Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875 - M

Andreas Atlas Index

A. T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa, 1875.
Published by Andreas Atlas Corp., Chicago.

M


Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Dick Barton.

S. H. Mallory

President of the First National Bank at Chariton, a leading citizen and prominent railroad man of Southern Iowa - was born in Yates County, New York, in 1835. In 1850 he removed to Batavia, Illinois, and soon after to St. Charles, where he entered a store as a clerk for a short time. In the Spring of 1851 he was employed as axeman in an engineer corps on the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, from Chicago to Elgin, and in August following engaged as rodman in the survey of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, west from Aurora. Soon after the completion of the road to Burlington, he was appointed its engineer, which position he held until 1857, when he resigned and removed to Fairfield, Iowa, and engaged in the real estate business for one year. He was then appointed division engineer of that part of the B. and M. Railroad between Rome and Ottumwa, and shortly afterwards road master of the line, when he removed to Burlington.

In 1861 he was engineer of the C. B. and Q. Road from Chicago to Aurora, having his headquarters in Chicago. In the Fall of 1865 he contracted to build the bridges from Ottumwa to Chariton, and afterwards all the bridges to Council Bluffs and on the Nebraska City branch.

Upon the road being completed to Council Bluffs, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent, and afterwards Chief Engineer of the road, which position he resigned in 1873, to engage in railroad contracts, in which he has been exceedingly successful.

Mr. Mallory removed to Chariton in 1867, and has been actively engaged in building up the town. He owns a large amount of land in Lucas County, and a great deal of property in Chariton, including the opera block, several business houses, a steam elevator, etc. He is engaged in banking in Chariton, and also at Creston, where he has large interests, as well as at other places along the line of the B. and M. Road and its branches.

Mr. Mallory has devoted a great deal of attention to agricultural matters, and especially to the raising of blooded stock, being the owner of a large and fine stock farm near Chariton.

He is the President of the Lucas County Agricultural Society, a Director of the State Agricultural Society, and President of the Iowa State Board of Centennial Managers.

He is genial and unostentatious in manner, generous in his feelings, en- enterprising and public spirited, and in him Southern Iowa has a citizen that she could ill afford to lose.

W. H. MAPLE was born in Peoria County , Illinois , in 1841. In 1856 he removed with his parents to Lucas County, Iowa, and settled on a farm near Chariton . He entered the army in 1862, serving about one year. Afterwards studied law, and was admitted to practice in 1866. In 1868 he was elected Superintendent of Schools for Lucas County , holding the office two years. In the Fall of 1872 he abandoned the practice of law, purchased the Chariton Patriot and assumed the editorial charge, since which time the paper has steadily increased in circulation and influence, and now ranks as one of the best weeklies in the state.

Mr. Maple has taken an active part in politics for a number of years, and in 1874 his name was prominently before the people in connection with the nomination as the Republican candidate for member of Congress.

Honorable SYLVESTER GRENELL MASTON was born March 5, 1808 , at Middletown , Rutland County , Vermont , and was one of a family of eleven children. His mother died February 1, 1825 , after which his father was again married to a Miss Huntington, by whom he had two children, and died December 30, 1827 , leaving no property.

Young Sylvester early became attached to his books, and not being able to attend school but little, would have his lessons copied and carry them with him to commit as he labored in the field. He thus fitted himself for teaching, by which he secured means to prosecute his professional studies. When in his twenty-first year, he read a short time with Dr. Eliakim Paul, of Middletown , and then went to the Medical College of the University of Vermont , at Burlington , where he found a valuable friend in Professor Benjamin Lincoln, with whom he studied, assisting him in the anatomical and surgical department, until he graduated in 1832. He then returned to Middletown , and in February, 1833, was married to Mary Ann Hotchkiss, daughter of Dr. Hotchkiss of Wells. Thence he moved to Van Buren, near Syracuse , Onondaga County , New York , and practised in company with Dr. A. White. His practice extended into Onondaga, Cayuga and Chenango Counties . He was frequently called upon to speak on public occasions, and his addresses were always received with favor, securing from the general public and the press the highest encomiums. He delivered an oration at Pitcher Springs , New York , July 4, 1839 , which, with a number of other speeches, have been printed, all of them breathing forth eloquence and patriotism of a high order.

Removing to Jones County , Iowa Territory, he was a member of the Convention that framed the first State Constitution, and was also elected a member of the first and second General Assemblies of the State, and came within one vote of being elected Speaker of the House. He took an active part in educational matters - was Chairman of the Committee on Schools - and assisted in passing the bill that located the State University at Iowa City .

His wife died in 1849; by her he had four children, two of whom are living. He married again, and had two children by his second wife, one of whom survives. His family is as follows:

Benjamin Lincoln, a merchant in Anamosa , Iowa , and a soldier in the Union Army during the Rebellion.

Sarah Leffingwell, who married Rev. S. N. Fellows,, A. M., D. D. , now at the head of the Normal Department in the State University at Iowa City .

Catherine L., unmarried and a graduate of Cornell College , Mt. Vernon , Iowa , class of 1875.

During the Rebellion, Dr. Maston was active, and aided with his money and voice in raising troops. The following is an extract from a speech delivered on the departure of the troops from Jones County :

"What means all this array of men marshaling for war amid our own peaceful homes, along these beautiful prairies of Jones County , when our country is at peace with all the other nations of the earth? What means this call to arms! to arms!! resounding long, loud and clear from the voices of millions of freemen along the cloud-capt hills of New England , and the shores of the Atlantic , and as it moves westward gathering strength and vigor until it reaches this great Valley of the Mississippi , where it meets the same unmistakable sound coming from the shores of the Pacific, - the plains of California and Oregon , sweeping over their gold fields, and along the lofty snow-clad peaks of the Rocky Mountains with irresistible force, moving eastward until it reaches this great Father of Waters, where the war-cry like a mighty earthquake shakes the continent and startles the world? What means this almost unexampled sacrifice of fathers, brothers and sweethearts sending forth from their presence to fields of danger and death their dearest earthly treasures? Ah! my friends, our beloved country is in distress! Treason has planted its deadly fangs in our very vitals, and the genius of Liberty in sable robes is already beginning to weep over our departed greatness. Patriotism calls for all this. Look at that beautiful flag - those stars and stripes! Our Revolutionary fathers chose this for our national banner. They dedicated it to freedom - baptized it in their blood, and dying, bequeathed it as a rich inheritance to us, their children and posterity. Like a ministering angel, for eighty-five years it has been encircling the globe, carrying respect and protection to our countrymen the world over. Treason has penetrated deep to our very vitals, and in a portion of our country has trampled this emblem of freedom in the dust, and put in its place that of tyranny and slavery! It is a love for all that is dear to us as a nation of freemen and as philanthropists, that impels us to this great sacrifice. Our household gods are freely offered on our country's altar. Yes, fellow citizens, I am proud of this state of my adoption - of Jones County , and especially of this noble band. I would to God I had sons enough to crush out this cursed rebellion at once. I would freely offer them all for the service of my country. I say to you all as I say to my only son, I am proud that you have volunteered in your country's service. Patriotism is a noble virtue. Above all - except your God - love your country. Remember that the hearts of your dearest friends go with you. You have their prayers and their benedictions. Now in conclusion - go and when you return, bring back not only those patriotic and Christian virtues you take with you, but also the well-earned reputation of a faithful soldier."

The Doctor has been in the active practice of medicine, surgery and dentistry, for about forty-three years, is temperate in all his habits, using neither tea, coffee, tobacco, nor intoxicating drinks, and although now nearly sixty-eight years of age, is almost as spry and active as when in his prime.

For a few years past he has been engaged in opening a stone quarry which he selected about thirty years since on the Wapsipinicon , near Anamosa. The stone has been tested for more than twenty-five years, and grows harder by exposure. Specimens have been worked which so nearly resemble the finest marble,, that the best judges can not tell the difference. The capacity of the quarry is estimated at more that 5,000,000 cubic yards. The Doctor supplies the public from this quarry at the most reasonable rates. Out of the finest water powers on the river he is now utilizing for preparing stone and grinding grain. It is near Viola, on the railroad, in Linn County , where the Doctor is still practicing his profession, in addition to superintending the stone-quarry and water power.

W. E. McDUFFEE, Auditor of Adams County, was born in Rush County, Indiana, January 30, 1831 . In 1853 he removed to Jasper County , Illinois , where he remained one year, when he returned to Indiana , and spent about the same length of time, removing thence to Illinois , where he remained two years. Coming to Iowa in 1857, he settled in Mongomery County , and removed to Adams County the following year. He went to Kansas in 1859,, returning in the Spring of 1861 to Adams County . The same year he enlisted in the Fourth Iowa Infantry, serving about six months, when he was discharged for disability; since which time he has continued to reside in Adams County . In 1866 he was elected County Recorder , which office he held for two years; was elected County Treasurer in 1867, holding that office four years; and in 1873 was elected to his present position.

Mr. McDuffee is an example of fidelity in public office and is noted for his information on all county matters, and the readiness and willingness with which he gives his assistance and information to all who seek them.

ANDREW J. McKEAN was born in Bradford County , Pennsylvania , October 3, 1816 . His ancestors were from Scotland , and settled in Maryland about four generations ago, and are now scattered over several states of the Union . His grandfather resided a long time in Pennsylvania , where he died many years ago, leaving a family. His father, Robert McKean, married Martha Wilson, and had eight children. He died about 1826, and his wife in 1862. Young McKean resided with his parents until he was twelve years of age, and then went to live with his grandfather, Noah Wilson, of Alba , Pennsylvania , and remained till 1834. He was educated in the common schools, and taught several winters, thus aiding in the support of his mother and younger brothers and sisters. In June, 1838, in company with H. W. Gray and Alonzo Pratt, he started for the West, traveling over Illinois and Iowa , and finally settled in Linn County , near Mt. Vernon . In the Fall of 1839, he assisted in laying out the town of Marion , subsequently removing there; has since made it his home. In 1854 he was elected Clerk of the District Court, which position he held till January, 1873 - a period of eighteen years, in the meantime dealing to advantage in real estate.

In December, 1872, he purchased an interest in the only bookstore in Marion, the firm being McKean & Gibson, and has since assisted in its management.

Mr. McKean married Abiah Day November, 1842, and by her has had nine children, four of whom are living. She died in 1861, and he was again married in 1863 to Phoebe L. Hickok,, of Pennsylvania .

Mr. McKean is a Republican, and has been identified with that party since its organization.