ANTRIM BIOS"From History of Scott County, Iowa
1882 Chicago: Interstate Publishing Co."
"From History of Scott County, Iowa
1882 Chicago: Interstate Publishing Co."
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CLINTON RESIDENTS (Pgs 669-697) DAM DUNN, farmer, Sec. 14; P.O. Clinton; is a native of County Antrim, near Belfast, Ireland, and emigrated to America when only 14 years. He lived in Monroe Co., N. Y., until the fall of 1839, when he and his brother came to Iowa, to Clinton Co., and bought a claim. The following summer, he returned to New York State, and came out here again in the fall; the next summer, it being very sickly, he again went to York State, and remained two and a half years; then came back to this county and located where he now lives, near Clinton. He is one of the early settlers of this county; there are few here now that were here when he came. He had nothing when he began life; by industry and good management, he now owns 500 acres of good land. He married Elizabeth Crawshaw, a native of England, in 1845; she came to America with her parents when only 7 years of age; they have three children -- William, who is married and living in this county; Alice Ann, who married Reuben Huntoon, of Evanston, Ill., and lives in this county; and Elizabeth Frances, at home.
BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF CLINTON RESIDENTS (Pgs 669-697) JOHN BLACK, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. De Witt; born in County Antrim, Ireland, Jan. 1, 1817; he removed to England in the spring of 1836, and to New York the same year, where he lived five years; then went to Alabama, where he lived till 1850, when he came to Clinton Co., and bought a claim to the farm where he now lives. He married, in 1836, Ann Corner, a native of County Mayo, Ireland; they have had ten children, none now living, and but one of whom attained adult age— James F., died Oct. 11, 1873, from the effects of an injury received two weeks previous; he married Mary Ann Eberhart; she has two children—Bridget A. and Mary M.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
CLINTON RESIDENTS (Pgs 669-697) THOMAS KELLY, farmer and auctioneer, De Witt; born in Antrim Co., Ireland, in 1818; he came to America in 1838, and located in Philadelphia, where he resided seven years; he then returned to Ireland, but in 1847 returned to America and located in Canada. He married, in 1851, Nancy Flaoter, of Canada; he first came to Clinton in 1859, with a drove of horses, which he disposed of and returned to Canada; he located in De Witt in 1860; has five children-Thomas, Mary M., Laura J., and Fred and Edward, twins. Mr. Kelly was engaged in butchering in De Witt for eleven years; he owns a farm of 200 acres, two miles south of town
History of Delaware County,
Iowa...Captain John F. Merry, supervising ed. 2 Peter Guthrie has retired from the
cares of active life and is living in Hopkinton, but he was for many years an
energetic farmer of south Fork township and his labor brought him a gratifying
competence. He was born February 22, 1823, in County Antrim, Ireland, where he
remained until he reached the age of twenty-seven years, at which time he
crossed the Atlantic to the new world and settled in Livingston county, New
York, where he remained with relatives for five and a half years. He then came
to Hopkinton by way of Dubuque and purchased eighty acres of land in the county
from the Rev. Dr. Roberts, paying eight dollars an acre. He subsequently added
to his property until he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land
situated on sections 15, 21, and 22, South Fork township. He was a tireless
worker and, as he also displayed excellent judgment in the management of his
farm, he annually realized a good profit from the sale of his farm products. He
now lives retired at Hopkinton and his son Robert J. is operating the home farm,
which he rents from his father. The latter is ninety-one years of age, but is
still in excellent health and takes a keen intelligent interest in the work of
the world.
History of Delaware County,
Iowa...Captain John F. Merry, supervising ed. 2 T.S. McRoberts, a successful and
well known agriculturist residing on section 32, Prairie township, is the owner
of four hundred and fifty acres of valuable land in that and Adams townships.
His birth occurred in County Antrim, Ireland, on the 17th of May, 1874, his
parents being Thomas and Elizabeth (McWilliams) McRoberts, likewise natives of
that country. Our subject was the sixth in order of birth in their family of
eight children, seven of whom survive, two being residents of the Emerald isle
and five of the United States. The parents have passed away.
History of Delaware County,
Iowa...Captain John F. Merry, supervising ed. 2 A model twentieth century farm is
that owned and operated by James Alexander Johnson on sections 22, 23, 27, Union
township. He was born March 10, 1870, in Union township, a son of Alexander R
and Elizabeth (Guthrie) Johnson. The father, a native of County Antrim, Ireland,
was born on the 28th of March, 1829, and passed away on the 24th of April, 1913,
at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His wife, who was born June 26, 1832,
had reached the age of seventy-seven years when called to her final rest on the
24th of June, 1909. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are yet
living. The eldest, Rebecca J., born December 17, 1865, became the wife of
Samuel J Logan, a farmer now living in Texas, and they had two children but both
died in infancy. The eldest son of the family also passed away in infancy. Mary
Elizabeth, the third, was born September 4, 1868, and is now the wife of Samuel
A. Ensign, a retired farmer of Storm Lake, Iowa, by whom she had five children,
of whom three survive. The fourth of the family is James A., of this review.
William S. is the next in order of birth, Anna Marguerita, born January 10,
1874, has recently been traveling in Europe and has just returned from the east.
History of Johnson County, Iowa...from 1836 to 1882; Iowa City, Iowa: 1883 Hon. William J. Haddock, a resident of Iowa City, and engaged in the practice of law, was born Feb 28, 1835, near Belfast, county Antrim, Ireland; came to America in 1849; landed at Philadelphia, Penn. He was married Aug 2, 1865, to Miss Emma Humphrey, of Tipton, Iowa, a graduate of the State University. She was the first woman admitted to practice law by the U.S. Court. Mr. Haddock was admitted to the bar in 1862, and entered the law office of Hon. Rush Clark as a partner Feb 8, 1867, and remained such until his death. He graduated from the normal department of the State University in June, 1862. He was appointed secretary of the board of regents of the State University June 28, 1864, and has served in that capacity continuously since. He was appointed by the secretary of the Interior of the United States on a committee to investigate charges of fraud against the Indian agent of the Pawnee tribe. A republican in politics, and is an active and earnest worker in all matters pertaining to his party.
History of Johnson County, Iowa...from 1836 to 1882; Iowa City, Iowa: 1883 John Reynolds, a farmer in Hardin township, post-office address, Windham; was b. Aug 15, 1817, in Antrim, Ireland; came to America in 1841 and to Johnson county in 1856; settled in Oxford township and moved onto his present farm in 1865. He was married March 3, 1851, to Miss Anna Williams. They have seven children: Francis who died in 1879; Mary, wife of James McCabe of Iowa City; Katie, Theresa both school teachers; John, Maggie and Thomas. The family are members of St. Peter’s Church at Windham. He is a democrat in politics ; filled the office of justice of the peace, two terms in Oxford township and in Hardin township; has filled the office of township trustee and assessor and has just entered upon his third term as justice of the peace in Jan 1883
The History of Jackson County, Iowa...Chicago: Western Hist. Co., 1879. Joseph McCoy, farming and milling, Maquoketa; he was born in Co. Antrim, Ireland about 1808. Came to the U.S. in 1823 and to Jackson county in 1842 and settled on farm where he now resides. He married Phoebe S. Bellows February 18, 1828; she was born in New Hampshire. They had 5 children. She died February 28, 1871. He married Miss Catherine L. Barton May 7, 1872; she was born in New Hampshire. He owns 40 acres of land, situated at the city limits; value $100 per acre. Himself and wife are members of Congregational Church. He is a Republican.
Biographical History of Pottawattamie County: Lewis Pub. Co., 1891. Martha
Martin is one of the self-reliant women of Valley Township, who, after the death
of her husband, Robert Martin, has successfully carried on the farm and reared
her family. Robert Martin was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and was the son of
James Martin, who was born at that place, and was a farmer by occupation. He
married Susan Taylor, and they were the parents of four children: Daniel, James,
Robert and Jane. The father lived to the age of eighty-seven years, dying in his
native place. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. His
son Daniel married and was the father of five children, and also died in the
county Antrim. The remainder of the children came to America.
Biographical History of Pottawattamie County: Lewis Pub. Co., 1891. Thomas Dool, a substantial farmer on Valley Township, is the son of Robert
Dool, who
was born in County Antrim, Ireland and was of sterling Scotch-Irish descent. he
was the son of Henry Dool, who came from Scotland and settled on a farm in
Ireland, and was the father of five children: John, Henry, Robert and Martha.
Robert came to America when a young married man, in 1817; his name was spelled
Doole. He was married to Margaret Spears, a native of County Antrim, Ireland,
and they were the parents of eight children: William S., Henry and Hannah
(twins), Rosean, Margaret, Mary, John and Thomas. The first three were born in
Ireland, and Rosean was born on the ocean in an English ship flying under
American colors for safety in French waters; so it is said that she did not know
her nationality. The remainder of the children were born in America. John Spears
also came to America in 1821, bring his wife, nee May Hannah, and four children:
Robert, May, Hannah, Margaret. The father came to Ohio, where he was among the
early pioneers of Guernsey County, and where he lived until 1831. He was a
member of the old Seceder Presbyterian Church, and was an honorable man. Mr.
Dool landed in Philadelphia, and went directly to Ohio, settling in Harrison
County, where he was a pioneer. He lived only to the age of thirty-nine years,
dying of canal fever in 1829. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and a
man who loved his family, which tempted him to risk life and health in a
struggle with the wilderness in order to better their condition. Mrs. Dool was
left with a family of small children, to whom she taught industry and honesty,
which is always learned at the mother's knee. In 1859 she came to Illinois with
her son John, where she died at the age of ninety years. She was born in 1792
and died in 1882. She was a lady of strong character and hardy constitution, and
strove to teach her children, all of whom became good citizens; one son, William
S., a Presbyterian minister, followed that profession in Ohio and Illinois for
many years.
The History of Jones County, Iowa; .Chicago: Western Hist. Co., 1879 Rev. James McKean, deceased, Anamosa. James McKean was born near Pease's Mill on Ten-Mile Creek, Washington Co., Penn., on the 24th of September, 1795; his father's name was Hugh McKean, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1753; the father of Hugh McKean died in 1763, at an advanced age. The family came originally from Scotland, and were what is known as the Scotch-Irish, settling in Ireland about the close of the sixteenth century, and were originally Scotch Coventers. James' youth was spent on a farm west of New Wilmington on the Pulaski road, one mile from the Chenango Creek. He joined the army at the age of 19 years, in the war against Great Britain, at Erie, Penn., and was a member of Capt. Rea's company, Col. Christy, Pennsylvania Militia; on his discharge he marched home, ninety miles; the weather was cold and the snow was deep, and in after life he was afflicted with bronchitis and weakness of the chest arising from disease contracted in this army career. The schools at that early day were few; and classical education was difficult to obtain; he worked by the job or by the month, and in any way that was remunerative and honorable, to obtain funds; he was one of the men who, in the year 1818, helped to clear the ground where Wooster, Ohio, now stands, receiving $15 per month for his services; for several years, he attended the academy at Mercer, Penn., under the care of a teacher named Anderson, and went over the whole college curriculum, but, owing to failure of health, was not able to finish the course at Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, where several of his classmates graduated. He was married to Nancy Smith of Mercer Co., Penn., in May, 1822. His health failing from over-study while at school, he was not expected to live, and retired to his farm in Neshannock Township, Lawrence Co., Penn., where his health was comparatively restored, and after about nine years, having studied theology under the charge of Rev. William Wood, Pastor of Neshannock Church, and for two years under the care of Beaver Presbytery, he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Beaver, and , about the year 1834, was sent as a missionary to Ohio, where he settled as Pastor of Waynesburg, Still Fork and Bethlehem Churches, at a salary of $400 per year, which, at that early day, was all that they could pay; as the churches grew stronger and his labors increased, he gave up Bethlehem and Still Fork by consent of the Presbytery, at about the year 1845, and retained Waynesburg alone of the three original churches, and, for nine years, preached at Waynesburg and New Harrisburg, until the year 1856, when he removed to Scotch Grove, Jones Co, Iowa. At the time he preached in Ohio, there was an organization of infidels, under the lead of one Permarr and Zach Wathy, who were followers of Hume, Bolingbroke and Thomas Paine; this leader gave him an opportunity for a public discussion and the question was as to the credibility of the religion of Christ; he completely and forever demolished the society, which never met after for discussion. He lectured on temperance and slavery, and persistently fought every foe of man and of the country. For years, during the winter months, he preached in schoolhouses and private dwellings all over his county, and beyond; nearly every church from the Ohio River west, in the Steubenville Presbytery, was privileged to hear his faithful exhortations and pungent logic; the disease of his throat so increased upon him that, at the age of 60 years he was compelled to give up the pastorate in Ohio and remove to Iowa; here for several years he preached one-half of his time to the church of Wayne. He died on the 1st of September, 1876, at Scotch Grove, Iowa, and was buried in the cemetery of the Presbyterian Church. He had eight children as follows: Jane McKean, who died and was buried at Bethlehem, Ohio; Rev. James McKean, President of Lenox Collegiate Institute, and Captain Co. C., 44th I.V.I., who died at Memphis, Tenn., in the officers' hospital, on the 9th of July, 1864; Dr. Hugh C. McKean, the beloved physician of Scotch Grove, where his name and memory are still held sacred in the minds of many, to whose health he had contributed; he died in November, 1865; F.S. McKean, attorney at law, Anamosa, Iowa, for many years Auditor of Carroll Co., Ohio, and County Treasurer of Jones Co., Iowa, who died on the 25th of December, 1867; Francis C. McKean, Captain of Co. D. of the 9th I. Veteran V.I., and attorney and counselor at law, who died at Evans, Colo., on the 5th of May, 1874; Dr. Alexander McKean, of Scotch Grove; C.B. McKean, of Scotch Grove, and John McKean, of Anamosa, Judge of the Circuit Court, Eighth Judicial Court.
Gue, B.F. Biographies and Portraits of the Progressive Men of Iowa. Des Moines: Conaway & Shaw Publishers, 1899. Mchenry, W. A., son of James and Sarah (Allen) McHenry, was born in Almond, N. Y., on the 6th of March, 1841. He is of Scotch-Irish descent. His grandfather, John McHenry was born in Coleraine, County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America in 1730, on the same ship with the father of DeWitt Clinton. He served as major of the First New York battalion in the French war of 1756-7. His son, Henry McHenry, was born at Wallkill Valley, Orange county, N. Y., July, 1752, and served as captain in the Second United States (or Continental army) infantry during the war of the revolution. His son, James McHenry, was born at Fishing Creek, Northumberland county, Pa., in 1788, and in 1797 the family moved to McHenry Valley, Allegany county, N. Y. In the war of 1812 he served as first lieutenant in Captain Van Campen's company of rifles, and died in June, 1841. W. A. McHenry was his youngest son. He lived in the old homestead until he was 14 years of age, when he went to Milton, Wis., with his brother, Vincent McHenry. He received a common school education, and, in 1860, removed to Ogle county, Ill., where he worked on a farm until the commencement of the civil war. Thrilled with patriotic fire he volunteered, September 5, 1861, as a private in Company L, Eighth Illinois cavalry. The regiment was immediately sent to Washington and attached to the army of the Potomac, participating in all the important battles in which that army was engaged until January, 1864, when the regiment was veteranized and transferred to the department at Washington. It was then made their duty to look after Mosby's band of guerrillas, and the regiment gained for itself great distinction in hand to hand encounters with the enemy. During his service Mr. McHenry personally captured eight of the enemy and had many narrow escapes, but escaped without injury. He was mustered out of the service as first sergeant, July 23, 1865. He was previously recommended by Captain Bradley to fill a vacancy of lieutenant in the company but owing to the close of the war did not receive the commission. At the close of the war he formed a partnership with his brother in the real estate business at Denison, Iowa. Emigration rapidly followed the extension of railroad lines to the Pacific and the firm of McHenry Bros. did a large and profitable business in the selling of land. Banking was added and success attended both enterprises.
Gue, B.F. Biographies and Portraits of the Progressive Men of Iowa. Des Moines: Conaway & Shaw Publishers, 1899. Stuart, William, who is extensively engaged in the land business in the new town of Armstrong, Emmet county, has had an active life which has been crowned with success, especially in a business way. He was born in the County Antrim, Ireland, near the town of Carrigallen. His father was Alexander Stuart and his mother was Margaret Ellis Stuart. He was of Scotch and she was of English descent. They were farmers, and emigrated to Canada, settling near Mitchell, Ontario, where their son William received his early education. Later he was sent to school in West Mokton, Ontario. In 1879 William Stuart located in Grundy Center, Iowa, where he was engaged in the blacksmithing trade for several years. After he had accumulated about $700 he went into partnership with a brother in Fulton, Ill., which he sold out in 1884 and engaged in the agricultural implement business for eight years, part of the time with E. H. Dodd as a partner. He then sold his interest in this business, and left Grundy Center, and formed a partnership with B. F. Robinson to start a bank in the prospective town of Armstrong, Emmet county. They organized the Armstrong bank in 1892, with William Stuart as president and B. F. Robinson, cashier, erecting a substantial building of their own. Three years later he sold his interest in the bank to John Dows and has since been dealing extensively in land. Mr. Stuart has served as mayor of Grundy Center, and chairman of the republican county committee and is at present a member of the committee, and is a member of the county board of supervisors. He has always been a republican. He belongs to all the Masonic lodges, the Blue Lodge, and Chapter and Commandery, Mystic Shrine and Eastern Star. He is a member of the Methodist church. On the 26th of December, 1882, Mr. Stuart was married to Jennie Dunn. They have three children: Grace, Alta and Hazel.
Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Union Counties...Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co., 1887. John Hutchison, an active and enterprising farmer of Rice Township, living on section 18, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, born March 14, 1836, a son of George and Fanny (Luke) Hutchison, both of whom died in Ireland. John Hutchison lived in his native country till nineteen years of age, when he sailed from Liverpool, England, for America, landing at New York City, July 8, 1855. He spent the first two years of his residence in this country in the State of New Jersey, where he was employed as a farm hand. He then came to McHenry County, Illinois, where he was married in 1859 to Miss Helen D. Cross, a native of Steuben County, New York, and a daughter of James Cross. After his marriage Mr. Hutchison began farming on rented land, which he followed until 1865. In the spring of that year he removed to Leavenworth County, Kansas, and the first year was in the Government employ in the Quartermaster's Department, and the following year worked on a rented farm. In November, 1866, he came to Ringgold County, when he bought 120 acres and at once commenced improving his land. He still owns eighty acres of that purchase. His homestead now contains 200 acres of good land under fine cultivation. Mrs. Hutchison died January 6, 1882, at that age of forty-five years, leaving at her death a family of eight children- Mrs. Sarah Jane Hall, Mrs. Fanny M. Dille, George E., Mrs. Mary Fertig, Cora, William, Susan and Maud all living at home but the married daughters. Isabel, the sixth child, died at the age of two and a half years. For his second wife Mr. Hutchison married Mrs. Martha (Bates) Day, in December, 1883, and to this union have been born two children- Edith and Adam Clark. Mr. Hutchison came to America a poor boy, but by his industry, frugality, and good management he has prospered in his agricultural pursuits, becoming the owner of a fine property, and by his honorable and upright dealings has gained the confidence of the entire community. Mr. Hutchison is in his religious faith a Presbyterian. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. Hutchison has held several offices, serving as assessor three years, three years as trustee, two years as clerk, and school director thirteen years, holding all these positions acceptably and efficiently.
The History of Linn County, Iowa...Chicago: Western Hist. Co., 1878 Pierce, Patrick, farmer, Sec. 36; P.O. West Prairie; born in Antrim, Co., Ireland, June 6, 1828; lived there till 21 years old; engaged in weaving; acme to Clinton Co., Iowa, in Jan., 1850; worked on a farm by the month for eight years and then bought a farm of his own. Married Miss Sarah McCone April 27, 1863; their children are Alexander J., born Jan. 26, 1864; Mary C., Feb. 18, 1866; William J., Feb. 25, 1871; George E., Oct. 6, 1874; Susannah A., Oct. 6, 1874. Mrs. P. is a member of the M.E. Church of Paris. Mr. P. is quite extensively engaged in the stock business; came to his present farm in Feb. 1870, it then being raw prairie; he now has a fine farm well fenced, and a fine grove around buildings. Has always been a Democrat. Owns 248 acres of land, valued at $6,000.
Portrait and Biographical Album, Henry County, Iowa; Acme Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888, pp 391-392 JOHN FRANCY, a farmer of Jackson Township, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1816, and is a son of John and Agnes (Carly) Francy. The children of this couple were all born in Ireland, and were twelve in number—Ellen, William, David, Robert, Mary, George, Margaret, Agnes, Jane, Rose, John and Alexander. John Francy, Sr., and his wife Agnes, resided upon a farm in Ireland and were of that industrious and enterprising class that keep the business world moving. He was a great lover of fine horses, and his stables never contained an inferior animal. During their lifetime the parents remained on the homestead, and both reached a ripe age. They were of the Protestant faith, and their children all followed the Christian teachings of their parents. In 1839 our subject was married to Miss Joyce Richey, born in 1819, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and their eldest son, Timothy, was born in the Emerald Isle. In May, 1840, Mr. and Mrs. Francy bade adieu to home, friends and kindred, and with their meager possessions, embarked at Belfast for Liverpool, and from there took passage to New York, arriving in that city in July, having spent ten weeks upon the ocean, during which time three of the sailors were buried in the sea. Sailing fifty miles up the North River, they stopped for a few months in Newburg, Orange Co., N. Y., Mr. Francy securing work there on a farm. After deliberation the young couple decided to try their fortune in Virginia, and in September, 1840, located in Wheeling, where Mr. Francy secured employment at the tile and fire-brick manufactory, at which business he was an expert. In the city of Wheeling their children, William J., George and Eliza, were born. Carefully hoarding his earnings, Mr. Francy found himself possessor of enough cash, at the end of seven years, to purchase a small farm if they should remove to the West, and deciding to remove to this county, of which they had heard favorable mention, in 1851 a permanent location was made, Mr. Francy purchasing 100 acres, a part of his present homestead. Small improvements had been made and a trifling log cabin built. Into this the family moved, and the wife soon had their few household goods placed in order; the children grew robust and the old cabin had to have an addition. Later this was covered with boards and made into a comfortable dwelling. As the lands were cleared prosperity came, and her smiles have never diminished. Other lands have been purchased and the merry laughter of the children and their ambition to aid in the work of improving the farm, gave added zest to the parents. Two other sons were born on the homestead, Robert and David, and the old house still stands as a landmark. Many pleasant memories cluster about the quaint old relic. Its roof gave shelter to a happy family, and through its open doors the children ran in their play, and through its old-fashioned windows the baby-boys watched for the coming of their father, who always greeted them with a smile and a pleasant word. But this house has seen its time, and a fine house has taken its place. The children have grown to manhood and womanhood and are widely scattered, but the family circle remains unbroken by death. The same cheerful matron presides in the modern farmhouse who gave the kindly greetings to the weary stranger or the new-corner who called at her cabin door when the country was new and the crops of 1851 were not so fruitful as now. The Francy mansion has ever been noted as one of the most hospitable homes in the county, and the children are fit representatives of such parents. Of the children, Timothy became the husband of Martha Hall; William J., who wedded Eliza Lisle, was a dispatch bearer during the late war, but belonged to no particular command (see sketch); George, a resident of Salt Lake City, married a lady there; Eliza remains with her parents and is unmarried; Robert is now the husband of Sarah Robey, and David wedded Miss Ella Clark. Every child mentioned does honor to the parents and among the most successful business men are the children of John and Joyce Francy. In their mature years this good couple can look back upon a well-spent life, and from the day their troth was plighted neither has ever had cause to regret their union. Blessed with health and rich in purse, their old age is pleasantly passed. Among the old settlers and representative families of this county they find a cordial remembrance, and in one of the cosiest and neatest of homes they are enjoying the fruits of a life of industry and thrift, surrounded with the comforts of life, and enjoying the respect and esteem of the entire community.
Harlan, Edgar Rubey. A Narrative History of the People of Iowa. Vol IV. Chicago: American Historical Society, 1931 p. 206 REV. WILLIAM B.
MATHEWS is pastor of one of the flourishing congregations of the Disciples
denomination at Des Moines, the Central Church of Christ, at ninth and Pleasant
streets. Rev. Mr. Mathews has had several assignments of duty in the ministry
and for several years was engaged in Y.M.C.A. work and was in that line of duty
while overseas during the World war and post-war periods.
Portrait and Biographical Album, Wapello County, Iowa, published by Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887 EDWARD
JOHNSTON, a farmer and stock-grower on section 5, Richland Township, was born in
County Antrim, Ireland, Oct. 5, 1822, and is the son of Edward and Margaret
(Crone) Johnston, both of whom were natives of Ireland and died in that country.
When twenty-three years of age Edward came to America, crossing the ocean in a
sailing vessel, and being on the water six weeks and three days. He landed at
New York City, remaining there a short time, and then went to Pittsburgh, Pa.,
where he staid until 1850, when he came to Iowa, traveling by steamboat down the
Ohio and up the Mississippi Rivers to Burlington, at which place he remained
about four months, and then came by stage to Wapello County. History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa 1883 A good blacksmith of Waverly is William Mooney, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, during 1836. His father, Alexander Mooney, was by occupation a blacksmith and William partially learned the trade in early life. When sixteen years old, he came to the United States, locating in New York City, where he completed his apprenticeship. In March of 1856, he removed to Chicago, and thence, after a short time, to Independence, Buchanan county, Iowa. The following spring he settled in Waverly, Bremer county, and immediately began working at his trade. Mr. Mooney is to-day the oldest smith doing business in the town. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Smith, a daughter of William O. Smith, who is a pioneer of Bremer county. Five children were born to them, two of whom, Nellie and Bessie, are now living. The family are members of the Catholic church.
History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa 1883 R.G. McDonald, a native of county Antrim, Ireland, was born January 4, 1883, and there his life passed on a farm until about eighteen years of age. At this period he migrated to America and, landing in New York State, worked there one year, and then moved westward, locating at Racine, Wisconsin, where he remained one year. He then went south, remaining there one and one-half years, when he returned to Racine, where he passed another year. In October, 1855, he came to this township, and in company with a cousin, whose name was also Robert McDonald, purchased 240 acres of land in section 1. Shortly after, his cousin moved to Minnesota, and the subject of this sketch bought a part of his land. Mr. McDonald is one of the oldest living settlers of this town. He came here a poor man, and has, by persevering toil and good management, acquired a competence. He, with his four sons, are the possessors of eleven hundred acres of excellent land. The farm is located on sections 1,2,11 and 12, and is drained and watered by the Wapsipinicon river, which runs through it, and which is skirted with timber in abundant supply for fuel. He was married at Racine, Wisconsin, February 14, 1855, to Miss Ann McDonald, a native of his own county. She came to America with her parents at the age of three, and grew to womanhood in Racine. They were the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are still living. Mrs. McDonald died at their home, October 1, 1881. The children are all living at home with the exception of the oldest son, who is married and lives on an adjoining farm. The children were born as follows: John William, born March 24, 1856; Samuel, March 3, 1858; David, January 29, 1862; Mary Ann, April 20, 1864; Margaret E., January 24, 1866, Agnes in 1868; Sarah Elizabeth, October 1, 1870; Robert, March 29, 1873; Julia, July 23, 1875; Emily, July 4, 1877; Liddie, September 21, 1879.
|
