, 1853, married to H. C. Miller, September 19, 1876, now living at Iowa Falls; John H., born July 17, 1855; Alice B., born March 4, 1857; William J., born September 23, 1858; Laura A., born April 22, 1861.  Before coming to this country, Mr. Downend learned the trade of joiner and cabinet-maker, serving seven and a half years at it, and followed it as a business both there and in the country, before beginning the business of farming.  He was, in politics, a Democrat, though conservative in his views.  As a farmer he became a success, having, before his death, 540 acres.  The home place of 360 acres of land, is finely improved and worth from $30 to $35 per acres.  Mrs. Downend and her daughters now living at home are members of the Christian Church of Eldora, near where they reside.

John Taylor Duke came to Hardin county in 1853, and located on the South Fork, in Pleasant township.  He was born in Kentucky, April 2, 1805, and is a son of Daniel Duke.  He married Nancy Matthews.  His wife died, and he subsequently married Mary E. Marlow.  He was one of the first settlers in Iowa, west of the Mississippi, there being at the time he crossed the river at Flint Hills, now Burlington, but sixty whites in the Territory.  By his first wife he had seven children -- Rebecca, Laura Jane, Eliza, Harriet, George, Jeremiah and Alexander.

Wm. Ellerding, a farmer, residing on section 26, was born in Prussia, July 1, 1819.  His parents, Conrad Ellerding and Louisa (Schnafel) Ellerding, were natives of Prussia, and lived and died there.  Their three children are living -- Christiana and Deitrich living in LaSalle county, Ill., and the subject of this sketch, who came to this country in the spring of 1835, first going to St. Louis, and there learning the trade of a machinist, worked at it there for a number of years and made occasional trips on the river boats as an engineer.  On the 21st of May, 1844, he was married to Miss Mary Dickmyer, of St. Louis, and lived there until her death, which occurred July 11, 1849, of cholera, leaving two children, one of whom died a few days after, of the same disease; the other (Wm. C.) is now living in Grundy county, Iowa.   On May 18, 1850, Mr. Ellerding was married, the second time, to Miss Mina W. Bronstrop, of St. Louis, she being also a native of Prussia, where she was born January 18, 1823, coming to this country in 1849, stopping at St. Louis, where she resided until her marriage, in August, 1854.  Mr. Ellerding removed with his family to Hardin county, settling on section 26, Pleasant township, where he now resides.  The children of this second union number eight, of whom seven are living --  Emma, born in St. Louis, May 13, 1853, wife of John Rickard, of Gifford, married March 12, 1871; Louisa, born December 13, 1854, wife of John King, of Hamilton county, Iowa, married February 3, 1878; Mary, wife of Wm. Rathburn, born November, 5, 1856, married November 23, 1879, now living in Hamilton county, Iowa; Herman C., born April 8, 1859; Mina E., February 20, 1861; George G., January 31, 1864; Edward E., September 29, 1866.  The last six children were born in Hardin county.  Mr. Ellerding has been identified with the Democratic party, and taken an active interest in its behalf, as well as in the cause of education and the schools of his district.  Having had only a limited advantage of such things himself, he appreciates its importance to his children, and keeps himself well posted in the current events of the day.  His farm consists of 125 acres, valued at $30 per acre.  They are members of the Lutheran Church, but have no church organization here.

John Ely, farmer, was born in Knox county, Ohio, February 14, 1824.  His parents, Michael and Catherine (Hewett) Ely, were natives of Washington county, Pa., and were married in 1815.  The fruit of this union was nine children, of which the subject of this sketch was the fifth.  His early life was spent among the scenes and incidents of a pioneer life, and his educational advantages were confined to some twelve month's attendance at the log school house of that day.  On March 16, 1852, he was married to Miss Rachel Braddock, of Knox county, Ohio.  Soon thereafter they removed to Marshall county, Iowa, where they remained until the fall of 1856, when they came to Hardin county, settled in Pleasant township, on section 35, where he now resides.  He has not been very actively identified with politics, but has held the office of Township Trustee and been a director in his School District for years.  Mrs. Ely has for many years been a member of the Christian Church, in Eldora.  They have only one child living -- Laura B., wife of Wesley Rowan, of Pleasant township.  Mr. Ely has always followed the business of farming, and has been very successful, having a comfortable and well improved home, with some 320 acres of land, valued at the least at $40 per acre.  He has devoted considerable time and attention to the care of bees, and has one of the largest, if not the largest, apiaries in Hardin county.

Lewis Green, from New York, was also a settler of 1852, but remained only a short time.

Robert Holt, carpenter and joiner, was born in New Jersey, on the 9th day of May, 1829.  He is a son of James B. and Annie (Huzlam) Holt, natives of England, who emigrated to this country in about 1816.  There was a family of eight children, one of whom was buried in the ocean while on their voyage to his country.  There are a present five sons and two daughters living -- Martha, wife of Robt. Hurt; Sarah, now Mrs. Wm. Drummond; John, William, Peter, Robert and Thomas.  The subject of this sketch married Elizabeth Brightwell.  She was born in Knox county, Ohio, October 7, 1831.  By this union there are three living children, viz: Joseph W., Irvine B. and Catherine A.  In 1868 Mr. Holt came to Eldora, Hardin county, where he remained nine years, when he moved to Pleasant township.  Mr. and Mrs. Holt are members of the Christian Church.  He has 68 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre.

S. B. Hubbard, one of the early settlers of Hardin county, Iowa, was born in Ross county, Ohio, April 2, 1827, and reared in Pickaway county, receiving a liberal education.  His parents were Thornton and Rachel (Harvey) Hubbard.  There was a family of four sons and three daughters, six of whom are living -- Willis, Allen J., Samuel B., Mary E., Leah, and Margaret.  In 1848 the family emigrated to Illinois; in the fall of 1855 came to Marshall county, Iowa, and in 1857 came to Hardin county, Iowa, where he purchased the farm on which he now lives.  He has 119 acres of land in Hardin township, valued at $30 per acre.  Mr. Hubbard was married in 1847, to Anna Tatman.  She was born in Perry county, Ohio, October 14, 1828.  Nine children blessed this union -- Mary E., John, Anna Bell, William W., Joseph T., Samuel D., Maria E., Emma, Alice, and Elmer.  In politics Mr. Hubbard is a Republican, and has held several local offices of trust in his township.

Lewis A. Johnson is a son of one of the earliest settlers of Pleasant township, born in McLean county, Illinois, September 11, 1843.  His father, Archibald Johnson, was a native of Virginia, and his mother was born in Ohio.  They were married about the year 1833, and were the parents of ten children, of whom eight are living, five in Pleasant township.  After coming to Iowa, they resided in Louisa county until 1852, when they moved to Marshall county, and in the spring of 1853 removed to Hardin county, settling in Pleasant township, section 22.  Here the subject of this sketch spent his early life amid the hardships and privations of a pioneer life.   Mills, Postoffice and every convenience was almost inaccessible, his father often going as far as Keokuk 200 miles away, after goods, such as were needed.  On April 19, 1868, he was married to Hannah C. Holt, a daughter of John H. Holt, at that time a resident of Tipton township.  There has been born to them four children, all living -- John A., born April 4, 1869; Wm. A., born December 5, 1870; Emma I., born February 20, 1873; Millie R., born June 1, 1877.  All living at home with their parents, who are both members of the Free Methodist Church at Tipton Grove.  Mr. Johnson has a good farm of 80 acres, worth from $25 to $30 per acre.

Rev. W. Jones

In the fall of 1859, Rev. Williston Jones, a Church Extension Missionary of the Iowa Valley Presbytery, in what was then known as the �New School Presbyterian Church,� visited this neighborhood [Pleasant township]. His object was to look over the field with a view of establishing a missionary station. He first preached at the house of Lewis Howell, Esq., two miles west of Point Pleasant ; afterwards at what was known as the Shintaffer school house, one mile south of the point. Being a man of indomitable energy, with his whole soul absorbed in the great work of saving souls, and feeling that there was encouragement to work for his Master in this then new field, he continued to preach and labor during the fall and early winter. Much interest being manifested by the few early settlers then here, he on the 6 th day of February, 1860, organized a church composed of fourteen members, to-wit: Oliver Nanny and his wife, Eliza Nanny, Margaret Wasson, M. D. Mulford, Benj. Cole, Nancy Cole, Sarah Meeker, Orin Lowden, James H. Rousseau, Eliza Rousseau, Emma Jones, Joseph E. Wasson, Sarah Jane Howell and Mrs. Magdalene Boody. The latter being received on her death-bed. Oliver Nanny, M. D. Mulford and Benjamin Cole were the first Ruling Elders. On the 18 th of the same month, nine more were added to the Church, among whom were Judge McIntyre and wife, Augustus G. Mitterer and wife, and Mrs. Sarah Ann Howell. The conversion of Judge McIntyre may deserve a passing notice. A man of more than ordinary force of character and intelligence, well posted, but on decidedly rough exterior; very little polish of manners; a bold, avowed infidel of more than forty years. Learning that there was some interest in Mr. Jones' meetings, he went to hear him preach. The text was �And we do all fade as a leaf;� in Isaiah, 64:6. Mr. Jones was no master theologian, but he was deeply in earnest and preached with feeling and power. At the close of the sermon the old judge came up to the preacher, trembling like a leaf, and exclaimed, �You, sir, must be terribly mistaken, or else I am,� and commenced a controversy. �But I have no time to argue now,� said Mr. Jones, �as I have another appointment at Steamboat Rock, and must go.� And away went the preacher, for a fourteen-mile drive and wade through the snow drifts, over the bleak prairie, to his next appointment. But returning, he found the irate Judge meek and humble. Judge McIntyre lived the four remaining years of his life a useful member, and also as an Elder of the Church.

The Rev. Williston Jones was born in Holland , Erie county, N. Y., February 7, 1814 . At the age of five years he removed with his parents to Bond county, Ill. , and was a soldier in the Black Hawk War. He graduated at Illinois College , in 1840, and at Lane Theological Seminary, Cincinnati , Ohio , in 1844. He spent several years as an itinerant missionary in Southern Illinois . September 16, 1846 , he was married, at St. Louis , Missouri , to Miss Elizabeth H. Shearer, of Erie county, New York . This excellent lady still survives him. Much the largest portion of Mr. Jones' ministerial life was spent in Iowa , coming to Cedar Rapids in 1848, that beautiful city being then an insignificant village. He labored in that portion of the State for eight years, and organized five Missionary Churches. He came to Iowa Falls , Hardin county, in 1856, and labored as a missionary in Hardin, and also in parts of Franklin and Wright. Here his labors were abundant, and of the most toilsome, self-denying, pioneer character; traveling with a pair of mules the whole seven years, through the summer's heat and winter's cold, through sloughs and snow-drifts. Yes, he encountered many a pelting storm in his long drives over the bleak prairies, often miles and miles without a sign of habitation. In March, 1865, he went South; partly on account of his health. He was for a time in the Christian Commission work. He was with the Army of the Potomac when Richmond was captured. In May of the same year, he went to Rolla , Mo. Here he performed the last labors of his life. He passed to his heavenly rest November 20, 1865 . His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Henry A. Nelson, D.D., from the words, �He being dead, yet speaketh.� There are those in Hardin county today who can realize that he speaketh yet.

James D. Lundy, of Lawn Hill, hotel proprietor and real estate agent, was born January 25, 1839, in Lafayette, Stark county, Ill.  His parents, John Lundy and Rachel (Hodson) Lundy, were natives of Clinton county, Ohio.  In 1835 John Lundy moved to Illinois, and settled in what was then Knox county, but now Stark county.  In 1837 he was married, and soon thereafter laid out the town of Lafayette, where the subject of this sketch was born.  James' early life was passed amid the hardships and difficulties incident to pioneer life in Illinois.  On July 3d, 1860, he was married to Mattie A. Matthews, daughter of the Rev. J. Matthews, of Lafayette, Stark county, Ill.  Mrs. Lundy has no need to be ashamed of her family connections, being a first cousin of Commodore Matthews, and a second cousin of Major-General Cook, of the regular army; Dr. Cook, the proprietor of the celebrated remedy "Wine of Tar;" and of ex-Vice-President Schuyler Colfax.  John Matthews, Mrs. Lundy's grandfather, was a Major in the war of 1812.  A year after his marriage Mr. Lundy enlisted in Company B, 37th Illinois Infantry, serving on the frontiers of Arkansas and Missouri.  He was badly wounded at the battle of Pea Ridge, also on the Vicksburg and New Orleans campaigns.  He was mustered out of the service at the close of the war, arriving home in February, 1864.  In the fall of 1864 he removed to Iowa, settling in Providence township, Hardin county, where he followed farming, and kept the Midland Postoffice for several years, and was for fourteen years the Justice dispenser for his neighborhood, and has, in fact, been active in all matters of public interest, as well as religious and educational matters, two of his daughters now being school teachers.  Himself and wife have been for years members of the Methodist Church, of South Providence.  There have been born to them nine children, seven of whom are living -- John A., born June 25, 1861; Flora A., born February 11, 1863; Clara R., born October 1, 1865; John M., born April 28, 1867; Clarence E., born December 22, 1868; Cora E., born August 13, 1874, and Mabel, born June 13, 1880.  As will be seen in the Lawn Hill directory, Mr. Lundy is engaged with his son in the harness and boot and shoe business, and also runs a butcher shop and stable in connection with the hotel business; with all these varied interests he is the owner of 80 acres of good land in Providence township, and 80 acres in Pleasant township.  He is a member in good standing of New Providence Ledge, No. 169, A. O. U. W., and I. O. O. F., of Eldora.

John W. Lynn was born May 25, 1827, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania.  His parents, Mathew Lynn and Mary (Williams) Lynn, were natives of Pennsylvania, and were married there.  The mother died January 15, 1873, aged seventy-seven years, one month and seventeen days; and the father died some five weeks thereafter, aged seventy-two years.  In the spring of 1851 Mr. Lynn left Pennsylvania, coming to Illinois, where, on December 28, 1852, he was married to Miss Mahala Cline, in Rock Island county, Illinois.  In November, 1853, he started to California.  He went by stage and railroad to New York, and from there by water.  Upon his return in 1856, he stopped in Pennsylvania, at his father's.  The result of this trip was that, when he reached the hospitable roof of his parents, he had just fifty cents in his pocket.  Surely, "all is not gold that glitters."  On the third of June, 1856, he arrived in Hardin county, settling near Xenia, Eldora township; from there he removed, November 5, 1868, to Pleasant township, section 18, where he still resides.  There has been born to them eight children, four of whom are living -- John W., born October 13, 1863, married to Belle Sheldon, of Sherman township, where they reside; Belford J., born February 23, 1857; Luella M., born July 3, 1866; Lillie Belle, born June 10, 1871.  In politics Mr. Lynn is a Republican.  Mr. and Mrs. Lynn have for years been members of the Baptist Church, their society worshipping at the Presbyterian Church at Point Pleasant.  In his farming operations Mr. Lynn has been very successful, having at present 307 1/2 acres of land, 28 acres of which is timber.  The farm is well improved, with good house, barn, etc., and 235 rods of Osage hedge.  His land is valued at $35 per acre.

John Marling, one of the earliest settlers of Pleasant township, is living in section 28.  He was born in Jackson county, Ind., February 23, 1832.  His parents, Elijah and Mary Ellen (Cox) Marling, were natives of the Southern States.  The father died in 1840, and the mother in 1871.  There were three children by this union, the subject of this sketch being the eldest, both the others being dead.  In 1841 he removed with his mother to Des Moines county, stopping there with an uncle a short time, where his mother married, soon after they came to Iowa.  They first settled in Washington county, where they remained four years; from there to Keokuk county, staying there five years; from there to Marshall county for two years; and, on October 3, 1852, arrived in Hardin county, settling near where Mr. Marling now resides, on section 28.  On the breaking out of our late civil war, Mr. Marling was one of the first to take a hand in the conflict, enlisting June 24, 1861, in Company C, 6th Iowa Infantry, serving in Missouri, Tennessee and Mississippi, participating in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6 and 7, 1862.  He was mustered out of service August 24, 1862, on account of disability.  On September 2, 1866, he was married to Miss Chloe Smith, daughter of Christopher Smith, of Pleasant township.  The children by this union number five, four of whom are living -- Daniel R., Nettie C., Clarissa R. and Effie F.  Mr. Marling has not had the advantage of a liberal education, but has made the most of his opportunities, and has acquired a good farm of nearly 100 acres of splendid land, worth from $35 to $40 per acre.  Mr. and Mrs. Marling are both members of the Methodist Protestant Church, their church building being situated near where they reside.

Alpheus McIntyre was born in Salem, Mass., in 1792, and the first that is known of him was after he was in Sandusky county, Ohio, where he was living and married to a lady who was a native of Connecticut.  They were the parents of four children, all of whom are dead.  His wife having died, Mr. McIntyre, in the spring of 1850, removed to Linn county, Iowa, where, on the 13th day of September following, he was married, for the second time, to Miss Cordelia Phillips.  They remained in that county until the spring of 1854, when they came to Hardin county, settling in Pleasant township, where he resided until his death, which occurred April 18, 1868.  Mr. McIntyre was one of the active participators in the events that marked the early settlement of this county, ever taking an active and prominent part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the country.  He was one of the sturdiest of Whigs in the days of that party, and became identified with the Republican party from its earliest infancy.  He was a member of the State Legislature, and held, for two terms consecutively, the position of County Supervisor, as well as for years acting in the capacity of Justice of the Peace for this township.  He was an Orderly Sergeant in a New York regiment in the war of 1812, and was in the battles of Lundy's Lane and Queenstown Heights.  He was an eye witness of the death of the British commander, General Brock.  He was subsequently Associate Judge in Sandusky county, Ohio.  Mrs. McIntyre's parents, Erastus and Polly (McIntyre) Phillips, were natives of Otsego county, N. Y., and were married there, where Mrs. McIntyre was born, as were her two brothers, who were early settlers of Hardin county, and lived here until their death.  Her mother is still living with her, at the age of eighty-five, being the oldest person now living in Pleasant township.  Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre became the parents of three children, two of whom are now living -- Frank, born November 13, 1851; married in 1871, and now living in Tipton township; Alma V., born September 11, 1855; died July 14, 1874; Edgar, born March 4, 1857.  Just before the great Indian scare, treated of in another place, Mrs. McIntyre relates that she was attracted by the crying of her little boy that she has sent for chips.  Going to look for the cause, she was startled by seeing twelve Sioux Braves in war paint and feathers advancing towards the house.  She retreated to the door, and they came on and into the house, making signs that they wanted something to eat.  Mr. McIntyre was at work close by, and she sent them down to where he was.  He came back with them and gave them a liberal supply of provisions, when they left contented, much to the relief of their entertainers.  Mrs. McIntyre, since the death of her husband, has had charge of the homestead, and is at present carrying it on with the assistance of her son, Edgar.  It consists of 100 acres of good timber and prairie land, and makes a good home.  The farm is valued at about $30 per acre.

James Miller and his son Frank, and Cavender Deere, each took up claims in the township before Mr. Moore, and James Miller broke the first land in 1851, on section 28.  Each of these men settled that year, bu the priority of actual settlement is given to Mr. Moore.

James and Frank Miller were from Kentucky, and were brothers.  James took an active part in county affairs while he lived.  He was a strong and uncompromising Democrat.  He died in 1856.  Frank died the same year and within a few months of his brother.

Franklin Miller, one of the pioneers who came to Hardin county, settled in Pleasant township in 1852.  He was a native of Kentucky, born in about 1830.  He married Miss Arrena Geer, and they reared four children, only one of whom is now living -- Elizabeth Frances, now the wife of John A. Hubbard.  Mr. Miller died in 1857, and his wife in 1863.

Peter Miller was a son of James Miller, and came with his father.  He was married in April, 1853, shortly after the organization of the county, to Laura Duke.  This was the first marriage in the county, the license being issued by Alexander Smith, County Judge, who then had authority to issue the license.  The marriage ceremony was performed by Alexander Smith.

Isaac S. Moore

The first settlement was made my Isaac S. Moore, in the fall of 1851, on section 21.  Mr. Moore still resides in the township, but for a time resided in Tipton township.  He has ever been active in the affairs of the county, and was for many years a member of the Board of Supervisors of the county.

Isaac S. Moore, one of the pioneers of Pleasant township, who settled on section 21, October, 1851, was born in Highland county, Ohio, on the 29th day of November, 1819.  He is a son of Samuel I. and Eleanor (Lynch) Moore.  They were married in Pennsylvania, where three children were born.  They emigrated to Highland county, Ohio, where six more children were born, all od which lived to be adults, and two of whom are living at the present writing.  His father was twice a Representative in the Legislature.  He died in Carroll county, Ind.  His mother died in 1852, in Tippecanoe county, Ind.  The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm until seventeen years of age.  He received but six months' schooling, being a self-made man.  From 1827 until 1844 he drifted about in various places.  He married Mary A. Voorhies in Jefferson county, Iowa.  She was born in Gurnsey county, Ohio, September 16, 1824.  Nine children were the fruits of this union, five of whom are now living -- Sarah M., wife of H. H. Dresser; Rebecca A., wife of Ira J. Robinson; Nancy J., wife of D. S. Maxon; Isaac S., Jr., and Parker L.  He embarked in farming in Jefferson county, remaining there until 1848, when he removed to Mahaskee county, Iowa, and in 1851 came to Hardin county.  In 1861 he enlisted in the 6th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company C., remaining in the service some six months, when he was discharged for physical disability.  In an early day Mr. Moore was elected County Supervisor, and also held the office of Justice of the Peace for a number of years.  Mr. and Mrs. Moore came to the county in limited circumstances, but, instead of sitting down, went to work, and by judicious management accumulated a comfortable home.

E. C. Mossman was born in Grayson county, Va., January 22, 1825.  When four years of age, his parents moved to Centerville, Wayne county, Ind., where they remained until 1839, when they went to Mercer county, Ill.  In 1850 he caught the "gold fever" and went to California, remaining there until 1852, when he returned to Mercer county, Ill., and was married, October 30, to Louisa VanEaton, who was born in Sangamon county, Ill., November 11, 1834.  In 1854 he came to Hardin county, Iowa, locating on section 30, in Pleasant township, where he still lives, and has a nice farm, containing 150 acres, valued at $30 per acre.  In February, 1856, he experienced religion, and joined the M. E. Church.  Two years after his conversion, he was licensed to preach, which call he still follows.  In 1864 he was ordained a minister of the gospel, and, the same year, left the M. E. Church, and united with the Free Methodist Church, and organized a church of that denomination in Concord township, being the first of that denomination in the county.  His early education was limited, having only attended school about two months, but, after his conversion, learned to read, and has, through his own exertions, acquired a good, practical education.  In politics, Mr. M. has been identified with the Republican party, and at different times has held positions of trust in his township.  Mr. and Mrs. Mossman are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living -- Albert L., born August 7, 1856; John C., November 17, 1858; Elmer, March 28, 1860; Orlando, April 6, 1862; Lucy A., March 24, 1864; Hannah B., June 5, 1866; Ida, June 27, 1874.

George C. Myers, one of the early settlers of Pleasant township, was born in Chenango county, N. Y., December 3, 1815; son of Mathew and Elizabeth (Fowler) Myers.  Mr. and Mrs. Myers were the parents of eleven children, five sons and six daughters.  The subject of this sketch, in 1842, married Mary A. Baird.  By this union there were seven children, six of whom are living, viz. -- Ambrosia, Virginia, Elizabeth, Emma, Casper and Charlie.  In 1849 he came to Kane county, Ill., where he purchased land and engaged in farming.  In the spring of 1854 he came to Clinton county, Iowa, and in the fall of 1855 removed to Hardin county, locating in Pleasant township, Beaver creek, remaining there until 1864, when he removed to his present farm.  Coming to the county poor, Mr. Myers went to work to make a home, and, by hard work and good management, has accumulated a fine property, and to-day is among the large and well-to-do farmers of the county.  He has 432 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre.

William Myers is a native of New York State, born January 7, 1825, where he grew to manhood and received a common school education; he followed the business of farming.  He was married December 24, 1849, to Miss Mary E. Clark, who was born in the same State, where they were married.  In the fall of 1850 he went with his family to Pennsylvania, remaining until 1855, when, leaving his family with friends, he came to Hardin county, Iowa.  he bought an unimproved farm in Pleasant township, which he went to improving, preparatory to sending for his family.  His family arrived in the fall of 1857, and at present consists of four children -- Herbert, born October 13, 1853; Floyd M., born October 22, 1859; Corlin, born September 26, 1862; Ada, born April 22, 1865.  Herbert was married in December, 1880, to Miss Rachel Caudle, of Union township.  Corlin was married May 15, 1881, to Robert Moore, of Providence township; they have one son, born March 9, 1882.  Mr. Myers is one of the successful farmers of his township, having at the present time 160 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre.  In politics he is a staunch Democrat.  Mrs. Myers experienced religion when sixteen years of age, and joined the Baptist Church, of which she is still a member.

L. L. Park, from Ohio, came in 1852.  He was a farmer and blacksmith, and a man of some ability.  He located on section 26.  He was the first blacksmith in the township, and began work in the spring of 1853.  He left the county in 1855, and now resides in Missouri.

James F. Platts was born December 27, 1852, in Freeport, Stephenson county, Ill.  His parents were natives of Derby, England, and came to this country in May, 1849, first settling in Illinois.  In 1854 they removed to Wisconsin, where shortly after, the father met his death while digging a well.  He was one of the earliest settlers of his county (Bad Axe), being the first white man buried within its limits.  In June, 1854, the mother removed to Janesville, Wis., with her father, and was married in 1855, to Mr. John Perkins, of Waterloo, Iowa, with whom she is still living, in Eldora township.  Mr. Platts was married December 24, 1876, to Miss Emma E. Hayden, a daughter of Wallen and Rebecca Hayden, of Jackson township.  They have two children -- Alpha, born December 29, 1877, and Harry, born December 17, 1880.  Mrs. Platts is a member of the Christian Church, of Eldora.  They have followed farming for a business, in which they have succeeded, having at present 160 acres of good prairie land, worth from $25 to $30 per acre.

Joseph Race, one of the prosperous farmers of Pleasant township, was born at Melnthorp, Yorkshire, Eng., October 11, 1817, where he received a common school education.  He was married, October 8, 1840, to Miss Mary Bell, born at Tickhill, Yorkshire, Eng., December 22, 1815.  In the summer of 1859, he came to America, arriving at Eldora, Hardin county, Iowa, September 30, remaining in Eldora until April, 1866, when he moved to the town of Pleasant, on the farm where he now resides, in section 11, and has a nice farm containing 240 acres, valued at $25 per acre.  Twenty years previous to leaving England, he followed the business of gardening, and, from the appearance of his dooryard and surroundings, where he now lives, must have been adept at the business.  Since coming to this country, he has been identified with the Republican party, and has held the office of School Director, and, at the present time, is Road Supervisor.  Mr. and Mrs. Race are the parents of seven children, five of whom are living -- Joseph, born September 17, 1841; died January 9, 1862; William, born October 15, 1843; died October 14, 1862; H. G., born December 28, 1845; Annie E., born January 14, 1848; Eliza, born May 12, 1850; Mary J., born September 23, 1852; Walter B., born February 28, 1855.

Jasper N. Rowan is a son of one of the early settlers of Hardin county, and was born in the county of Vermillion, Ind., January 1, 1846.  His parents, Cyrus and Amanda (Graves) Rowan, moved from Indiana in 1848 to Washington county, Iowa, and in the fall of 1850 came to Hardin county, settling in Union township, where the mother died in February, 1863, the father remaining until the fall of 1865, when he moved to Nemaha county, Neb., where he now resides.  Mr. Rowan was married on January 13, 1867, to Miss Rhoda Ricard.  There have been born to them six children, five of whom are living -- Hattie D., Sidney W., Mary C., Eva J. and Cyrus B.  His early life was spent on the farm, and his education was obtained at the log school house so prevalent in this county at that early day.  Towards the close of the late war, Mr. Rowan enllisted, January 1, 1864, in Company B., 11th Iowa Infantry, serving under General Sherman in the Atlantic campaign and the famous march to the sea, arriving at home in the latter part of July, 1865.  Himself and wife have, for the last twelve years, been members of the Christian Church of Eldora.  They have always followed farming, and are the possessors of 80 acres of good land in Pleasant township, where he resides; also 40 acres of timber land.  The farm land is worth $35 per acre, and the timber, $20 per acre.

James Smith was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, October 17, 1842.  His parents, Robert and Jennie (Stinson) Smith, were natives of Scotland, the father being born in Paisley, and the mother in Edinburgh.  They came to this country in 1849, and settled in Green Lake county, Wis., being among the first settlers of that county, it being two miles to the nearest neighbor.  Of their seven children, James was the third.  He came to Hardin county with his parents in the fall of 1864, settling in Eldora, where his father still resides.  On November 4, 1865, he was married to Mary L. Stibi, daughter of Christian Stibi, of Eldora township.  Of their nine children, five are still living -- Jennie S., born July 20, 1866; Caroline S., born June 30, 1869; Nellie, born April 13, 1878; Thomas R., born December 7, 1879; James Henry, born June 1, 1882.  Mr. Smith has always been identified with the Democratic party, and has held some offices of trust in the township, being Town Clerk two years, and at present Township Trustee.  Farming is his business, and he has a good farm of 120 acres of prairie adjoining the property of the Iowa State Reform School, and 16 acres of timber.  The prairie land is valued at $30 to $35 per acre.

Leonidas Smith, one of the earliest settlers of Pleasant township, was born in Washington county, Va., February 18, 1822.  His father, Robert Smith, moved to Rush county, Ind., in 1831, where he died in a short time; his mother, Grizzy Smith, was of Scotch descent, and died in Rush county, Ind., in 1854.  They were the parents of five children, three boys and two girls; three are living in Rush county, Ind., and one brother besides Mr. Smith, in Pleasant township.  Mr. Smith left Indiana in the spring of 1843; first stopping in Des Moines county, Iowa, where he was married, February 19, 1845, to Miss Polly Ann Gear.  In the spring of 1850, the gold excitement in California being all the rage, he, in company with four others, started from Des Moines county for that State, crossing the plains with an ox team and wagon, meeting with many accidents and adventures on the way.  At one time their wagon was entirely under water while trying to cross a stream with all their provisions on board.  They arrived at their destination August 9, 1850; but Mr. Smith's health failing, he returned in about two months to Des Moines county.  In the spring of 1853 he came to Hardin county, settling on the farm where he now resides.  His early life having been spent on the frontier in Indiana with his mother, with whom he shared the care and responsibility of their family, had inured him to the hardships and privations which are the common lot of all who make a new country their home; he set to work with a will and energy possessed by few, and after all these years the change from the log shanty, 10 x 12, first put up, with clap-board roof, in which himself, wife and three children "summered," is seen in the substantial and roomy farm house, just completed; the main part being 24 x 34, and 16 feet high, making a comfortable and elegant home.   Although his education was obtained in the log school house of the time, and was very limited as to the time spent in obtaining it, yet it has not prevented him from being a successful man of business and taking an active interest in educational matters, having been a Director in his school district most of the time.  Himself and wife have been members of the Methodist Protestant Church for the last twenty years, or more, taking an active part in things pertaining to a religious nature.  They have but one child living -- two having died -- Robert, who, on September 11, was married to Margaret E. Blair; they are now the parents of three children, living -- Caspar, Freddie and Polly; all living on the home place with their father, three quarters of a mile north of Lawn Hill.  Mr. Smith has always followed farming for a business, being very successful; having in his possession nearly 400 acres of good land, valued at $40 per acre.

Charles W. Strother, one of the most successful farmers of Hardin county, was born in Hardy county, Virginia, June 17, 1821.  His parents were natives of Virginia.  His father died while he was quite young; his mother re-married while on a visit to friends in Ohio, to Mr. James Ward of Muskingum county, and coming back to Virginia, she brought him, at five years of age, to his new home in Ohio, making the trip of over 200 miles on horseback.  As that was long before the days of railroads, they thus became pioneers of that county.  At the age of fourteen he went to live with a Mr. Cooper, with whom he remained until twenty-one years of age.  On the 15th of February, 1849 he was married to Miss Caroline Predmore in Hancock county, Ohio, a daughter of the Rev. Mason Predmore, a well-known Methodist Episcopal Minister of that county; her mother's maiden name was Jane Caton, a native of Pennsylvania.  Her father died in Clayton county, Iowa, December 27, 1860, and her mother in Cass county, Iowa, February 25, 1879.  Mr. Strother, after his marriage, remained in Ohio one year, and then removed to Clayton county, Iowa, living there a short time.  In 1855, having sold out his farm, he removed with his family to Olmstead county, Minnesota, and from there, he in August, 1864, removed to Hardin county, Iowa, settling in Pleasant township, section 17, where he now resides.  There has been born to them seven children, six of whom are living -- Thomas W., born December 28, 1849, of whom mention is elsewhere made; James B., born November 10, 1851; Etna J., born October 16, 1853; Moses H., born March 19, 1855; Bruce W., July 26, 1858; Mary M., born November 20, 1859; Effie I., born June 11, 1863.  Of these the oldest was born in Hancock county, Ohio; the next two in Clayton county, Iowa, and the last four in Olmstead county, Minnesota.  Mr. Strother has been generally identified with the Democratic party, but is conservative in his views.  While devoting his whole life to farming, he always has devoted some time and attention to the raising of fine stock, and has raised some fine specimens of Short Horns; he intends hereafter to pay more attention to the raising of horses and hogs, believing them to be more profitable.  He is the owner of one of the best watered and stock farms in the county, being well provided with barns, sheds, etc.  His farm consists of 276 1/2 acres of good land, nearly all under fence, there being now over six miles of fence on the place.  The land is valued at $40 per acre.

According to tradition in the families of the Voorhees name, some time in the latter part of the sixteenth century, there came to the shores of New Jersey from Amsterdam, Holland, three brothers in the prime of life, by the name of Van Voorhees, who settled near Brunswick. From these three emigrants from Holland it is prettys certain that the numerous families scattered over the United States, who write their names Van Voorhees, Van Vorhes, Van Vorhies, Voorheis, Voorhis, have a common origin.

S. W. Van Voorhis was born in Belmont county, Ohio, November 2, 1844. His father, Rev. C. E. Van Voorhis, was born in Duchess county, New York, Octoer 11, 1809. His mother was born January 7, 1812, in Wayne county, Ohio. They were married in 1831, becoming the parents of eleven children, nine of whom are living; the mother died in Ohio, September 19, 1870; the father is still living in Knox county, Ohio, where he has lived for 37 years; and been a preacher of the Christian Church since his twenty-first year. The subject of this sketch was married December 28, 1865, to Miss Kate Simons at Milford, Knox cunty, Ohio, with whom he lived until her death, which occurred May 28, 1870. She left one child who is still living -- Alla Dell, born December 19, 1867. They removed to Iowa in March, 1866, settling in Union township, Hardin county; from there he moved October 1, 1868, to Pleasant township, section 14, where he still resides. He was married the second time, September 28, 1871, to louisa E. Lewis of New Castle, Knox county, Ohio. There have been born to four children, all living -- Eucell B., born April 18, 1873; Bruce E., born June 19, 1875; Clyde Randolph, born January 15, 1877; Fred, born February 8, 1881. AQlthough having only the advantages of a common school education, both Mr. and Mrs. Van Voohis have been wielders of the birch both in Ohio and here, having taught several terms. Mr. Van Voorhis enlisted February 25, 1864 at Newark, Ohio, in the 6th Independent Company, Ohio Volunteer Sharpshooters, serving in the Army of the Cumberland. After the capture of Atlanta, the Company was detailed as Headquarter Guard for General Geo. H. Thomas, serving in that capacity at the battle of Nashville, Tennessee, and until the close of the war, being discharged July 19, 1865. He has always been identifed with the Republican party in politics. Himself and wife are member sof the Christian Church of Eldora. He has always followed farming, and has a fine farm of 80 acres quite well improved.

Joseph B. Weaver was born in Holmes county, Ohio, May 1, 1840.  His father, Samuel Weaver, was born in Baltimore, Md., November 13, 1818, and his mother in Philadelphia, Pa., November 11, 1814.  They were married in Holmes county, March 16, 1837.  Of their children, seven in number, Joseph was the second.  His mother died April 22, 1872, and his father re-married July 31, 1873, to Martha A. Well , of Geneseo, Ill.  Mr. Weaver's early life was spent in Holmes county, Ohio.  At the age of twenty-six he married Miss Mary J. McFarland, on December 25, 1866, near Cambridge, Henry county, Ill., where they lived until in 1868, when they moved to Hardin county, settling in Pleasant township, where he now resides on section 4.  There have been born to them four children, all of whom are living -- Martha L., born June 26, 1869; Nellie D., December 4, 1871; Howard Edwin, May 26, 1875; Samuel K., August 25, 1877.  Mr. Weaver was a soldier for the Union during our late civil war, enlisting August 9, 1862, in Company D., 112th Illinois Infantry, serving in Tennessee and Kentucky until the Atlanta campaign, when he took part in that undertaking, until the battle of Resaca, where he received a wound in the hip, which disabled him from active duty, and he thereafter served in hospital duty at Springfield, Ill., being discharged June 16, 1865.  He has always taken an active interested in educational and religious matters, being a Director in his school district for several years.  Himself and wife are active members of the M. E. Church.  He has always followed farming.  His farm contains 160 acres, worth $25 per acre.  He also has 10 acres of timber-land.

Oliver S. Wildman, who resides on section 35, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, March 13, 1854.  His father, Seneca Wildman, was born in Virginia, March 29, 1812, and his mother was born July 20, 1815.  They were married in 1833 in Ohio.  The fruit of their union was eleven children, four of whom are living -- Ruth, wife of J. S. Maden, and Elizabeth, wife of Nathan Hunt, both of Hardin township; William, married to Asenath Adams, and Oliver S., the subject of this sketch, who was married Jan. 6, 1876, in Story county, to Miss Dora Thatcher, since which time they have lived in Pleasant township.  They have one child living -- Earl J., thirteen months of age.  Mr. Wildman has been fortunate enough to have some extra advantages in the way of education, having attended several terms at the high school at New Providence, and one year at Earlham College, Richmond, Ind.  Mrs. Wildman also attended two terms at the high school at Des Moines, Iowa.  Mr. Wildman has adopted farming as a business, and, although but a young man, is the possessor of 160 acres of fine prairie land, well improved, worth $40 per acre.  Mr. and Mrs. Wildman are members of the Society of Friends, of which there is a large representation in this and Providence townships.