1889 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF
SHELBY AND AUDUBON COUNTIES, IOWA
W. S. DUNBAR & CO., PUBLISHERS
113 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO
S
CYRUS H. SAMPSON, a thorough-going agriculturist of Viola Township,
Audubon County, was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin, near Mineral Point,
May 1, 1850. He is next to the oldest of four children of Henry and
Elizabeth (Baker) Sampson, who are natives of England. They married
and settled in Iowa County, Wisconsin, in which place the mother died
in 1864.The father, who survives her, is still living on the old homestead.
Cyrus H. passed his youth in his native county, receiving in addition
to a commonschool education a course in a business college. In 1873
he came to Audubon County, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of prairie
land and rented land for two years. In 1875 he settled on the farm
he now owns and went to work in good earnest.He has been prosperous,
and has added to the small beginning until he has a farm covering
390 acres, all well fenced and stocked with cattle, hogs, and a few
horses. He has erected a large, substantial residence, which is surrounded
by a beautiful grove and lawn. Mr. Sampson devotes special attention
to feeding cattle, shipping from one to two carloads of cattle annually,
besides large numbers of hogs.In 1877 Mr. Sampson was united in marriage
to Miss Martha Ellis, of Audubon County, Iowa.She was born in the
State of New York, and removed with her parents to Grinnell, Iowa,
when a child. Three children have been born of this marriage Henry
E., Cyrus F. and Cora May. Mr. Sampson has served as supervisor of
roads several terms.In politics he is conservative. He takes an active
part in endeavors to elevate the morals of the community; is a prominent
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, using his money and influence
in the support of the same.By his honorable and upright living he
has won the confidence and respect of all who know him, and is considered
one of the reliable farmers of Viola Township.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 742.
JUDGE ARTHUR L. SANBORN is a native of the State of New Hampshire,
born in the town of New Hampton, November 7, 1842. His father, Caleb
M. Sanborn, was of the thirteenth generation of an English family who were among the first English settlers of New Hampshire.The mother
of Arthur L. was a Miss Nancy Quinly, daughter of James Quinly, who
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and held a Captain's commission.
Arthur L. Sanborn is the youngest of sixteen children, ten of whom
lived to maturity. He remained in his native county until he was fifteen
years old, when he went to Massachusetts, and went to work in a sash,
door and blind factory, in which employment he continued until the
breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted, August 14, 1861,
in the First New Hampshire Cavalry; he served his country faithfully
until July 19, 1865, when he was mustered out of the service as QuartermasterSergeant.
He returned to New Hampshire, and soon after went to Chicago, and
worked there one year with J. H. Reed &. Co., wholesale druggists.He
then went to Carroll County, Illinois, and in 1868 he came to Audubon
County, stopping in Viola Township and opening up a new farm; he remained
there eight years, and his daughter Viola was the first child born
in the township.He left the farm and spent six months in Exira, and
then went to Washington County, Iowa, returning to Audubon County
in 1878.Be was appointed postmaster of Audubon, receiving a commission
from 1879 to 1883; at the expiration of his commission he was succeeded
by E. H. Kimball.On retiring from the postoffice he went to Manning,
Iowa, and there engaged in the drug trade with Cloughly Brothers.
In 1888 he returned to Audubon, still in the employ of the Cloughly
Brothers, as clerk, a position he now holds. Mr. Sanborn was united
in marriage December 24, 1867, to Mary Cameron, a daughter of Allen
and Catherine Cameron, and a sister of John Cameron.Seven children
have been born to this union Arthur C., Donald O., Herbert, Viola
E., the wife of E. R. Dutt, and Mabel; two died in infancy. Mr. Sanborn
is a member of Veritas Lodge, No. 392. A. F. & A. M., being first
junior warden of the same. He is a member of Allison Post, No. 134,
G. A. R. Politically he is a staunch Republican.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 735.
WILLIAM H. SCOTT is a member of the firmof Scott Brothers, undertakers, and dealers in furniture, Audubon, Iowa. This business was established
by Horace Prentice, W. H. Scott becoming his agent for the first year.
At the end of that time Mr. Scott bought a halfinterest in the business,
and the firm continued for several years. In 1884 Walter R. Scott,
brother to WilliamH. Scott, purchased the halfinterest of Mr. Prentice,
arid the firm changed to Scott Brothers. The business was continued
at the old stand, Scott Brothers owning the building. They purchase
their supplies directly from eastern factories, and are well known
and established in the business. William H. Scott was born in Warren
County, New York, May 11, 1847. He is the oldest son of Robert and
Eliza (Hodgin) Scott. The father was a Highland Scotchman, and the
mother was a native of Saint Lawrence County, New York, both her father
and mother being of Scotch descent. They were the parents of six children,
three of whom survive.The father died in 1874, in his fiftyeighth
year; the mother is still living, and is a resident of Audubon, Iowa.The
boyhood of William H. Scott was passed in his native State, where
he grew to manhood. He began to learn the cabinetmaker's trade at
the age of eighteen, and served an apprenticeship of two years, when
the firm with which he was employed failed. He then went to Greenwich,
Washington County, New York, where he worked at his trade, and afterward
worked in Troy, New York. In May, 1876, he Came to Mechanicsville,
Cedar County, Iowa, where he remained for two years.In the fall of
1878 he came to Audubon as agent for Mr. Prentice, as before stated.In
October, 1868, Mr. Scott was married to Miss Miriam W. Tefft, of Saratoga
County, New York, a daughter of John H. and Mary E. (Sherman) Tefft.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott have one adopted daughter Katie. Mr. Scott has
been a member of the council since the incorporation of the town.He
is a member of Veritas Lodge, No. 392, A. F. & A. M.; Amity Chapter,
No. 93, and Godfrey Commandery, No. 44. He has served as a delegate
to the Grand Lodge.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 729.
LAWRENCE SEYLLER, a prominent farmer and successful stockraiser of
Cameron Township, was born in Germany,August5, 1850, andis a son of
George and Catherine (Haemaser) Seyller. They are the parents of thirteen
children, of whom the following are living John,Charles, Conrad, Catherine,
George, Nelson, Lawrence (the subject of this biographical sketch),
Frank and August.The father is a farmer by occupation. He emigrated
with his family to America when Lawrence was an infant, and settled
on a farm in Cook County, Illinois, remaining there one year; he then
removed to Henry County, Illinois, and bought a farm, on which he
still resides.He has been prosperous since coming to America, and
has accumulated a comfortable competence for his declining years.Lawrence
Seyller is the sixth of the family. He received a districtschool education,
and was trained to agricultural pursuits. He continued under the parental
roof until his twentyfirst year, when he started in life on his own
account. He learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for
twelve years.Having laid by some money he came to Iowa in 1881 and
invested in land; he bought 440 acres, eighty acres lying in Viola
Township, and the balance in Cameron Township. Mr. Seyller was not
able to pay for all the land in the beginning, buthis hope of success
in the future, upon which he depended, was fully realized. He began
by raising grain extensively, and later he paid more attention to
the raising of hogs and cattle, until in 1888 he shipped five carloads
from his own farm, and in 1889 four carloads. His farm is well stocked
with a large numberof hogs and cattle. He has some fine thoroughbred
Polangus and PolandChina hogs, and is making a specialty of breeding
this stock. Mr. Seyller was united in marriage in 1875 to Miss Elizabeth
Goembel, of Henry County, Illinois, the fourth child of Henry and
Catherine Goembel; she was born in Stark County, Illinois. Four children
have been born of thismarriage Vida I., Lee Roy, Mollie May and Hazel
C. In politics Mr. Seyller is conservative, voting for the man rather
than the party. He began life with pluck and determination to succeed,
and the result can best be realized by visiting his farm, which is
a model in every respect, having all the modernconveniences for practical
farming.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pp. 784.
DARIUS E. SHAUGUR is a member of the firm of D. E. Shaugur &
Company, dealers in agricultural implements, Exira, Iowa. His father,
Francis J. Shaugur, now deceased, was born in the State of Pennsylvania,
but passed most of his early life in Michigan. He died November 17,
1888. He removed from Michigan to Rock Island, Illinois, and was there
employed by the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company. He commenced
at the bottom and climbed, step by step, until he reached the position
of conductor, which he held for seventeen years. Mr. Shaugur was married
to Miss Anna Hunstead, of Three Rivers, Michigan. She was born in
Pennsylvania, and when she was a child her parents removed to Michigan.In
the fall of 1869 Mr. Shaugur moved to Audubon County, Iowa, stopping
at Louisville and working at the carpenter's trade until his removal
to Exira in 1878.He then engaged in the furniture business, and followed
it four years. his next enterprise was opening a meat market, at the
same time embarking in the agricultural implement business. In 1882
Mr. Shaugur established his present business in company with Washington
Stuart, under the firm name of F. J. Shaugur & Company, which
continued until the death of F. J. Shaugur. The firm name then became
D. E. Shaugur & Company. Francis J. Shaugur was a Royal Arch Mason,
and often represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. He was also a
member of the Knights of Pythias and of the I. O. O. F. He had served
on the school board, and as treasurer of Exira. He was an active business
man, and exhibited much public spirit in encouraging all enterprises
tending to build up the interests of the community. Mr. Shaugur was
a delegate to the National Convention at St. Louis in 1888, which
nominated Grover Cleveland for President of the United States. Four
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaugur I. E., Ada L., wife of
Arthur Bartlett; D. E. and Frank E. Darius E. is the third child,
and was a mere lad when his parents removed to Iowa. He received his
education in the common schools, and when quite young began clerking
in his father's store. Later on he worked eight months in the recorder's
office under Otto Witthauer, and afterward formed a partnership in
his father's business, as before stated.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 761.
JEROME SHINGLEDECKER, a successful farmer of Leroy Township, was
born in Cass County, Michigan, near Cassopolis, the county seat, January
12, 1848. He is the son of Isaac A. and Barbara (Hain) Shingledecker.
Isaac A. Shingledecker was born in Miami County, Ohio, February 20,
1818; his father, Jacob Shingledecker, was a native of Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, and was of German ancestry; he was a soldier
of the war of 1812, with the rank of Captain.The mother of Isaac Shingledecker
was Mary Ann Rue, a native of West Virginia.Isaac A. was married to
Barbara Ann Hain March 14, 1844; she was a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth
Hain, of German ancestry. After his marriage Isaac A. Shingledecker
and wife resided in Ohio, and then removedto Michigan, where they
remained until 1875 when they came to Audubon County, Iowa. The subject
of this biography, Jerome Shingledecker, passed his youth and school
days in Michigan, where he was reared on a farm, and well trained
in all the details of the management of a farm. In 1872 he took a
trip to California, where he remained three years engaged in farming.
He returned to Michigan, and again went to California, being fairly
successful in his business operations. He returned once more to Michigan,
where he was married in 1882 to Sarah Adams, a native of Michigan;
she is a daughter of Moses and Hannah (Wiley) Adams, natives of Vermont
and New York respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Shingledecker have had born
to them two sons Clarence and Louis Adams. In the fall of 1883 they
removed from Michigan to Audubon County, Iowa, and rented their present
farm for three years; at the end of that time they bought the place,
which they have made into an attractive, comfortable home.Mr. Shingledecker
hasmade many improvements, and has been uniformly successful in the
management of his farm. While a resident of Michigan he was a member
of the Masonic order at Cassopolis.Politically he is conservative,
voting the Republican ticket, but being his own judge as to who is
best fitted for positions of trust.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 724.
RICHARD SIBSON, an agriculturist of Viola Township, was born in Cumberland,
England, May 31, 1840. He is a son of William and Sarah (Brown) Sibson,
who remained in their native land. He was the fourth of a family of
six children, and was reared in England.As soon as he was large enough
he was, like all boys in mining towns, put to work in the mines at
the age of eight years, and passed from one position to another as
he increased in size, and knew no other life than this drudging one
until he had arrived at man's estate. At the age of twentyfive years,
in the year 1865, he emigrated to the United States, landing in the
city of New York. He proceeded at once to the coal mines of Pennsylvania,
and resumed work in the mines of Mercer County. One year afterward
he went to Allegheny County, and worked in the mines for three years.
Wishing to secure himself a home he came west, traveling through Illinois,
and finally, in 1871, he settled in Polk County, Iowa, and began farming,
meeting with success in his new enterprise. He was also engaged in
coal mining at Mitchellville, Iowa.Afterward he came to Audubon County,
and purchased a tract of new land, which he at once began to improve;he
has since made additions to this purchase until he now owns 370 acres.It
is a beautiful farm, near the northern borders of the county, adjacent
to the Carroll County line. The residence is a fine commodious house,
standing on an eminence that commands a view of the surrounding country.
The owner's good taste is shown in the ornamental trees and large
lawn, and the entire farm is well arranged, and is kept in firstclass
order. Mr. Sibson has been a successful breeder and grower of highbred
stock, and has given this branch of farming special attention. He
has fed as many as 300 head of hogs annually, and raises large numbers
of cattle, and Norman and Clydesdale horses. Mr. Sibson was married
in his twentyeighth year to Miss Elizabeth Robertson, her parents
being of Scotch ancestry. They have a family of four children Walter
W., William, Isabel and Richard. Though Mr. Sibson is aRepublican
he is considered a liberal, conservative citizen. He is a good business
man, and stands high in the estimation of all who know him.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 818.
WILLIAM W. SICKLES, of the firm of Henshaw & Sickles, Exira,
Iowa, was born in Warren County, New Jersey, near Johnsonburg, September
21, 1855. He is the oldest son of James S. and Henrietta M. (Ward)
Sickles. William W. passed his early school days in New Jersey, being
thirteen years old when he came to Clarke County, Iowa; there he spent
two years. Having a taste for reading he acquired an education beyond
that of the ordinary pupil, and without the aid of an instructor.
One winter he attended a select school, and that practically ended
his school days. For two years he was employed as a clerk in a hardware
store, and then clerked in a drygoods store in Exirauntil 1872.After
spending two years farming he took a trip to California. On his return
he engaged in the sale of farm implements for three years, and then
embarked in the mercantile business on his own account. He opened
a general stock of farm implements in partnership with Mrs. Baylor,
now Mrs. Watson.This partnership continued twentytwo months, when
Mrs. Baylor sold her interests to W. N. Henshaw, a present member
of the firm.Henshaw & Sickles carry a full stock, and are active
business men, Mr. Sickles devoting the whole of his time to the management
of the business. In November, 1883, Mr. Sickles was married to Mary
A. Campbell, of Exira, a daughter of E. Campbell, Esq. Mrs. Sickles
was born in the State of Wisconsin.By this union three children were
born Nettle E., George A. and Lulu Madge. Mr. Sickles is a member
of Exodus Lodge, No. 342, A. F. & A. M. He owns a good farm in
Exira and Hamlin townships, which contains 200 acres; it is an admirable
stock farm, being watered by Davis Creek.The subject of this notice
began life at the bottom round of the ladder, but by industry and
diligence he has gained an enviable position, socially and financially,
in the county. He votes with the Republican party.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 763.
ROBERT SIZER was born in Lincolnshire, England, January 13, 1840,
and is a son of George and Jane (Randalls) Sizer, who remained in
the old country, the father being a small farmer. When ten years old
Robert Sizer emigrated to the United States with his uncle, John Barker.They
proceeded by water to Davenport, Iowa, stopping there one year; from
Davenport Robert went to Comanche, Iowa, remaining there about twelve
months; at the expiration of this time he went to Jackson County,
Iowa, and was there employed on a farm, working by the month for four
years.He then left the State of Iowa and went to Camden, Illinois,
and worked in a brickyard one summer. Mercer County, Illinois, was
his next place of abode, and he remained there until 1861, at which
time he returned to Jackson County, Iowa. In August, 1861, Mr. Sizer
joined the M. S. Lancers, three months' men, who were engaged in State
service.After this company disbanded he returned to Jackson County.
In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Twentyfourth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry, and was sent to Muscatine, Iowa. On the organization of
the regiment he was sent to Helena, Arkansas, at which place he scouted
and skirmished until 1862; he then entered General Grant's campaign
and took part in all the engagements; among themare Fort Gibson, Champion
Hills, the siege of Vicksburg, which lasted fortytwo days, many skirmishes
and small engagements.After the fall of Vicksburg he was assigned
to the chief department under General Banks, and later he was transferred
to the department under General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley,
taking part in all the engagements of that campaign.After some further
service he was ordered to Davenport, Iowa, and was honorably discharged
and received his pay. Returning to Jackson County, Iowa, Mr. Sizer
engaged in farming, which he followed successfully until the spring
of 1881, when he removed to Audubon County, Iowa, and purchased his
present farm in Hamilton Township; the farm contains 310 acres, which
at that time had no improvements in the way of buildings. The land
is now under a high state of cultivation, and there is a substantial
residence attractively surrounded by evergreen trees. Mr. Sizer was
united in marriage January 4, 1865, to Anna, the youngest daughter
of John and Sarah Davis, of Jackson County, Iowa. Mrs. Sizer was born
in Canada. Five children have been born of this union Thaddeus, Sarah
E., Clara, James, and one child that died in infancy. Mr. Sizer is
a member of Allison Post, No. 31, G. A. R. He began his career penniless
and among strangers, but by energy and industry he has accumulated
a goodly competence for his declining years.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 769.
CHARLES SMITH, a thriving agriculturist of Hamlin Township, was born
in HesseDarmstadt, Germany, July 10, 1851, and is the oldest living
son of Adam and Frederika Smith, who emigrated to America when Charles
was five years of age. They landed in the city of New York, and after
stopping there a short time they proceeded to Carroll County, Illinois,
and there settled on a farm, where the father died March 26, 1882.His
wife, who survives him, is living on the old homestead in Carroll
County, Illinois. Of her eight children four are living. Charles Smith
spent his youthin Carroll County, Illinois, attending the district
school during the winters, and assisting his father on the farm during
the summers. He remained under the parental roof untilhis twentythird
year, when he began farming on his own account, in which he was fairly
successful. He remained in Carroll County until 1882, when he came
to Audubon County and invested in 120 acres of land, upon which he
has made many valuable improvements. Formerly Mr. Smith followed general
farming, but of late years he has turned his attention to stockraising
and feeding, and has been very prosperous in this department of agriculture.
Charles Smith was united in marriage to Dora Dahler, of Carroll County,
Illinois, a daughter of Henry and Lizzie Dahler, both natives of Germany.
Five children have been born of this union Lewis, Adam, Louisa, Clara
and Lena. Mr. Smith has served as township trustee, and takes an active
interest in the success of the Democratic party. He began his career
on the bottom round of the ladder, and while he has had his ups and
downs, he has succeeded well, and today holds an enviable position
among Audubon County farmers.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 737.
ISAAC L. STATZELL, attorney at law, Exira,Iowa, wasborn in Hendricks
County, Indiana, near Danville, February 16, 1861. Isaac Statzell,
his father, was a native of the State of Pennsylvania, and his mother,
AbigailJ. (Griggs) Statzell, was born in Virginia, and was the daughter
of Hiram and Elizabeth Griggs. Isaac L., the subject of this biography,
is the fourth child in a family of seven, two boys and five girls,
all of whom are living.He passed his boyhood on his father's farm,
and received his primary educationin the district school. Later he
attended a select school, and finally entered the State Normal School
at Terre Haute, Indiana.After leaving school he engaged in teaching,
but about the year 1882 he became connected with a newspaper called
the Audubon County Defender, published at Exira, Iowa.Daring his connection
with this paper he read law, and at the expiration of two years he
entered the law office of J. M. & R. W. Griggs. After his admission
to the bar, Mr. Statzell commenced practice alone in Exira, and since
that time he has devoted his whole time to his profession. He practices
in all the State and county courts. Mr. Statzell is a member of Exodus
Lodge, No. 342, A. F. & A. M., of which he is senior warden.He
also has a membership in the A. O. U. W. and the Knights of Pythias.
He is an active worker in the interests of the Republican party, attending
conventions as a delegate and otherwise serving his party diligently
and faithfully.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 760.
HON. RUSSELL A. STEERE was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, March
27, 1821. His father, David Steere, was a miller by trade, and was
born in Virginia, of French parentage, in August, 1786. His father
was Joseph Steere. The Steere family settled in South Carolina in
1700; six generations have been born in America, the first settlers
having been French Huguenots. The mother of Russell A. Steere was
Phoebe Milhous, who was born in the city of Philadelphia, where she
grew to womanhood. Her father was William Milhous, a native of Pennsylvania,
of German descent. Russell A. Steere passed his early boyhood in Ohio,
and in 1833 went out to Michigan, remaining there until he was eighteen
years of age; he then entered Mount Pleasant College, a Quaker institution
in Jefferson County, Ohio, and was graduated in 1841. He then began
his career as a teacher, and taught in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and
West Virginia. In 1844 he went to Cincinnati, and was there employed
in an importing drygoods establishment until 1847 when he enlisted
in the Mexican war, entering Company B, Second Ohio, Charles Broughf
acting as Colonel of the Regiment; he was sent to Matamoras, and then
to Vera Cruz, where many of the soldiers took the yellow fever; all
of the officers and many soldiers died. Mr. Steere was sent to New
Orleans, and was there placed in the hospital under the care of the
Sisters of Charity. After being mustered out of the service he returned
to Cincinnati, Ohio, and resumed his place in the wholesale house,
remaining there until 1853, when he went to Minnesota, and settled
in Fillmore County. In 1864, when there was a call for more men to
defend the flag of this nation, Mr. Steere again shouldered his musket,
and enlisted in Company A, Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry; he
was sent south, and joined Sherman's army at Savannah, and took part
in the pursuit of General Johnston, who surrendered at Raleigh. He
was then ordered to Washington, D. C., took part in the grand review,
was mustered out July 11, 1865; was paid at Fort Snelling, and received
his final discharge July 20, 1865. Mr. Steere was married in December,
1855, to Miss Alice King, a daughter of John E. King, a native of
England. She was born in Illinois. Eight children were born of this
marriage Edmund H., Ernest K., Samuel H. (deceased), Francis V. (deceased),
Lincoln, Elinor, Alice M. and David. After returning from the war,
Mr. Steere began farming near Spring Valley, Minnesota, and remained
there until 1867, when he removed with his family to Michigan and
bought a farm in Branch County, and lived upon it until 1872; he then
went back to Minnesota, attended to some business, and in October,
1873, he removed his family to Audubon County, residing the first
two years at Oakfield. In 1875 he moved to his present farm, which
contains 160 acres; since his residence there Mr. Steere has devoted
all of his time to directing and improving his farm; he gives special
attention to raising livestock. While living in Minnesota, Mr. Steere
was elected a member of the Legislature, and was appointed to the
offices of county commissioner and county clerk. He also filled several
township offices, acquitting himself in all these positions with much
credit. He is a member of the Masonic order, and of the I. O. O. F.
He is a member of the Union League, and is a staunch temperence man.
Politically he is a Republican; he was born and raised a Whig. He
voted for General Harrison in 1840, and for Benjamin Harrison in 1888.
He is a member of the G. A. R.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 698.
MEAD P. STRAHL, an agriculturist of Viola Township, was born in Belmont
County, Ohio, August 29, 1844, and is the youngest of seven children
of Thomas and Sarah (Mead) Strahl. The pareats were born and reared
in Ohio, and the mother died there when Mead P. was one year old;
his father removed to Illinois, and thence to Nebraska, where he died
in 1878. Sarah Mead was a daughter of Joseph Mead, a native of Pennsylvania,
of Quaker faith; he was an early settler of Belmont County, Ohio.Mead
P. Strahl passed his youth in his native county, receiving his education
in the pioneer log schoolhouse.In the spring of 1866 he went to Ogle
County, Illinois, and engaged in farming, making his home there until
1883, when he removed to Audubon County.Hepurchased160 acres of choice
land, whichis now well improved; there is a good substantial residence,
barns and cribs, and the situation and neighborhood cannot be surpassed.
Mr. Strahl devotes his time to general farming and stockraising. He
was married in 1870 to Miss Alice J. Donaldson, of Ogle County, Illinois,
a daughter of James and Kate Donaldson; she was born and reared in
Ogle County. Ten children have been born of this marriage Eva J.,
Ida F., James C., Ella G., Frank, Fred T., William S., Myrtle A.,
Verna K. and Pearl. Mr. Strahl is director of school district No.
4, and is supervisor of road district No. 3. In June, 1863, he enlisted
in the One Hundred and Twentyninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served
nine months. He took part in the raid in Cumberland Gap and capture
of General Frazier; thence he was ordered to Clinch River, and in
March, 1864, he was mustered out of the service. He reenlisted in
the 100days' regiment, and did duty in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
under General Sheridan.At the expiration of the 100 days he enlisted
in the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteers as a recruit, serving until the close
of the war. He was ordered north in December, 1865, and was discharged
the 28th of that month.He then returned to his old home in Ohio, and
engaged in the more peaceful as well as more profitable occupation
of farming. Mr. Strahl is a member of the G. A. R. post at Dedham,
Carroll County, Iowa. He began life with little capital but pluck,
energy and a determination to succeed, and these traits have brought
their reward.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 793.
WILLIAM G. STUART, junior member of the firm of Charles Stuart &
Son, dealersin lumber, grain and stock, Audubon, Iowa, was born in
Stark County, Illinois, October, 1856. He is the son of Charles and
Lois G. (Gray) Stuart, natives of the State of Vermont, who, after
their marriage, removed to Stark County, Illinois, where they were
early settlers. Captain Stuart was an active man and stockraiser,
and accumulated property rapidly, Having some surplus capital, he
came to Audubon County, Iowa, and bought large tracts of land which
he improved and stocked to their fullest extent. He had established
his large ranch in Melville Township before the town of Audubon was
platted. His present stock ranch consists of six sections of land,
the greater part of which is under fine cultivation.It all lies in
one body and is well fenced, so that stock can be handled to good
advantage.A part of the land is set apart for the cultivation of corn,
which Mr. Stuart raises extensively.He also buys large quantities
of the neighboring farmers. Large numbers of cattle and hogs are fed
on the Stuart ranch, and for the past few years special attention
has been given to the breeding of Percheron and Clydesdale horses.
Two hundred tons of hay are annually cut on the place.The ranch is
conducted under the immediate direction of W. G. Stuart. Although
he resides in Audubon, he visits the place almost daily; he also has
telephone connection between his office in town and the ranch. At
present there are 1,100 head of cattle on the farm, some of which
are thoroughbred, andothers of which are high grades mixed.Their annual
sales are from 600 to 1,000 head. The farms are well provided with
sheds for the protection of the stock, and they are all well supplied
with water. In 1878, after the starting of the town of Audubon, Charles
Stuart established a lumber yard and built a large grain elevator,
where he deals in lumber and grain quite extensively. On the completion
of the Rock Island & Pacific Railway to Audubon, Mr. Stuart erected
his office, which is of a very attractive design andfinish. The entire
building is of St. Louis pressed brick, and the interior is furnished
with every modern convenience. William G. Stuart also has charge of
the grain and lumber business, Charles Stuart being still a resident
of Illinois. The firm employs from thirtyfive to forty men during
the year.Mr. Stuart was married in 1882 to Miss Annis Randolph, of
Tama County, Iowa, where she was born and reared. She is a daughter
of John Randolph, a resident of Audubon County.Mr. and Mrs. Stuart
are the parents of two children Lois and Charles. Mr. Stuart has served
one term as a member of the town council, and in National and State
elections he votes the Republican ticket.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 754.
WILLIAM L. SWANEY has been identified with the interests of Audubon
County since 1873. Unlike many of the residents of the Hawkeye State,
he has the honor to have been born within her borders, and February
21, 1847, is the date of his birth, and Jackson County, near Preston,
is the place. He is the son of David and Sidney (Latta) Swaney, natives
of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They were married in Ohio,
and soon after removed to Michigan andsettled in Ann Arbor; thence
they went to Jackson County, Iowa, in May, 1839, being among the pioneers
of the county. David Swaneywas a son of James Swaney, a native of
Ireland, who was a soldier in the British army. David died in Jackson
County, Iowa, in 1883, in his seventyfifth year.The mother of our
subject wasborn in 1818, and reared eight children, four sons and
four daughters Nancy J., wife of D. Baldwin; James, Angeline, wife
of George Lucas; Mary A., wife of William Mills; William L., the subject
of this sketch; Medora, wife of William Rutledge; Milton L. and Alonzo.
William L. passed his boyhood in his native county, receiving a commonschool
education; he remained with his parents until his twentyfirst year,
when he took up the responsibilities of life and began to carve out
his own fortune. in the summer of 1873 he came to Audubon County and
purchased eighty acres of wild prairie land.The following spring he
moved his familyto the new home, where they bravely faced many of
the privations incident to pioneer life.Mr. Swaney has put all the
improvements upon the place, and has added from time to time to his
first purchase, until he now owns 400 acres in one body.A part of
the farm is seeded down to pasture and the balance is under cultivation.Mr.
Swaney pays special attention to feeding livestock, shipping large
numbers annually; he has been quite successful in this department
of agriculture. In 1873, February 12, occurred themarriage of William
L. Swaney and Arminda Wilson, a native of the State of New York, and
a daughter of A. Wilson, Esq., who died in this county. Her mother's
maiden name was Bacon; she is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Swaney have
had born to them six children David L., Ada M., Wilson Bacon, Milton,
Minerva G. and Albert J. Mr. Swaney has served as justice of the peace
since coming to the county, except one year; he has also represented
his township as trustee and as a member of the school board and as
assessor, to the entire satisfaction of the public. He is a member
of Veritas Lodge, No. 392, A. F. & A. M., having been made a Mason
in Jackson County, Iowa.In State and National affairs he supports
the issues of the Democratic party, but in local matters he votes
for the man best fitted for the office in his estimation. He commenced
lifewith no capital excepting that with which nature endowed him,
pluck, energy and a determination to succeed; that he has succeeded
is demonstrated when one takes a look at his broad acres in a high
state of cultivation, and all the modern improvements upon his farm.
Everything is arranged for comfort and convenience, and the air of
thrift and prosperity about Mr. Swaney's farm places him in the front
ranks of Audubon County's agriculturists.
From: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon counties, Iowa, pg. 816.
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Contributed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs, April, 2005.
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