Guthrie County >> 1884 Index

History of Guthrie and Adair Counties, Iowa
Springfield, Ill: Continental Hist. Co., 1884.

Jackson Township
Transcribed by Bobbi Pohl

Benjamin Barton, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 13th of July, 1828. He moved to Guernsey county when he was quite young, and there remained until 1867, when he came to Guthrie county. He remained with his brother-in-law until 1879, when he bought eighty acres of land of Judge Harbour. He now owns one hundred and twenty acres, which is improved and is under good cultivation. Benjamin was married in Ohio, to Sarah Huggins, a native of Pennsylvania. They have been blessed with eight children--Leonard A., Mahlon P., Priscilla A., Richard A., Buena Vista, Lucy R., William N., Redden E. Mr. Barton is a member of the Christian church. He enlisted in the hundred-day service of Ohio.

Eli Boots, a native of Franklin county, Ohio, was born on the 6th of March, 1821, being the son of Martin and Susannah (Shumaker) Boots. When quite young Eli moved to Fayette county, Ohio, where he remained for ten years; thence to Randolph county, Indiana. He remained there for twenty-one years, when he moved to St. Clair county, Missouri, where he remained about nine years, when he came to Guthrie county, Iowa and settled on section 3 [Jackson township]. He staid there some few years, when he moved to Cass township, where he purchased one hundred acres of land on section 5. He now owns one hundred and sixteen acres of Jackson township upon which he now resides. He was married in Delaware county, Indiana, on September 19, 1844, to Miss Eurnice Jones, a native of Virginia. Five children now living, bless their union--George, Marion, Eliza, Rachael and James M. Mr. Boots is a strict republican.

Benjamin Bottorff lives on section 17 [Jackson township], where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of good land, besides eighty acres in section 8, Cass township. He came from Dallas county in 1878, and located on section 21, where he bought ninety acres from Holingsworth and Mormon. He lived there two years and then removed to his present home. He was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, September 11, 1827, and is the son of George and Jane Bottorff. His grandfather came from Germany to Pennsylvania, and thence to Kentucky, where his father was born. When he was two years old, his mother died, and until he was ten years he made his home with a Mrs. Gillialan. His father marrying again, moved to Morgan county, Indiana, and took Benjamin with him, where he stayed until his marriage, which occurred in 1851. His wife was Eliazabeth Harlan, a native of North Carolaina, and reared in Hendricks county, Indiana. They have six living children--Enoch, Sarintha J., Lewis J., James L., Robert W. S., and Oliver P. Mr. Bottorff is a prominent farmer, and in politics, is a greenbacker.

Abraham E. Burnham, born in Sullivan county, Indiana, on the 10th of December, 1817, and is the son of Joshua and Elizabeth Burnham. His father and mother were natives of Tennessee. Abraham left Sullivan county when very young and removed to Vigo county, where he remained six years. He then moved to Montgomery county, where he remained until he was twelve years of age. He then moved to Boone county, where he had merely Indians for neighbors, and even these were some distance. He wandered about in different counties until 1853, when he came to Iowa and bought a farm in Guthrie county, where he lived eleven years. He then came to his present location and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 1 and 2 in Jackson township. He since that time has improved his present farm and raised a number of fine stock, and follows general farming. In 1864, he sold out and purchased two hundred and twenty acres of sections 36 and 3. Mr. Burnham was married in 1840 to Miss Lydia Nelson, a native of Indiana. They have ten children--William N., Priscilla, James C., Albert J., Alexander C., Martha, Ira, Mary E., Alvin and John E. Mr. Burnham held the position of justice of Jackson township twelve years.

Benjamin Denslow was the next settler [sixth], locating on section 4 [Jackson township], in 1850, where he lived until 1857, when he removed to lot 1, in the same section. Benjamin Denslow, born in Ohio, on July 23, 1807, resides on section --[sic]. He moved to Indiana in 1810, and there remained until coming to Guthrie county, in ---[sic]. He was married in 1844, in Guthrie county, to Miss Mary Ferguson, a daughter of Isaac Ferguson, of Ohio. Mrs. Denslow died in 1846, leaving one child--Thomas Benton. He was married again in March, 1849, to Miss Mary J. Shepherd, a daughter of James Shepherd. He owns one hundred and twenty-four acres of land, all of which is improved. His son, Thomas B., was born on the 19th of April, 1845, and was married to Francis S. Deweese, a native of Indiana. They have four children--Elma, Benjamin, Willard and Mary E. Thomas lives on the old homestead, where he has always resided, but in a separate house however. He enlisted in May, 1864, in Company C, 46th Iowa Infantry. He served under J. W. Cummins, as second lieutenant.

Elisha Dudley, Sr., came to Jackson township, Guthrie county, Iowa, and settled on section 33 [Jackson township] in 1860, where he took up eighty acres on that section. He was married to Eliza Williams, and by whom he has seven children living--Noah, Mary, the wife of W. H. Robinson, of Oregon; James, now in Nebraska; Margaret, married to P. Carberry, in Nebraska; John and Samuel. He and his wife are both natives of Virginia. Elisha Dudley, Jr., was born in Ohio on the 1st of March, 1836, and is the son of Elias Dudley, Sr. Elisha lived on a farm until 1860, when he left home, and was married to Francis Whisler. He has six children living--James D., John A., William H., George, Elmer E. and Sadie J. James D. is a teacher in that district. Mr. Dudley, Jr., owns one hundred and seventy-three acres of good land and raises some stock.

Washington T. Connor came to Jackson township in 1855, and entered the north half of northeast quarter of section 30, where he built a frame house to which he moved in 1857. He also has twenty acres besides in this township, and a quarter of section 5, in Cass township. He is now possessor of three hundred and ninety-five acres. In 1869 he removed to his present residence, on southwest quarter of section 32, where he has fine buildings with all modern improvements. Mr. Connor is a native of Indiana, and was born April 25, 1832, in Cass county. He is the son of William Connor, of North Carolina, and of Sarah Kelly, of Georgia. His mother died when he was three years old, and his father died one year later, leaving Washington in the care of his brother John, with whom he remained til he was fifteen years old. At the age of twenty-one he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, and soon after came to Muscatine county, prospecting. He worked at his trade for awhile in Des Moines and Iowa City, then returned to Indiana, and from thence went to Illinois, where he stayed one year. After this, he again came to Iowa, where he located as before mentioned. Mrs. Connor is a member of the M. E. church. In politics Mr. Connor is a greenbacker.

S. H. Gander in 1852 made a settlement on section 21 [Jackson township], where he at present resides. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Jackson township, and he came from Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1852. In the spring of 1853 he settled on section 22, where he lived during the winter of that year in a house 14x16, with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. In 1854 he settled on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 28, and built a one-story house, 18x20, of hewed logs, with shingled roof, the shingles being shaved by himself. This house yet stands, and was his home till 1871, when he moved to his present home on section 21. He now owns three hundred and twenty-five acres of fine land, and has excellent buildings. S. H. Gander was born in Frederick county, Virgina, January 23, 1824. His father, David, and his mother, whose maiden name was Rachael Shull, were both Virginians, who formerly came from Pennsylvania. He was married October 22, 1846, to Sarah A. Imlay, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Joseph and Anna Everingham, both of whom are from the state of New Jersey, and have a family of eleven children, John S., Mary, Rachael, Charles W., Margaret A., Elizabeth J., Anna E., Lucy R., David G., Nancy E. and Hattie, the latter seven being born in Iowa. Mr. Gander and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, he for the past nineteen years, and she for thirteen years. He enlisted August 22, 1862, in company 1, 29th Iowa volunteer infantry, and served faithfully till the close of the war. He took part in the battles of Helena, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. He was mustered in the army at Council Bluffs and out at New Orleans, being discharged from the hospital at that place. About two weeks after Mr. Gander arrived in this township an election was held in which all were allowed to vote, regardless of the time they had been residents. The total vote cast was sixteen, two-thirds of which were illegal, and the election board consisted of Sam and Jim Moore and Silas Weeks. Two whig votes were cast for General Scott, one by J. S. Cummins, the other by S. H. Gander. Mr. Gander underwent all the privations of the pioneer, and had lived Guthrie county a year before tasting wheat bread.

Moses Hall, also, in 1852, took up a claim on the northeast quarter of section 34 [Jackson township], where he still continues to live. He is a native of Virginia, born May 28, 1818, and is the son of Thomas and Sarah Hall. He married to Rebecca Moore, a sister of Samuel, and daughter of Abraham Moore, by whom he has four children living. These are John H., Abraham M., Lewis L. and Sarah M.

David C. Hanes is a native of Wayne county, Indiana, and was born on the 6th of October, 1851. Until he was four years of age he remained in his native county, but at the end of that time he moved with his parents to Dallas county, Iowa, where he remained about eighteen years, when he came to Guthrie county. D. C. was untied in marriage in Novenber, 1875, to Miss Rosa A. Swisher, a daughter of Thomas A. and Esther Swisher. Their union has been blessed by one child--Grace L. Mr. Hanes lives on his mother-in-law's farm, on the northeast quarter of section 31 [Jackson township], where his mother also resides, having lived with her son David for several years.

John C. Hanes was both in Indiana on the 30th of July, 1838, and is a son of David and Hannah (Cranor) Hanes. He removed with his parents to Dallas county in 1855, where he remained on a farm during most of the time while in that county. He was married in Dallas county on September 1, 1862, to Miss Louisa Knight, a daughter of George Knight. They have two children, Eddie L. and Charles A. Mr. Hanes enlisted in August, 1862, in Company A, 23d Iowa infantry. He served until the close of the war and was in the engagements at Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Black River, Milliken's Bend, Vicksburg and Mobile. After the war he returned to Dallas county, and in 1866 he moved to his present location on section 31, where he bought eighty acres of land in 1870, and now owns one hundred and twenty acres, of which eighty is improved. He was wounded in the charge at Big Black river, May 17, 1863.

John Heiland came from Indiana in 1856 and located on section 19 of Jackson township. He was born December 9, 1834, in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Isaac and Margaret (Randolph) Heiland, the former of whom was born in York county, Pennsylvania, the latter in Juniata county. His grandparents were also natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Heiland's father was a shomaker by trade, but at the time of John's birth, was engaged in farming. In 1850 the family removed from Pennsylvania to Indiana, which is still the home of his parents. John worked out from the early age of nine years. The first real estate he owned was a tract of fifty-five acres, which he came into possession of when he married Magdalene Whisler, January 18, 1857. From this marriage there are five living children--James W., Jessie E., Charles F., Luella S. and Sarah M. Mrs. Magdelene Heiland died July 20, 1871, and John was married in 1872 to Sarah Wiltsey, formerly Sarah Hall, a native of Pensulvania. They have five children--Alla M., Bessie, Orie E., Alice E., and Edith P. Mr. Heiland is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, and votes the democratic ticket.

James H. Huggins, a prominent citizen of Jackson township, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of February, 1823. He remained in Pennsylvania until 1834, when he moved with his parents to Guernsey county, Ohio, and there remained until he was twenty-eight years old. He then moved to Illinois, where he owned a farm. There he remained from 1854 until 1864, when he came to Guthrie county and bought a piece of land of Westley Huvett, in section 1 and 2. He owns one hundred and forty-five acres of land now, which is under cultivation, and raises cattle and hogs. He was married in Ohio, on September 30, 1845, to Miss Margaret Bishop, a native of Guernsey county, Ohio. They have six children living and four have died--John W., Lavina J., and Eli, dead; William, Reddin, James H., Lucinda, and Ulysses, dead; Mary A. and Sarah May, dead. John W. was drowned in the Coon river, in June, 1868, while assisting to build a bridge. Mr. Huggins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Henry W. Kunkle, a son of Benjamin Kunkle, was born in Champagne county, on September 25, 1842. In 1847 he left Ohio, and came with his parents to Wapello county, Iowa. In 1849 he came to Guthrie county, where he remained at home with his parents until 1862, when he enlisted in Company 1, 29th Iowa infantry. He served in the war three years, and took part in the engagements at Spanish Fort, Alabama, and minor skirmishes throughout the country. He was mustered out at Davenport, in 1865, and returned safely to his home and friends. Henry was married on the 1st of July, 1866, to Sarah E. Barrick, a native of Indiana. Mrs. Kunkle was an orphan at the time, and was raised by Joseph Kenworthy, of Guthrie county. Henry and wife have been blessed by five children--Ort, Montana, Annavada, Henrietta, Charles, the first three being dead. Mr. Kunkle lived upon his father's farm for a few years, in Jackson township. He then bought eighty acres in Jackson township, where, in 1880, he bought ninety acres of Moses Moore. Mr. Kunkle is highly respected by all who know him, and known throughout the county as an esteemed and enterprising farmer.

John Lonsdale is a native of Yorkshire, England, and was born on the 14th of February, 1818, being the son of James and Mary (Spence) Lonsdale. John learned the weaving and spinning trade of his father until 1841, when he emigrated to America, and came to Chili, near Rochester, New York. He worked there about one year, when he came to Medina county, Ohio, where he staid over a year, thence to Tioga county. He then went to Richland county, where he was running a factory in partnersip with E. H. Grance. After remaining there about ten years he sold out and came to Guthrie county, settling on section 6, Jackson township. He purchased one thousand acres of land, and since that time has bought fifteen hundred more, owning at the present time twenty-five hundred acres, all nicely improved. Mr. Lonsdale built his first house in Dale City, and in 1861 he built his present home. He was married in Ohio to Miss Britann Dye, a native of New York, in February, 1846. They have four children living--James, Charles, John D., and Mary A. Mr. Lonsdale is a member of the Masonic lodge.

George W. McCleary came to Guthrie county in 1854, and settled upon eighty acres of section 3 [Jackson township]. This he sold, and trading around secured the place where he now resides. George W. McCleary is a native of Champaign county, Ohio, and was born May 15, 1832. His parents, John and Mary (Sifart) McCleary, were both born in Virginia. His paternal grandfather was from Scotland, while his maternal grandfather came from Germany. In 1852 George went to Davis county, then to Wapello county, and in the fall of 1853 emigrated to Guthrie county, where he settled on lots 5 and 12 of section 4. This tract he sold, and invested in the south half of the southwest quarter of section 4, and the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 9. In 1873 he traded the latter tract to George France for one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he has since lived. He married Eliza France, of Ashland county, Ohio, October 10, 1858. This marriage was blessed by three children now living--Walter I., William Sylvester, and Mary E. Walter I. is married to Capitola Mariney, and occupies a house of his father's farm. William is a resident of Washington territory. Mr. and Mrs. McCleary are prominent members of the United Brethren church. Mr. McCleary belongs to the A. F. and A. M., and votes the greenback ticket. He at one time worked at the carpenter's trade, which he learned at Springfield, Ohio, and built the house in which he now lives. In 1846, when only fifteen years old, he acted as cook for Colonel Williams, in the 3d Ohio regiment, and soon after did soldier's duty. He also enlisted in 1864, and did faithful service. He was one of the first jurors in the county, the trial being at Panora in 1854, Judge Hurse presiding.

Enos Miller made a settlement on section 2 [Jackson township], where he now resides. Enos Miller, a prominent man of Jackson township, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 12th of August, 1815, and is the son of Jacob and Katie Miller. Mr. Jacob Miller was a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife was born in Ireland, and there remained until she was three months old, when she came to this country. When Enos was about sixteen years of age, he moved with his parents to Wayne county, Ohio, where he remained some time, when they moved to Indiana. He was married on July 15, 1841, to Miss Rufa Ann Switzer, a native of Ohio. In 1852, he came to Guthrie county, where he settled on section 2, Jackson township. He built a cabin and lived in it for eight years, when it burned down, and he rebuilt it with logs. In 1876, he built his present house, using the old one for a stable. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had nine children, six of whom are living--Oliver, Tillman H., John F., Simon F., James R. and Martha E. Mr. Miller in a member of the Church of God.

Abraham Moore, in 1850, also made a settlement north of Morrisburg, on section 5 [Jackson township], where he took up some one hundred and sixty acres of land, and where he resided until 1874, when he died and passed to the reward on high prepared for all just men. He was a native of the Old Dominion state, and, like all Virginians, had the peculiar characteristics of all Southern people, mellowed by contact with the more lymphatic temperaments of the Northern race, brought about by years of contact.

Lewis Moore, a prominent citizen of Jackson township, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 29th of October, 1849. At a very early age he moved with his parents to Van Buren county, Iowa, where his time was spent on a farm, having no opportunity, as many others do, to learn a trade, until he began business in Dale City. He was united in marriage in September, 1870, to Miss Michael A. Tam, a daughter of John S. and Sytha A. (Bishop) Tam, a native of Indiana. Their union has been blessed by two children--John C., and Olvin E. Mr. Moore is the secretary of the school board in the Dale City independent district. Politically he is a democrat.

Samuel H. Moore, who is a native of Virginia, was born on the 5th of July, 1821, and whose father was Abram Moore. He made his first settlement in Guthrie county, in 1850, taking up one hundred and sixty acres on section 35 [Jackson township]. He erected a small log cabin, 16x18 feet, which he moved to the rear of his present house, which was built in 1852. Mr Moore owns land in different parts of the township, having two hundred and one acres altogether. He was married in Ohio, on the 16th of November, 1842, to Miss Mary Williams, a daughter of William Williams. They have been blessed with four children, whose names are as follows--William, married in 1867 to Miss Jennie Spear, and now living in section 26, Jackson township; Eliza J. married Jessie Corwell, now in Nebraska; Lewis, now living in Dale city; Sarah E., married Neri Conner, now in Nebraska. Mr. Moore is an intelligent, progressive business man, and as a citizen he is deservedly popular.

Jonathan J. Morris, came to Jackson township in the fall of 1851, where he engaged in the business of speculating in claims. He was a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, born August 31, 1825, and resided in the place of his birth until 1848, when he removed to Jasper county. In the spring of 1849, he went to California, where he was engaged in merchandizing, and washing the auriferous soil. In the fall of 1850, he made a trip to New Granada, South America, where he remained until the following spring, and after a visit to Ohio, came here. Mr. Morris is said to have entered the first piece of land in Guthrie county in June, 1852, at the opening of the land office. This was the southwest quarter of section 35. He lived on a seven hundred acre farm for some little time, and in 1853 founded the town of Fairview, afterward Morrisburg, where he entered into merchandizing. In 1881, he removed to Stuart, where he is now engaged in the furniture trade with J. W. Conger. He was elected to the office of treasurer of the county but did not qualify.

Matt Mount is a native of Montgomery county, Indiana, and was born on the 25th of November, 1830. In 1851 he left Indiana and removed to Dallas county, Iowa, with his parents. After living there over a year he returned to Indiana, where he remained a year or more. He owned a large farm in Dallas county, where he returned a few years later. Not being satisfied with his location, he sold his farm, and bought land north of Guthrie Center. He then sold out and went to Kansas, where he made speculations on land. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 39th Iowa infantry. He served until the close of the war, during which time he was a prisoner in the Florence prison, south Carolina. After the close of the war he came home and stayed at home, with his father, until the spring of 1866, when he bought a farm on siction 22. Matt was married on the 20th of December, 1870, to Miss Sarah A. Mendenhall, by whom he had eight children--Edgar, Della, Ella, Ioyl, Wilbert, Pearl, Ester and Dollie. Mr. Mount was married in 1857, and by that marriage he had two children--James R. and Ida M. He is a member of the Masonic lodge.

John Nation, a farmer and stock-raiser, was born on the 12th of November, 1811, in Barren county (the present site of Cave City) Kentucky. Is a son of Isaac and Lucy (Owen) Nation. The mother is a native of Virginia. The father, of North Carolina. In the year 1820 John moved with his parents to Park county, Indiana. There on the 19th of January, 1832, was married to Isabella Watson, a native of Virginia. In 1835, he with his family, moved to Knox county, Illinois; in 1838, to Linn county, Iowa; in 1843 to Peoria county, Illinois. In 1862 he bought five hundred acres of land in Guthrie county, Iowa. In 1863 came to Morrisburg. In 1870 moved to his farm, in section 5 [Jackson township], on South Coon river. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres of land, and some stock. John was married January 19, 1832, to Miss Isabella Watson, a native of Virginia. They have four children living--James W., Martha L., Mary A., George, killed by lightning, and Margaret. Mr. Nation is an honorable and upright man, and is greatly esteemed by all who know him.

T. C. S. Nicholson came to Guthrie county in September, 1853, and settled on section 17 [Jackson township], where he owns one hundred and twenty acres of cultivated land. He was born in Washington county, Indiana, on the 23d of August, 1825, and is the son of William and Nancy Nicholson. When quite an infant he moved with his parents to Putnam, where he remained until 1837, when he removed back to Washinton county, where he remained until he was about eighteen years of age. He then moved to Lawrence county, and in 1853 came to Guthrie county, Iowa, and has since made this his home. He was married in April, 1847, to Miss Susan A. Henderson, a daughter of James Henderson, who came to Guthrie county with Mr. Nicholson. They have had four children--living, John W., Thomas M., James W., and Elizabeth, who is now dead. Mr. Nicholson learned the carpenter's, mason's and plasterer's trades, but at the present time he works upon his farm. In 1883 he sold his old place and bought on section 22, where there are one hundred and five acres, all under cultivation. He is president of the school board of Franklin district.

Mr. Nunlo is engaged in the stock business, and shipped the first load of hogs from Nunlo. He makes the feeding of cattle a specialty. He was married in Dallas county, Iowa, July 30, 1857, to Anna H. Knight, a native of Indiana, and daughter of George Knight. They have six children--Alice I., wife of J. B. Leach; Florence L., wife of E. Roots; Eva M., Oscar M., Hettie M. and Clara E. The three eldest children have been teachers in the county, and Eva is a graduate of Panora high school, of which her father was trustee for three years.

Edward S. Stotts, who is also a prominent man of Jackson township, was born in Noble county, Ohio, on the 11th of January, 1851, being the son of Noah and Amanda (Davis) Stotts. In 1854 he came to Guthrie county, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 27 [Jackson township]. Having lived there but one year, he sold out and purchased property in Morrisburg. When Edward was about twenty-one years of age, he bought out the heirs' interest of land, owning about one hundred and seventy-five acres, which consists of his farm, and forty-five acres of timber land. On the 15th of March, 1873, he was married to Emma Williams, a daughter of Samuel Williams. They have two children--Myrtle and Goldy M. Mr. Stotts has a large number of stock, and has every comfort in his dwelling that could be cared for, and by his ability has made one of the finest farms in the township. His father, Noah Stotts, was killed September 12, 1857, in a saw-mill at Morrisburg.

William Redfern in 1852 came to Jackson township and bought a farm, where he now lives. He is a native of Clinton county, Ohio; was born on the 7th of June, 1823. His father was a native of Ohio, while his mother came from North Carolina. His early life was spent on a farm, but when he was eighteen years of age he went to Indiana, where he learned the cooper's trade with his brother James. He came to Marion county, Iowa, in 1846, where he remained but a short time, when he came to Polk county, and there remained several years. In 1852 William came to Guthrie county, where he bought a farm and built a substantial dwelling. He has lived in the county ever since he first came, with the exception of a year or more, when he moved his family to California. He came from California in September, 1866, and on coming back to his old home he was satisfied to remain. He was married in Park county, Indiana, on the 29th of September, 1842, to Miss Jane Houghton, by whom he has had eight children, six of whom are now living--William N., now living at home; Edward H.,traveling in the West; Caroline F., married to Martin Isenhart; Auron H., now in Nebraska; Mary E. and John D., at home.

John Whisler, a son of George and Sarah (Linkinhoker) Whisler, is a native of Carroll county, Indiana, and was born on the 23d of September, 1837. His father was born in Virginia, and died in the year 1857, leaving John and other children, to wander their way alone. When the subject of this sketch was about seventeen years of age, he left Indiana, and emigrated to Guthrie county, and there remained at home until 1860. He arrived in Guthrie county in 1854, and settled on section 17 [Jackson township], and when he was married and began to do for himself, he bought a farm on section 20, where he still resides. He was married on July 8, 1860, to Miss Eliza M. Moore, a daughter of Jesse Moore. Since his marriage he has lived on section 18, for some years, but feeling more at home on the old homestead, he bought eighty-one acres on the same. Mr. Whisler is a member of the Missionary Baptist church.

Sylvester H. Willey was born September 29, 1838, in Kent county, Delaware. His parents were Stephen B. and Elizabeth (Wroughton) Willey. When Sylvester was seven years old his parents emigrated to Randolph county, Indiana, where he remained till the spring of 1859, when he was married to Sarah Wirt, a daughter of Israel F. Wirt and sister of Henry Wirt, of Jackson township. After his marriage he removed to St. Clair county, Kentucky, remaining there till June 1860, when the rebellion breaking out, he was driven from that section and returned to Indiana. In 1864 he enlisted in Company K, 9th Indiana veteran volunteer infantry, and served under General Thomas in the momentous campaign which culminated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. When he was mustered out of the army, June 13, 1865, he went to Indiana, staying there till 1870, when he removed to Guthrie county and settled on Coon river, on the land of John Windowmaker, a brother-in-law. Two years after this he bought eighty acres of land on lot 20, section 1 and the northwest quarter of south west quarter of section 1. he was since bought the east half of the southwest quarter. He is engaged principally in stock-raising, and now owns a large number of cattle and hogs. The names of his six living children are: Stephen F., Elizabeth E., Nancy J., William H., Ernest B. and Harry. He is a member of A. F. and A. M. and G. A. R. lodges, and in politics is a republican.

Henry Wirt, farmer and stock-raiser on section __ [Jackson township]. The subject of this sketch was born in Randolph county, Indiana, on March 8, 1840, being the son of Israel and Elizabeth (Sprinkle) Wirt. When Henry was twenty-seven years of age he came to Guthrie county, and bought forty acres of good land of Mr. Smith. He now owns two hundred acres of land, all improved, and raises Durham stock. He was married in Guthrie county on the 7th of March, 1867, to Miss Priscilla Burnham, a daughter of A. Burnham. They have seven children--Elliott, Orta C., Ida L., Ole, Lydia, Alva, and Grace.

John W. Woody, a farmer and stock raiser on section 28 [Jackson township]. In the biographical sketches of Guthrie county, Mr. Woody is entitled to more than a passing notice. For many years he has been one of the most successful and prominent farmers of the county. He was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, January 11, 1828. He came to Guthrie county in 1853, and lived in the log cabin which he built at the time of the settlement. He resided there until building his new residence in 1875, where he now owns one hundred and eighty acres of good land. He was married on the 27th of August, 1854, to Miss Clarissa C. Henderson, a daughter of James Henderson, one of the early pioneers. They have four children--James F., Florida, Ulysses G. and Charles W. Mr. Woody enlisted in the Mexican war in 1846, and served about seven months. At the breaking out of the civil war, which was in 1861, he enlisted and was in the engagements at Helena, Saline, Mobile, and several minor skirmishes.