Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

KING - The Honorable Stephen KING of Logan (Portrait), was among the earliest settlers of Harrison County, and dates his settlement from May, 1852, bringing his wife and two children with him. Whenever a new country is opened to settlement, with such attractions of soil and climate, such future prospects of growth and business developments as to make it a promising field for the energies of young men scores, and even hundreds, flock thither to take their chances in the great, untried race of life. At the start all seem to be on an equal footing, but if the reader would pass that way in a quarter, or a third of a century, he would find only a few of those who started out in the vigor of their young manhood together. In this connection we do not, of course, refer to those who fell by the way-side and perished, but to those living and active, who have remained from the day of small things. The majority of such settlers do not tarry; a few return to their old homes, while many press forward to other promised lands, or perchance fail of business success. But from out the great mass one will always find that a very small proportion have stayed where they first landed and set their stakes, exhibiting the utmost manly energy and determination to win in the great conflict of life. Each will most likely have earned and saved a handsome competency, besides obtaining an enviable personal record and good social position in the community. Such seems to be the results in nearly every country, and the history of one is for the most part, an epitome of the history of all. About such a proportion win the position and meed of praise due to substantial citizens, while the greater number are seldom heard of among men. Among the vanguard of early settlers in Harrison County, few have borne a more conspicuous, useful and honorable part than Stephen KING, of whom we now write.

Mr. KING is a native of the Empire State, having been born April 27, 1821, in Saratoga County, New York. His father was Ezekiel KING, a farmer, and died May 30, 1831, when our subject was ten years of age. There was a family of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, Stephen being the seventh child. His mother was Mary (SQUIRES) KING, who passed from this life October 25, 1851. Our subject remained at home until the death of his mother, and then bought out the other heirs, and in the winter of 1851-52 sold the old homestead to his brother, Joseph A., and Stephen then came to Harrison County, Iowa. He came by rail to Buffalo, N.Y., and from there to Chicago by the Great Lakes, and from there to La Salle by canal, and from that point to St. Louis by steamboat, and so on up to Kanesville (now Council Bluffs). He first located on section 18, township 79, range 41, and in what is now Cass township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, which at the time was not in the market, but which he bought in 1853. The claim referred to he bought from an old pioneer, who had been on the place since 1849. It had three log cabins upon it, two of which Mr. KING used for a house and one for a barn. There had been forty acres of land broken here, which Mr. KING at once set about to cultivate, walking to Council Bluffs, where he purchased a horse-team, wagon and harness, for which he paid one hundred and sixty-five dollars, which was an extremely low price, considering the price of horses at that time, but he bought them at a sacrifice of an emigrant who was headed for California, but who had become discouraged, and offered to sell very cheap, wishing to return to Ohio. Our subject did not attempt to break any more ground the first year, but farmed the land already under the plow, raising more corn that year than he had every raised in all his life before. Here Mr. KING and family remained for two years, and located on section 9, township 79, range 42, Jefferson, where he entered forty acres, to which he kept adding until he had four hundred acres. It was all wild land at the time he purchased it, but year by year this industrious worker subdued the native sod, erected buildings and made general improvements, until this place came to be looked upon as second to none in Harrison County.

In the winter of 1869 Mr. KING moved into the village of Logan, to retire from the long years of hard labor, but retained his farm until March, 1888, at which time he sold it.

Mr. KING was united in marriage in Saratoga County, N.Y., December 8th, 1847, to Frances L. MARSH, a native of that county, born November 25th, 1831. By this marriage union there were born six children -- Samuel I., born September 8, 1848; Alva, born April 22, 1850, died April 29, 1883; Reuben, born November 14, 1852; Clara M., born April 22, 1855; Minnie, born November 4, 1860; Willie, born August 1, 1865, deceased September 12, 1874.

For his second wife Mr. KING married Mrs. Hannah ADAMS, December 29, 1886.

Politically, our subject has always been identified with the Republican party, and was elected as the first County Judge of Harrison County, and has held numerous official positions from that day to this, including the office of Superintendent of Schools, to which office he was elected in 1863. In 1855 he was elected County Treasurer, which then included the office of Recorder as well. At the general election of 1863 he was the successful candidate on the Republican ticket for the office of State Representative, serving with credit to himself and his constituents.

In his religious convictions our subject is a believer in the orthodox faith, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Logan. He belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fraternities, being a member of Chrysolite Lodge, number 420, of A. F. & A. M., and "Woodbine" Lodge, number 405, of the I. O. O. F. at Woodbine.

He has been closely identified with every interest known to Harrison County's prosperity and welfare, from a date prior to its organization down to the present time, having been connected with the early agricultural societies; a teacher on one of the pioneer schools; instrumental in trying to secure early railroads; the upbuilding of Church organizations; organizing the first Sabbath School of the county, at Six-Mile Grove, in Cass township, of which he was made superintendent. It was our subject who delivered the first Fourth of July oration in the county, ever exhibiting a patriotic, public spirit during his thirty-nine years residence in this county.

His son, S. I. KING, who was a boy of but four summers when his parents emigrated to this county is now a prominent attorney-at-law at Logan.

A man's character and standing in a community is best learned by the opinion of those with whom he has been associated for a long term of years, and in this case one has to but converse with any of the old settlers of this county, or attend the old settlers' reunion meetings, with which he has always been connected, in order to gain the correct standing of this man, upon whom all place a high estimate, by reason of his noble traits of character and general manliness.

Source: 1891 Harrison County Iowa History, pp. 287-289
King Family Researcher: N/A
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CONNYERS - George W. CONNYERS, who was a resident of section 2, Jackson Township, first located in Little Sioux Township in 1868. He ran a sawmill and leased land, coming to the country a poor man. After a period of five years in and about the sawmill, he bought the farm his widow now occupies, which then consisted of eighty acres of wild land. He constructed a dug-out, in which he lived while he was improving the place. After eight years he bought eighty acres more land, which had a frame on it for a house. He completed the building and put seventy acres of his land under the plow and surrounded it with a good fence, set out an orchard of seventy-five trees, added many shade trees, making a valuable place.   Just at a time when life seemed dearest to him, he was called from this earth. He died May 11, 1885.  

Our subject was born in Iowa, September 25, 1840. He was a son of George W. and Sarah W. CONNYERS, who had a family of twelve children; six of whom are living: Mary A., Matthew M., Jane, George (deceased), Harriett (deceased), Commodore R., Sarah, John, Arantha (deceased), Minerva (deceased), Emaline, and one who died in infancy.

Mr. CONNYERS was united in marriage December 25, 1863, to Mary GORDON, daughter of James and Mary GORDON, natives of Scotland, who has nine children -- Jenette, Joseph (deceased), Mary J., James, John, Marion, Elizabeth, Rachel and Peter.
Our subject and his wife were the parents of ten children; eight of whom still survive -- Mary (deceased), George, Sarah, Rachel, Elizabeth, Joseph (deceased), James, Nettie, Effie, and Pearl.   Mr. and Mrs. CONNYERS were members of the Latter Day Saint's Church.

Source: 1891 History of Harrison County Iowa.
Connyers Family Researcher: Cindy Bou [Updated email address needed! cbou@dns.ida.net no longer valid].
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BAIRD - Samuel BAIRD, a liveryman doing business at Dunlap, established his business there in 1869, commencing with ten horses, and accompnaying outfits. He now carries a carries a stock of ten horses for livery purposes, together with good turnouts. He also drives a fine hearse, and attends most of the funerals of the locality. In connection with his livery business he also owns some very fine track horses, among which is "John Sherman," a fine standard bred stallion, that has a record of 2:46, and is the sire of three colts in the "thirty" class. He is a "Bashaw," sired by "Wapsie," who is by "Green's Bashaw." "Adrian's Henry" is another fine specimen of a horse, four years of age, sired by "Adrian Wilkes." "Samuel Sherman," sired by "John Sherman," is a magnificent fine bred black horse. "Bashaw Shermen," a brother of "Sam Sherman," "Clemmie C.," sired by "John Sherman," have a record of 2:39 1/4.
His stable is among the best in the country for fine strains of blood. He commenced to handle a superior grade ofhorses in 1881, since which time he has put on the market some splendid trotters, ranging in price from $500 to $2,500.
Personally, it may be said of Mr. BAIRD, that he is a native of British America, being born in Syndey, January 14, 1847. He is the son of Robert and Jane (MCDOUGALL) BAIRD, and when our subject was six months of age the family removed to Pennsylvania. He spent his earlier years in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, and in 1862 he started out in life for himself, locating in Know County, IL, where he remained until 1869, except sixteen months of army life.
He enlisted in April, 1864, as a member of Compnay D, One Hundred and Thirty-Ninth Illinois Infantry, which was for one hundred days' service. After which he re-enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Calvary, for one year. After leaving the service he returned to Illinois and engaged in the milling business. In 1869 he came to Dunlap, Iowa, where he has devoted his time almost exclusively to livery business and the breeding of fine horses.
He was united in marriage in October, 1866, to Miss Lottie SEARS, a native of Illinois, born February 11, 1850, and the daughter of William and Caroline (VALIE) SEARS, who were natives of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. BAIRD are the parents of four children -- Carrie, born Nov 16, 1867, died Jul 16, 1883; Charles, born February 16, 1872; Helen, born Dec 24; and Fred, born May 30, 1885. Charles was married in November, 1890, to Hattie HOWETH, daughter of Daniel HOWETH.
Politically, Mr. BAIRD is a staunch supporter of the Republican party. Socially, he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, O. Shields Post, No. 83. He is also a member of Golden Rule Lodge, No. 178, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has officiated in his town and township, having held all the city offices, from Mayor down. He was a Justice of the Peace for six years, during which time he served with much credit to himself and his constituents.

Source: 1891 History of Harrison County Iowa.
Baird Family Researcher: James Lehan [Updated email address needed! jim@spp405.sppco.com no longer valid].
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MANDELKO - Fritz MANDELKO, a farmer living on section 36, of Calhoun Township, came to Harrison County in June, 1867, and lived at Missouri Valley for two years, during which time he was engaged at bridge work on the railroad. In 1869 he bought a quarter section of land on section 4, of St. John's Township. Only twenty acres of it had been broken, but he at once set to work and improved it, bringing it under a high state of cultivation. He erected a farm house, one and a half stories high 22x24 feet, with an addition of 12x24 feet, also provided good outbuildings, and remained on the place for eighteen years.  In June, 1882, he bought the quarter section he now lives upon, there being forty acres of breaking and a small house upon the same. His home farm now consists of two hundred and fifty acres, one hundred and ten of which are under the plow, and fifty acres of timber. He removed to this place in 1890, and that summer built a large frame house, and also two good sized barns.

Our subject was born in Prussia, Germany, July 16, 1845, and is the son of Charles and Sophia (WILL) MANDELKO, and is the eldest of a family of six children. In Prussia our subject's father was a day laborer, and Fritz attended the common-scholls off and on, until sixteen years of age, and worked out, receiving $30 per year, and was compelled to work from before daylight until long after the sun sank to rest behind the German mountains, which indeed, is a great contrast with the principles advocated by those of our own country, who are clamoring for the "eight hour system."   Our subject remained in his native land until the spring of 1864, when he looked upon the picturesque landscape, which had been a feast to his eyes from his earliest recollection, but thinking of the New World, and the advantages to be gained in a land where all men are equal, he bid farewell to all those scenes and sailed for America. From New York harbor he came to Chicago where he worked as a section hand for one year, and then a team for a planing mill company, receiving $2 per day for his services. This was in 1855, and by strict economy he was enabled to lay by some money.
 
He was married November 29, 1872, to Anna BOKELMAN, a native of Hanover, Germany, born February 21, 1855. She came to America in June, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. MANDELKO are the parents of twelve children -- Fred, born July 2, 1873; Rika, Nov 3, 1874; Caroline, Aug 24, 1877; Henry, Mar 8, 1878; Mary, Oct 23, 1879; Sophia, Oct 21, 1881; Anna, Aug 26, 1884; Tilda, Jun 12, 1886; Robert and Rosy, (twins). Feb 8, 1888; Harry, Jan 20, 1889; and Bartha, Oct 30, 1890.

Our subject and his family are all acceptable members of the German Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Missouri Valley. Politically our subject has always voted the Republican ticket, but for some reason satisfactory to himself, he affiliates with the Democratic party.
The parents of our subject came to our shores on 1866, lived two years in Chicago, and them removed to Missouri Valley, but shortly afterward made thie home with our subject. The father died April 21, 1889, aged sixty-eight years. The mother still (in 1891) remains with them.
When Mr. MANDELKO came to America he was obliged to borrow $40 of his uncle, with which to pay his passage across the ocean, but by hard work and economy, (which would discourage the average boy of to-day), this man has been able to lay up a competency and has never seen the "hard times," which some complain of, but has kept steadily at work, and now, when he is but a little past the prime of life, he is surrounded by the enjoyment of a charming home, and in this his adopted country.

Source: 1891 History of Harrison County Iowa.
Mandelko Family Researcher: N/A.
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SPRACKLEN - Solomon Goss SPRACKLEN (Spracklin), a representative farmer of Taylor Township, residing on section 19, came to Harrison County in the spring of 1866, just at the close of the war. He bought eighty acres of wild land and built a frame house 14x24 feet, and in december of the same year bought eighty acres of more land adjoining the first tract he had bought. In the summer of 1881 he built his present frame residence, which is a two-story building, 14x24 feet, with an ell 14x20 feet. In 1887 he built a barn, 42x70 feet, with fourteen foot posts, which holds one hundred and twenty-six tons of hay. This barn ranks among the best in Harrison County. When he first came to the county, Magnolia was his nearest trading town, and there were but few settlers on the Missouri Bottoms.

Mr. SPRACKLEN was born in Knox County, Ohio, March 4, 1828. He is the son of John and Lydia (GOSS) SPRACKLEN. The father was a native of England, while his mother was the first child born at Dayton, Ohio. Our subject remained at home until 1852, when he came to Tama County, Iowa, remained a short time and then went to Benton County. He purchased a part of the land which the town of Belle Plaine now stands upon. He lived in that section until 1857, except one year that he spent in Ohio. We next find him in Johnson County, Iowa, where he bought a farm, remained eight years, and then came to Harrison County.

He was united in marriage, April 2, 1857, in Johnson County, Iowa to Miss Louisa Jane AVETTS, the daughter of William and Louisa AVETTS. Our subject and his wife are the parents of eight children -- Ella J., Mary, Dartha, Sarah, Minnie, Nancy, Jesse J., and Alice Grace.
Our subject's wife was born in Tennessee May 26, 1839, and when but a small girl her parents came to Hardin County, Illinois. Her mother died when she was young, and her father remarried, after which she lived with her grandmother and came to Johnson County, Iowa, with a family by the name of MORTON, and there remained until the date of her marriage, She is a member of the Christoan Church.   Mr. SPRACKLEN is identified with the Democratic party and has held the office of Township Trustee and has assessed his township three times.

Source: 1891 History of Harrison County Iowa.
Spracklen Family Researcher: David Anderson.
Spracklin Family Researcher: David A. Stumpf [Updated email address needed! d-stumpf@nwu.edu no longer valid].
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