Jasper County >> 1878 Index

The History of Jasper County, Iowa
Chicago: Western Hist. Co., 1878.

Newton Township (A-G)
Transcribed by Joan Achille, submitted by Shelley Arri

ANDERSON, Milton; Retired, born 6 Apr 1814 in Fayette Co. PA. In 1816 came with his parents to Stark Co., OH; in 1854 to Newton, Iowa. He first commenced in the saddlery and harness business and afterword added to it boots and shoes, wlich he continued till 1873, when he retired from active life. He owns Lots 7 and 8 in Block 25, with his residence, also business property in the city. He had been a member of the Council and Treasurer of the town. He married Sarah HARDEN in January 1838. She was born in 1817 in Clermont Co., OH. The had seven children, three living--Mary E., Minerva and Viola. Members of M. E. Church, and he is a Republican.

ARNOLD, Daniel; Deals in grain and livestock. He was born 7 Jan 1833 in Knox Co., OH and on 27 Nov 1857, came to Jasper Co., IA. He first engaged in farming; in 1875 removed to Newton, IA. He has always been in the livestock business since coming to the County. He is also engaged in the grain business at Reasnor, on the Newton and Monroe R.R. He served one term as a member of the Board of Supervisors in 1871, and was also elected to the same position in 1877. He married Rachel JOHNSON 27 Sep 1857; she was born in 1838 in Jefferson Co., Ohio. They have three children---Charles, Henry J., and Michael R. Members of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican.

AXTELL, Charles P.; With the firm of Ray & Axtell, dry good, hosiery, notions, etc., west side of square. He was born 5 Jan 1845, in Wyoming Co., NY. He came to Wisconsin in 1866 and in 1869 came to Newton, IA. He was first employed by V. W. Skiff & Co., in 1876 he commenced their present business. He married Ada. H. MILLER 17 Oct 1872, she was born 1847 in Muscatine Co., IA. They have one child---Grace A., born 28 Jan 1876. They are members of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican.

AXTELL, Thomas O.; With the firm of Silas Axtell & Co., livery and sale stable on Vine Street. He was born 9 Jun 1857, in Newton, Iowa. In 1868 they commenced their present business; they own their stables and house adjoining. His father was born May 1824 in Cleveland, OH, and removed to Jasper County, Iowa in 1856. His mother was born in 1825 in Morristown, N. J. and died in Newton, 9 Jan 1858. Thomas O. was a Republican.

BAILEY, E. H.; He is a farmer and resides corner of Main and Vine Streets. He was born 15 Feb 1826 in England. In 1831 he came to New York, in 1836 he came to Summit Co., OH; then to Lewis Co., OH. In 1862 he came to Newton, Iowa. He owns 160 acres of land in Mound Prairie Township, a ditching machine with twelve yoke of cattle valued at $1200. His residence is in the city. He is City Assessor, and has been for the last six years; has been Constable two terms, also Deputy Sheriff and City Marshal. He married Mary E. NORRIS in 1851. She was born 27 May 1827 in Maryland. They have one daughter, Nellie, now Mrs. I. W. BECKER, born 27 June 1855. He is a Greenbacker.

BICKNELL, John W.; He has a livery and sale stable corner Marion and Vine streets, residence, Newton. He was born 29 Apr 1827, in Wilkes Co., N. C. He came to Rush, Co., IN in 1832 and came to Jasper County, Iowa in 1854. He engaged in farming until 1870, when he engaged in the livery business. He married Rebecca NICHOLS in 1849. She was born in OH in 1831, and died 22 Apr 1863. They had five children---Wilford S., Wesley C., William H., Mary J., Elias H. M. He married second to Miss V. BLACKWOOD 24 Dec 1864. She was born 14 Sep 1845 in Athens County, OH. They have two children---Frank and Lester. He is a Republican.

BLANCHARD, M. A.; With the firm of Blanchard and Eyerly, real estate, abstracts and loan; resided corner South and Vine Streets. He was born 28 Oct 1830 in Lewis Co., N. Y. In 1854 he went to Ogle Co., IL and taught school in Pine Creek Twp. two Winters. In 1856 he removed to Newton, Iowa, and in the Fall was appointed Deputy Clerk of the District Court. He was appointed in 1862 County Judge by the Board of Supervisors. this position he resigned in 1863. He then was appointed Paymaster's Clerk, which position he held till October 1865, at which time he commenced his present business. He married Mary E. LINDLEY 26 Oct 1868. She was born in Tazewell Co., IL. They had six children, four living---Nellie, May, Hattie and Frank. They lost Charles L. in infanacy. Edith died 30 Jun 1878, aged 5 years. Mr. B. is a member of the Universalist Church and Mrs. B. is a member of the Congregational Church. He is a Republican.

BODLEY, Rebecca B., Mrs.; She is the daughter of John R. DAVIS and widow of L. W. Bodley. She resides Main Street. He was born in 1800, in New York and died 17 Jun 1867. She was born 3 Sep 1812 in Adams Co., PA. They were married in 1835 and came to Jasper Co., in 1857 and settled on their farm in 1858. She owns 128 acres in Sherman Twp., also her residence and a grocery in the city, and 280 acres in Adair Co. She has eight children---Amanda, Eliza Jane, William F., Joseph, Mary, Anna, Everett and Eva. John D. was killed at the battle of Iuka on 19 Sep 1863, Charles lost his leg in the service. William and Joseph were also in the war.

BURNS, Robert; Of the firm of Burns and Condit, gen'l merchandise, west side square. He was born 22 Mar 1842 in Cleveland, OH, in 1855 came to Iowa Co., IA; in 1866 to Jasper Co., and soon after commenced his present business. He enlisted 15 Jul 1861 in Co G, 12th Iowa V. I.; served three years and was honorably discharged. He was engaged at the battles of Belmont, MO, Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and others. He has been a member of the Council about three years, he is also a Member of the School Board. He married H. C. HIBBARD 6 Mar 1865. She was born 20 Nov 1843 in Sturgis, MI. They have two children---Frances Eudora and Gertrude. Mrs. B. is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a Greenbacker.

BYERS, H. V., Dr.; He was born 13 Feb 1848,in Mercer Co., PA, and in 1851 came to Bur- lington Iowa; in 1853 he removed to Mahaska Co. and commenced the study of medicine in 1869 with Dr. Birge. He commenced the practice of his profession in Oswego, KS in 1872. In 1876 he moved to Newton and he owns his residence in the city. He married Mary KENDALL in May 1876, in Louisa Co., Iowa. they have two children--Gibson and Charles.

CAREY, John; Retired, he was born 5 Jan 1806 in Washington Co., PA. In 1832 he came to Ohio, in 1854 to Jasper Co., IA. He owns 385 acres of land in this county, also property in the city. He married Mary MCCAREL in 1827. She was born in July 1805 in Brooke Co., VA. They had seven children, two living--William T., and Newton J. His son J. W. enlisted in the 2nd Iowa Battery, and died in Memphis, TN of a disease contracted in the Army. Newton J. also served in the war. He enlisted in Wisconsin. He is a Republican

CHAPMAN, Mrs. E. W.; She was born in 1826 in KY. She was married to E. W. ALLEN, and moved to Jasper Co. in 1848 settling on her present farm, consisting then of about 1,200 acres. She is one of the earliest settlers of Jasper Co. Mr. Allen was b. 1820, and died in 1871. She has eight children by this marriage: William, Jacob, James, David, Lizzie, Samuel, Thomas, and Elmira. She married 2nd to John O. Champan in 1875; he was born 14 Nov 1816, in Columbus, OH. She now owns 120 acres, valued at $80 per acre.

CLARK, Walter; Bakery and confectionery, east side square; residence same. He was born 30 Sep 1848 in London, England. Came to New York when an infant with parents. In 1855 they went to Canada, and in 1863 to Chicago. In 1871 he came to Newton, Iowa. He married Lizzie PARKER 16 Nov 1876. She was born 23 Dec 1854 in Ohio. They have one child---Maud, born 20 Sep 1877. He is a Republican.

CONNELLY, C. L.; Carpenter and joiner, res corner McDonald and Farmer streets. He was born 1827 in Northumberland Co. PA. In 1838 he went to Mansfield, OH, in 1849 to California, and in 1855 to Newton, Iowa and engaged in his present business. He owns his residence and other property in the city. He married Sarah J. KELLY in 1851. She was born in 1836 in PA. They had ten children, seven of which are still living---Emma M., Sarah J., Edward M., Ella B., Bertie, John C., and Fred. They lost Mary J., Louisa, and Charles in infancy. He is a Republican, she is a member of the Congregational Church.

COOK, J. C.; He is of German parentage and was born in Tiffin, OH, 26 Dec., 1846. While a boy he attended district school. When about 17 taught in the common schools around Tiffin, and attended Heidelberg College in that place. He began to read law in the office of Lee & Brewer, finishing in 1867. In the same year he settled in Newton. He probably has a larger practice than any other attorney his age at the Iowa bar. He married Miss Roxana WING 1 Jul 1869, they have one child, Mabel, aged about 4 and a half years. In 1875 he began criminal practice, defending Scott HIBLER and R. W. KING on a murder charge. Both were acquitted. He is now retained for the defense in two murder cases in Marion County. He prosecuted Brantley MCLEAN for murder, who was convicted. In 1876 he was nominated for Attorney General of the State on the Democratic ticket, which he won. Was chairman of the Democratic Convention in 1877. He is tall and commanding, and most genial in manners.

COOPER, Joseph; Farmer, Sec. 15, owns 80 acres, worth $3200. He was born in Boone Co., KY 22 Sep 1850, and came with his parents to this county in 1851, settling in Newton village. His mother died in the Spring of 1862, aged 38 years. His farther is now residing in the Indian Territory. Mr. C. moved to this farm in 1874, the principal product of which is corn. He married Laura CULBERTSON in Newton in 1872. She was born in Harrison Co., OH. Their children are Grace, Pearl and Estella Maud.

COUCH, D. S.; Superintedent of the Newton & Monroe R. R., residence corner Washington and Race streets. He was born 1 Feb 1830 in Baltimore, OH. In 1848 he removed to Indianapolis, IN, and engaged in running stages for 3 years, then was express messenger for American Express Co. from Indianapolis to Cincinnati, also to Chicago till 1856, when he removed to Newton, Iowa and for three years was stage and express agent. He then engaged in coal mining which he still continues in connection with Mr. Gripps of Davenport. Their coal beds are in Palo Alto Twp. and they are handling 2000 tons per month. He married Miss Sarah BLACKMAN in Sept. 1857. She was born March 1833 in OH. They have two children---Hallie and Jennie. Mr. C. was the first City Marshal of Newton, and is a member of the Council.

COZAD, F. W.; Dry goods, millinery, notions and underwear, north side square. He was born 17 Feb 1827 in West Virginia. He came with his parents to Warren Co., OH, then removed to Cincinnati, OH. In 1849 he went to California and returned to Cincinnati in 1853. He came to Newton, Iowa in 1855. In Aug 1862 he raised Co D, 40th I. V. I, served to the end of the war. On his return, he commenced his present business. He married Sarah A. SCOTT in 1856. She was born in 1833 in Richmond, VA. They have two children---Ida and Charles B. He is a Republican.

CRAIG, W. A.; Farmer, Sec. 29, owns thirty seven acres of land valued at $2500. He was born in Monmouth Co., NY on 11 Jan 1808. He moved to Knox Co., OH in 1848, where he remained ten years and moved to this county, settling in Palo Alto Twp. He moved to his present farm in 1863. He married Mary SPENCER, who is now deceased, in Knox Co, OH. They have two children---W. H., and Mary A. He is a Congrationalist.

CUNNINGHAM, Levi; Farmer, Sec. 35, he owns 34 acres of land, valued at $3000. He was born in Portage Co., Oh., and moved to La Grange Co., IN in 1837. He remained there until 1848 when he moved to Muscatine Co., IA and in 1873 moved to this county, settling where he now lives. He married Fidelia SCHOONOVER 28 Mar 1833. She is a native of Genesee Co., NY. Their children are Esther J., Levi P., Dorleska C., Amanda A., Olive R., Mary A., and William J. W.

DAFT, Charles E.; Of the firm of Clutter & Daft, photograph gallery, west side public square. He was born 11 Jul 1855 in Fulton Co IL. In 1877 he came to Newton and commenced his present business. This is one of the finest galleries in the county.

DAVIS, John W.; Farmer, Sec. 20, he owns seventy acres, valued at $3000. The farm is well improved, a good orchard and one of the most prolific vegetable and fruit gardens in this part of the country. It contains less than a quarter of an acres, and Mr. D. avers that he has sold $250 worth of produce from it in one year. He was born 27 Sep 1870 in Virginia, moved to Jackson Co., OH with his parents when about a year old. Here his father, John Davis, died in the Fall of 1825. His mother died in Chillicothe, OH in 1834. When Mr. D. was 14 years old he went to Ross Co, OH and engaged in a Canal boat named "Portsmouth Conveyance" under Capt. Jonathan Cutler, and worked two summers. He married Rosanna BEERS in 1839 in Scioto Co. OH. She died 9 Feb 1849 in her 35th year. They had 5 children, two of whom are living: Jane E. and Milton R. Married again, Miss Sarah SPOTTS 2 May 1851, and in a few weeks moved to Wells Co., IN, were there for 3 years, then to Elkhart Co., IN for one year. They then moved to this township, where with the exception of one and a half years in Story Co., they have since resided. They have one daughter, Mary A, now in her 24th year. Their son Milton R., enlisted in the 13th, IA V. I. He was wounded near Vicksburg, in both feet, quite severely. He was honorably discharged 5 Jul 1864. He now resides in Butler Co., Kansas. Mr. D. is a Republican and a Methodist.

DAVIS, John X.; Carpenter and joiner, he resides on Vine St. He was born 1 Mar 1821 in Wales, he came to Jasper Co., Iowa in 1856. He owns seven acres inside the corporation, also his residence in the city. He married Mary JONES in 1843. She was born 1818 in Wales. He is a Republican.

DREW, Orrin G.; Retired. He was born 19 Nov 1826 in Belknap Co., NH. In 1850 he went to Richland, OH, and in June 1858 he came to Jasper Co, Iowa. He owns 400 acres of land and property in the city. He has been Justice of the Peace of Malaka Twp., member of the School Board and Township Treasurer, etc. He married Mary E. DREW in 1851. She was born 26 Sep 1829, in Maine. They had four children, three living,--- Eliza D., William and Gilman. They lost Edwin in 1874, aged 17 years. They are members of the Universalist Church. He is a Republican.

EHLERS, Frederick C.; Mason. He was born 6 Dec 1829 in Brunswick, Germany. In 1844 he came to Philadelphia, in 1845 to Monroe Co., PA, in 1849 to Wayne Co. PA and there learned his trade. In 1853 he went to Easton, PA and worked at his trade till 1856, when he moved to Dubuque, Iowa. In 1864 to Jackson co., Iowa and in 1866 to Jasper Co. He owns his residence in the city. He married Mrs. Caroline MILLSOP in 1864. they have one adopted child---Maud.

EYERLY, J. B.; Firm of Blanchard & Eyerly, real estate and abstracts, residence corner Race and South streets. He was born 28 Oct 1834 in Richland Co., OH. To Keokuk Co., IA in 1845 with his parents. He enlisted in Co B, 13th Iowa V. I., served three years and thirty-four days and was on duty this entire time. After being in the service about six months he was promoted to First Lieutenant. The last year he was on detached duty as Mustering Officer for the district of Vicksburg, MS. In 1865 he was elected Treasurer of Jasper Co., serving two terms, is City Clerk. He owns 680 acres of land in Jasper Co., also property in the city. He has been City Treasurer two terms. He married Charlotte A. PIPER in Oct 1867. She was born in Oct 1843 in Lenawee Co., Mich.. She died in Feb 1878. They had one child, William b. in Jun 1868. He is a Republican

FLAGG, Edmund; Farmer, Sec 19, he owns 100 acres valued at $3500. He was born in Rutland Co., VT on 11 May 1815. He moved to La Grange Co., IN in 1860. He remained there three years and returned to Vermont. In 1868 he moved to this county, settling where he now lives. The principal product of his farm is corn, has, however, a fine raspberry garden, from wlich he has sold as high as 2,500 quarts a year. He married Louisa M. PIERSON in Rutland Co., VT 1 Sep 1841. She is also a native of Vermont. They have two daughters residing at home---Mary and Ella. They have one son, Herbert, who went to California ten years ago and supposed to reside there now. He is a Republican and a Congregationalist.

FOWLER, Theodore J.; Farmer, Sec. 18. He is the son of Daniel and Mary A. Fowler, the former was born in Westfield, MA in 1809 and died in this county 27 Dec 1876. The latter was born in Bucks Co., PA 9 Jan 1815. She moved to Licking Co., OH in 1836, where she married Mr. Fowler in July 1837. They moved to Linn Co., MO in 1859 but only remained one year and emigrated to this State. They remained in Monroe Co., one Winter, then moved to Marion Co and stayed two years. Then to Mahaska Co., where they remained one year, and moved to this county where they have since remained. Their children are Henry Z., now in KS.; Theodore J., Mattie S. and Mary Etta (now Mrs. CRAIG). Theodore was born in Licking Co., on 14 Feb 1849. He came to this county with parents, and now owns with mother, who resides with him, 90 acres of land worth $3000.

FRENCH, E. M., M.D.; Dentist, east side public square. He was born 27 May 1838 in Tompkins Co., NY. In 1866 he removed to Chicago. In 1871 he came to Newton. He first commenced the study of Medicine with Dr. WRIGHT of Elmira, NY in 1857, and graduated in New York City in 1861. He commenced the practice of his profession which he continued about five years. Since then he has added dentistry to his business, which he has followed ever since. This is the oldest dental office in Jasper Co. He served in the army as Surgeon, and was detailed on special duty. He is a Republican.

FULLER, F. E.; Proprietor of Clifton House, McDonald St. He was born 11 Apr 1855 in Knox Co., IL. In 1860 he came with parents to Independence Twp. and in 1852 to Marshall Co. In 1864, returned to Knox Co., IL and in 1868 to Wapello Co IA. In 1870 he came to Jasper Co. His father, Rufus Fuller, was born 30 Jul 1827 in OH and died in Marshall Co., on 27 May 1864. His mother lives with him. She was a daughter of G. W. BURT of Medina Co., OH, and was born 13 Jun 1832. They were married 17 Nov 1850 in Knox Co., IL. They had six children, three living: Ada Irine, Fred E., and Charlie K.

GARDNER, Joshua E.; Farmer, Sec 19, owns 84 acres, worth $3500. He was born in Washington Co., NY on 8 Nov 1832. Moved to Kankakee Co. IL., in 1853, where he married Mary J. HILL 19 May 1855. She is a native of that county and was born 24 Nov 1840. They moved to Fayette Co., IA in 1856, and to this county in June 1861, settling in Malaka Twp, and to this farm in 1871. He is raising corn, wheat, and oats and considerable fine stock. Their children are Linna, Helen E., Lee T., Annie E., Jay, Thos. A., Gracie E., and Clark. He is a Republican.

GATES, E. N.; Farming and stock raising, Sec 26. He was born 27 Jun 1815 in Addison Co VT, and first attended school at Worcester, MA., then returned to VT and attended the Newton Academy about two years. To Ashland, OH in 1836 where he read law with Silas ROBBINS and two years later was admitted to the bar and went into partnership with Robbins. In 1846 he took in partnership, John H. MCCOMB, who is now considered the best counselor in that part of the State. In 1853 he went to IL and one year later he came to Jasper Co., IA where he entered the land he is now farming. He owns several thousand acres in this county as well as in other counties in this state. He is known as Judge Gates for the position he held during the war as Commander of the Board of Enrollment of the 6th Congressional District of Iowa, he having charge of the legal business of the board and settling all legal questions. He married Miss Sarah CUNNINGHAM Oct 1838. She was born in Richland Co., OH. Her mother, Mrs. Eliz- abeth Cunningham has lived with the family over thirty years. She was born in 1791 in Washington Co., PA. She is in excellent health and her memory is remarkably good. They had six children---there are but three living---Sumner E., Alvin C., and Lorin A. He is a Greenbacker.

GUTHRIE, George W.; Farmer, Sec., 28. He is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Guthrie. The former was born in Chester Co., PA 3 May 1802, moved to Lancaster, PA when 18 years of age, and learned the trade of wagon maker. There he married Elizabeth DILLERS 25 Dec 1827. She was born in that county 12 Nov 1809, and died in this township 25 Dec 1876. He moved to this county in 1854, settling where he now lives with his son George W. His children are John G., Isaac M., Jacob R., Killer L., Adam W., George W. and Amos G. He served in the war of the rebellion enlisting in the Graybeard Regiment, 37th I. V. I., Co I, in the Fall of 1862 and was honorably discharged 27 May 1865. George W. who resides at and owns the homestead and has 164 acres valued at $8,500. He has also a fine orchard of 800 apple trees. He married Mahala S. HARTMAN in Carroll Co., IL 14 Mar 1878. She was born in Jo Daviess Co., 7 Nov 1855.

GUTHRIE, Amos; Farmer, Sec., 21, owns 120 acres valued at $5000. He was born in Lancaster Co., PA on 4 Jul 1853. When about a year old he came to this county with his parents, they settling near where he now lives. He married Mary DOUGHERTY in Palo Alto Twp., 7 Mar 1876. She is a native of IL. They have one daughter---Emily B. He is a Presbyterian and a Greenbacker. Mrs. G. is a member of the Christian Church.