Des Moines County >> 1888 Index

Portrait and Biographical Album of Des Moines County, Iowa
Chicago: Acme Publishing, 1888.

S

John Sharp, deceased. The pleasant memories which cluster around the names of those who during their lifetimes were accorded a proud place among men, are to be perpetuated only in history. To preserve the identity of the gentleman above named, and to give him and his family a place in the history of the country in which they have lived long and worthily, is both the duty and pleasure of the historian. Our subject was born in Washington County, Pa., and was a son of John and Jane (McCarroll) Sharp. John Sharp, Sr., was a native of Scotland, and emigrated to America, settling in Washington County, Pa. His marriage to Jane McCarroll, a lady born in Ireland, was celebrated in Pennsylvania, and there, in 1812, John, Jr., their eldest son, was born. After him came William, now a resident of Jasper County, Iowa, who wedded Elizabeth Garrett; Joseph, deceased, wedded Mary J. Martin; Officer wedded Sarah A. Long, and resides in Grant County, Ore.; Alex H. wedded Elizabeth Hemphill, a sister of Mrs. Sharp; Mary became the wife of William Martin; and Samuel died unmarried.

John Sharp, Jr., was united in marriage in Pennsylvania, in 1837, with Miss Sarah Hemphill, now his widow, and for several years after their marriage they remained on a farm in that State. Mrs. Sharp is a daughter of Thomas and Delilah (Tarney) Hemphill. Thomas Hemphill was born in 1772, in County Armagh, Ireland, prior to the removal of his parents to America, and his wife, a native of Monongahela City, Pa., was born in 1781, thus being one of the early births in the history of that State. The marriage of that couple was celebrated in the city of her birth, and both died in the State of Pennsylvania. They were parents of eight children, of whom the following survive: Nancy married Robert C. Stewart, of Butler County, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of William Martin, of Warren County, Iowa; James T. wedded Saria Murdock, a resident of Washington County, Pa., of which he is Sheriff. Mrs. Sharp is the eldest of these children and was born in 1811.

The Sharp family moved to Brown County, Ill., in 1844, and after two years' residence near Mt. Sterling, pushed farther west, and a location was made upon the land, now a beautiful farm, in Danville Township, purchased of H. A. Ritner, a pioneer, in the springtime of 1846. William Sharp, with his family, had preceded his brother John, and had erected a small house upon an adjoining tract, in which both families lived until the latter erected a house, the same in which his widow now resides, though it has been entirely remodeled, but the same frame and foundation remain. The giant elm tree that rears its branches so proudly above their chamber window was planted by Mr. Sharp the same spring they came, and is truly a monument to his memory. Beneath its spreading branches and its grateful shade their children have played, have grown to be men and women, and yet the old tree remains as a guardian angel to remind them of him who, in the early days of Des Moines County, began the work of developing for them a home in the new Northwest. Their two eldest children, James O. and Carrie N., the latter the wife of George Hill, a photographer of Burlington, were born in Pennsylvania; Margaret J., wife of George Smith, of Decater County, Iowa, was born in Illinois; Sarah M., Mary A. and John P. were born in Iowa upon the old homestead. The son, John P., is the husband of Alice Hemmings, whose father, John Hemmings, was one of the most worthy farmers of Danville Township, and of him a biography appears elsewhere in this volume.

John Sharp was a prosperous farmer and his children were carefully educated, his eldest daughter, prior to her marriage, having taught school in this county for a number of terms. As the years flew by Mr. Sharp and his good wife saw their possessions increased, and their toil was rendered lighter by the joys of a happy wedded life. Both were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and their children were reared in that faith. The death of that honored gentleman occurred Jan. 7, 1882, and his remains were interred in the Linns Point Cemetery, near Middletown. We are pleased to give this biography of the family who have been so favorably known for many years in the county, and it is highly gratifying to note that his widow, now in her seventy-fifth year, is in good health and easy circumstances. Her daughters, Sarah and Mary, and the eldest son, James, constitute the family, and the good mother still presides as hostess of a hospitable mansion. A portrait of this honored pioneer is herewith presented to the readers of this ALBUM.

William H. H. Shelby, deceased, was born at Charlestown, Ind., Feb. 22, 1818, where his early life was spent.  In later years, he removed to Boonville, same State, where he was engaged in writing and doing office work, was elected Recorder for Warrick County for one term, and wrote in the county offices for many years.  He also clerked for his brother-in-law in Booneville, Ind.  On the 4th of March, 1840, the marriage of Mr. Shelby and Miss Mabel Spelman, daughter of Ohel Spelman, occurred.  By this union seven children were born--Isaac O., Irene M., Henry G., Cora O., and three who died in infancy.  Isaac remained in Indiana until fifteen years of age, then removed with his parents to Sterling, Ill., and subsequently, in 1862, went to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, soon after enlisting in the 25th Iowa Infantry, in Capt. Smith's Company, serving until the close of the war.  He then received a Government clerkship, remaining in Washington, D. C., for two years, joined the Regular Army in 1868 as Second Lieutenant of Company G, 34th United States Infantry, was afterward transferred to the 16th United States Infantry, and later promoted to the position of First Lieutenant.  At one time he had charge of six National Cemeteries, being Superintendent and Paymaster.  He was stationed at various places, among which were Fort Riley and Fort Wallace, Kansas, and also at Fort Concho, Texas, where his death occurred, in Aug. 9, 1883.  At Vicksburg, Miss., April 7, 1874, he was united in marriage with Mary L. Brown, and by this union two children were born--Frank and Harry.  The second living child of Mr. Shelby is Irene M., the wife of A. E. Millspaugh, whose sketch appears in this work.  Henry G., the third child, came to Burlington, in 1871, when about sixteen years of age, having previously lived in Sterling, Ill., and Eddyville, Iowa, and is at present engaged as head clerk with P. M. Crapo.

Benjamin W. Shepherd, dealer in stock. One of the best known men in the western part of Des Moines County is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He has been in active business for many years, and since the building of the C. B. & Q R. R., has shipped at least four-fifths of the stock loaded at Danville. Mr. Shepherd is a native of Brooke County, Va. (now in West Virginia), born Feb. 28, 1823, and is a son of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Lewis) Shepherd, both of whom died in Virginia. They were parents of nine children, all of whom reached a majority and were married. John became the husband of Amanda Sockman, and is a farmer of Johnson County, Mo.; Charles wedded Martha Gorby, and resides in Clark County, Mo.; Kanacka wedded Henry Sockman, a butcher at Clarksburg, W. Va.; Bazaleel became a local Methodist Episcopal minister, married Henrietta Sockman, and for many years was a farmer in Cass County, Iowa; Benjamin W.; Hannah, widow of Jesse Roberts, resides at Moundsville, Va.; Mary, wife of Reason Yeater, a farmer of Marshall County, W. Va.; Nathan, residing in West Virginia, married Rebecca Richmand; Keziah, widow of Jacob Mason, resides in Marshall County, W. Va.

Our subject was married to Miss Sophia Roberts near Moundsville, Marshall Co., W. Va., March 24, 1854. Her father, John Roberts, was born in Maryland went to Virginia, and there married Eunice Garlow. Both remained in that State during the rest of their lives. Of their ten children, five are living--Josephus, husband of Adaline Baker, is a farmer of Union County, Iowa; John, a farmer of Beaver County, Pa., wedded Mary Pella; Albert, a resident of Moundsville, W. Va., is the husband of Lavina Dietz; Fletcher, a retired merchant of Moundsville, married Henrietta Swan; and Jacob of Newark, Ohio, married Sarah Strawn. Resuming now the personal sketch of our subject, we find he and his wife en route to Iowa three weeks after their marriage. Their honeymoon was partly passed in the trip from Moundsville, W. Va., they coming via the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, landing at Burlington, in April, 1854. Mr. Shepherd purchased ninety acres of the southwest quarter of section 23, Danville Township, in 1856, but had already spent two seasons in farming Iowa soil. Upon this tract he erected a house, and eighteen months later purchased twenty acres adjoining the village of Danville, to which he added 137 acres, and another eighty afterward. The eighty acres adjoining the original town plat was next secured, and upon this his son-in-law, Mr. John E. Simmons, lives.

Five children were born to Mr. Shepherd and his wife in this county, four of whom are living--William L., of Nebraska; John, a partner with his father in the stock business; Haward H., a liveryman and dealer in coal and grain at Raton, N. M.; and Clara B., the eldest daughter, wife of John Simmons.

In 1859, Mr. Shepherd put in the first pair of stock scales at Danville. From 1862 to 1880 the money disbursed by him in this neighborhood for stock shipped, ran up to an output of $100,000 a year. During the war, it was not an uncommon occurrence for him to pay, in a single day, to farmers in this neighborhood, $15,000, the shipments frequently reaching 500 head per day. Such men as he gave an impetus to trade that made itself felt in Danville Township, and, from its first settlement, a prosperous and intelligent class of men located, and to-day she stands second to none it the county, in an agricultural, social, moral or financial sense. Churches and schools were build, societies organized, and to these Mr. Shepherd allied himself in an early day. He is almost a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee. He is also a member of Danville Lodge, No. 48, A. F. & A. M.

John M. Sherfey, President of the Rand Lumber Company, and a pioneer of Burlington of 1837, was born near Boonsboro, Frederick Co., Md., Dec. 2, 1831, and is a son of Solomon and Catherine (McNeil) Sherfey. He came to Burlington, Iowa, with his parents in 1837, but the family soon removed to a farm on Flint Creek, where the father had a sawmill, which was situated about three miles north of the city of Burlington. Mr. Sherfey was reared on a farm, working in the mill as his services were required. When twenty-one years of age he engaged with E. D. Rand, as salesman in the lumber business, and was subsequently admitted to partnership in the firm of E. D. Rand & Co., and in 1879 helped to organize the Rand Lumber Company, which was an outgrowth of the former business. This is an incorporated company, having branch yards at Bedford, Villisca, Corning, Afton and Mediapolis, Iowa, and handling about 15,000,000 feet of lumber annually, besides large quantities of shingles, lath, etc. Mr. Sherfey has been connected with this business continuously since 1852, and has risen from the position of an humble employe to that of President of the company. He has been connected with the lumber business since he was large enough to handle a board in his father's mill to the present time, covering a period of upward of forty-five years. By close application to business and unswerving integrity, he has won a foremost place among the leading business men of Burlington. He is a member of the Burlington Bridge Company, the Commercial Club, the Crystal Lake Club, and other organizations for the business and social advancement of the city. He has always taken a warm interest in educational matters and has served as a member of the School Board for nine years. In politics he is a Republican but has never been an active partisan.

Mr. Sherfey was united in marriage, Oct. 31, 1858, with Miss Mary A. Rand, eldest daughter of Hon. E. D. Rand. Mrs. Sherfey was born at Burlington, Sept. 23, 1840. Seven children were born of their union, five of whom are living: Sarah M., wife of Thomas Wilkinson, of Burlington; Mary L., wife of John H. Kendall, of Watertown, Mass.; Catherine M., wife of Henry W. Chittenden, of Burlington, Iowa; Eva died in infancy; Herbert R., a bright, intelligent young man of eighteen years, was drowned in Spirit Lake, Aug. 30, 1886, while rescuing a child from the same fate. He succeeded in saving the child's life, but lost his own. The younger children are Raymond M. and Ruth C.

A representative of the mercantile interests of Burlington, as well as an honored pioneer, he has labored long and faithfully to advance the interests of his adopted city and county. It is therefore with pleasure that his portrait, on page 556, is presented to the readers of the ALBUM.

Solomon Sherfey, deceased, a highly respected pioneer of Burlington, of 1837, was born near Gettysburg, Pa., Jan. 26, 1799, on the famous battle-field, where his father owned a large farm, a part of which has been the property of the family for four generations. His parents were Jacob and Catherine (Bossermann) Sherfey. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, born March 4, 1769. He was of German descent, his family having originally emigrated from Saxony. The first of the family to settle in America was Kasper Sherfey, who came with the original band of Dunkards who were driven from Saxony to Holland by religious persecution, and who emigrated thence to Pennsylvania about 1740. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania in 1773. Her ancestors were of German origin and date their settlement in America back to 1740.

Solomon Sherfey was reared on a farm and educated at Gettysburg. Arriving at man's estate he was married, Feb. 6, 1827, at Frederick, Md., to Miss Catherine McNeil, daughter of John and Hannah (Mahn) McNeil. Mrs. Sherfey was born at Leesburg, Va., Oct. 26, 1806. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sherfey removed to Washington County, Md., where he engaged in merchandising, and there the children were born, four in number, three sons and one daughter: Caroline A. first married J. W. Roberts, who died April 19, 1851, and her second husband was the late Hon. E. D. Rand, of Burlington, Iowa, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Charles married Miss Irene Spurlock, and resides at Nebraska City, where he is engaged in horticulture; John M. married Mary A. Rand, eldest daughter of the late E. D. Rand; John M. is a prominent business man of Burlington and is now President of the Rand Lumber Company; William E. married Miss Josephine C. Woods, and resides at Council Grove, Kan., where he is engaged in the real-estate and insurance business.

In 1834 Mr. Sherfey migrated with his family to Lafayette, Ind., where he spent three years engaged in merchandising and milling. He then came to Iowa in the autumn of 1837, locating at Burlington, where he soon became engaged as a merchant, but shortly after began farming and manufacturing lumber. The farm was situated about three miles north of the city, and his sawmill was in the same locality, on what is known as Flint Creek. Mr. Sherfey improved the farm and made lumber, finding a ready market for the latter in Burlington and the surrounding country, which was then just being settled. After a few years the timber available for the use of his mill became exhausted and he discontinued the business, removing to a larger farm a few miles further distant from the city, carrying on the business of farming and stock-raising quite extensively until a short time prior to his death, when he removed to the city of Burlington. His death occurred May 6, 1876, in his seventy-eighth year. His wife, an estimable lady, survived him several years. Her death occurred Aug. 6, 1887. Mr. Sherfey adapted himself readily to the ways of a new country and was of great service to his neighbors and new-comers in helping them select land, finding Government corners and making surveys for them.

Mr. Sherfey was active in the cause of education, encouraging the establishment of schools and contributing largely to their maintenance. At his old home in the East he had received his early education, and his religious training within the Dunkard Society. On coming to Burlington he associated himself with the Methodists, and aided in building the "Old Zion" Church in 1838, the first Protestant Church edifice erected in Iowa, now historic. The building was once used as a State House by the early Territorial Government. Mr. Sherfey was a practical, consistent Christian, constant in his attention to all matters of duty, and when physically able was never absent from religious service. Toward the close of his life his d ignified figure and snow-white hair were as familiar objects to the congregation as the minister in the pulpit. In his manner he was always gentle, courteous and kind; a typical Christian, modest, unassuming and forgiving, his amiability and sweetness of disposition are characteristics well remembered by his numerous friends. Benevolent in a marked degree, the sick, needy or distressed were always sure of his sympathy and liberal aid. Upright in all the affairs of life, Mr. Sherfey commanded universal respect, and taught the Christian lessons of his Master more by example than by precept.

A portrait of Mr. Sherfey is presented in this connection, and forms a fitting accompaniment to this brief sketch.

Marcus Simpson, Secretary, Treasurer and General Manager of the Linseed Oil Company (see sketch of business under business heading), was born in the North of Ireland, Jan. 1, 1840, emigrated to America in 1857, made his home in Chicago, where he was engaged in the paint business until 1875, when he came to Burlington, Iowa. He pursued the same line of business in this city until 1880, when he formed a partnership with F. B. Jaggar in the linseed oil business. On the incorporation of the Burlington Linseed Oil Company, of which he was one of the incorporators and proprietors, and was chosen to the position he now holds as given above. Mr. Simpson is a thorough business man of progressive ideas and untiring energy. He is bound to develop the linseed oil industry in this section beyond anything yet accomplished. To that end he is endeavering to encourage the growing of flax and the use of oil cake as stock food among farmers.

Mr. Simpson is a Republican in politics of pronounced protection ideas, and while in no sense an aspirant for public office, he takes an active interest in political matters. On the 12th of October, 1864, he was married at Trout River, N. Y., to Miss Sarah J. Holbrook, a native of Franklin County, N. Y., and a daughter of Joseph and Fannie (Walker) Holbrook, who were both natives of the Green Mountain State, and were descendants of families that emigrated to that State in the seventeenth century.

Richard Stephen Skinner, one of the oldest and most trustworthy employees of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, in Iowa, and the efficient Station Agent at Burlington since 1860, was born in Westminster, London, England, on the 17th of March, 1825. His parents, Richard and Elizabeth (Nunn) Skinner, were also natives of England, the father having been born in Ashford, County Kent, and the mother in Dartmouth of Devonshire. Our subject attended school in his native city in childhood, but having lost his father in his seventh year and his mother when he was eleven, he was thrown upon his own resources at a tender age, and, when twelve years old, shipped as a cabin boy on a ship owned by Baron Rothschild, which was employed in the South of Spain in the quicksilver trade. Mr. Skinner continued to follow the sea until his twenty-first year, sailing in vessels engaged in trading in the East Indies, on the Spanish coast and in the West Indies. Four years of that time he was in the employ of Richard Green, the well-known ship owner of Blackwell.

In 1846 Mr. Skinner was married and retired from a sea-faring life, engaging as ticket collector for he London & Southeastern Railroad Company, running between London and Dover. His marriage was celebrated at Brenchley, Kent, June 1, 1846, Miss Margaret Seeley, daughter of William and Mary (Ashby) Seeley, of Kent, becoming his wife. Two children were born to them in England--Richard William, born at Brenchley, Kent, Feb. 29, 1848, married Miss Lizzie Hauer, and is now foreman of the local freight department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Burlington; and Charles George, born at Erith, Kent, England, in 1850, wedded Miss Fannie Robinson, and is a clerk in the office of J. M. Corse & Co., commission merchants of Burlington.

Mr. Skinner emigrated to America in August, 1852, and was employed for one year in the county clerk's office of Chautauqua County, N. Y., from there went to Canada, engaging as check clerk at the suspension bridge for the Great Western Railroad, now the Grand Trunk, and was subsequently stationed at Hamilton and Windsor, later being employed at Detroit with the Milwaukee, Grand Haven & Detroit Railroad, an English corporation. In 1860, Mr. Skinner engaged with the Burlington & Missouri Railroad, its line extending only form Burlington to Ottumwa, a distance of seventy-five miles. He began as check clerk, but shortly afterward took the Burlington station under contract, and at first did all the clerical work alone. One switchman and three trunk men constituted the depot and yard force, and one freight and one passenger train a day each way did all the traffic. The contrast of the business of the road at that time and at the present is worth mentioning, for now seventy men are employed about the warehouse and office, while an average of forty freight trains and seventeen passenger trains pass each way daily, besides those on the B., C. R. & N., and T., P. & W. Mr. Skinner had charge of the station under contract until 1865, when he engaged in the same capacity on salary under C. E. Perkins, and has continued with the company and its successor, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, to this date, covering a period of nearly twenty-nine years. At present he is at the head of the local freight department, a most important and responsible position.

In addition to their two sons born in the old world, Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have seven other children living, who were born in America, four sons and three daughters--Stephen, born at Mayville, Chautauqua County, N. Y., is unmarried and resides in Chaffee County, Colo., where he is engaged in mining; Elizabeth, a native of Windsor, Ont., is the wife of Calvin Himes, of Hartfield, Chautauqua Co.,, N. Y.; Walter S., born in Detroit, Mich., married Miss Viola Rogers, and is in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; Minnie S., Margaret, George and William are all residing with their parents at Burlington, where they were born. The family are Episcopalians in their religious faith, and Mr. Skinner is a Republican in politics.

Among the many tried and trusted employees of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, no one, perhaps, is deserving of more favorable mention than Richard S. Skinner. Beginning as he did with the original company in its infancy and continuing with it through its growth and development, and its consolidation with one of the most important railway corporations of the United States, he has always proved true to every trust reposed in him, and competent and faithful in the discharge of every duty. Methodically exact and prompt by habit, he enforces the strictest observance of rules by his subordinates, a custom made necessary by the magnitude of the business in his care, until the local freight department at Burlington has won a reputation as one of the best managed institutions of the company.

Christian J. Slingluff, one of the pioneer settlers of Des Moines County, Iowa, was born in Montgomery County, Pa., Oct. 14, 1814, and is a son of John and Catherine (Loeser) Slingluff, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the father of Scotch and the mother of Welch descent. Their union was celebrated in Montgomery County, where two children were born--Christian J. and William; the latter died at the age of nine years. The mother departed this life in 1842, the father dying in 1833. He was an old-line Whig and a great admirer of Henry Clay. The subject of our sketch grew to manhood in his native county, at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to the trade of bricklayer, and, in 1837, left Pennsylvania, and going to Columbus, Ohio, there spent one year. He next took up his residence in Wheeling, W. Va., where he wedded Miss Eliza Ann Hamilton, July 12, 1840, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, July 14, 1819. Eight children were born to them, four of whom are living: John, enlisted in the 11th United States Infantry, and served through the war; James H., Julius F. and Charles T. are all residents of Burlington. In 1855 Mr. Slingluff took up his residence in this city, and for several years was engaged in contracting and building. For the past eight years he has been superintending the brick work for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, on their Iowa Division. In early life a Whig, Mr. Slingluff, at the organization of the Republican party, joined its ranks, and has since cast his ballot with that body. He is a man of more than ordinary ability, and is well informed on all the affairs of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Slingluff have many warm friends in Burlington, and are highly respected for their many good qualities. The lady is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city.

John W. Slingluff, night clerk in the yard office of the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co., at Burlington, Iowa, was born in Wheeling, W. Va., May 12, 1841, and is a son of Christian and Eliza Ann (Hamilton) Slingluff. He attended the public schools until eighteen years of age, thus receiving a good common-school education. In April, 1855, he emigrated to Danville, Iowa, with his parents, and there remained for three years, at the expiration of which time he removed to Burlington and learned the painter's trade with his uncle, T. C. Hamilton.

When the late war broke out Mr. Slingluff, with others of the 11th United States Infantry, marched to the front. He enlisted on the 4th of February, 1862, in Company F, and served three years in the Army of the Potomac. He participated in many of the important battles of the war, among which were the second battle of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, seven-days battle of the Wilderness, Gettysburg and Culpeper Court House. At Mine Run, he was wounded so seriously as to be unfit for active service, so was placed on detached service, being detailed in the recruiting service, stationed at Wilkes Barre, Pa. On the 5th of February, 1865, after gallantly defending his country for three years, he received his discharge.

Returning to Burlington, Mr. Slingluff obtained employment at his trade with the C., B. & Q. R. R. Co., and has worked for them continuously since in several different capacities, being employed at the present time as night clerk in the yard office. The fact that he had been in the employ of the same company for twenty-three years is a sufficient guaranty of his faithfullness and skill. In his political views, he is a Democrat.

On the 15th of August, 1868, at Burlington, Iowa, Mr. Slingluff was united in marriage with Mary F. Bugle, a daughter of Patrick Bugle. Five children grace this union--Edwin, born Sept. 26, 1869; Clara J., born Aug. 18, 1871 Hattie, born Aug. 24, 1873; Lillie and John.

Julius F. Slingluff, who is among the oldest conductors on the Iowa Division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railraod, was born in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1849, and is a son of C. J. and Eliza A. (Hamilton) Slingluff. He came to Des Moines County, Iowa, in 1859, with his parents, who settled in Danville. There he grew to manhood, receiving his primary education in the schools of Des Moines County, and later took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, of Burlington, where he graduated in 1861. After completing his education, Mr. Slingluff began learning the painter's trade, but, finding this distasteful, went to work at railroading, as brakesman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, working his way up to the position of freight conductor, and later becoming passenger conductor, and is now running between Burlington and Creston.

In Burlington, Iowa, Sept. 10, 1879, the marriage of Julius Slingluff and Miss Clara Hilleary was celebrated. She was born in Des Moines County, July 9, 1851, and is the youngest daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Morgan) Hilleary, her mother being the first lady to cross the Mississippi River at Burlington. By this union there are three children--Harry, Francis and Edna. Mr. Slingluff is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 1, I. O. O. F., also a member of the Order of Railway Conductors, and in politics affiliates with the Republican party.

A. J. Smith, a leading farmer residing on section 5, Pleasant Grove Township, and a pioneer of Des Moines County, Iowa, was born in Washington County, Va., in 1817. He is a son of Daniel and Isabel (Gilson) Smith, the father a Virginian, and the mother a native of North Carolina. The paternal grandfather, Robert Smith, who was a farmer in Virginia, his native State, served in the War of the Revolution. The maternal grandfather, William Gilson, was also a farmer by occupation, and was of Irish descent. Daniel Smith was reared upon a farm in his native State, and there was united in marriage with Isabel Gilson. In the spring of 1818, they emigrated to Washington County, Ind., where Mr. Smith rented a farm until 1823, at which time they removed to Rush County, the husband there entering eighty acres of raw timber land among the settlements of the Indians. He erected a cabin, and immediately began the improvement of the tract, grubbing up the trees, and developing a farm upon which he lived for twelve years, during which time, by his thrift and enterprise, he was enabled to double his land, both in quantity and quality. Selling out, he next made his home in Hancock County, Ind., where he purchased a partially improved farm of 160 acres, and there resided until his death, which occurred Dec. 29, 1848, at the age of sixty-five years, ten months, and twelve days. Mrs. Smith survived her husband until Aug. 15, 1864, having reached her ripe old age of eighty-one years and twenty-three days at the time of her death. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Smith was a public-spirited man, taking an active interest in all enterprises for the good of the community. He served as Probate Judge in Rush County, Ind., for a number of years, and held the same office in Hancock County. In his political views, he was a supporter of the Whig party. Noted for his honesty and integrity, he was ever a leading man in the community where he resided, and was highly esteemed by all.

To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born sixteen children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, except one, and eleven are still living: Hiram, born Jan. 28, 1805, a retired farmer of Keokuk County, Iowa; William G., born Feb. 9, 1806, died in Indiana, Feb. 16, 1868; Robert and Jane (twins), born July 26, 1808, are both deceased; Samuel, born Nov. 26, 1809, departed this life in Rush County, Ind., Aug. 13, 1835; Mary, born Sept. 1, 1810, married Thompson Fleenor, and died in 1842; Louisa, widow of Benjamin Fry, of Hancock County, Ind.; her twin-sister Lavenia, died at birth; Elizabeth, born April 15, 1814, wedded Thomas McKinnon, of Henry County, Iowa; our subject is next in order of birth; Nancy Ellen, born Sept. 24, 1819, became the wife of Solomon Tiner, of Missouri; Sarah Ann, born July 27, 1821, widow of A. J. Porter, of Dallas, Tex.; Diroxia L., born Dec. 5, 1826, married Samuel Tibbits, a resident farmer of Pleasant Grove Township, died Feb. 22, 1888; Lillas, born Dec. 24, 1828, wife of David Davis, of Keokuk County, Iowa; Jeroial D., born Jan. 14, 1829, now residing in Texas; John H., born July 16, 1832, whose home is in Keokuk County, Iowa.

At the age of twenty-five years, our subject left the parental roof and emigrated to Iowa, settling in Pleasant Grove Township, Des Moines County. In the spring of 1843, he purchased 120 acres of partially improved land on section 10, immediately began the work of development, and upon that farm twelve years were passed. Then purchasing a farm on section 11 of the same township, he made it his home for the succeeding ten years, when he removed to Washington Township. After residing upon the last-purchased farm for three years, he again removed to Pleasant Grove Township, residing for twenty years on section 15, and then moved to section 5, which still continues to be his home. After having given his children farms, Mr. Smith is yet the owner of 1,518 acres of land, all of which were gained through his own efforts. His father being a poor man, he received no financial aid, but began his financial career by working for twenty-five cents a day. At the time of his emigration to Iowa, he had but $64 in money, and two ox teams, with which he commenced breaking prairie. The perseverance and energy which have made his life a success, may well serve as an example to future generations.

On the 18th of April, 1847, the marriage of Mr. Smith and Jane Westfall, a native of New York, born June 20, 1829, was celebrated. This worthy couple are the parents of twelve children, all of whom are living: Francis M., born March 20, 1848, a resident of Pleasant Grove Township; Frederick N., born Aug. 28, 1850, whose hone is in Washington Township; Isabella, born Aug. 30, 1852, is the wife of David L. Davis, of Keokuk County, Iowa; Asbury D., born May 17, 1854, is engaged in farming in Ness County, Kan.; A. J., born June 1, 1856; Mary J., born March 26, 1858, is the wife of Ira Reedfern, a farmer of Pleasant Grove Township; R. A., born April 8, 1860, whose home is in Wapello County, Iowa.; A. E., born Feb. 18, 1862, of Pleasant Grove Township; John H., born Oct. 30, 1864, residing in Jefferson County, Iowa; Minnie, born Nov. 12, 1865, wedded George Overman, of Des Moines County; Squire, born Nov. 18, 1867, now of Pleasant Grove Township; Ira, born Feb. 23, 1870, is still at home.

Mr. Smith has held various township offices, was Trustee for several terms, and County Supervisor for one term. His occupation has always been that of a farmer, though he also engages in raising and shipping stock. In the support of charitable, educational and religious institutions, he is very liberal, and in him the temperance cause finds an earnest advocate. To such men as Mr. Smith, Des Moines County owes her present prosperous condition, and as a pioneer, citizen and friend he receives the highest respect and esteem from all with whom he comes in contact. He can now look back over a well-spent life, and also takes pleasure in his children, who are honorable men and women in their several communities. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Smith appear upon the preceding page.

C. Whit Smith, of the Brooks, Smith & Taylor Company, wholesale grocers of Burlington, Iowa, has been a resident of this State since 1856, and was born in Jefferson, Greene Co., Pa., May 20, 1833.  His parents were Col. John and Ruth (Whitlatch) Smith, both of whom were of English descent, though the father was born in New Jersey, and the mother in Jefferson, Greene Co., Pa. Our subject received an academic education, and served a regular apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade.  He came to Burlington, Iowa, in 1856, and shortly afterward went to New London, where he was employed as merchant's clerk for Dr. W. C. Hobbs.  A year and a half later, he engaged with Josiah Roberts, dealer in general merchandise and wholesale dry-goods, continuing with him about a year, and then engaged in the furniture business in New London.  This he carried on until 1861, and then closed out with the intention of entering the army.  He raised a company, and was commissioned First Lieutenant, but unfortunately was taken sick before beginning active duty, and was incapacitated for service in the field.  He resigned his commission, but did not resume business again until 1864, when he engaged in general merchandising at New London in partnership with A. Chandler.  That connection continued until 1868, when Mr. Smith withdrew from local trade and engaged as traveling salesman for E. Chamberlain & Co., wholesale grocers of Burlington, Iowa, with whom he continued until the burning of their establishment in 1877, when he entered the service of the firm of W. T. Allen & Co., wholesale grocers of Chicago, as traveling salesman.  A year later he changed to the house of Collier, Robertson & Hambleton, wholesale grocers, and was employed in the same capacity by them until 1880, when he formed a partnership with Bell, Tollerton & Co., of Burlington, Iowa, in the same business.  In 1883 the firm was changed to Bell, Smith & Signer, and Sept. 8, 1887, the present company was incorporated under the name of Brooks, Smith & Taylor Company.  (See sketch of business under commercial heading in this work.)

On the 7th of May, 1857, at New London, Iowa, the union of Mr. Smith and Miss Isabella V. Chandler was celebrated.  She is a daughter of Addison and M. E. Chandler, early settlers of New London, Iowa.  One child graces this union, a son, George Otho Whit, born at New London, June 20, 1859, now cashier for Brooks, Smith & Taylor Company.  Mr. Smith is a straight Republican in politics, but has never been an office-seeker.  The extent of his experience in office-holding was several years service as Clerk of the School Board of New London, and also as Clerk of the same in New London Township. Socially, he is a member of Charity Lodge, No. 56, I. O. O. F.  In connection with his other duties, Mr. Smith superintends the buying of the extensive stock handled by his firm.  His long experience in the wholesale grocery trade has eminently fitted him for that important branch of the business.

Charles W. Smith, one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of Des Moines County, Iowa, residing on section 21, Union Township, was born Dec. 15, 1820, in Ross County, Ohio, though he was reared in Fayette County. He is a son of William and Mary (Walker) Smith, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Virginia. After the death of her husband, which occurred in 1826, Mrs. Smith removed with her family to Fayette County, but later made her home with our subject in Des Moines County, where her death occurred in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of five children--John W., who was a soldier of the Mexican War, went to Puget Sound, in Washington Territory, many years ago; one daughter, the widow of Harvey Schags, who resides in Union Township; and our subject.

Charles W. Smith is truly one of the self-made men of Des Moines County. His father dying when he was but six years of age, he was thus early thrown upon his own resources. Remaining in Fayette County until September, 1837, he went to Vigo County, Ind., where he made his home until Nov. 1, 1841. Thinking that the West would furnish a better field for his labors, he started for Des Moines County, Iowa, and on reaching his destination immediately began working by the day. In 1842, Mr. Smith rented a farm in Union Township, upon which he remained for two years. In 1843, he began running a threshing-machine, and two years later, going to Alton, Ill., he there purchased a separator and threshing-machine. This machine, which was painted a bright blue color, was the first one of the kind that had been shipped into or used in Des Moines County, and great was the excitement it created. In the fall of 1847, he sold his machine, and in company with J. G. Ewing opened a little store in Dodgeville. Later Mr. Smith sold out his stock to Jesse Wassom, and made his first purchase of land, consisting of a small farm southwest of Burlington. In 1854, he sold this tract and purchased 260 acres on sections 21 and 22, Union Township, where he has made his home continuously since.

In October, 1840, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Elliott, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and by this union four children were born--Mary A., deceased, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of the leading workers, both in church and Sunday-school, where her loss was severely felt; Henry C. wedded Miss Ellen Saltzman, a native of Ringgold County, Iowa, where he is now engaged in farming; John W. wedded Miss Amanda Newburg, a native of Des Moines County, Iowa, and he is also a resident farmer of Ringgold County; Charles Frank wedded Miss Josephine Elliott, a daughter of Rev. A. C. Elliott, but in December, 1885, his death occurred. They had one child, a daughter, Frank. Mrs. Smith, the mother of these children, was called to her last rest, Nov. 26, 1873, after an illness of four years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Smith's home farm in Union Township, consisting of 320 acres, is one of the most highly cultivated in Des Moines County, and all the improvements are the work of his own hands. His success in life has all been due to his own efforts. Starting as he did in this county as a day laborer, by his energy, ability and good management he has gained a comfortable competence and is now the owner of 1040 acres of land, 320 in this county and 720 in Ringgold County, Iowa. In connection with his farming, he has been extensively engaged in raising and shipping stock, in which he was quite successful, and upon this farm may be found a fine grade of cattle, horses and hogs. In his political views, Mr. Smith is a Democrat, though very liberal. As a citizen, he is honest and upright, and receives the highest respect of all.

Frederick A. Smith, President of the Burlington Vinegar and Pickle Works, was born in Berkshire County, Mass., Dec. 31, 1829., and is a son of Enos and Nellie M. (Shaw) Smith. His parents were New England people, the father being a native of Connecticut and the mother of Massachusetts. Frederick was educated in the East, receiving an academic education, and in 1852 went to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he spent three years, coming to Burlington in 1855. The same year he engaged as traveling salesman for Samuel Robinson, wholesale dealer in cigars and tobacco. In 1860 he began business for himself in the same line at Burlington, and in 1861 began the manufacture of cigars. From 1865 until 1879 Mr. Smith was engaged in the manufacture of tobacco as a member of the firm of Smith, Cook & Co., and in 1881 joined H. Weinrich in the incorporation of the Burlington Vinegar and Pickle Works. He was chosen president of the company, and has held the position for the past seven years. The sketch of their business appears elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage in Lee County, Iowa, June 23, 1867, with Miss Lucy A. Parker, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, and a daughter of Benjamin Parker, Esq. One child, a daughter, Millie P., was born of their union. Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend the First Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Smith is a Republican, though not an active partisan, his experience in official affairs being limited to one term in the City Council. He is an energetic, practical business man, of broad views and ripe experience. The rapid growth of the business of his house, and the establishment of important branch houses in other cities, has been materially advanced by Mr. Smith's enterprise and push.

Frederick N. Smith, a farmer residing on sectin 28, Washington Township, was born in Des Moines County, Iowa, Aug. 28, 1850, and is the second son of A. J. and Jane (Westfall) Smith.  The father was born in Virginia, and his parents were early settlers of Hancock County, Ind.  When he was a young man he became a resident of Des Moines County, Iowa, when it was yet a Territory.  He made the journey from Indiana to this county with an ox-team, and had only $65 in money, with which he purchased fifty acres of land.  He added to this until he owned 2,000 acres of fine land, which he divided, giving each of his children a farm.  Mr. Smith was a member of the Board of County Commissioners, and he and his wife are still residing in Pleasant Grove Township, where they are highly esteemed as citizens.

On the 24th of December, 1874, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Beck, of Pleasant Grove Township, who is a daughter of Conrad Beck, a large farm owner.  Three children have been born of their union, two of whom are living--William G. and Justice C.  Webster died at the age of two and one-half years.  The first land which Mr. Smith purchased consisted of an eighty-acre tract on section 28, in Washington Township, which comprises part of his present farm, although he has added to it until he now has 400 acres in Washington Township, and about 100 acres in Pleasant Grove Township.  His home is one of the most pleasantly situated in the county, and everything upon his land shows him to be a thrifty, systematic and energetic farmer.  He has recently had a new barn erected at a cost of $2,000, and his cattle and horses are all thoroughbred and high grade.  Since he was fifteen years old Mr. Smith has bought and shipped stock, in which he has been quite successful, and now makes a specialty of the Polled Angus cattle.  He is a member of the Township Board, having held that office for five years, and is active in making out the township and county tickets.  Politically, he is a supporter of the Democratic party, and has been a Mason since his twenty-first year.  Mrs. Smith is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Iowa J. Smith, of Burlington, Iowa, was born Jan. 1, 1838, and is the oldest male citizen born in Des Moines County.  Here he grew to manhood, receiving such education as the schools of those days afforded, and as soon as he was old enough to handle a plow, he began working on the farm.  In 1866 Mr. Smith built the livery stable on the corner of Third and Valley streets, engaging in that business for seven years.  In 1862 he went to Idaho, and there engaged in mining, accumulating considerable wealth, and after his returned he engaged in the raising and training of fast stock, in which business he still continues.  He is a thorough horseman.

Capt. J. Allison Smith, for ten years Principal of the High School, of Burlington, Iowa, was born near Wheeling, Ohio Co., W. Va., Sept. 5, 1815, and is a son of William C. Smith, who was also a native of West Virginia, born in 1797.  John Allison Smith, the paternal grandfather, emigrated to the West from New England prior to the War of 1812, and in that war served under Gen. Jackson, of whom he was afterward a great admirer.  William Smith also served in the whisky war of Pittsburgh, Pa.  He wedded Miss Mary Neely, who was a native of Ireland, and came with her parents to America in childhood.  Five children were born to this worthy couple:  J. Allison, the subject of this sketch; Dorcas, wife of John Hosick; Elizabeth, wife of George Wright; Susan, wife of Thomas Todd; and William T., unmarried; the last four are residents of Leavenworth, Kan.  They were all reared in the Presbyterian faith and are members of that church.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are now deceased, the former departed this life in 1843, the latter in 1851. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, his primary education being received in the West Alexandria Academy, supplemented by a course in the Washington College in Washington County, Pa., where he was graduated in 1840.  He cast his first presidential vote in 1840, taking an active interest in that campaign, and in the same year he went to Mahoning County, Ohio, where he was in charge of the Canfield Academy.  In 1843 he went to Wheeling, W. Va., there also having charge of the Wheeling Academy for four years, and later became Principal of the Florence (Pa.) Academy.  While in the latter place he obtained a position as a teacher in a private family at Milliken's Bend, La., at a salary of $2,000 per year, but through the perseverance and influence of his advisor, the Rev. W. D. Smith, who was strongly anti-slavery in his views, and did not want him to go into a slave State, he abandoned the offer and was elected Principal of the Lebanon Academy, at Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio.  After continuing in that position for four years, he went to Springfield, Ohio, where he was instrumental in building the Springfield Female Seminary at a cost of $40,000, and was the largest stockholder, having charge of the school for nearly four years, when, in 1857, he went to Edgar County, Ill., where he was Principal of the Edgar County Academy for five years.  He then removed to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he was employed as Principal of the High School until the breaking out of the Rebellion.  Having many friends in the South, it was thought by some people of Mt. Pleasant that his sympathies might be with the people of that section.  He was therefore called upon by some Republicans to ascertain his views in regard to the impending struggle.  Feeling somewhat injured by the way he was approached, Mr. Smith mounted a stand, and in a speech made to a large crowd, which soon gathered round, he gave them to understand that his sympathies were wholly with the Union.  It was now vacation time and he made a trip to the East.  On his return to Mt. Pleasant he was greatly surprised to find a company which had been enlisted gathered at the depot to meet him, with a band of music.  His astonishment was even greater on being informed that he had been elected Captain.  Placed in a position from which he hardly knew how to extricate himself, and having a family depending upon him for support, Mr. Smith asked the boys for a couple of days in which to consider their proposal, and, if he decided to go, to make arrangements for his family.  Some of the prominent men of the city came forward and assured him that his wife and children should not want, and so he accepted the command, becoming Captain of Company B, 25th Iowa Infantry, and was mustered in at Mt. Pleasant. After remaining in camp at that city for a short time, the regiment was then ordered to St. Louis, expecting to remain in camp for at least two months.  The company had been well drilled at Mt. Pleasant by Col. Stone and Lieut. Brydolph, and on their arrival at St. Louis were anxious to make a display of their military proficiency, so calling on Gen. Curtis they performed a number of their best evolutions before him at his headquarters. To repay their efforts the General at once gave orders for them to report to Gen. Gorman at Helena, so they had no camp life at St. Louis.  Six companies left by boat for Helena that same day, and the other four were to follow on the morrow.  Below Island No. 10 the boat ran aground (it being thought that is was done intentionally by the officers of the boat, who were evidently in sympathy with the Confederates), and all efforts of the boat's crew to get it off were ineffectual.  It seemed as if they were destined to stay there indefinitely.  On the third day after their detention a small boat was seen coming down the river, upon which Capt. Smith took passage for Memphis for the purpose of securing relief.  He arrived in that city about 10 o'clock at night, and there met an unexpected difficulty.  The city was then under military law, of which fact the Captain was unaware, and when he had proceeded up the street for a short distance, he was met by a policeman who ordered him to stop, and on manifesting an unwillingness to do so, he was placed under arrest.  Just at that moment an officer was passing with a relief corps to change the guard.  Feeling that he belonged to the great army of the West and that he owed obedience to that power in preference to civil authority, Capt. Smith at once requested the officer to take him to Gen. Sherman, with whom he had important business, never once stopping to reflect whether he had the right to do so nor did he know.  All he wished was to see the General, and it proved very beneficial to him.  Arriving at Sherman's headquarters at 12 o'clock at night, they found him busy with his subordinates.  In a few moments, being at liberty, the General pleasantly asked Capt. Smith his business, and, on receiving a brief reply, gave him an order for the steamboat "Queen of the West," and also for ample supplies. Then, turning his piercing eyes on him, he smilingly said, with a look which Mr. Smith will never forget, "Captain, I would like to know what you did before you came into the army."  Mr. Smith replied that he taught school. "I thought so," said the General.  "No other man would have been of foolish so to run the risk you did to get here."  Capt. Smith soon returned and released the boys from their