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HENRY A. YOUNKIN, farmer and stock-raiser. In giving a sketch of the Younkin family, we are pleased to state that Samuel and Catherine (Godlove) Younkin are the oldest couple in Iowa Township. they have long since passed their golden wedding anniversary, but to-day at their advanced age, he is his eighty-ninth and she in her eighty-fifth year, their health is remarkably good, and both do as much work upon the farm as almost any couple in the neighborhood. The longevity of the family is also remarkable, eighty odd years being the average; some them have reached the advanced age of one hundred
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and Samuel and his wife bid fair to reach that ripe old age. They are both of German origin, born in Virginia, and their marriage was celebrated in Perry County, Ohio, where Mr. Younkin cleared up two large farms. He was an official of his township from the earliest recollection of our subject, and taught school before, and for many years after his marriage was engaged in that profession. His wife was a great weaver, and to this day has one of the old style looms in her house, and her nimble fingers yet fashion the stripes in homewoven carpets, and the click-clack of the flying shuttle is heard in the old farm house where they have lived for many years.
Samuel, too, understood weaving well, and in the early days wove large quantities of woolen goods, but as a weaver his crowning glory consisted in the manufacture of those old coverlets which will last a lifetime. the historian was shown one of fifty-three such specimens, woven and presented to his children and grandchildren by Samuel Younkin when in his eighty-eighth year, and to say that no present could be more highly esteemed, would hardly express their sentiments. They are the parents of the following children, nine of whom were born in Ohio prior to their removal to Iowa in 1844: Joseph, the husband of Eliza J. Iden; Mary A., the wife of Ferdinand Tener; Henry A., the husband of Mary A. Iden, a cousin of Joseph's wife; Abner, whose first wife was the second Rebecca Fesler; Martha J. Young; Elizabeth, deceased, married Thomas H. Iden; Samuel died when ten years old; Nancy and John F., both unmarried; Margaret, deceased, was the wife of William Tansey; she died while her husband was absent as a soldier during the late war. William, deceased, was by trade a harness-maker, wedded Adaline Bray; George, the youngest,is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now stationed at Kellogg, Iowa, and was born in this county.
When the family came to this county, Samuel Younkin purchased an eighty-acre tract of land, which he still owns, and also paid $400 to Nixon Scoot for a claim to a section besides, which he afterward entered, which is now in the possession of the family with other lands that have since been added. A little round log cabin with a clapboard roof stood upon the eighty-acre tract, and into this the family moved, and as our subject states "the eaves were not over five feet hisgh, and we had to stoop to get in at the door." A sod house addition was built at once, and in this the family passed a fairly comfortable winter. The second winter was passed in a nice double-log cabin, covered with a shingle roof, and this was for many years known as "Younkin's Hotel;" the stage lilne from Iowa City to Fairfield passed this pioneer inn, and a post-office was established there in 1856, with Samuel Younkin as Postmaster. The "Younkin Hotel" was a stage office, and frequently three or four stages would stop at one time. The hotel did quite a large transient trade for many years, and the post-office was continued until 1859. The old military road was a meandering one, and in fact passed many of the houses in the new country. Nathaniel McClure, a wealthy man who resided within what is now the limits of Riverside, concluded to open a hotel, and to make it profitable, petitioned the State Legislature to have the old military road surveyed, and the bill was passed which authorized the line from Keokuk to Dubuque to be opened and bridged at the expense of the State. This practically stopped traffic on the old line, and the "Younkin Hotel" was discontinued. McClure's inn flourished a short time, until railroads put an end to stage travel. Samuel Yuonkin would not accept any official position after coming to Washington County, and his whole life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, in which he and his children have been remarkably successful.
Henry A. Younkin, the subject of this sketch, was born in 1827, and has been from his boyhood chiefly engaged in farming. He left his father's house in the fall of 1849, after they came to Iowa, and spent one winter in Arkansas and Mississippi, and the next winter in the pine forests of Wisconsin, lumbering on the Chippewa River. He returned to Iowa, and in December, 1860, was wedded to Mary A. Iden. their domestic life was begun upon their present farm, which was entered by our subject in 1851, for which he has the original patent. The first house erected is still standing, but has been pushed back to make room for a more modern farm house. In the old house their only
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daughter, Emma C., was born, and in it the years were passed in which Mr. Younkin gained the most of his financial prestige. During the intervening years, Mr. Younkin as been Assessor of the township, and three years its Trustee. Since their school district has been organized, he has served fourteen consecutive years as School Treasurer, and is the present incumbent of that office. His daughter has attended several terms at the Iowa City Academy, and has received a liberal education. The Younkin family are earnest advocates of everything pertaining to the advancement of educational interests. As this is a fitting addenda to the sketch of one of the oldest families of the county, it is given with pleasure and will be read with interest.
JOHN McCLELLAND, deceased, was a native of Ireland, but came with his parents to the United States when a mere child, the family locating in Pennsylvania. There he grew to manhood, and in March, 1813, married Betsy Keister, who was born in Pennsylvania, but was of German parentage. After their marriage, the young couple settled near Pittsburgh. they were the parents of fifteen children, all yet living but one: William has been for many years a practicing physician in Washington County; James is in Detroit, Mich.;Rebecca is the wife of Peter Keister, also of Washington County; Ann is deceased; Erskine is in Georgetown, Col.; Nathan resides in New Zealand; John lives in this county; Hannah and Eliza are twins; the former is the wife of Dr. J. McClelland, of Pennsylvania, and the latter the wife of Archibald Graham, of Missouri. Sarah is the wife of Aaron Glenn, of this county; Job is a resident of Anamosa, Col.; Phoebe is the wife of John McKenzie; Jemima is the widow of Mr. Edwards, of Missouri; Mary Jane is the widow of W. O. Wallace, of this county. After remaining in Pennsylvania till several of his children were scattered in various parts of the country, in 1855 Mr. and Mrs. McClelland came to Washington County, where they lived till their death. Mr. McClelland died in 1871, at the age of eighty-five years, while Mrs. McClelland survived him four years, dying at the age of eighty-five years.
John McClelland was possessed of rather more than ordinary ability; a man of strong convictions and one not afraid to express his views upon any question of public interest. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and advocated freedom at a time when it was hardly considered fashionable, and when it was really not safe. He was one of a few men in Pennsylvania who voted for Birney the Free-soil candidate for President in 1844. Mr. McClelland was also a strong advocate of temperance when it was not very popular to be a temperance man, eve when to advocate temperance was to be a fanatic. He lived to see slavery abolished throughout the length and breadth of the land and to see his temperance principles endorsed by the majority of the American people. Religiously, he was connected with the United Presbyterians, and, with the members of that body, was opposed to secret societies, believing that all things should be done in the light of day.
ABSALOM BUSH, retired farmer, resides at Kalona. He was born in Fayette County, Ohio, Feb. 8, 1813, and is the son of Leonard and Catherine (Powers) Bush. His father was born in Pendleton County, Va., of German ancestry. He was a farmer and a natural mechanic, and was also a carpenter, manufacturing looms and spinning-wheels, and various other household articles. He was a master in the use of tools, and could make anything that he was requested to, and no man could do finer work. He was married in Virginia to Miss Catherine Powers, who was his companion and helpmeet until death. She was born in Hardy County, Va., and was the daughter of a Dunkard minister. Her family were also of German origin.
The family, consisting of the parents and three children, removed to Ross County, Ohio, on the north fork of the Paint River, where they staid [stayed] two years, and then removed to the farm in Fayette County. This farm was a wild, umimproved place in a wilderness. Their log house was built
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without a floor, and after the family were moved the first work of Mr. Bush was to grub the stubs and roots out of the room, and to level off a floor. He and his wife improved the farm and reared a family of eleven children. Mr. Bush died at the age of seventy years, his wife surviving him and dying at the age of seventy-four.
Our subject, Absalom Bush, was reared on a farm and became an expert at tools under the instruction of his father. He was married, Oct. 7, 1832, to Violet, daughter of Levi and Violet (Figgins) Arnold. Mrs. Bush was born in Kentucky, but came to Ohio when very young. She was reared in Fayette County. Mr. and Mrs. Bush are the parents of twelve children, five boys and seven girls, three of whom died in childhood. The others are: Catherine, the wife of William Gwinn, now residing in Keota, Iowa, and the mother of six children, three boys and three girls; Darius, next of birth, was a soldier of the late war, enlisting in Co. H, 7th Vol. Inf., July 11, 1861, on the second call for troops; he was killed in the first battle (Belmont) Grant fought, Nov. 14, 1861. His younger brother, Cyrus, was severely wounded in the same battle, by a gunshot wound in the shoulder. Mr. Bush went to Belmont and brought home his wounded son. His other son was then reported missing, but the father did not know the facts of his death until eight months later, when he learned from a returned prisoner that Darius was cut down by a rebel Colonel, his head being nearly severed from his body. The Union soldiers, seeing the act, shot the Colonel dead in his tracks. A still younger son, D. Ezra, was also a soldier, and was twice wounded, the last time severely (see sketch of D. E. Bush.) The next youngest child was Elizabeth, who died at the age of eighteen years; Sarah was the wife of E. S. Marsh, and died July 25, 1887, leaving six children, four girls and two boys; Cyrus married Alice Brown, and has six children, three boys and three girls, and resides in English River Township; D. Ezra married Mary Coombs, and has four children, one girl and three boys, and also resides in English River Township; Mary, the wife of John P. Coffman, of the Baptist Church of Albion, Iowa, has six children, four girls and two boys; Leonard, a farmer of Cedar Township, this county, is married to Margaret Strabling, and has four sons and one daughter. The three who died in childhood were Anderson, aged eleven years, Louisa and Huldah. The last named was the youngest child.
Mr. Bush came to Washington County with his family in October, 1846. He bought the farm now owned by his son D. Ezra, on section 24, and continued farming until 1862, and then moved to the village of Kalona, where he has since resided. He has not been a seeker after office, but has served as Township Trustee, and in minor positions. In politics he was a Whig, and a life-long Abolitionist, and worked earnestly for the restriction of slavery. He became a member of the Republican party at its formation, and has been a stanch supporter of its principles ever since. Mr. Bush and wife and several of their children, are members of the Christian Church. They have now forty grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mr. Bush is a man of sincere humane sentiments, has always been a champion of the weak and oppressed, and a fearless denouncer of tyranny and wrong. His patriotism was unbounded, and the sacrifice made by him in the loss of one son and the wounding of two others, attested his sincerity. He is a man of remarkable temperate habits; for forty years he has drunk no intoxicating liquors nor taken a dose of medicine.
JAMES S. FUNSTON is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 20, Clay Township. He was born in Clarke County, Ohio, Dec. 1, 1825, and is the son of Frederick and Julia (Stafford) Funston. Frederick Funston was a native of Ireland, born in 1800, and came with his parents to the United States in 1804. They settled in Bourbon County, Ky., where they remained a short time, and then removed to Clarke County, Ohio. There Frederick grew t manhood, became acquainted with, and married Miss Julia Stafford, a native of Virginia, born in
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1804, but who was reared in Ohio. They wre the parents of seven children: Paul, a carpenter by trade, died in Ottumwa, Iowa, in the spring of 1883; James S., the subject of this sketch; William is a farmer and fruit dealer in Cass County, Ind.; Sarah died and was buried in the cemetery at Logansport, Ind.; Eliza, is the wife of Aaron Flory, an attorney-at-law in Emporia, Kan.; he was a Colonel in an Indiana regiment during the late war, and in one of the battles was left for dead upon the battle-field, but was taken prisoner by the enemy, and confined in the Tyler (Tex.) Prison. From that prison he made his escape and after days of traveling through the wilderness, managed to get inside the Union lines, almost destitute of clothing, and in a starving condition. Edward H. is now residing in Allen County, Kan.; during the war of the Rebellion he served three years as a Lieutenant in an Ohio Battery. Soon after the close of the war, he emigrated to Kansas, was elected a member of the Legislature, and by his colleagues was made Speaker of the House. He is now serving his third term as a Member of Congress. As an orator and debater, he ranks high among the many able men of that State. He is also an ardent supporter of the temperance cause, a Prohibitionist from principle. Mary married a Mr. Anderson, both are deceased. Frederick Funston, the father of our subject, was killed the day before the election of Gen. Harrison as President, in 1840. He was a strong Whig, a great admirer of Harrison, and was killed by a beam giving way on a cider-mill, striking him on the head. Mrs. Julia Funston died in June, 1881. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a true Christian, one who brought up her children to love and obey the teachings of the Bible. She was buried in the cemetery at Logansport, Ind.
The early life of James S. Funston, the subject of this sketch, was spent on a farm, and in attendance at the common schools of his native State. At the age of sixteen he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and followed that occupation for many years. He was also quite a musician, and for some years taught vocal music. He was united in marriage, May 20, 1852, with Miss Susan R. Northcutt, a native of Kenton County, Ky., born May 6, 1837, and the daughter of Thomas and Martha (Gravard) Northcutt, who were also natives of Kentucky. Her uncle, William Northcutt, and John Funston, an uncle of our subject, both served in the War of 1812, and were in the battle where Tecumseh was killed. Her father and mother were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, her father being a Class-Leader for some years. The former died in 1843, and the latter in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Funston have had five children: Thomas M., born Sept. 21, 1853, in Cass County, Ind., and died Dec. 3, 1868. Before his death he made a profession of religion and died in the hope of an eternal life. He was buried in Clay Cemetery. Julia E., born Nov. 18, 1857, died Nov. 8, 1873, she also died full of faith. Edward M., born Nov. 10, 1859, married Miss Anna Spaulding, and is engaged in farming in Seventy-Six Township; Melva A., born Oct. 1, 1862; James T., born Oct. 4, 1878. The three last were born in Washington County.
In 1852, Mr. Funston moved from Kentucky to Peru, Ind., and there remained until the fall of 1854, when he returned to Kentucky, and for one year was engaged in teaching vocal music. In 1855, he went to Ralls County, Mo., where he purchased eighty acres of land, on which he resided until the fall of 1856, when he sold out and came to Iowa. Mr. Funston was always a strong anti-slavery man, and had many debates upon that subject while a resident of Kentucky and Missouri. On one occasion he held a public debate with John G. Carlisle, the present Speaker of the National HOuse of Representatives. An uncle of Carlisle's was Chairman of the meeting. Before the debate was begun, all the colored people were dismissed from the meeting, the slave-holders not caring to have them enlightened on the peculiar ideas of Mr. Funston. In his younger days, Mr. Funston for the sake of an argument would occasionally take the opposite view of a question to that in which he believed. On one occasion, in a temperance meeting, he advocated the side of the whiskey men. On the conclusion of the meeting, a drunken man came forward to the stage, and slapping young Funston on the shoulder, said to him: "You spoke my sentiments, young man. I agree with every word you say. I guess we have a right to drink if we want
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to." Mr. Funston said that he then made up his mind that he would never argue against his own convictions of right, as it might have a tendency to influence one in the wrong direction.
In 1856, while he was residing on his farm in Missouri, he had a debate upon the slavery question, and presented his views in such a strong manner that he made a number of enemies. He then thought best to sell his farm and move to a State where slavery was unknown. coming to Washington County, he purchased eighty acres of land on section 20, Clay Township, where he has since continued to reside, and where he has always endeavored to cast his influence on the side of right. Mr. and Mrs. Funston are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for forty-five years Mr. Funston has held some office in that Church. His grandfather Funston was converted under the preaching of John Wesley, in Ireland, and lived to the age of ninety-five. The subject of this sketch has for many years been a local preacher in that Church, and has endeavored to do all the good in his power. Politically, he is a Republican and has held various township offices.
THOMAS MORGAN MOORE, deceased, was formerly a well-known resident of Iowa Township. The father of our subject, Henry Moore, was born in Holland and came to America about the year 1800, settling in New York State. He brought a large amount of money with him, and invested it in horses. As they were being shipped across Lake Geneva to market, the boat was wrecked and all the horses perished. Thus, at one venture went all the cash of the sturdy Hollander, who had emigrated to this country hoping to make a fortune. The box in which his money was kept while crossing the ocean, is now in the possession of his granddaughter, Miss Elsie Moore, who furnishes the facts relative to the family history.
Henry Moore was twice married, and had two sons and two daughters by his first wife, of whom but little account can be given. William Moore, his son, was quite a noted man in New Haven, Ohio, where he was the owner of a large tannery, a store, and a boot and shoe manufactory; John, another son, was a cooper and farmer, residing in the same State; Sarah A., a daughter, married Jason Ames, a shoemaker, who removed to Charlotte, Mich., and died in that place; Mary wedded George Gardiner, a trader of New Haven. After the death of his first wife, Henry Moore married Mrs. Hannah (Lockwood) Brown, who by her first husband was the mother of one son, Lucius, deceased, who was a business man in New Haven. They were married in New York, and thence emigrated to Licking County, Ohio, where a farm was purchased, upon which the father died soon after their arrival. Their family consisted of Maria, Thomas, Hannah, George and Phoebe.
Mrs. Henry Moore died in Illinois, at the home of her daughter, Maria, who wedded Harry Steward, then a farmer of Kendall County, Ill., but now a resident of Ford County, Ill. They left Ohio in 1842, and were followed the next year by Thomas, who also settled in that county. He was at that time the husband of Mary Troup, born near Gettysburg, Adams Co., Pa. Her parents, Rachel and George Troup, came to Licking County, Ohio, when she was eight years of age. They later removed to VAn Wert, Ohio, where the parents died. They left a family of fifteen children, some of whom died in infancy. Those who lived to maturity were, Isaac, Abram, Philip, Jacob, John, Peter, George, Mary A., Margaret, Lavina and Andrew, all of whom are residents of Phillips County, Kan., and are wealthy and prosperous citizens of that State.
Eleven years after settling in Illinois, Thomas Moore emigrated to Iowa, settling on the farm now the property of his daughter, Elsie. This he entered in 1854, and erected his house two years later. Every improvement necessary to make a fine farm, was done by him during his lifetime, and although engrossed wit the cares of farm life, he accepted the office of County Supervisor at an early day, and served as such for several years. By trade, he was a shoemaker, having followed that business for seventeen years in Ohio, and being an expert at the trade, but made shoes only for his own family and a few of the neighbors after coming to Iowa. Their children were all born in Illinois, as follows:
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George, deceased; Elsie; John, the husband of Wealthy Buckwalter, of this county; Thomas is deceased, his death occurring June 7, 1880, and he was buried on the 9th of that month. There seems to be a strong coincidence regarding the date. Thomas and his wife were married May 9, and Elsie's foster-sister was married June 9, that being the anniversary of her cousin's marriage, and the death of Elsie's mother occurred April 9, 1887. there were also three of the family born on the 16th of the month.
Thomas Moore and his wife were among the early settlers of Washington County, and during a long lifetime endeared themselves to all who knew them. Their children indeed honor them. Elsie is a graduate of the Iowa City Commercial College, and for eight years has been engaged in teaching; she taught one term in Keokuk, three in Charlotte, Mich., and the remainder in her own county. She has furnished several contributions to local societies of which she is a member, that have been copied, and favorably commented upon by the press. We are pleased to present this, although a brief sketch of this family, as it gives them a place in the history of a county beloved by all.
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RESIDENCE OF D. J. PALMER
WASHINGTON, IA.
COL. DAVID PALMER, one of the enterprising farmers and business men of Washington County, resides on his farm upon section 9, Washington Township. He is the son of Samuel R. and Margaret Palmer, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. He was born in Washington County, Pa., Nov. 15, 1839, and was but three years of age when his parents emigrated to Ohio, and seventeen years when they came to Iowa. He was educated in the common schools of Ohio, supplemented by a partial course at Washington College, Washington.
On the call of President Lincoln for 300,000 men, shortly after the commencement of the war for the Union, Mr. Palmer enlisted as a private in Co. C, 8th Iowa Vol. Inf., but was appointed Corporal in the company. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp McClellan, Davenport, from which place it was sent to Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, in September, 1861. Its service was in the raid after Price, down through Missouri, and after chasing them into Arkansas, it returned and went into winter quarters at Sedalia. In March, 1862, it was sent up the Tennessee River to Pittsburg Landing, where it was engaged in that part of the battle of Shiloh known as the "Hornet's Nest." Here Mr. Palmer was severely wounded, being shot through the left breast and left behind on the field of battle as mortally wounded. He was carried as a captive by the rebels inside their lines, where he was left to himself without having his wound attended to. The next day, being nearer the line of the Union army than that of the rebel, he crawled inside, was taken to the hospital and his wound dressed. From this hospital he was subsequently sent to one at Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained two months.
Our subject was subsequently discharged, and as soon as his wound had healed sufficiently for him to get around, he recruited a company which became Co. A., 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., and in which he was elected Captain. The regiment was attached to Steele's Division soon after its organization, and at Chickasaw Bayou fought its first battle, Dec. 29, 1862. At Arkansas Post, Jan. 11, 1863, it had its second engagement, suffering severely, Capt. Palmer being among the wounded, and 7,000 prisoners being captured. After the battle of Arkansas Post, the regiment made several minor expeditions and was then sent to Young's Point, in the rear of Vicksburg. In the siege and capture of Vicksburg the the 25th Regiment held a very prominent position, being on the right of Grant's army. After the fall of Vicksburg it joined the march to Jackson, and took part in the second battle of that name, which resulted in the defeat of the rebel Johnson. The regiment then returned to Big Black River, where it was stationed until September following, when it moved with Sherman's army to Memphis, and was attached to the 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, the only division which encountered the enemy on the way.
In June, 1863, Capt. Palmer was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and from that time until the close of the war, he was generally in command of the regiment. The 25th Iowa Regiment had a grand record, and saw very much active service.
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Among other engagements in which it participated were those of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Taylor Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Peachtree Creek and the siege of Atlanta. Col. Palmer received his third wound at the battle of Ringgold, Ga., Nov. 27, 1863. After the defeat of the rebels at Atlanta, the 25th Regiment followed Hood one day, when it was drawn off and became a part of that great body which marched with Sherman to the sea. In all the engagements which followed, up to the battle of Bentonville, N.C., the 25th Iowa Regiment was an active participant. It was at Durham Station at the time of the surrender of Johnston. At this place it first heard of the assassination of President Lincoln. From Durham Station it marched on to Washington, D. C., and was there in the grand review at the close of the war. It was mustered out at Washington City, but retained its organization until it reached Davenport, Iowa, where hte regiment was paid off and discharged.
On receiving his discharge, Col. Palmer immediately returned to Washington, Iowa, and at once engaged in the occupation of a farmer, in which business he has since almost continuously been engaged. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Miss Letitia H. Young, a daughter of Harvey Young, one of the early settlers of Washington County. She was born in Fleming County, Ky., in 1842. They now live upon their farm near the city of Washington, in a very pleasant home, surrounded by all the comforts secured by good taste, and the proper use of his handsome income. In politics, Col. Palmer is a stanch Republican, one who firmly believes in the principles advocated by the party. In 1875 he was elected Auditor of Washington County, and was re-elected in 1877. As an official he discharged the duties of the office with scrupulous care and fidelity.
Religiously, Col. Palmer is a Untied Presbyterian, having membership with the Second United Presbyterian Church of Washington. His wife is also a member of that body. While not a resident of the city of Washington, no man living within its boundaries takes more interest in its welfare or will do more to advance its interests. In almost every public enterprise, he contributes liberally of his means. Col. Palmer, in his intercourse with his fellowmen, is pleasant and agreeable at all times. He is a good conversationalist, and is entertaining at all times. The home farm consists of 280 acres of land adjoining the city of Washington, all of which is under a high state of cultivation.
A fine view of the residence of Col. Palmer will be found elsewhere in this volume, to which the attention of the reader is invited.
DANIEL C. MOORE, a retired farmer, living in Washington, was born in Schoharie County, N.Y., Jan. 12, 1810, and is the son of Isaac and Phoebe (Cornwell) Moore, both of whom were also natives of New York. Soon after the birth of Daniel the family moved to Otsego County, N.Y., where he grew to manhood and received his education in the common schools. His parents removed from New York to Illinois at quite an early day, settling in Boone County, where both died many years ago. Daniel went from New York to Canada, and was married, in 1838, near Toronto, to Miss Nancy Davidson. Five children were born to them, all of whom have passed "over the river," where they were joined by their mother.
In December, 1884, Mr. Moore was again married, choosing as his wife, Mrs. Sarah Stafford, whose maiden name was Carson, the widow of Ralph Stafford, by whom she had eleven children. Strange to say, all the children have preceded the mother to the spirit land. Ralph Stafford was among the number who came to Washington County in 1847, and located near Havre, Washington Township. At that time there were but a few scattered houses in the county, and those confined principally to the groves, or timber tracts along the streams. The beautiful prairies, the best land in the country, were almost untouched. But he lived to see great changes wrought in all parts of the county and State. Mr. Stafford was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died as he lived, a Christian man, a firm believer in the life beyond the grave. In politics, he was in later life a Republican.
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Daniel C. Moore, the subject of this sketch, came to this county with his family in 1858, locating in Cedar Township. Being a prairie township, Cedar was not settled among the first, and when Mr. Moore came, there were but few inhabitants in it and but little improvement had been made. Now it is one of the best in the county, with the best class of improvements, including fine dwelling-houses and barns, and its citizens are among the most contented.
The land purchased by Mr. Moore was wild prairie, which he brought to a high state of cultivation, and on which is now a good, comfortable dwelling-house, fine barn, sheds for stock, and all the appurtenances of a first-class farm. After living on this farm for a period of a quarter of a century, he rented the same, moved to Washington, and is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of honest industry, and a life well spent.
In politics, Mr. Moore is a Republican of the stalwart kind, with faith in his party, that in the various questions of the day it will always be found on the side of right. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which body he has been connected for many years. Mrs. Moore is also a member of the same Church.
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