BOONE - Samuel BOONE, a farmer of section 22, of Boyer Township, and a descendant of Old Daniel BOONE, "The Hunter of Kentucky," will form the subject of this sketch. He was born in Putnam County, Indiana, in 1845 and when a small boy, his parents removed to Vigo County, IN, where they remained until the autumn of 1856, then they emigrated to Harrison County, Iowa, and settled on Willow Creek, where he died December 5, 1857, and the next year his mother sold the place, and then rented first one place and then another.

Our subject was married in Boyer Township, in 1865, to Mrs. Margaret MC HENRY by whom five children were born: Milton A., Rosalia, Samuel A., Robert E., and Daniel O. Mrs. BOONE's maiden name was Margaret BURNETT, who was born and raised in Berwickshire, Scotland, coming to America in 1857, and soon after married Francis MC HENRY, and they were the parts of three children, all deceased: Charles C., William, and John.

When Mrs. MC HENRY married Mr. BOONE, she had one hundred and twenty acres of land partly improved on section 22, Boyer Township, to which they have added until their farm now consists of four hundred and fifty-five acres of well-improved land. When starting out for himself, our subject only possessed one horse and a harness, and a two-year-old colt, but by hard work, frugality, and remaining in one place, he has become comfortably situated having his farm well stocked, also good buildings, and four acres of a fine bearing orchard, together with small fruit.

Mr. BOONE, in relating about the hard winter of 1856-57, when their people were very poor, said that they had to go to mill with hand-sleds, their yoke of oxen, mare and colt and two cows being drifted under the snow (on account of their hay and sheds being burned that fall), they were found dead in the spring; this left them without a team, or any thing else to live on, except the deer meat which in the spring time was not good, on account of the severe winter causing deer to become very poor. During that long and never to be forgotten winter, they drew a hand-sled a half mile for their firewood and ten miles to mill.

Only those, who lived in Iowa at that date, can in any way appreciate the perilous position in which these people were. The raging storms without, the same appetites for something good to eat and a change of diet, obtained amoung those early settler, as in these days of plenty. Families had sickness as well then, as now and the hearthstones of many a Harrison County pioneer was any thing but the scene of joy and happiness; and perhaps the warm sunshine of the very late spring of 1857 ws more gladly welcomed than anybefore or since.

Mrs. BOONE is Presbyterian, in her church choice and profession.

Source: 1891 Harrison County Iowa History, pp.815-816
Farmily Researcher: NA To Page Index--- To Bio Index
DICKINSON - Richard DICKINSON, one of the successful farmers residing in Union Township, whose farm is on section 6, is another one of the little band who wended their way to Harrison County, arriving October, 1863, when he located on the farm on which he now lives, consisting of a half section of land, all in one body, for which he exchanged a farm in Michigan, unsight and unseen. At the time he made the trade, there were about one hundred acres of the farm under cultivation. The remainder was timber and wild prairie land. He has given his sons some of his original tract, but having purchased other land still possesses about the same amount as was his original farm.

When he came to this county, the nearest railroad was at Iowa City, about two hundred and fifty miles distant. The mail was carried across the state by stage from Fort Dodge to Council Bluffs, making the round trip once a week, our subject's postoffice being at Harris Grove with William DAKAN as Postmaster, while their nearest trading point was Council Bluffs, a distance of thirty miles. Even at that early day, the family had callers, but owing to their dusky complexion, and semi-savage look, they were not very welcome visitors. However, these Indians were quite friendly and seldom committed any depredations.

Our subject was born in the State of Ohio, July 22, 1812. His father was Gaos DICKINSON, and his mother Mary DICKINSON, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, repectively, and they were the parents of five children, of whom our subject was the third. The children were named as follows: Ruth, deceased; Elizabeth, Richard, Daniel, deceased; and John. Our subject lived with his parents in Ohio until he was eighteen years of age. When he felt the young blood of ambition coursing through his veins, he embarked upon life's sea for himself, first going to Pennsylvania, where he engaged with a man who was taking a drove of horses West, and when they got as far as Bedfor, the horses were sold, and he then hired to another man and went to Philadelphia, where he had the smallpox, which he took in the natural way. He remained at a country tavern for about six weeks, when he recovered and went to Harrisburg, where he hired in a livery barn, remaining there about eight months, and then drifted back into the Buckeye Sttate, where he was in the employ of one man for six consecutive years, working in a barn and driving a stage. From there he returned to the home of his parents, whre he remained two years. He then rented a farm, which he worked one season, and then went to Bellefontaine and engaged in the meat market business, which he followed for ten years, at the end of which time he sold out and removed to Michigan and purchased eight acres of partly improved land, to which he subsequently added forty acres. This farm was all cleared up and well improved. He traded this for his farm in Harrison County as above related.

Mr. DICKINSON was united in marriage October 5, 1837; to Saphrona HULL, daughter of Elijah and Sarah HULL, natives of Pennsylvania, by whom twelve children were born�Joseph, John, Daniel, William, Isaac, Elizabeth, Hannah, Lucinda, Lydia, Amanda and Saphrona.

Mr. And Mrs. DICKINSON are the parents of four children�William H., born June 29, 1841; James W., September 27, 1845; Amanda V., December 13, 1847; Isaiah, October 29, 1851. These children are all married and living near their parents, except James, who lives in Elkhart, Ind.

Politically, our subject is a supporter of the Democratic party. He started in life with no means, save his own strong arms, and with but a limited education, and has seen much of pioneer hardships, but is now in possession of a comfortable home, in one of the best parts of Harrison County.

Source: 1891 Harrison County Iowa History, pp.816-817
Farmily Researcher: NA To Page Index--- To Bio Index
STEVENS - Charles D. STEVENS, merchant at Woodbine was born in Schoharie County, N.Y., March 7, 1846, and is a son of Col. Ozias and Mercy D. (SOWLES) STEVENS. The father retired from the mercantile trade when our subject was one year old and engaged at farming and as our subject remained at home until he had reached his majority, he was reared amid the scenes of rural life, assisting on the farm, and attending the country schools. He also attended the Acadamy of Charlotteville and the Binghamton Commercial College, after which he went to Xenia, Ohio, where he engaged for a time as a clerk, after which he went to Illinois, where he traveled for the Rochester (N.Y.) Nurseries. We next find that he spent a year in Chicago, as Conductor on the State Street car-line, after which he returned to his old home in the Empire State, remained some months, and then started West again, arriving at Woodbine, in the month of July, 1867.

He was engaged in business here a year, then was employed as a clerk at the village of Magnolia for Dalley & Yeisley, but the following year went to Woodbine and became salesman for Laub & Harshbarger, which engagement continued several years. He was next employed by Satterlee & Patterson, of Dunlap, and again returned to Woodbine, in 1876, at which time he purchased his present business.

He was married July 21, 1887, to Ella M. MINTURN, who was born in Pomeroy, Ohio. Her father was Charles R. MINTURN and her mother , Mary E. (LOVETT) MINTURN. Mr. And Mrs. STEVENS are the parents of one child�Arthur W., born May 7, 1888.

At the time Mr. STEVENS came to Woodbine, it was but a mere hamlet, and the building in which he is now doing business , was built by Fransworth, Kellogg & Co., in 1874, who operated a general store, which they sold to Mr. STEVENS in 1876. In August, 1882, our subject built as addition to this building, which is now 45x60 feet, with a public hall on the second floor.

Mr. STEVENS, who is a member of the Masonic order, belongs to Charter Oak Lodge, No. 401, of A.F.& A.M.; Ark Chapter, No.89, of Dunlap and Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 17, of Knights Templar, at Council Bluffs.

Mrs. STEVENS is a member of the Episcopal Church and politically, he is identified with the Democratic party. Among the local offices held by our subject it may be stated that he was a member of the first town council when Woodbine was incorporated and is also amember at the present writing (1891).

Source: 1891 Harrison County Iowa History, pp.817-818
Farmily Researcher: NA To Page Index--- To Bio Index
RICHARDSON - Philo M. RICHARDSON, a farmer living on section 19, of Magnolia Township, came to Harrison County, in the spring of 1874, and went to work by the month on the farm during the summer season and teaching in the winter. After two years he rented the farm he now occupies, which a year later was given to his wife by her parents. When they first went to this place there was a combined log and frome house, which was in a dilapidated state and there was no barn, simply straw sheds. Mr. Richardson built a new fram house 20x24 feet, one story and a half high, the same being completed in 1880. In 1887 and 1888 he built a farn 30x84 feet.

Our subject was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, October 19, 1848, and in 1853 his parents went to Defiance County and were there until 1865, when they removed to St Joseph County, Mich., and our subject remained there with his parents until the spring of 1872, when he entered the Michigan Agricultural College, and two years later came to this county.

Our subject was united in marriage in Magnolia Township, March 17, 1877, to Miss Mary E. DOWNS, and by this marriage two children were born, one who died in infancy, and Ralph W.. Mary E. (Downs) Richardson , was born in Franklin County, VT., November 25, 1840, and came with her parents to Harrison County, Iowa, in 1858. Her father, George G. DOWNS, was born in Bennington, VT., February 22, 1812, and when twelve years of age his parents removed to Franklin County, VT., where he remained until 1858, and then came to Harrison County where he died December 31, 1881. His wife, Betsy (RICE) DOWNS, was born in Franklin County, VT, December 12, 1814, and died in Harrison County, January 1, 1879. They were the parents of two children. In their religious faith they were identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Our subject's father, James S. RICHARDSON, was born in Ohio, October 20, 1827, and there remained until 1853, when he moved to Defiance County and in 1865 to St. Joseph County, Mich., but now lives in St.Joseph County, Ind. The mother, Mary M (BOWDER) RICHARDSON, was born in the Buckeye State, February 18, 1829, and remained there until the date of her marriage. They were the parents of six children, our subject being the eldest. The parents were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Politically Mr. Richardson is a member of the Republican party.

Source: 1891 Harrison County Iowa History, pp.818-820
Farmily Researcher: NA To Page Index--- To Bio Index
ELLIOTT - William ELLIOTT, a farmer living on section 10, LaGrange Township, came to Harrison County, in the spring of 1852, and settled on a part of the farm he now lives upon. At that time the improvements of the place consisted of forty acres of breaking and a log house covered with clapboards with a layer of buckwheat straw, and then dirt on top of that, so that when it rained the shower was a combination of water, buckwheat straw juice, and terra firma. He lived in this house for four years, and then erected a small frame shop, which they lived in while building their present brick dwelling, which was completed in 1867. The same is a two story building, 16x32 feet, with an ell 16x24 feet.

He has added to his farm until he has four hundred and twenty acres; eighty acres of meadow on the Boyer Valley, and eighty of pasture land on section 22, and sixty acres of timber on section 11, making in all four hundred and twenty acres. He keeps about one hundred head of cattle, and feeds a car load of steers each winter.

When our subject came to Harrison County a greater part of it was yet wild land, and houses were many miles apart. His nearest post office was Magnolia, but he did his trading at Council Bluffs.

Our subject was born in Durham County, England , January 23, 1826. His mother died when he was ten years of age, and his father when he was fourteen. He worked for a time in the lead mines; then worked as a section hand on the railroad, being section boss at the age of seventeen. After this he engaged as brakeman on the railroad, and worked at that until 1846, when he sailed for America, his voyage lasting twenty-eight days. He first located in Schuylkill County, PA, where he worked eight months at blacksmithing, after which he turned his attention to carpentering, and followed that until 1854, and then he got a position as overseer of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Canal, which place he held until the spring of 1862, when he came to Harrison County. He was married in Carbon County, PA, July 4, 1854, to Miss Anna PHILLIPS, by whom eight children were born�Anna J., William E., John W., Martha M., Clara C., William W., Sherman S., Augusta O. William E. is deceased.

John W., our subject's son, is married and is now living at Valentine, Neb.; Marth M., married William BENNETT and lives at Sioux City; Clara, married and lives at Missouri Valley, the wife of Peter FERRELL; William is in the general offices of the Burlington & Missouri River railroad at Omaha; married in Council Bluffs in fall of 1891; Anna J. spends her time in California, teaching; Sherman is a druggist at Council Bluffs; Augusta O. is in Omaha serving in the capacity of a shorhand reporter.

Mr. ELLIOTT has visited the Old Country (Europe) twice, enjoying his trip each time, but having no desire to again live in that country. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 420, A.F.&A.M., at Logan. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, including the Encampment and Rebecca degrees.

On January 2, 1836, our subject joined a Total Abstinence Society in England, and has always kept his pledge to the letter.

Source: 1891 Harrison County Iowa History, pp.820-821
Farmily Researcher: NA To Page Index--- To Bio Index
HASZARD - Joseph C. HASZARD, a farmer located on section 13, of union Township, came to Harrison County in September, 1867, and rented a house on the land he now occupies. Before spring he bargained for the place, paying $15 per acre for forty-seven acres, five acres of which had been broken; the remainder was timber and hzlebrush land. To this he has added forty-three acres more, making n inety acres in all of which sixty are undr cultivaton. The place is well improved, provided with a good house, outbuildings, and two wells. It may be said of this man that he is truly a home man, always found about the place unless called away on business.

Mr. HASZARD was born in Marcy, Oneida County, NY, October 23, 1835, and is the son of George and Elizabeth ( CHAMPLAIN) HASZARD, natives of Connecticut and Rhode Island, respectively. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Thomas, Louisa T., Jeffrey W., one deceased in infancy, Joseph C., and Aba E.

The father of our subject died when he was five years old, and as soon as old enough he was bound out as an apprentice to a wagon maker, but ran away the first year and hireed out to a man on a dairy farm, getting $3 per month, but this position was anything but a continual round of pleasure, for he had to milk fifteen cows night and morning. The following year he went to live with his uncle, George H. CHAMPLAIN, where he worked for his board and clothes, and got one month's schooling. But the following season he engaged at $5 per month in a cheese factory, where he remained four years, at the end of which time he engaged with a man named WALKER (another dairyman) at $12 per month for the year, remaining there for three years.

We next find our subject at work by the month on a farm in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, and the winter following was in the big pine woods of that state, following logging and rafting for the next three years, at the end of which time he visited his native state, but returned to Wisconsin and was married. After his marriage he removed to Hamilton County, Iowa, where he rented land for four years, and then emigrated to Nebraska, where he improved a claim, and after five years sold out for $2,000, in 1807, and came to Harrison County, Iowa.

The date of his marriage was February 23,1859, and his wife's maiden name was Nancy J. JONES, daughter of Andrew and Mahaley JONES, natives of New Jersey. Mrs. HASZARD was their only child.

Mr. And Mrs. HASZARD are the parents of six children, as follows: Ursula J., born April 27, 1861; Louisa T., July 6, 1864; George T., May 5, 1867; Lora M., December 30, 1869; Herman, December 30, 1872; Albon I., July 6, 1875.

Politically, our subject is a supporter of the Democratic party;. He belongs to Masonic Lodge, No. 490, at Persia, Iowa.

From the time he was left an orphan on down until he was surrounded with a home of his own, our subject saw many hardships, and doubtless appreciates the comforts of a well regulated home more than the average man who grew to manhood under the paternal roof, with all the advantages that comfortable circumstances can afford.

Source: 1891 Harrison County Iowa History, pp.821-822
Farmily Researcher: NA To Page Index--- To Bio Index

---