Notes for the Officers and Staff

Gilbert, James Isham He was born July 16, 1823 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the son Samuel Gilbert (1797 - Oct. 16, 1871) and Philotheta Parker (Apr. 7. 1798 - Nov. 3, 1885). He married Susan A.

James Isham Gilbert was born July 16, 1823, in Louisville, Kentucky, but was taken by his parents first to Illinois and then to Wisconsin, where he grew up and was educated in Prairie du Chien. In the years before the war Gilbert engaged in the rafting of lumber down the Mississippi, Indian trading, general merchandising, real estate, and operating livery stables in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Lansing, Iowa, a town which he laid out and resided in from 1851 until 1862. He entered the service as colonel of the 27th Iowa Infantry on October 3, 1862, and had no battle service until the spring of 1864, when the regiment was assigned to A. J. Smith's detachment of the XVI Corps during the Red River campaign. Gilbert's gallant conduct throughout the campaign won him advancement to brigade command in June, 1864, and his distinguished services at the battle of Nashville in December resulted in his formal promotion to brigadier general on February 9, 1865. Here and in the subsequent campaign against Mobile, Gilbert commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Division of the Right Wing, XVI Corps. He was brevetted major general for "faithful and meritorious services" in the Mobile campaign and was mustered out on August 24, 1865. General Gilbert then established residence in Burlington, Iowa, where he resumed his 1851 partnership with his two brothers in the lumber business. Although this was a successful venture, in 1877 he embarked on a series of "extensive mining transactions" in Colorado, which, according to his obituary, (144) "proved disastrous." In the last eighteen months of his life he resided in Topeka, Kansas, where on February 9, 1884, he died of a heart attack. General Gilbert was buried next to his wife in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington.

Brigadier-General J. I. Gilbert
Colonel Twenty-Seventh Infantry
Iowa Colonels and Regiments
Addison Stuart, Des Moines, IA; Mills, 1865 E507S92. Pp. 421-428

James I., Gilbert is one of Iowa's best officers. He is a native of Kentucky, and was born about the year 1824. At the time of entering the service, in the summer of 1862, he was a resident of Lansing, Iowa, where he had had lived for about ten years. In Lansing, he has been commission merchant, dealer in general merchandise, produce dealer, and lumber merchant. At the time, or just before entering the service, he was a proprietor of a livery stable, and a dealer in real estate. He was commissioned colonel of the 27th Iowa on the 10th day of August 1862, and served without special distinction till he joined General A. J. Smith on the Red River Campaign, in the spring of 1864. His gallant conduct at Fort De Russy, and through the whole campaign, and also before Nashville, nearly a year later, secured his promotion to a general officer.

The 27th Iowa, which was rendezvoused in the city of Dubuque in the months of August and September 1862, was made up of the "overplus of companies over the 21st regiment in the northern part of the State." In the early part of October, Colonel Gilbert, with six companies of his regiment, was assigned as an escort to guard a pay-master and train from Fort Snelling to Mille Lacs. The balance of the regiment, under Major Howard, remained at the fort. Early in November, Colonel Gilbert returned to Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and soon proceeded to Memphis, via Cairo, Illinois. Major George W. Howard with the balance of the regiment had already proceeded to that point. He reached Memphis on the 20th of November, and one week later joined Sherman in his march from that place to the Tallahatchie, below Waterford. It will be remembered that this movement was made in conjunction with that of General Grant through Central Mississippi, against Vicksburg. The 27th Iowa marched only as far south as College Hill, near Oxford. "The regiment was then ordered to Waterford, Mississippi, and thence to the Tallahatchie River, where it first commenced to work as railroad guards."
When Van Dorn attacked and captured Holly Springs, the 27th Iowa, with other troops was hurried to that vicinity; but the wily rebel having destroyed the immense Federal supplies, made his escape. The march was then continued northward, for the purpose of meeting and, if possible, of capturing Forest, who was at the same time making his raid on the Jackson and Columbus Railroad. The 27th arrived at Jackson on the 30th of December, and the next day or night, Forest's defeat at Parker's Cross Roads and subsequent flight have been learned, was marched by a circuitous route to Clifton. The raiders however escaped. It was this raid of Forest, it will be remembered, that so frightened General Davies at Columbus, and caused him to order the destruction of government property at Island No. 10. The march from Jackson to Clifton was the first fatiguing one the 27th Iowa had yet made. More than one man of the regiment wished that night that he had never entered the army.
From December, 1862, until the following August, the regiment served in Southern Tennessee. It was stationed a principal portion of the time on the Jackson and Columbus Railroad, with head-quarters at Jackson.
On the abandonment of Jackson and the railroad through to Columbus, in the fore part of June, 1863, Colonel Gilbert was ordered down to Moscow, where he remained with his regiment till the 20th of the following August, guarding the railroad. But after the fall of Vicksburg, and the defeat of General Johnson's army at Jackson, Mississippi, the 27th with its brigade was ordered to report to General Steele, who was then about starting on the Little Rock Campaign. The brigade, composed of the 49th and 62nd Illinois, the 27th Iowa and 50th Indiana, and commanded by Colonel J. M. True succeeded in uniting with Steele in time to enter Little Rock with the main army. With the routine of camp-life and picket-duty, the months of September and October were passed at Little Rock, when, under orders from General Steele, Colonel Gilbert reported back to Memphis in command of his own regiment and the 49th Illinois. At Memphis a portion of the 27th was assigned to duty at the Navy Yard, and the balance put on picket-duty in rear of the city.
Up to this time, the 27th Iowa, as a regiment, had never met the enemy in battle; but the time was now near at hand when it would afford new proof of the intrepidity of Iowa soldiers. The regiment left Memphis for Vicksburg on the 28th of July, 1864, whence, a week later, it left with General Sherman on the celebrated March to Meridian.
At Memphis and just before leaving for Vicksburg, the 27th Iowa was brigaded with the 14th and 32d Iowa and the 24th Missouri. These troops constituted the 2d Brigade of the 3d Division, 16th Army Corps, which afterward, under command of Colonel William T. Shaw of the 14th, so distinguished itself in the Red River Expedition of General Banks. In the Meridian march, it should be stated that the 27th Iowa went some six miles further east than any other troops of Sherman's command and in this advanced position captured several prisoners.
The plan for the Red River Campaign had already been matured, on the return of General Sherman to Vicksburg; and on the evening of the 10th of April 1864, General A. J. Smith left with his expeditionary army for the mouth of Red River, where he arrived in the evening following. The fleet of Admiral Porter arriving that same evening, the expedition, on the morning of the 12th instant, sailed up the river, and in the afternoon arrived at Simmsport, where the infantry forces disembarked. From this point, General Smith marched with his command across the country to the rear of Fort DeRussy, while Porter, with his gun-boat fleet, proceeded up the river. Near Simmsport a small body of the enemy's cavalry made their appearance; but they offered no resistance to the advance; and on the evening of the second day the fort was invested. Porter in the meantime had come up with his fleets, but for some reason took no part in the engagement which followed. I have been told that it was the crookedness of the river at this point, together with certain obstructions, that prevented him from operating with the land forces.
Fort DeRussey, a formidable earth-work of the enemy on the south-west side of the Red River and some four miles above the town of Marksville, was built on a high point of land, about one hundred paces back from the river, but connected with it by rifle-pits. On the south-west bank of the river, was a six-gun water battery. The fort proper mounted but four guns; two six-pounders commanded the open country south-west of the Fort; and two thirty-two pounders covered the Marksville road and the approaches to the south-east. On the north-west side of the fort was dense timber and impassable swamps.
On the 14th day of March, the day of the capture of Fort DeRussy, the 27th Iowa led the advance. Marksville, which is some thirty miles distant from Simmsport, was reached at four o'clock in the afternoon; and at this point Colonel Gilbert was ordered to halt his regiment to prevent straggling in the town. He was kept in this position till all the troops had passed, and until the dispositions for the attack had been nearly completed. The 27th as a regiment had not yet been under fire, and, jealous of his own reputation and that of his command, Colonel Gilbert dispatched his adjutant to Colonel Shaw, with this request:
"If there is to be any fighting, we want to have a hand in it."
An order was finally returned for him to bring his regiment forward; and he moved up and took position on the extreme right of the assaulting forces. Two entire brigades charged on the fort, and Colonel Shaw's held the right. The line of battle was semi-circular, and, on the right, was formed in the edge of timber and some two hundred and fifty yards distant from the fort.
In front of the 2d Brigade (Colonel Shaw's) was a ravine, running nearly parallel with the enemy's defenses; but, before this could be reached, the entire line must pass under a severe musketry-fire from the fort and the adjacent rifle-pits. After the reconnaissance had been completed, during which time the fire from the fort had been responded to by the 3d Indiana Battery, a general charge was ordered, when Colonel Gilbert, drawing his sword and stepping to the front of his regiment said: "Boys, come on."
"From that moment," said a member of his regiment to me, "we knew he had the true grit." He was one of the first officers, if not the very first, to enter the enemy's works. If this was not a sanguinary affair, it was a brilliant one, and augured well for the success of the future expedition. The number of casualties of the 27th Iowa, in this engagement, I have failed to learn.
It should be borne in mind that General Banks had not yet come up from Franklin, Louisiana; nor did he come up till a week after the capture of Alexandria; so that the credit incident to the capture of Fort DeRussey belongs solely to General Smith and the troops of his command. On the morning of the 15th instant, the 3d Division, have re-embarked on the fleet, moved up to Alexandria, and that same evening the place was entered without opposition. Here General Smith remained till the arrival of General Banks with his command, consisting of portions of the 13th and 19th Army Corps.
From this point, General Banks marched through the country via Natchitoches to Grand Ecore; but Smith, moving up to the head of the rapids, above Alexandria, re-embarked and sailed up the river, arriving at Grand Ecore at about the same time as did General Banks. On the 5th of April General Banks marched for Shreveport by way of Mansfield road, and two days later was followed by the command of General Smith; but the advance was soon to be turned into a retreat; and neither the forces of Banks nor Smith was destined to see even Mansfield. No considerable resistance was made to the advance till near Natchitoches, and, to beat this back, no troops were required but the cavalry; but beyond Pleasant Hill, and about thirty miles distant from Natchitoches, the enemy showed so much resistance that it became necessary to send forward a brigade of infantry.
The battle of Mansfield, or Sabine Cross Roads was fought on the afternoon of the 8th of April, 1864, and that of Pleasant Hill on the morning and evening of the 9th. The last was the one in which the 14th, 27th and 32nd Iowa Regiments so distinguished themselves. These troops, together with the 24th Missouri, I believe impartial history will say, saved the army of General Banks from disorganization and capture; for they were the only troops that maintained their position throughout that terrible day -- I mean, of course, of those whose position was in the front. If this be not so, how was it that their losses, in killed, wounded and missing, numbered nearly, if not quite two-thirds of the casualties in Banks' entire army. The position held by the 27th in this engagement was the left centre of its brigade. On its right was the 14th Iowa and on its left the 32d. Its right rested near the Pleasant Hill and Mansfield road.
The conduct of Colonel Gilbert in this engagement, as at Fort DeRussey, was gallant in the extreme. Through the anxious hours that intervened between the first attack in the morning and the final fierce assaults of the enemy in the afternoon, he was never idle, but talked with and cheered his men. Skirmishing all this time was going on; and every moment closed with the assurance that the next would open the fierce encounter. When the conflict finally did open, he stood firm and confidant, using, when occasion offered and his duties would permit, a musket against the advancing enemy. Indeed, the colonel was wounded in this engagement, while in the act of shooting a rebel officer. Many brave officers and men of the 27th Iowa were left among the killed and wounded; their names I have failed to learn. One I know -- Sergeant George W. Griswold, a brave and faithful soldier. He was wounded severely in the face, and left in hospital within the enemy's lines.
A history of Banks Expedition after his unplucked victory at Pleasant Hill will be found elsewhere. In the fatiguing and harassing retreat to Simmsport, Smith's Division covered the rear of Banks' army.
Subsequently to the Red River Campaign, there has been little rest for the 27th Iowa Infantry. It joined its division in driving Price from Missouri; was with A. J. Smith at Nashville, and fought in those terrible battles that closed only with the destruction of General Hood's army; and lastly, was with its old white-headed general before Blakely, where it led a portion of the charging column that carried so brilliantly the strong-hold. Now it has marched with its division into the interior of Alabama; but it will probably see no more fighting.
After the battle of Nashville, Colonel Gilbert was made a brigadier-general. Since that time, he has been in command of a brigade. He is one of the most popular officers in his division.
Colonel Gilbert is six feet and one inch in height, and has a broad chest, and an erect and tapering form. His hair, eyes, and complexion are dark. He has a heavy voice, and is an energetic talker. At home and among his acquaintances, he is "noted for his love of a fine horse and riding out-fit. He thinks much of style in appearance."
He is quick and active in his motions, and, in civil life, was accustomed to decide the most important business transactions in a moment. His opinions, of which he is very positive, he is always ready to back with a bet; and his losses, of which he rarely has any, he pays promptly. As a business man, he was not considered very fortunate, though he was never placed in a position which prevented him from paying all legal demands against him. Like several other Iowa officers, he is better adapted to the profession of arms than to any other calling. I should not omit to state that, of the Iowa generals, General Gilbert is the finest equestrian the State can boast, not even excepting General Frederick Steele.

From Find a Grave
Civil War Union Brigadier General. He built a successful pre-Civil War career as a merchant, and was one of the founders of the town of Lansing, Iowa. He entered Federal service the Civil War rather belatedly, being appointed Colonel and commander of the 27th Iowa Volunteer Infantry on October 3, 1862. His unit saw only garrison duty for well over a year, and didn't enter a combat theatre until the spring of 1864. As part of the XVI Corps under General Andrew J. Smith, he led the regiment into action during the Red River Campaign. He was advanced to brigade command in June 1864, which he would be in continuously until the end of the war. He led the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, XVI Corps during the December 1864 Battle of Nashville, and through the campaign that culminated in the capture of Mobile, Alabama. He was promoted to Brigadier General, US Volunteers on February 9, 1865, and was brevetted Major General, US Volunteers for "faithful and meritorious services". His service did not end until his muster out on August 24, 1865. After the war he became a successful Lumber merchant in Burlington, Iowa.
(bio by:Russ Dodge)

1850 Census: Chippewa, Chippewa County, Wisconsin: James I. Gilbert (age 26, merchant, born Wisconsin), Susan A. Gilbert (age 23, born New Hampshire), William D. Gilbert (age 22, born Wisconsin), Patrick Clark (age 18, born Ireland), Stephen Burton (age 20, born Ohio), Henry G. Baldwin (age 31, born New Hampshire), Willard Bullen (age 50, born Massachusetts), William I. Clark (age 30, born New York ), Martin D. Ballen (age 16, born New Hampshire) and John W. Gilbert (age 1, born Wisconsin).

1860 Census: Lansing, Allamakee County, Iowa: James I. Gilbert (age 37, Lumber Dealer, born Kentucky), Susan A. Gilbert (age 34, born New York), John W. Gilbert (age 10, born Wisconsin), Ella F. Gilbert (age 8, born Wisconsin), Willard Ballon (age 60, born New York).

1880 Census, Georgetown, Clear Creek County, Colorado: James I. Gilbert (age 57, miner operator, born Kentucky), wife Susan A. Gilbert (age 54, born New Hampshire).

James I. Gilbert died Feb. 9, 1884 and is buried in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Block 259, Lot 9, Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa.

General James I. Gilbert 1823-1884

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/1/2012

General James I. Gilbert, than whom no more genial gentleman or braver soldier ever lived in Iowa, a former resident of Burlington for many years, died of paralysis of the heart at Topeka, Kansas, last Saturday evening, the unexpected and sad intelligence of his dissolution being conveyed to his aged mother and brothers, J.W. and W.D. Gilbert, residing in this city, in a telegram received by them Sunday morning.

Yesterday morning the news of his death was generally circulated upon the streets, general regret being expressed at the taking away of a man who was the embodiment of honor, integrity, and bravery. He was one of the public spirited, leading and representative business men of Burlington, being connected with the lumber firm of Gilbert, Hedge & Co.

Four or five years ago he disposed of his business interests in Burlington and located in Colorado for the purpose of engaging in mining operations, later removing to Topeka, Kansas, with his family, which has been their place of residence ever since.

General Gilbert was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and at an early age emigrated to the west, locating in Cassville, Wis., from which place he removed to Prairie du Chien. He embarked in the lumber business at Nauvoo, and disposed of large quantities to the Mormons and simultaneously with his business intercourse with the advocates of polygamy he took advantage of the opportunity of acquainting himself with their customs, habits and religious views. Being conversant with the Indian language and acquainted with many of the leading chiefs of the Minnesota and Wisconsin tribes, who had for him the greatest respect, he made a trip up the Red river of the North to British America with a cargo of goods in canoes. Returning he engaged in business at Stillwater, Lake Pepin, and Lansing, Iowa.

At the latter place he was connected with Diamond Jo Reynolds, of steamboat fame, in various commercial enterprises.

At the outbreak of the rebellion he organized the Twenty-seventh Iowa infantry, which was mustered in at Dubuque in 1862 and of which Mr. Gilbert was made colonel. His regiment participated in the expedition to the Red river under the command of General Banks and was engaged in the military operations in Tennesse. At the battle of Nashville he served with distinction and for the bravery he displayed was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He commanded four regiments and a bettery of light artillery. Three brigades of the army had been repulsed in their efforts to silence a battery, the capture of which was essential to the success of the untion forces. "Can you take that battery?" asked General Thomas. "I can and I will take," was General Gilbert's prompt and firm reply. He effectually silenced the battery and later in the day General Thomas addressed him: "I hope your future will be as bright as the star that will soon adorn your shoulder." He was made a brigadier general.

At Mobile deceased by his bravery won the praise of General Canby. He captured Fort De Russey and at the close of the war was sent to Texas to take charge of the military affairs, and a short time afterwards was mustered out of the service at his urgent solicitations to engage in mercantile pursuits.

Soon after he located in Burlington, associating himself with his brothers in the lumber business. Later he removed to Colorado, as stated above, but his mining ventures proved disastrous.

He leaves a wife and one son. The deceased' mother, two brothers and sister, Miss Martha Gilbert, reside in Burlington. The remains will arrive here Wednesday morning and the funeral will be held at 2 o'clock the same afternoon from the residence of John W. Gilbert.

~The Hawk-eye, Burlington, Iowa; Tuesday morning February 12, 1884

Susan A. Gilbert (born Nov. 16, 1825), died Mar. 5, 1904 and is buried in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa.

Lake, Jed He was born on Nov. 18, 1830 in Virgil, Courtland County, N. Y. He is the son of Jedediah Lake (Oct. 28, 1795 - Apr. 4, 1834) and Patience Church (July 22, 1799 - Aug. 5, 1876). He married Sarah Elizabeth Meyer on June 2, 1861. She was the daughter of Henry Meyer and Isadora Sullivan.

Jed Lake Image LN-1915 came from the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

If you are interested in ordering a better quality photo click here.

Per the librarian for the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection at Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana "Images ordered through the “rights” link on our website can be provided at whatever resolution the customer requests up to 1200 dpi. All of the original photos are cartes-de-visit—approximately 2.5 x 4 inches. The paperwork is handled through the Indiana State Museum, and the cost of an image for personal use should be minimal. We don’t provide prints but can send image files either via email or through Dropbox, depending on the file size. A few of the photos have inscriptions on the back, and we can provide image files of those as well."

The image was found on Find a Grave I learned later that is was the picture with his obituary. But I will leave it here.

Jedediah Lake is a native of Cortland County, New York, where he was born November 18, 1830. He attended district school during the winters and assisting at farm work during the summers until seventeen years old. His education was continued in New York Central College and a manual training school at McGrawville. He continued his studies at Cortland Academy, supporting himself by teaching. He came to Iowa in 1855, locating at Independence where he studied law and in 1858 was admitted to the bar. In 1861 he was elected Representative in the House of the Ninth General Assembly and in 1862 entered the Union army during the extra session. He was tendered the position of Collector of Internal Revenue, but preferred the military service and soon after was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteers. He participated in the capture of Little Rock, the Red River expedition, Battle of Nashville, and capture of Mobile besides many minor engagements. In 1865 he succeeded to the command of the regiment upon the promotion of Colonel Gilbert. After the war closed Colonel Lake resumed practice at Independence. In another place is given an account of his services in successfully defeating the drive well monopoly, for which the General Assembly of Iowa by passage of joint resolutions tendered to him the thanks of the people for the great service rendered the country in saving millions of dollars in unjust attempts to collect royalties. Colonel Lake was appointed by President Harrison one of the commissioners to appraise 60,000 acres of land in California. He was also one of the commissioners having in charge the building of the Hospital for the Insane at Cherokee.

Source: History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century/Volume 4

Biographical Souvenir of the counties of Delaware and Buchanan.
Chicago: F. A. Battey & Company. 1890. pp. 601-2.

Colonel Jed Lake was born in Virgil, Courtland County, N. Y., November 18, 1830. His father, Jedediah Lake, was the son of Henry Lake, of Montgomery county, N. Y., who served under General Washington in the Revolutionary war. He enlisted when seventeen years of age, and served four years. Jedediah Lake settled in Virgil in 1822, at the age of twenty-four, and was married to Patience Church, of the adjoining town of Marathon. They had two sons and two daughters. Our Jed Lake was the second son. His widowed mother with four children, the eldest seven and the youngest less than one year old, kept the family together, and carried on the farm until the eldest son was of age, when he took charge of it. This threw Jed on his own resources. He had received, at this time, no education except from common schools. He hired out to a neighboring farmer for the summer, but after working a month a disagreement arose, and Jed left. While on his way to find employment he met a man going to Ithaca to start for New York, with a canal-boat. To him Jed hired out to drive a team on the Erie canal at thirteen dollars per month. The colonel says he has always felt a little diffidence about telling this part of his history, but since the election of Garfield he speaks of it with pride. He laid up some money that season, and the next spring went to New York Central college. By teaching, and working on farms, he supported himself for two years at this institution. At this time he would have been ready to enter college, had he been prepared in Latin and Greek, but in his youth he had been taught to despise these studies and it took him these two years to get over the prejudice. At this time the Cortland academy was in the full tide of its prestige. Here Jed took mathematics under Professor Lawrence, the author of mathematical works, and English grammar under S. W. Clark (also author of a text book), and German under Professor Maasburgh, and Latin under Professor Sanford. In May, 1855, he was taken with bilious fever and paralysis of the right side, and by the advice of physicians quit school. In the fall of that year he engaged to travel with William Swift, a cousin of the noted Professor Swift, of Rochester observatory. This Swift was giving lectures on electricity, electro-magnetism, and an expose of spirit rappings, which had just then come into notoriety. In this capacity he traveled until 1855, visiting New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Ohio. At this time, desiring to settle into permanent business, he packed his satchel and started for Des Moines, Iowa, but landed in Independence, in October, 1855, where he has since resided. His health would not permit his engaging in a profession, so he spent two years on a farm. At the end of that time his cousin persuaded him to purchase a half interest in a saw-mill, and then lit out between two days, leaving Jed sole proprietor. Jed has not seen his cousin since. After a little he blew up the boiler, sold the remnants, sold all he had and paid his debts, as far as he could, came to town and commenced the study of law. He sometimes tells that it looked awful dark to him after he blew up his mill, but he is now satisfied that it was the best thing that ever happened to him. He was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1859. He was examined by Hon. F. E. Bissell and D. S. Wilson of Dubuque, and John H. Pierce, of Anamosa, and they gave him a flattering recommend to the court. Honorable George W. Bemis tells that one day, meeting Jed, he said to him: "Jed, I understand that you are admitted to the bar. Now, my advice to you is to go West and grow up with the country. You can make something out there." Said Jed, with clinched fist, "I brought one thousand dollars in gold to this place, and I'm not going to leave here until I can take as much away as I brought." Mr. Lake then settled down to the practice of the law. In the fall of 1861 he was elected to the State legislature. The following summer he enlisted in a company then being raised by Captain Noble, and was elected first lieutenant. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-seventh regiment Iowa volunteer infantry, by Governor Kirkwood. He served with his regiment during the war. His regiment was in very many battles, and lost a large number of men. At the close of the war he was colonel of his regiment. He then returned to Independence and resumed the practice of law. He has been urged by his friends to accept many official positions, such as representative, senator, and judge of district court, but he has positively refused to accept any office that would take him away from his business. He served as alderman for six years, as a member of the school board for seven years, and was a member of the board of supervisors two years. He performed the duties of the above offices with admirable skill and ability. He now holds the position of director and attorney of the First National Bank of this city; also director, attorney and chairman of the executive committee of the Independence Mill Company. In his law practice he has been eminently successful, and has secured an abundant competence.

In personal appearance, the colonel is a solid, well-built man, weighing two hundred and twenty-five pounds; has gray eyes and coal black hair. By strict observance of the laws of health he has preserved a remarkable fresh and youthful appearance, for a man of his years. As a lawyer he has but few equals in this part of the state. He has a strong analytical mind and a very retentive memory. is a close student, not only of law, but of general literature. He is not given to ostentatious show and glitter. Everything is business and matter of fact. His fine judicial mind and commanding presence well qualify him for the bench. Jed Lake was married June 2, 1861, to Miss Sarah E. Meyer. He has two children--Rush C., born April 13. 1862, and Hattie I., born February 7,1870.

COLONEL JED LAKE.

The number of those surviving who were in reality pioneers in the state and who, through unremitting toil and the brave endurance of hardships, took possession of the wild prairies years ago in the name of civilization, whether as farmers, professional men or merchants, is fast decreasing, but the memory of their heroic lives will remain as a stimulus to endeavor as long as the great state which they founded endures. Colonel Jed Lake, who passed away at Independence on the 7th of June, 1914, was a man who, coming to this country in the early days, suffered the discomforts of pioneer life and also knew the stern pleasure that comes from persevering in a worthy work and from performing faithfully a duty. He was one of the first attorneys of the county and rose to a position of leadership at the local bar, which he retained until the infirmities of age compelled him to largely retire from practice.

His birth occurred in Cortland county, New York, on the 18th of November, 1830, and his parents were Jedediah and Patience (Church) Lake. The father was born in 1798, in Montgomery county, New York, a son of Henry Lake, who served under General George Washington in the Revolutionary war, enlisting when a boy of seventeen years and serving for four years. In 1822 Jedidiah Lake settled in Virgil, Cortland county, New York, and there his marriage to Miss Church occurred. She was a native of Windsor, Vermont, and by her marriage became the mother of four children, of whom the subject of this review was the third in order of birth. The father died when the Colonel was but three years of age, leaving the mother with four children, the eldest of whom was but seven years old.

Colonel Lake attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education, and worked at whatever he could find to do in order to partly provide for his own support. At one time he drove a team on the Erie canal for thirteen dollars a month and as soon as he had received sufficient education he engaged in teaching school. He also worked as a farm hand for some time and as he was determined to continue his studies he lived as economically as possible and saved his earnings and in this way accumulated a sufficient sum to enable him to attend the New York Central College at McGraw, New York. While a student there he worked in his spare time and thus paid part of his expenses. He later attended Homer Academy, taking an advanced course in mathematics, but as his health had partially failed he left school and turned his attention to outdoor work.

In 1855, when a young man of twenty five, Colonel Lake came to Buchanan county and for two years worked upon a farm in Buffalo township but at the end of that time came to Independence and began the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1859 and immediately entered upon practice. In 1861 he was elected to the state legislature and served in the session when that body pledged the support of Iowa to the preservation of the Union. His service to his country in its time of need did not end there, as in the summer of 1862 he enlisted in Company H, Twenty seventh Iowa Infantry, was elected lieutenant of his company and soon after appointed by Governor Kirkwood as lieutenant colonel of the regiment, which soon after its organization was sent to Minnesota to protect the frontier settlements against the Indians. When the danger from that quarter had been averted the command was ordered south and took an active part in the war until the close of hostilities. During much of the time Colonel Lake was in command of his regiment and proved a gallant and faithful officer.

Upon his return from the war he resumed the practice of his profession and in July, 1870, formed a partnership with M. W. Harmon, which was continued with mutual pleasure and profit until it was severed by death. In 1878 the firm of Lake & Harmon was retained to defend a large number of actions brought against residents of Iowa by the owners of a patent known as the "driven well" patent. These suits were brought in the circuit court of the United States for the district of Iowa, the defendants in most cases being farmers, who were sued for royalties claimed by the owners of the patent. Colonel Lake took charge of the defense in this extensive litigation and the trial in the federal court in Iowa resulted in victory for the defendants. The plaintiffs appealed to the supreme court of the United States, thich confirmed the decision of the lower court. This litigation lasted nine years and was of national importance as hundreds of people had been sued in similar actions in many other states. The Colonel was a man of great natural vigor of mind and his thorough training coupled with his long and varied experience enabled him to use his mental powers to the best advantage. The clarity and incisive qualities of his intellect enabled whim to seize upon the vital point in any matter and to present his arguments with great lucidity, while the force of his personality made his presentation of his case impressive and attention compelling. His practice was large and important and his colleagues in the profession recognized him as their leader and often sought his advice.

Colonel Lake never held any office of profit but faithfully served the public in many official positions. For six years he was city councilman, for seven years a member of the board of education, for two years he was on the board of supervisors, for eight years he was a trustee for the Iowa Hospital for the Insane, at Independence, for fifteen years one of the commissioners of insanity for Buchanan county, and he served as a member of the board of commissioners appointed by the governor to construct a hospital for the insane at Cherokee. Colonel Lake was appointed a commissioner to value a large tract of land in Mendocino county, California, an Indian reservation, which required about seven months of work. When Perry Munson told Colonel Lake of his intention to erect a building for the use of an industrial training school and other purposes and also informed him that he was unable to find a suitable location, the Colonel at once offered a part of his home property for that purpose and donated the site for the school. The location is one of the most convenient that could have been found and the public owes much to the Colonel for thus making manual training a possibility. He was named as one of the trustees of the property and until his death served in that capacity and was always untiring in his efforts to advance the interests of the institution His last appearance in court was in an action to maintain the rights of the public to the school property. In many other ways he manifested an unusual public spirit, being willing to make personal sacrifices in order to advance the community welfare. As an instance of this spirit those who were living in Independence in 1875 may recall that at that time when the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad Company proposed to construct its Decorah division through Independence Colonel Lake gave the enterprise his earnest support and at a time during a financial stringency when failure seemed imminent, he and Dr. Bryant personally guaranteed the grading of several miles of the road, thereby securing it for the town. He was a director and attorney for the First National Bank of Independence and also a director and chairman of the executive committee of the Independence Mill Company as well as its local representative.

Colonel Lake was married January 2, 1861, to Miss Sarah E. Meyer, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, January 2, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Isadora (Sullivan) Meyer. Her father was born near Hamburg, Germany, and was married in 1835 in London, England, to Miss Sullivan, a native of that city, and they soon afterward emigrated to the United States. After an ocean voyage of seven weeks they landed in America and made their way to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where they settled. The father farmed there for some time and then removed with his family to Rockford, Illinois, where they remained until 1855, in which year they came by wagon to this county and the father entered government land in Byron township. He improved the same and operated it until his death, at seventy six years of age. His wife died when sixty five years old. To their union were born twelve children, six of whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Lake was only a child when she accompanied her parents to this county and here she grew to womanhood and attended school. By her marriage she became the mother of three children. Rush C., an attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, is quite prominent in city politics and a leader in his profession. Jarvis N. died in infancy. Harriet I., the only daughter, resides with her mother. She is very active in women's clubs, having served as regent for Iowa of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and is also well known in the Colonial Dames.

Mrs Lake is one of the few pioneer women now living and is known throughout the city for her good deeds as she has done much to aid the sick and poor, and her sincere sympathy for those in trouble has made her ministrations welcome and acceptable. She is a quiet, unassuming woman but has great strength of character and also much practical business ability. She was for sixteen years president of the Ladies' Poor Relief Society and has since been made an honorary life member of the same. At the time of the Civil war, when her husband, enlisted for service, their eldest child was an infant and she went to the home of her parents and while living there saved the money which the Colonel sent her and with it purchased a farm, which proved an excellent investment. She has many friends, who hold her in affectionate regard, and her long and useful life and womanly qualities command the respect of the community. She proved in all respects a worthy helpmate to Colonel Lake and was always in sympathy with his undertakings and aided him in his work in many ways. He was foremost in any movement that promised to advance the interests of Independence and the city owes much to him. His great hearted and broadminded personality commanded the respect of those who at times differed with him in their judgment as to the best course to pursue in a given matter and those to whom he gave his friendship prized highly his regard and favorable opinion. His personal appearance fitted well with his character, as he was a man of large frame, well proportioned and of great physical strength. His demise, which occurred June 7, 1914, was the occasion of much sincere sorrow throughout the county and the influence of his life is potent in making for true manhood and unselfish public service.
History of Buchanan County, Iowa And its People, Vol II
By Harry Church and Katharyn J. Chappell
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago 1914

I found this PDF file online. Normally I retype information that I find, but this is a VERY extensive document, so I decided to link to it instead. It starts with a "Standard Form for Members of the Legislature". It has a lot of information regarding Jed Lake, including his obituary. (ejj)

1850 Census: Lapeer, Cortland County, New York: Zenas Thompson (age 71, born Massachusetts), Patience Thompson (age 51, born Vermont), Henry Lake (age 23, born New York), Jedediah C. Lake (age 20, born New York), Patience Lake (age 17, born New York) and Augusta Thompson (age 9, born New York). Note: Patience Thompson is his mother (remarrried).

1856 Iowa State Census: Byron, Buchanan County, Iowa: N. J. Cavay (age 22), Jane E. Cavay (age 22), Reulen T. Cavay (age 3), W. S. Church (age 25), U. A. Robertson (age 31) and Jedia Lake (age 25, born New York), Jed Lake had been in the state of Iowa for less than a year. Living next door to them was the family of Henry and Dorey Meyer, which included a daughter Sarah L. Meyer, age 14, born Pennsylvania). This appears to be the Sarah Meyers he married.

1860 Census, Washington, Buchanan County, Iowa: Jacob Price (age 31), Amelia Price (age 26), Silas Price (age 3), Susan Aakser (age 17), Fredk. S. Avery (age 30), Jed Lake (age 29, lawyer, born New York).

Jed Lake's farewell to the 27th Iowa:
Fellow Soldiers: In taking leave of you at this time, after three years' service in the field, I hardly know how to express myself, such varied emotions crowd themselves upon my mind. Sorrow at parting the associations that have naturally grown up among us during the hardships that we have suffered in the field, and joy at the prospect of once more rejoining our families and friends in civil life. But knowing that we have fully accomplished that for which we entered the United States military service, you are to return to your homes with the full consciousness of having done your duty to your country as soldiers. By your courage on the field of battle, your patience on long and fatiguing marches, your uncomplaining submission to the hardships and privations of camp life, you have won for yourselves an enviable reputation; you are now about to return to civil life. Be as good citizens as you have been soldiers, and you will ever maintain for yourselves the highest esteem of your fellow-men. While we mingle our tears and sorrows over the graves of our comrades, who lie buried, from the Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, let us ever strife to maintain the integrity of the Republic, and the honors of her citizen soldiery.
—Signed, Lieut.-Col. Jed Lake, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry.
History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume 1
By Harry Church Chappell, and Katharyn Joella Chappell

1870 Census: Independence Ward 1, Buchanan County, Iowa: Jed Lake (age 39, lawyer, born New York), Sarah E. Lake (age 28, born Penn), Rush C. Lake (age 8 born Iowa), Jarvis M. Lake (age 3, born Iowa), and Hattie Lake (age 5/12, born Iowa).

1880 Census: Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa: Jed Lake (age 48, lawyer, born New York), wife Sarah E. Lake (age 38, born Penn), Son Rush C. Lake (age 18, born Iowa), and daughter Hattie Lake (age 10). There were other, apparently unrelated, people with this family.

1885 Iowa State Census: Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa: Jedediah Lake (age 53, lawyer, born New York), Sarah E. Lake (age 43, born Pennsylvania), Rush C. Lake (age 22, born Buchanan County, Iowa), and Hattie I. Lake (age 14, born Buchanan County, Iowa).

1900 Census, Washington, Buchanan County, Iowa: Jed Lake (born Nov. 1830, age 69, married 40 years, born New York, lawyer), wife Sarah E. Lake (born Jan. 1842, age 58, married 40 years, 3 children born, 2 still living, born Pennsylvania), daughter Harriet I. Lake (born Feb. 1870, age 30, born Iowa).

1910 Census, Independence Ward 4, Buchanan County, Iowa Jed Lake (age 79, married 1 time for 49 years, born New York, Retired Lawyer), wife Sarah E. Lake (age 68, married 1 t ime for 68 years, 3 children born, 2 still living, born Pennsylvania) and daugher Harriet Lake (age 35, born Iowa).

Jed Lake died June 7, 1914 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Buchanan County, Iowa. (Buchanan County Burial Records,

Col. Jed Lake Ends Long and Active Life.
Pioneer Attorney Passes on

Passed Peacefully Away Sunday Afternoon at Home in This City. Was a Resident Here for Sixty Years, Sketch of His Career.

Col. Jed Lake, pioneer resident and attorney, passed away Sunday afternoon June 7 at 5:10 o'clock in the Lake home on Third Avenue N. E. Eight weeks ago last Saturday he sustained a fall on the streets. This mishap caused him to lose confidence in himself and his ability to get about and to his office, where he had been on duty for so many years. He realized that his work was done, that the end was not far distant. This is evidenced by the fact that all through the winter he had been arranging his business affairs and had everything in shape when he finally gave up his professional duties. He was ready and prepared to quit. He was not really ill; he didn't suffer during the time he remained at home; he did not eat; he became weaker and weaker until the end came as of a child going to sleep in its mother's arms. The burial service of the Episcopal church was pronounced by Rev. Henry L. A. Fick, rector of St. James' Church. The pallbearers were Messrs. M. A. Smith, J. H. Wright, W. C. Simpson, C. F. Spangler, R. B. Raines and O. M. Gillett, intimate friends of the Colonel. The members of the G. A. R. post attended the services in a body, as did also the members of Penelope Van Princes chapter, D A. R. in which Miss Lake is nationally prominent, and the members of the Buchanan County Bar Association, of which Col. Lake had so long been a member. The First National Bank was closed during the funeral hour.

Out-of-town relatives at the funeral were the son, Rush C. Lake, of Kansas City, who had been here for several days; Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Lake, the former a nephew and only son of Col. Lakes brother, who died over a year ago, and Mr. and Mrs. Manford Hardwick, of Waterloo; Messrs. and Mesdamess Henry and John Meyer, Wm. Sherrao and Wm. Marshall and Mrs. Lee Meyer, all of Bryon Township.

Col. Jed Lake was born in Virgil, N. Y. November 18, 1830. His father Jedediah Lake, was the son of Henry Lake, who served under General Washington in the Revolutionary war. Col. Lake was the second son of his parents, Jedediah and Patience Church Lake. The father died when Jed was 3 years of age, leaving the widowed mother, with four children, the eldest 7 and the youngest less than 1 year old. The mother kept the family together and carried on the farm until the oldest son was of age and Jed was then thrown upon his own resources. Up to this time he had received no education other than that of the common schools. He first followed farming, then drove a canal boat team on the Erie canal for one winter and then with some money he had laid by went to the New York Central college. By teaching and working on farms he supported himself for two years in that school. Later he attended Courtland academy, specializing in mathematics, English Grammar and German. Then he was obliged to give up his studies owing to illness. In 1855 he decided to come West to Des Moines, but stopped in Independence October of that year had since made his home in this city. His health not permitting him to engage in a profession, he did farm work for two years, afterward operating a saw mill. In 1859 he was admitted to the bar with flattering recommendations from the examining board. He then settled down to the practice of law in which he continued to be actively engaged up to a comparatively few weeks before his death. He could always be found on duty at his office until his final illness necessitated his giving up the profession he had followed with so much success for so many years. In the fall of 1861 he was elected to the legislature. The following summer he enlisted in a company being then raised by Capt. Noble and was elected first lieutenant. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-seventh Iowa by Governor Kirkwood. He served with his regiment through the war, after which he resumed his law practice. At the close of the war he was colonel of his regiment. He served as councilman for six years, member of the school board six years, a member of the board of supervisors for two years, and at his death was a trustee of the Munson building, in which he had been very prominent in the interest of that building and the library. He was long a stockholder and director of the First National bank of this city, and was prominent in the old Mill company here. His law partnership with Hon. M. W. Harmon, which continued to his death, began June 1870. In the law Col. Lake was eminently successful. He had a strong analytical mind, a very retentive memory, and was a close student of law and general literature. As a pioneer resident and attorney he saw and played a leading part in the development of Independence from a mere hamlet to a substantial little city. He was formerly active in the political affairs of the county, giving his time and energy to the cause of the republican party with which he was always affiliated. A man large in physique, he was a familiar figure on our streets during his residence of nearly sixty years here. By obeying the laws of health, he continued robust and active for a man of his years up to his final illness and passed on surrounded by his family, having lived a long, active and useful life.

Col. Lake was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Meyer June 2, 1861, so that his death came five days after the fifty third anniversary of their marriage. Their union was blessed with three children. One, Jarvis M. died in 1870 when a boy. The surviving children are Rush C., of Kansas City, and Miss Harriet I. Lake, of this city, well known and prominent in women's club circles. They, with the devoted wife and mother, are left to mourn the passing of an always kind and loving husband and father. Col. Lake is also survived by one sister. Mrs. Lucretia Hunt of Hunt's Corner, N. Y. and a half-sister, Mrs. Augusta Johnson, of Buffalo, N. Y.

This obituary continued on with a long statement by M. W. Harmon, his law partner. I did not type it, but is in the PDf file mentioned above.

Sarah E. (Meyer) Lake (born Jan. 2, 1842), died May 16, 1919 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Buchanan County, Iowa.

Children of Jed Lake and Sarah Meyer

Rush Clarke Lake (born April 1862, died May 1919)
Jarvis Nelson Lake (born 1867, died 1870)
Harriet Isadora Lake (born Feb. 1870)

Howard, George Washington He was born August 2, 1825 in Foxcroft, Piscataquis County, Maine. He was the son of Asaph Howard (Mar. 5, 1797 - Oct. 24, 1832) and Vesta French.

1856 George W Howard was elected treasure and recorder.

The first lawyer in Chickasaw county was G. W. Howard, who subsequently became state senator, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. J. H. Powers to enter the military service during the war of the rebellion. Howard was afterward appointed major of the 27th Iowa infantry, and served through the rebellion. He now resides at Waterloo, Iowa.

CHICKASAW IN FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

1860 In the election of 1860 the candidates were J. H. Powers and Moses Conger. Powers was elected and took his seat in the extra session of the Legislature, called by the governor on account of the Civil war. After the adjournment of this session Senator Powers enlisted in the army, and he rendered valiant service for his county as captain of the Ninth Iowa Infantry.

1862 At the regular session of the Legislature, in 1862, Senator Powers' seat was declared vacant, and a special election was called for the 25th of February, 1862, to fill the vacancy. G. W. Howard and A. G. Case were the opposing candidates. Howard was elected and served the unexpired term.

FEBRUARY 25, 1862.

This was a special election for state senator, 40th senatorial district. But 294 votes were cast, of which G. W. Howard received 223, A. G. Case thirty-eight, scattering thirty-three.

The contesting board consisted of W. E. Andrews, prosecuting attorney and ex-officio county judge, and a resident of Bradford; George W. Howard, selected on the part of the incumbents in office, at that time treasurer and recorder, and a resident of Bradford;

"On motion they proceeded to ballot for officers, which resulted as follows: President Hazard Green; vice-president, D. A. Babcock; secretary, J. H. Powers; treasurer, J. H. Dickens; executive committee, G. W. Howard, F. D. Bosworth, J. Cole; committee on. by-laws, W. E. Beach, J. H. Dickens, J. Cole, J. H. Powers, G. W. Howard."

History of Chickasaw and Howard Counties Iowa
By W. E. Alexander

1850 Census, Chatham, Morris, New Jersey George W. Howard age 24, school teacher, born Maine). (NOTE: I am not 100% sure this is the same George W. Howard, but he was the only one that fit)

1860 Census: Bradford, Chickasaw County, Iowa: G.W. Howard, age 28, Lawyer, born Maine. He appeared to be living in a boarding house.

1870 Census: Waterloo Ward 1, Black Hawk County, Iowa: George W. Howard (age 40, lawyer, born Maine).

1880 Census: Colorado Springs, El Paso, Colorado: Boarder G. W. Howard (age 54, single, lawyer, born Maine.

1900 Census: Chicago Ward 34, Cook County, Illinois: George H. Howard (born Aug. 1825, age 74, single, born Maine, Lawyer).

George W. Howard died June 25, 1914 and is buried in Turner Centerville Cemetery, Turner Center, Androscoggin County, Maine.

Maine Death Records:

Record 64
Name: George W. Howard
Place of Death: Auburn, Me
Date of Death, June 25, 1914
Age: 88 years, 10 month 23 days
Place of Birth: Foxcroft, Maine
Sex: Male
Color: white
Single
Name of Father Asaph Howard
Maiden Name of Mother: could not read - too faint
Birthplace of Father: Auburn, Maine
Birthplace of Mother: could not read - too faint
Cause of Death: Apoplexy

Shiras, Oliver Perry He was born Oct. 22, 1833 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He was the son of George Shiras and Elizabeth Perry Herron. He married Elizabeth Mitchell. He married second Hetty.

SHIRAS, Oliver Perry (Pittsburg, PA, Oct. 22, 1833--Seabreeze, FL, Jan. 7, 1916). Judge. Largely through the efforts of Judge Shiras, citizens of Dubuque today enjoy EAGLE POINT PARK. Shiras also helped organize the Young Men's Library Association and served ten years as its president. He served as a trustee of the FINLEY HOSPITAL and vice-president of the Public Library Board.
Shiras came to Dubuque soon after his graduation from Yale in 1856. During the CIVIL WAR he served as aide-de-camp to General Francis J. HERRON in campaigns through Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Louisiana. After the war, Shiras returned to politics and his legal practice in Dubuque. He served on the City Council in 1866 and 1867, filling out an unexpired term of an elected official who moved from the ward from which he was elected.

Shiras served as a Republican delegate to many state and congressional conventions. On August 2, 1882, during President Arthur's administration, he was appointed United States Judge of the Northern District of Iowa and held the position until his retirement in 1903. Among the many important legal decisions in his career was the one he returned in the case of Washburn & Moen Company vs the Beat-Em-All Barbed Wire Company of Cedar Falls, Iowa. After hearing over three hundred witnesses, Shiras returned a verdict in favor of the defendants that resulted in prairie farmers no longer being victimized by high-priced fencing.

During Shiras' twenty-one-year judicial career he served as a judge of the Northern District, held circuit court in states that were part of the Eighth National Judicial Circuit, and was a member of the Circuit Court of Appeals for five years.

Oliver Perry Shiras, George SHIRAS, Jr., and Francis J. Herron were second cousins. Oliver & George Shiras's mother Eliza and Francis J. Herron where first cousins.

The Shiras and Herron brothers all came to Dubuque around 1855 from the Pittsburgh area. George Shiras II (b.1806) married Elizabeth Perry Herron and had George Jr. (III) (b. 1832), Oliver Perry (b. 1833) and Francis Herron Shiras. Eliza Herron's (b.1809) father was Francis J. Herron's (b. 1837) uncle Rev. Francis Herron (b. 1774). Francis J. Herron's father was Francis Herron's brother and Francis J. Herron's uncle John Herron Jr. (b. 1792). Elizabeth Herron Shiras and Francis J. Herron's grandfather was also named John Herron Sr.

Francis J. Herron also had a brother, David R. Herron, Lieutenant in the 3rd Iowa Light Artillery Battery, also known as the Dubuque Battery, organized in Dubuque. And besides Oliver P. Shiras serving as aid de camp to Br. Gen. Francis J. Herron during the Civil War, Herron had a nephew, James A. Herron, son of brother William A. Herron (b. 1821), who served on his staff.

It should also be noted U.S. Supreme Court Justice George Shiras, Jr. married Dubuque born Lillie E. Kennedy (b. 1842) daughter of Robert T. Kennedy (b. 1819). It appears Robert T. Kennedy and several of his children are buried in Dubuque.

Oliver P. Shiras was born October 22, 1833, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the third son of George and Eliza (Herron) Shiras. For his early education, he traveled by buckboard from the family arm to an "academy" that was located along the Ohio River and about twenty miles from Pittsburgh. There, he practiced reading from McGuffey's Readers and learned about his country from Morse's American Geographies.

He continued his education at Ohio University at Athens, entering the preparatory branch in 1848. After graduating from the university in 1853 with the degree of A.B., he studied natural sciences for one year at Yale and became determined to be a lawyer. He then entered the Yale Law School, graduating with the degree of LL.B. in the spring of 1856.

Following his graduation from Yale, he traveled to what was then the northwest. After a brief stay in St. Paul, he decided to return to Chicago to begin his life's work. The return trip to Chicago from St. Paul took him through Dunleith, which is now East Dubuque. Arriving in Dunleith on Saturday afternoon, he was forced to wait until Sunday evening to board the next Chicago train. While in Dunleith, he called upon former Pittsburgh friends and classmates. Before long, the group had persuaded him that Dunleith was the city of opportunity where he should locate.

Dubuque City Directory, 1857-1858. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

Shortly thereafter, he began to study the Iowa Code. At the opening of its August term in 1856, the Dubuque district court admitted him to the Iowa bar. He then became the junior member of the firm Bissell, Mills & Shiras. In 1861, Mr. Mills retired and the firm assumed the name of Bissell & Shiras.

Early in the Civil War, he joined the Union forces. In August of 1862, he was commissioned a first lieutenant and quartermaster in the Twenty-Seventh Regiment of Iowa Volunteers. He did not, however, serve with his regiment, as he was transferred to staff duty as aide to his cousin, Brigadier-General F.J. Herron, who was in command of the Third Division of the Army of the Frontier which was being organized in Missouri. Shiras served as aide and judge advocate of General Herron's staff and campaigned with the Army of the Frontier in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana until 1864, when General Herron was ordered to Brownsville, Texas.

Shiras then returned to Dubuque to practice law. In 1867 his partner, Frederick E. Bissell, died and the firm became Shiras, Ballou & Van Duzee. Soon thereafter, Mr. Ballou left and Colonel D.B. Henderson was joined. The firm then became Shiras, Van Duzee & Hunderson. He continued to actively practice law in Dubuque until August 1882, when President Arthur appointed him judge of the newly created United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.

While on the court, Judge Shiras demonstrated his versatility and superior qualifications by being called upon frequently to sit in Minnesota, the Southern District of Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota and with other judges on the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. His opinions, which are scattered throughout the early volumes of the Federal Reporter, are distinguished for their clarity and brevity. A reflection of the times, a majority of the opinions involve bankruptcies and the rights and liabilities of the railroads.

Judge Shiras compiled Equity Practice in the United States Circuit Courts and in 1886, received an honorary LL.D. degree from Yale University.

He served with distinction for twenty-one years until in November of 1903, he retired from the bench. He was then age seventy.

Judge Shiras remained active as a civic benefactor. His two principal interests after retirement were the Carnegie Free Public Library of Dubuque, of which he became president of the board, and the city's public park system, of which he was chairman for a number of years. He also served as trustee of the Finley Hospital. When he died on January 7, 1916, he was declared, "Dubuque's most distinguished citizen".

Judge Shiras was married twice. In 1857, he married Elizabeth Mitchell of Springfield, Ohio. They had four children. He was survived by his second wife, Hetty; one daughter, Isabella Shiras (Van Vliet); one granddaughter, Dana Pugh; and one brother,

History of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. 1882 -2000

Oliver P. Shiras

Posted By:Sharyl Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/17/2010

Oliver Perry Shiras, Soldier, Lawyer, Jurist, Author, was born Oct 22, 1833, in Pittsburgh, Pa. He removed to Dubuque, Iowa, and was there admitted to the bar in 1856. He was aid-de-camp and judge advocate on the staff of General Herron in the army of the frontier during 1862 and 1863; and in 1882-93 he was United States district judge for the northern district of Iowa. He is the author of Equity Practice in Circuit court of United States.

~Distinguished Successful Americans of Our Day; Containing Biographies of Prominent Americans Now Living; 1912, pg 391

OLIVER P. SHIRAS, jurist, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Pittsburg, October 22, 1833. He graduated from the Ohio University in 1853 and took a three years' course at Yale, graduating in the Law Department and in 1856 was admitted to the bar. He came to Iowa the same year, locating at Dubuque, where he became a member of the law firm of Bissell, Wells and Shiras. In 1862 Mr. Shiras joined the Union army as quartermaster of the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, serving until November, 1864. He resumed the practice of law in Dubuque and in 1882 was appointed by the President Judge of the United States District Court for Northern Iowa. Judge Shiras has long been deeply interested in education and literary affairs, having served many years as president of the Literary Association of Dubuque. As a lawyer and judge he ranks among the ablest in the State.

Debbie Clough Gerischer
Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County

IOWA LAW FIRM IN BUSINESS 120 YEARS

The present law firm of O'Connor, Thomas, McDermott & Wright was originally founded in 1840 when Iowa was a territory, six years before it became a state. James Crawford, a native of Vermont, and Timothy Davis from New Jersey came to Dubuque in 1838 and 1840 respectively, and formed a law partnership known as Davis and Crawford. Mr. Davis was a member of the bar of Kentucky, where he had practiced for a short time, and of Missouri where he had been an active member of the legal profession for some 20 years. He was a Whig candidate of Congress in the Second Iowa District in 1848, but the Democratic candidate, Shepherd Leffler, was elected; however, he was successful in 1856, defeating Leffler. Mr. Davis served one term in Congress. Frederick E. Bissell, who had studied law n the office of Davis and Crawford, was admitted to the bar of Iowa in 1846 and continued in the employment of the firm. Mr. Crawford died that year and the partnership became Davis and Bissell.

Upon the withdrawal of Mr. Davis from the firm in 1852, it became know as Clark and Bissell, Mr. Lincoln Clark having come to Dubuque in the late 1840's from Alabama where he had served three terms in the house of the Alabama legislature. He was elected attorney general of Alabama in 1839, and subsequently served as a judge in that state. Mr. Clark, the Democratic candidate, was elected to Congress from the Second Iowa District in 1850. He served in the house of the 7th General Assembly of the State of Iowa, and took a predominant part in adapting the laws of the state to the new constitution which had just been adopted. Mr. Clark retired in 1855, and Mr. Bissell formed a partnership with William Mills. The firm became Bissell, Mills & Shiras when O.P. Shiras became a partner in 1856. Mr. Mills left the firm in 1861 and it became Bissell & Shiras. Oliver P. Shiras served as an aide to President Lincoln from August 1862 to December 1863. John M. Ballou, a nephew of Mr. Bissell, joined the firm in 1866, making it Bissell, Shiras & Ballou. Mr. Bissell served as attorney general of the State of Iowa from the early part of 1866 until his death in June 1867.

Mr. Shiras soon formed a partnership with Alonzo J. VanDuzee under the name of Shiras and VanDuzee. Mr. David B. Henderson was admitted to the firm in 1869, changing it to Shiras, Vanduzee & Henderson. Mr. Henderson, as the result of wounds received while serving with the Union Army during the Civil War, walked with a wooden leg. He studied law with Bissell & Shiras after the was, was Collector of Internal Revenues for the northern district of Iowa from 1865 to 1869, and served two years as assistant United States district attorney for the district. Mr. Shiras was a brother of George Shiras, Jr., and associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1892 to 1903. Iowa was divided into two federal judicial districts in 1882, and Oliver Perry Shiras became the first judge of the northern district of Iowa, serving in said capacity from 1882 until 1903. Judge Shiras appointed his former law partner, Mr. VanDuzee, clerk of his court, a position which Mr. VanDuzee held until his death in 1912.

HERRON, Francis J. (February 17, 1837-New York, Jan. 8, 1902). MEDAL OF HONOR recipient, Lieutenant Colonel, 9th Iowa Infantry. One of Dubuque's two Medal of Honor recipients in the CIVIL WAR, Herron came to Dubuque in 1855 at the age of eighteen and with his brother opened a bank.
Herron joined the Union Army in 1861 and received his commendation for action on May 7, 1862, during the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. Herron was cited for gallantly leading his men in battle until he was disabled when his horse was killed, and he was captured.

Herron was later exchanged for a Confederate officer and was promoted from lieutenant colonel to brigadier general. He continued his service to the Union for the remainder of the Civil War. His distinguished duty at the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, in 1862 earned him promotion to major general when he was only twenty-five years old.

In the early 1890s Dubuque residents were angered when plans for a proposed soldiers and sailors monument on the Statehouse grounds in Des Moines did not include his likeness. See: George Washington HEALEY.

Information provided by Richard G. Bridges.

Oliver Perry SHIRAS, George Shiras and Francis J. Herron were second cousins. Oliver & George Shiras's mother Eliza and Francis J. Herron were first cousins.

The Shiras and Herron brothers all came to Dubuque around 1855 from the Pittsburgh area. George Shiras II (b.1806) married Elizabeth Perry Herron and had George Jr. (III) (b. 1832), Oliver Perry (b. 1833) and Francis Herron Shiras. Eliza Herron's (b.1809) father was Francis J. Herron's (b. 1837) uncle Rev. Francis Herron (b. 1774). Francis J. Herron's father was Francis Herron's brother and Francis J. Herron's uncle John Herron Jr. (b. 1792). Elizabeth Herron Shiras and Francis J. Herron's grandfather was also named John Herron Sr.

Francis J. Herron also had a brother, David R. Herron, Lieutenant in the 3rd Iowa Light Artillery Battery, also known as the Dubuque Battery, organized in Dubuque. And besides Oliver P. Shiras serving as aid de camp to Br. Gen. Francis J. Herron during the Civil War, Herron had a nephew, James A. Herron, son of brother William A. Herron (b. 1821), who served on his staff.

It should also be noted U.S. Supreme Court Justice George SHIRAS, Jr. married Dubuque born Lillie E. Kennedy (b. 1842) daughter of Robert T. Kennedy (b. 1819). It appears Robert T. Kennedy and several of his children are buried in Dubuque.

Oliver Perry Shiras, (October 22, 1833 - January 7, 1916) was the first United States federal judge on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.
Shiras was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He received an A.B. (1853) and A.M. (1856) from Ohio University, and an LL.B. from Yale Law School in 1856. Relocating to Iowa in 1856, he went into private practice in Dubuque, Iowa. During the Civil War, he was in the United States Army, where he served as a First Lieutenant in the JAG Corps from 1862 to 1863. He also served as a Dubuque city councilman.

In 1882, Shiras became a federal district court judge. He was nominated by President Chester A. Arthur on August 3, 1882, to a new seat created by 22 Stat. 172, which divided the District of Iowa into a Northern District and Southern District. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 4, 1882, and received his commission the same day.

He resigned his office on November 1, 1903, returning to private practice in Dubuque from 1903 to 1916.

He died in Sea Breeze, Florida, on January 7, 1916.

1860 Census: Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa: O. P. Shiras (age 27, lawyer, born Penn), Elizabeth Shiras (age 24, born Delaware), Isabel Shiras (age 2, born Iowa) and Eliza Shiras (age 1, born Iowa).

1870 Census: Dubuque Ward 3, Dubuque County, Iowa: O. P. Shiras (age 38, lawyer, born Pennsylvania), Elizabeth Shiras (age 34, born Ohio), Isabel Shiras (age 13, born Iowa) and Frederick Shiras (age 5, born Iowa). The family was indexed as SHIVAS.

1880 Census, Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa: O.P. Shires (age 46, Attorney at Law, born Pennsylvania), wife E. R. Shires (age 43, born Delaware), daughter E. Hoage (age 22, divorced, born Iowa), grandson Denna Hoage (age 2, born Montana) and son Frank "Hoage" (age 15, born Iowa).

1885 Iowa State Census: Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa: Hon. Oliver P. Shiras (1470 Locust, age 51, U. S. Judge, born Pennsylvania), Elizabeth Shiras (age 49, born Virginia), Fred D. Shiras (age 19, born Dubuque County, Iowa), Mrs. Belle Hoge (age 27, born Dubuque County, Iowa), Dana Hogue (age 7, born Montana).

1900 Census, Julien, Dubuque County, Iowa: Oliver P. Shiras (Roomer, born Oct. 1833, age 66, married 12 years, born Pennsylvania, U. S. Court Judge), wife Hetty Shrias (born Feb. 1837, age 63, married 12 years, 0 children born, born Ohio).

1910 Census: Dubuque Ward 4, Dubuque County, Iowa: Oliver F. Shiras (Lodger, age 76, married 2 times, currently for 21 years, born Pennsylvania, Lawyer, General practice), wife Ketty E. Shrias (age 73, married 2 times, currently for 21 years, 0 children born., born Ohio).

1915 Iowa State Census: Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa: Oliver P. Shiras (age 81, married, County Dubuque, retired, extent of education: Grammar 8, High School 4, College 3, can read and write, birth place: Pennsylvania. Military Service: Civil War, Infantry, State Iowa, Regiment: 37*, Church Affiliation: none, Father's birth place: Pennsylvania. Mother's birth place: Pennsylvania. Years in Iowa: 68. (*Note "37" is not a typo. That is what the census says).

Oliver P. Shiras died Jan. 7, 1916 at Seabreeze, FL. He is buried in Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, Iowa.

Langworthy, Solon Massey He was born Jan. 27, 1814 in Rutland, Jefferson County, New York. He was the son of Stephen Langworthy (Nov. 4, 1777 - July 27, 1848) and Betsy Massey (Feb. 20, 1781 - Feb. 20, 1820). He married Julia Lois Patterson on April 20, 1840. She was the daughter of Myron Patterson and Frances Dawson.

James, Edward, Lucius and Solon Langworthy: The Langworthy brothers (James, Edward, Lucius and Solon) are believed to be the most influential family in the early days of our town. The first three were lead miners in Galena who commenced illegal mining here in 1830 - illegal because the area West of the river was part of the Indian lands. Lucius discovered the rich Langworthy load which produced ten million pounds of lead ore and lead to a miner's settlement in what was to later become the town of Dubuque. In 1833 it became legal to mine the lead on the Iowa side, and in 1840 Lucius struck the Langworthy cave, which was even more valuable than his earlier find. The fourth brother, Solon, joined them, as did their father Dr. Stephen Langworthy. All four brothers fought in the Black Hawk War and James and Lucius built the military Road from Dubuque to Iowa City and founded the town of Langworthy. Lucius and Edward served in the Territorial Legislature and Edward was a member of the Iowa Territorial Constitutional Convention. All were enterprising; Lucius became a director of two railroads. Solon made and lost several fortunes in various businesses and all of the brothers built mansions for themselves, placing them so that together they formed a large L. Three houses still stand today. All are buried at Linwood Cemetery

Solon Langworthy
STEPHEN LANGWORTHY, M.D. (note: father of Solon Langworthy). At the close of the war of 1812, he resided in Western New York. He was a physician and surgeon in the army of the United States, and, partly induced by disturbances along the New York and Canadian line, partly by the difficulty of supporting so large a family, he decided to emigrate to Brie, Penn., and, in 1815, we find him located at French Creek. Here he erected a saw-mill, which gave employment to the two oldest sons, the father, meantime, following his profession. A few years were thus passed, when Dr. L. determined upon going still farther westward. For this purpose, a flat-boat was built, and he, together with his family, descended the French Creek, the Alleghany, into the Ohio River. While passing over Letarts Falls, most of the valuable goods stowed in the boat for future use were destroyed, the family barely escaping, with but little left from the wreck: Pursuing their journey to Marietta, on the Ohio, they saw directly opposite Blennerhasset's Island, near its center, the deserted mansion of Blennerhasset, who had joined with Aaron Burr in a scheme to establish a Southern Federacy. The plan, however, was frustrated by Lewis Cass, then Governor of the Northwestern Territory. The baffled conspirators, flying down the Ohio and Mississippi, eluded pursuit, and returned no more to the lovely island and its ruined castle. In the spring of 1819, this family again resumed their journey. Embarking on a rude flat-boat, they passed down the beautiful Ohio, whose waters had not, as yet, been disturbed by any manner of craft propelled by steam. The solitude was unbroken, save at intervals when the ax of some wood-cutter felling trees for his cabin, broke the silence, or the sharp crack of the hunter's rifle startled the birds, and sent the wild deer bounding down the valleys. Arriving at Shawneetown, the flat-boat was sold and wagons and horses procured. In the wagons were placed the household goods, provisions, and, also, such members of the family as were too young or too frail to walk. After a period of twenty-five days, through the mud and mire of Southern Illinois, early in May, 1819, the historic town of Edwardsville was reached, and at last they are in their Western home. At this time, St. Louis was the only considerable point for business, and contained a mixed population, French, Spanish and negro, numbering about three thousand souls.
There Dr. Langworthy went, as it offered him an opportunity to follow his profession. But the location of the family proved to be an unfavorable one, and the father was called home by the illness of his wife. The malarial fever, peculiar to that section in that day, soon ended her life, and a son, Stephen, followed his mother, a victim to the same malady. These sad events determined Dr. Langworthy to seek a more healthful region. Accordingly, the eldest son, James, with Dr. Isaiah Massey, his mother's brother, traveled northwest, and after a long and hazardous journey, they found Diamond Grove. Here the father, aided by his sons, began to open up a farm. A cabin was built, ten or twelve acres of land on the edge of the grove, covered with weeds, which had grown there since the Kickapoo Indians had cultivated it as a corn-field, and, according to a previous treaty, had now abandoned it. An abundant crop rewarded their first year's labor. Dr. Massey, having selected for himself the eastern end of the grove, had returned to Edwardsville, where, soon after, he was seized with the malarial fever, which terminated his life. Diamond Grove, proving a healthful location, soon became quite well settled with a population partly Eastern, but principally Southern. There settlers had taken up claims, made improvements, either skirting the water-courses or in the vicinity of groves. Their cabins, made of round logs, served both for dwelling-places and schoolhouses. The expenses of the latter were divided among the different families, according to the number of pupils furnished by each. By this arrangement, the greater portion of the expense fell upon the "Yankees," as many of the Southern settlers, believing that education would produce dishonesty and wickedness, refused to permit their children to be instructed. Corn and wheat were the principal products, affording subsistence both to men and animals. The want of mills to grind the grain was one of the severest hard ships encountered, the horse-mill being the only resource. This was constructed with a sweep, to which every person having a grist to grind attached his own team, mounted the sweep and drove the horses round a circuitous track. If, luckily, his team was strong and fast, he could obtain about two bushels of meal or flour per hour.

Dr. Langworthy now revisited St. Louis, remaining a year, during which time he married Miss Jane Moureing, installing her in his home at Diamond Grove, where she watched over his large family with true devotion. The county seat of Morgan County was now fixed at Jacksonville, two miles east of his residence, and, rapidly increasing in population, rendered his profession a lucrative one. The farm, too, had prospered, leaving the elder members of the family free to seek their fortunes elsewhere. In 1824, James L. Langworthy set out for the Upper Mississippi Lead Mines, where mineral had recently been discovered in large quantities. The journey was made on horseback, a compass being used to direct his course. In about ten days, be arrived at Fever River, where Galena now stands. He immediately associated himself with Orrin Smith, a native of Cincinnati, and commenced mining one mile east of Hazel Green, Wis., at a place commonly called Hardscrabble. After nearly two years' hard labor, they struck a big lead, selling the same in 1826 to Alexander Phelps for a large sum of money. This gave them the means to visit their respective homes. Together, on horseback, they made the trip to Diamond Grove. Here the happy household joyfully greeted the brother safely returned, and hospitably entertained his companion. The family consisted of the following members: Dr. Langworthy and wife, with his children-- Eliza, Laura, Lucius H., Edward, Mary Ann, Maria , Lucretia, Solon, Lucien and Harriet . Happy these heroes, who, conquering adversity, had returned to thrill the hearts of their fascinated relatives with wild tales of adventure and daring. Orrin Smith at length departed for Cincinnati; but the friendship inspired by one member of the family had fast ripened into true affection. Excited by the success of their elder brother, Lucius and Edward now determined also to seek the mines. In the spring of 1827, accompanied by their two sisters, Mary Ann and Maria, made their way in a wagon to a point on the Mississippi named "Wood's Woodyard," now the city of Quincy, containing more than 40,000 inhabitants. This yard was the property of John Wood , afterward Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. They arrived there about the 10th of April, having traveled a distance of eighty-six miles. A family of Dunkards had settled midway between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, and, following their trail, the young travelers gained their residence. There they were hospitably entertained for the night, and, by directions from these kindly friends, they went onward on their wanderings. The following day, and just at nightfall, they reached the summit of the lofty bluff overlooking the Mississippi and the woodyard for which they were destined. The steamboat Red Rover had been advertised to arrive at this place and soon rounded the point below. After taking on board the adventurers and a supply of wood, the vessel turned her prow up stream, and rapidly vanished from sight. Solon, the younger brother, left alone on the river bank in charge of the team, without delay ascended the bluff. This team was the first that ever descended the precipitous bluff, and the Red Rover was the first steamboat any one of the young travelers had ever seen. About 4 P. M., Solon again entered the hospitable cabin of the Dunkards. The following morning, when about to turn homeward with his team, he found a most unlucky accident had befallen it. A vicious bull had gored one of the horses. Nothing remained for him but to mount the other and in that manner reach Diamond Grove. Letters from the absent brothers were received about the 1st of July, assuring the anxious family of the safe arrival of the party at Buncombe, at which place they were joined by James Langworthy and Orrin Smith, who were still partners in mining and merchandising.

Not many months passed before Mary Ann fulfilled the promise she had made and became the wife of Orrin Smith, Maria sharing their home. Lucius and Edward repaired to Coon Branch, near Hazel Green, where they built their cabin and engaged in mining. Solon, it will be remembered, was still on the farm at Diamond Grove. Being the oldest son now left there, the care of the farm devolved upon him. With the assistance of one man and a younger brother, Lucien, more than a hundred acres, cultivated in field crops, yielded an ample return. They were, however, far from being remunerative, corn being only 10 and wheat 37 cents per bushel, other products being proportionately low. Remoteness from markets compelled the exchange of farm products for dry goods, groceries and other necessary articles, which were excessively high. As an instance of this kind of trade, it may be mentioned that 1,000 bushels of corn were delivered at Jacksonville, two and one-half miles distant, the consideration being a horse, valued at $100. Now came a fresh break in the home circle, Eliza marrying, in 1827, William Maclay, and Laura choosing for her husband Jacob D. Williams. In April, 1828, Solon, accompanied by Horace McCartney, started for Galena, Ill. Between the Grove and Galena the inhabitants were few and scattering. Although they had sold these lands, the Indians still persisted in remaining upon them, thus retarding the settlement of the country. The two travelers had gone a short distance west of the Illinois River, when they overtook a party of drovers en route for the mines. They were strongly advised not to undertake the journey alone, but for safety to join the drovers, which offer they accepted, remaining in their company six or seven days, until within twenty miles of Rock River, when, finding that their provisions were nearly exhausted, it became imperative for the two companions to leave the slow-traveling drovers and push rapidly forward. No sooner were the trees skirting the river fairly in view than a large body of mounted Indians were seen, and, ere the danger was entirely comprehended, the travelers were surrounded by the dusky warriors. Two of the chiefs, by the aid of certain gestures and broken mutterings, seemed to inquire upon what business and to what place the whites were bound. Satisfied upon these points, they unceremoniously examined the equipments and then signified that the voyagers must follow them, and, in a few minutes, the entire party were on the banks of the Rock River. An application to the chiefs for the use of their canoes was refused, the Indian boys sportively wrestling with the young whites. No other resource remained but to cross the stream as best they could, seeing which, Solon mounted his horse, which, swimming safely over, was soon followed by his companion. Untroubled by further incidents, Council Hill was reached, where the path of the comrades separated, Solon going to Buncomb. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon, he arrived safely, and there met his brother James. The day following, they both repaired to the mining cabin on Coon Branch, where, for the first time in several years, the four brothers were re-united, Orrin Smith, too, soon added his kindly welcome and conducted the young adventurer to his residence on the Platte, a spot now known as British Hollow, where the joy of the two sisters may well be imagined. But, after a short visit, Solon returned to Coon Branch, residing that summer with Lucius and Edward. As a miner, this season proved fortunate, the young man realizing a snug little sum, which enabled him, in company with James Meredith, in November, 1828, to revisit Diamond Grove. The next three years were devoted to labor upon the home farm. This was sold in 1831, the entire family removing to St. Charles, Mo. Solon now found employment with a neighboring farmer. Becoming dissatisfied with that business, in July, 1832, he enlisted in Co. A, United States Ranging Service, Capt. Nathaniel Boone commanding, a grandson of the famous Daniel Boone. This officer was ordered to report to Gen. Winfield Scott, at Rock Island, which he did about the 20th of August. The company encamped immediately below the garrison. In a couple of weeks, the cholera made its appearance in the garrison, creating great alarm, in consequence of which the company obtained permission to make a fresh camp south of the Rock River, six miles distant. Twelve of its members died of the malady, a slight mortality, compared with that of the garrison. About the 1st of September, Gen. Dodge dispatched two of his Aids-de-camp, H. L. Massey and James L. Langworthy, announcing to Gen. Scott the capture of Black Hawk at the battle of Bad Axe. Solon was present at Rock Island when the treaty was made which terminated that war. The company, being enlisted for a year's service, was then ordered to Fort Gibson, on the Arkansas River, reaching that place early in January, 1833. In the following spring, it was sent westward, for the protection of the Santa Fe trade, a service for which it had been originally designed. Late in that summer, the company marched to Fort Gibson, and were disbanded. Solon, in company with Ezra Overall, William H. and Jesse Moureing, set out for their Missouri homes. On reaching St. Charles, Solon found his brother-in-law, Mr. Williams, had died of cholera, and he remained with his sister during the winter, for the purpose of settling up the estate. In the spring of 1834, he embarked at St. Louis, on the steamer Olive Branch, for Galena. Here he met his sister Maria, then the wife of. Upon his boat, the Jo Daviess, he visited Dubuque the following day, and was soon the guest of his three brothers in their mining cabin in Langworthy Hollow. They at once employed him in hauling rails for fencing a farm, which is now in the heart of the city. In June, he broke up sixty acres thereon, which is thought to be the first land plowed in the State of Iowa, that is, in any quantity. Farm work being completed, he began an examination of the country with a view to its mining resources. In the fall of 1834, he purchased a large mineral lot on the Maquoketa. Lucius, also, was interested in the undertaking, and, together, after two weeks' labor, they struck a fine prospect. Thereupon, they built a cabin, and Lucius returning to Dubuque, Solon took up his residence, hired two men, and, for a year and a half, carried on the mining. In the autumn of 1835, he bought a prospect on the Ewing Range. Here, after blasting for nearly a month, an immense cave was discovered, filled with shining ore. The success of these ventures stimulated Solon to further achievements. In the spring of 1836, he joined with Orrin Smith, in operations on Fever River and Coon Branch. On the latter, they purchased a claim for $800, obtained 2,000 pounds of mineral and exhausted it in one day. Deserting the spot, Solon, in a few days, encountered four Missouri brothers named Jemison, whose lot, cabin, tools, and lead already on the surface, amounting to sixty or seventy thousand pounds of mineral, he bought for the sum of $2,500, taking possession of the cabin, hitching his pony at the end of the windlass rope. Solon hired four men, and the next morning saw them delving industriously in the mines, his partner, Orrin Smith, now in Cincinnati, being quite unaware of his operations. In less than two months, he sold from this lead over three hundred and fifty thousand pounds of mineral, clearing, above all expenses, about $4,000, half of which was paid over to Mr. Smith, on his return. At the end of the year, the profits had increased to about $22,000, a great portion of which was invested in the steamer Brazil, built in the winter of 1837, by Orrin Smith, at Cincinnati. This vessel was the first one which had ever been upon the Upper Mississippi, up to that date. After making a few very successful trips between Cincinnati and Dubuque, she struck a rock on the upper rapids of the Mississippi and sunk, being a total wreck and entirely uninsured. During the autumn, Solon made a journey on horseback to St. Louis, navigation being closed. There he purchased four horses and a wagon, and a stock of clothing valued at $4,000. Henry L. Massey then became his partner, taking charge of the team, and at once passing through the State of Missouri and the Territory of Iowa, commenced business at Snake Diggings, now Potosi, Wis. Large mineral discoveries had attracted here a large body of miners, to whom the goods were rapidly sold, and the proceeds remitted to Mr. Langworthy, then in Cincinnati, to be again invested in new stock. Mr. Massey carried on the business at Potosi until the fall of 1838, when Mr. L. personally assumed charge of it. On the 20th of April, 1840, he married Julia L. Patterson, daughter of Myron and Frances Patterson, of Long Island. In this village they resided until 1848, at which period they removed to Dubuque, Iowa, erecting the house in which they now reside. Their family consists of three daughters and two sons. In 1862, Solon Langworthy was appointed Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the 27th I. V. I., and went into the struggle for the life of the Union. In the hardships common to such a period, he shared, until the year 1864, when, resigning, he returned to his home. His life since then has been an active one, and he has embarked in many enterprises, having at different times engaged in the banking, lumbering and similar occupations. A busy, stirring manhood, let us hope, will bring the peace and serenity of an old age, happy in an unbroken and a loving household circle.

1880 Dubuque County Biographies
The History of Dubuque County, Iowa
Published 1880 by Western Historical Company, Chicago
Courtesy of Doreen Weston and Tom Schlarman

SOLON LANGWORTHY HOUSE.
Solon (and wife Julia) was granted 14.57 acres in the southwest corner of Mineral Lot 73, "No. 6" of the ten plats. Solon's plat was bordered to the south by land owned by John Lang, and to the west by the land of Stout and Finley (in the direction of present-day Finley Hospital). Crossing Third Street, J.S. Nairn's land bordered Solon's plat to the north, and brother Lucius Langworthy's land abutted to the east. While the land claims were filed in 1851, it is uncertain when the home was actually built, publications varying between 1848 and 1856.

The neighboring land of 9.5 acres to the east, owned by Solon's brother, Lucius, was given to Lucius' daughter, Valeria A. Langworthy, at the price of "Love and Affection and $1.00" in 1858. In 1861, a claim was filed by Solon and Julia Langworthy to expand their land for farming, the homestead being expanded by 21.52 acres, and dipping into Mineral Lots 159 (4.52 acres, lot divisions 7, 8, and 9) and 322 (16 acres). For the newly acquired land, Solon paid James, Lucius, and Edward $2712.43 through a mortgage with J. V. Rider at 6% interest and $25.75 closing costs. His first payment was for $98.61, for a total of $3166.

In 1862, Solon Langworthy was appointed Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the 27th I. V. L., and fought to preserve the Union in the Civil War, resigning and returning home in 1864. Thereafter, he engaged in various enterprises, including banking, lumbering, and similar occupations. Solon and Julia's family was composed of three daughters and two sons: Solon Massey Langworthy (wife Ora), Mary (Langworthy) Bunting, Julia Solonia (Langworthy) Stephens, Frances L. (Langworthy) Poole, and Forrest W. Langworthy.

In 1879, Solon and Julia sold part of their land to the city for the widening of Third Street. In 1886, Solon died, leaving his estate to Julia and his children. In 1898, their son Solon Massey and wife Ora gave his mother, Julia $4300 for a portion of the land, and in 1891 the Langworthy family gave the city additional sections of their property to construct Alpine Street, the present-day street on which the home resides, and Langworthy Avenue (today, Langworthy Street).

In 1907, Julia died, leaving the estate to her children in a carefully draw fashion. She legally subdivided the land into six lots, still called "Julia Langworthy's Addition" to this day. Her will was as follows: the house and its new boundaries (Lot 4, 118 ft. x 165 ft.) were to be shared by her daughters J. Solonia and Mary, both widowed. Mary was also given an adjoining plat (Lot 1, 49.8 ft. x 125 ft.), located on the corner of Third and Alpine Streets. Daughter Frances (and husband Horace) was given the adjoining lot, to the east and facing Third Street (Lot 2, 49.6 x 125 ft.), and J. Solonia given the next lot to the east (Lot 3,49.6 x 125 ft.). On the opposite side (west) of the house, Julia legally subdivided the property into Lots 5 and 6. She willed the west third of these two lots to her son Forrest (in trust by his sisters), her son, Solon Massey, the middle third, and the east third was sold to Horace Poole to pay for any debts of the estate.

Julia Solonia died in 1917, leaving her half of the homestead estate to Mary. In 1924, Mary mortgaged the house and its land for $6000 at 8% for a total of $6712.20 plus $112.56 in fees. After defaulting on the loan, the property was sold in 1934 to W. J. Ewe for $6974.20. Ewe immediately sold the property to August Klein (and wife Emma) for an unnamed price, who divided the house into apartments. The property has since passed from Emma's children, Mabel Palmer and Fred and Bert Rowell, to Clarence Hamilton in 1970, as well as from Hamilton to Jeremy Wainwright (present owner) in 1998. Jeremy opened the west-facing division of the home, an addition added around 1870, as a Bed & Breakfast in 2006. He has done extensive restoration work to the building, with work still in progress.

LANGWORTHY, Solon

LANGWORTHY, Solon. (Rutland, NY, Jan. 29, 1814--Dubuque, IA, June 7, 1886). Businessman. The fourth Langworthy brother to come to Dubuque, Solon arrived in 1834. He is believed to be the first man to plow land in Iowa ... sixty acres. His purchase of two mineral lots, one in 1834 and another in 1835, also proved profitable.
In 1836 Langworthy entered into a partnership with Orrin Smith. Profits from MINING were invested in the steamer "Brazil," built in 1837 and believed to be one of the first to enter the Upper Mississippi. Unfortunately this boat made very few successful trips between Dubuque and Cincinnati before it crashed into a rock and sank, a totally uninsured wreck.

Langworthy then entered into partnership with Henry L. Massey to supply clothing to miners at Snake Diggings, near Potosi, Wisconsin. Langworthy assumed charge of this business in 1838. He and his family settled in Dubuque in 1848. He entered into a partnership with James LANGWORTHY and Edward LANGWORTHY that continued until their retirements in 1862.

Encyclopedia Dubuque

1850 Census, District 7, Dubuque County, Iowa: Solon Langworthy (age 36, merchant born NY), Julia Langworthy (age 27, born Ills), Francis Langworthy (age 7, born Wisconsin), Solonia Langworthy (age 5, born Wisconsin), and Henry Overstreet (age 12, born Mo.

1856 Iowa State Census, Julien, Dubuque County, Iowa, Solon M. Langworthy (age 40, born NY, banker), Julia Langworthy (age 30, born Ill). Frances Langworthy (age 12, born Wis), S. Langworthy (age 10, born Wis.), Forest Langworthy (age 5, born Iowa), Lois Langworthy (age 2, born Iowa). Solon had been in the state of Iowa for 23 years.

1860 Census, Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa: Solon M. Langworthy (age 46, Banker, born New York), Julia L. Langworthy (age 37, born Ill.), Frances F. Langworthy (age 16, born WS), Julia S. Langworthy (age 14, born WS), Forest W. Langworthy (age 9, born Iowa), Mary Langworthy (age 3, born Iowa) and Lois A. Langworthy (age 6, born Iowa)

1870 Census: Dubuque Ward 1, Dubuque County, Iowa: S. M. Langworthy (age 54, lumber dealer, born New York), Julia M. Langworthy (age 46, born Illinois), Solonia Langworthy (age 23, born Wisconsin), Forrest W. Langworthy (age 19, born Iowa), Mary M. Langworthy (age 13, born Iowa) and Solon Langworthy (age 21, born Iowa)

1880 Census: Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa: Solon Langworthy (3rd Street, age 66, lumber merchant, born New York), wife Juliett Langworthy (age 57, born Illinois), daughter Mamie Langworthy (age 22, born Iowa), son Solon Langworthy (age 12, born Iowa) and Servant Mary Sullivan (age 20, born Iowa).

1885 Iowa State Census: Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa: Solon M. Langworthy (3rd Street West, age 71, lumber dealer, born New York), Julia L. Langworthy (age 61, born Illinois), Forrest W. Langworthy (age 31, born Dubuque County, Iowa), Mary M. Langworthy (age 24, born Dubuque County, Iowa), Solon M. Langworthy (age 16, born Dubuque County, Iowa), Domestic servant Celia Hughs (age 27) and domestic servant Samuel Parker (age 35).

Solon Langworthy died June 7, 1886 and is buried in Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa.

Julia L. (Patterson) Langworthy (born Mar. 1, 1823), died April 24, 1907. She is buried in Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa.

Children of Solon M. Langworthy and Julia Patterson

Forest Langworthy b. 1841
Frances Forrest Langworthy b. Oct. 21, 1843, died Nov. 10, 1916
Julia Solonia Langworthy, b. May 3,1846 d. Dec. 29. 1918
Solon Langworthy
Forrest Woodbury Langworthy, born Jan. 31, 1851 d. Jan. 26, 1929
Lois Anna Langworthy b Feb. 4, 1854, d. July 11, 1860
Mary Massey Langworthy b. Jan. 19, 1857, d.. July 28, 1942
Solon Massey Langworthy b. Mar. 23, 1868, d. Aug. 29, 1922

Sanborn, John Eastman He was born Aug. 17, 1824 in Gilmanton, Belknap County, New Hampshire. He was the son of Jacob Sanborn (May 16, 1788 - Mar. 16, 1867) and Fanny Eastman (July 1, 1793 - May 14, 1825). He married Rebecca M. Tate on Oct. 11, 1852 in Middletown, Middlesex County, Connecticut. She was the daughter of William Tate and Mary Cone.

John E. Sanborn, M.D., Late of Melrose, Mass.

The subject of this sketch was born in Gilmanton, N.H., in 1824, and was the son of Rev. Jacob Sanborn, a prominent Methodist clergyman. His early education was received at Phillips Exeter Academy, and in 1845 he was graduated from Wesleyan University; in 1850 and for two years following, he practiced at Malden. In 1852 he accepted the position of chemistry and materia medica at the University of Iowa.

At the breaking out of the civil war he was appointed surgeon of the Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry and served for three years, being mustered out in 1865 as surgeon-in-chief of the Sixteenth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. At the close of the war he continued to practice his profession, locating at Rockport, later going to Salem, and in 1890 settling in Melrose. He was for several years chairman of the Melrose board of health.

Dr. Sanborn died at his home in Melrose, April 1, 1903.
Photo was found in Newsletter Vo1 22, #1, mentioned below.
Conn, Granville Pries. History of the New Hampshire Surgeons in the War of Rebellion. Concord, N.H, I. C. Evans Co.: 1906, page 456

1860 Census: Taylor, Dubuque County, Iowa: J. E. Sanborn (age 35, physician, born New Hampshire), Rebecca Sanborn (age 28, born Connecticut), William Sanborn (age 6, born Iowa), Mary Sanborn (age 4, born Iowa), Fanny Sanborn (age 1, born Iowa) and Amanda May (age 12, born Penn.).

The Medical and Surgical History of the Civil War, Volume VI
IV - OTHER DISEASES ATTRIBUTED TO EXPOSURE

I. - CONGESTION AND INFLAMMATION OF THE SPINAL MEMBRANES

Among the cases of disease due apparently to exposure to cold and wet were many in which the spinal cord or its membranes became affected. Surgeon J. E. Sanborn, 27th Iowa, writing from Jackson, Tenn., March 31, 1863, refers to this spinal affection:

A singular affection has manifested itself in this regiment, taking the form of a severe spinal irritation and, possibly, spinal meningitis. There is pain in the lumbar region, occasionally sharp but usually dull and aching; at times the feeling is described as a sense of weakness, with inability to stand or sit straight and a difficulty in lying down except in certain positions. There is tenderness on pressure upon the spinal processes or just upon either side of them. The first few cases of this disorder I suspected to be feigned, but the prevalence of the affection and the character of many of the subjects soon indicated that in many cases at least it was a serious reality. Some cases were at first thought to be the result of an affection of the kidneys brought on by lying on the wet ground, an idea suggested by the fact that they were accompanied by dark or very red urine. In other cases it was observed that this affection either followed or accompanied chronic diarrhea. In the matter of treatment almost every reasonable mode has been employed: Constitutionally, quinine and similar antiperiodics on the miasmatic presumption; then combinations of iodine and other alternatives, with tonics in cases of possible rheumatic diathesis. Locally, stimulating liniments, blisters, cupping, both wet and dry, croton oil, and other forms of external irritation and pustulation, all of which have been almost invariably unsuccessful. A number, having limped about with canes to support their bending spines for some time, have finally been discharged. The temptation is so strong to feign such a disease that special care has to be taken the watch the cases and treat them vigorously.

Sometimes the attack was so sudden that the case, as in 1, 4, and 8 of the following series, was reported as one of paralysis; or as inflammation of the spinal cord or its membranes, if associated at its inception with febrile movement and tenderness over some part of the spine, as in cases 2 and 5; again the disease was reported as a chronic myelitis when the spinal tenderness, as in case 6, was not associated with a symptomatic pyrexia. Whether the inflammatory action in these cases was modified by a rheumatic diathesis is uncertain; but in its light grades, when characterized merely by pain and stiffness, or impairment of muscular power in the limbs, it was generally reported as chronic rheumatism.

According to the records most of the cases of paralysis resulted from exposure in cold and wet weather. In some instances there was a history of injury to the spine, but the proximate or immediate case in several of these, as in 3 and 10, were evidently the subsequent exposure to the vicissitudes and inclemencies of the weather. The injury, however, may have determined the localization of the inflammatory results of the exposure. The acceptance of this view would give a substantial support to Dr. Klapp's explanation of the frequency of rheumatic manifestations in the lower part of the spinal canal among soldiers on active service. Over-exertion and heavy burdens on the loins would predispose by repetition as surely as a more pronounced injury inflicted but once.

The number of white soldiers reported as taken sick with paralysis amounted to 2,837, the deaths to 231 and the discharges to 2,838. The anomaly expressed by these numbers is chiefly due to the fact that among the discharges mentioned were many cases that had made their appearance on the sick-report as inflammations of the spinal cord. Others, reported originally as chronic rheumatism, were discharged on account of an aggravation of the spinal affection manifested by paralysis and muscular tremors, and paralytic sequlae of such diseases as the continued fevers also contributed to the total of those discharged.

Source: The Medical and Surgical History of the Civil War, Volume III

Extract from the Report of Surgeon John E. Sanborn, 27th Iowa Volunteers, Jackson, Tennessee, April 30, 1863.

During the last month we have had but few cases of continued fever. A number of cases apparently threatening to become serious were speedily cut short with mercurials followed by quinine. The most alarming case was that of Lieutenant B., of Company K, who had a violent chill followed by fever of extraordinary severity and duration. This was broken up by the use of quinine, but within forty-eight hours severe pneumonia (congestion) of the right lung was developed, which in a few hours threatened to be speedily fatal. He was rescued from this imminent danger by the prompt use of bliaters, with brandy, carbonate of ammonia, and quinine, and is now convalescent. Nearly all of our cases of protracted fever, assume a remittent or intermittent form, and seem to demand antiperiodics.

Diarrhea is less frequent then heretofore, partly from increased care in cooking, all cooking being done in messes and under careful supervision, and partly from the effects of an order prohibiting the sale of pies, cakes, &c. in the camp. Most of the diarrheas assume primarily the form of hepatic congestion, and are generally speedily relieved at the onset, if opportunely treated with somewhat brisk mercurials, followed with saline laxatives. Most of the catarrha have been the result of exposure to cold and wet, or have followed measles.

1870 Census, Rockport, Essex County, Massachusetts: John E. Sanborn (age 45, physician, born New Hampshire), Jessie T. Sanborn (age 38, born Conn.), Millie J. Sanborn (age 16, born Iowa), Mary E. Sanborn (age 14, born Mass), Fannie M. Sanborn (age 11, born Iowa) and Clarence H. Sanford (age 2, born Iowa).

1880 Census, Rockport, Essex County, Massachusetts: John E. Sanborn (age 56, physician, born New Hampshire), Wife Rebecca M. Sanborn (age 48, born Connecticut), daughter Mary E. Sanborn (age 23, born Massachusetts), Fanny M. Sanborn (age 19, born Iowa), son Clarence H. Sanborn (age 12, born Iowa), mother-in-law Mary C. Tate (age 80, widowed, born Conn.).

U. S. Passport Application
United States of America
State of Massachusetts
County of Essex

I, John E. Sanborn, do swear that I was born in the town of Gilmanton, N. H. on or about the seventeenth day of August, 1824, that I am a Native and Loyal Citizen of the United States and about to travel abroad in Europe - France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.

Sworn to before me this thirty first day of May, 1888
Notary Public Signature.

Description of Dr. John E. Sanborn:

Age: 63 1/2 years
Stature: 5 feet 9 inches
Forehead: Broad and full
Eyes: dark blue
Nose: Large and Prominent
Mouth: Large
Chin: Square and bearded
Hair: Iron grey
Complexion, Light & Florid
Face: Full & Broad

Applicant desires passport sent to the following address:

Dr. J. E. Sanborn
Rockport, Essex Co., Mass.

Note: It appears that Dr. Sanborn kept a diary during his European trip. The Sanborn Family Association has at least part of it online. It is Vol. 22, #1. This newsletter also included extracts from a few letters that he wrote as a child and some photos. The link above takes you to their website. They have obviously done much work on the Sanborns.

Because I have maintained the website for the 27th Iowa for many years and have seen links come and go, I have also copied the section relevant to Dr. Sanborn to this website - just in case their website goes away. You can see it here.

1900 Census, Melrose Ward 4, Middlesex County, Massachusetts: John E. Sanborn (born Aug. 1824, age 75, married 47 years, born New Hampshire, physician), wife Rebecca Sanborn (born Sept. 1832, age 67, married 47 years, 5 children born, 4 still living, born Connecticut), daughter Fanny N. Sanborn (born June 1859, age 40, born Iowa), and sister Harriet E. Sanborn (born July 1830, age 69, born Massachusetts).

John E. Sanborn died April 1, 1903 and is buried in Beech Grove Cemetery, Lot 90, Section 4, Elm Ave., Rockport, Essex County, Massachusetts.

Obituary found on Find a Grave
Harvard Medical Association Quarterly, 1901, page 645

OBITUARY

(Class of) 1850. Dr. John E. Sanborn died at Melrose, Mass., on April 1. He was born in Gilmanton, N.H., Aug. 17, 1824, son of Rev. Jacob Sanborn. He studied at Phillips Exeter Academy, graduated A.B. as Wesleyan University in 1845, and M.D. at Harvard in 1850. He began practice of medicine in Medford, but went West to occupy a chair in the Medical College of the University of Iowa. He enlisted as surgeon of the 27th Iowa Volunteers, served with distinction throughout the War of the Rebellion, and was mustered out in 1865 as surgeon-in-chief of the 16th Army Corp, and Army of the Cumberland. For twenty-five years after the war he practiced his profession at Rockport. After retiring from practice, he removed to Melrose. He was a Mason and a member as chairman of the Melrose Board of Health. He married in 1852 Rebecca M. Tate, of Middletown, Conn., who survives with four children.

Rebecca (Tate) Sanborn (born Sept. 16, 1832), died in 1930. She is buried in Beech Grove Cemetery, Lot 90, Section 4, Elm Ave., Rockport, Essex County, Massachusetts.

There are some letters written by John E Sanborn during the Civil War. The information is here.

DISCRIPTION

Dr. John E. Sanborn resided in Rockport, Mass., prior to enlisting in the 27th Iowa Infantry Volunteer Regiment, Oct. 3, 1862. Holding the rank of major, he served as surgeon for the regiment during the Civil War. While away, he wrote several letters to his wife, Jessie, who resided with their children in Epworth, Iowa.
Dr. Sanborn's letters were written to his wife and depict his service in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi during the Civil War. Letters describe health, food, his frustration with the army, military activities and camp life.
Letters begin with a description of punishment (Apr. 24, 1862) inflicted on a soldier for avoiding picket duty, and a "negro" work farm, near Corinth, Miss., where many of the eight hundred inhabitants raised produce for the army. Some letters concern Dr. Sanborn's problems with superior and fellow officers who prevented him from fulfilling his duties as he saw fit.
Several letters reflect the neglect of the army towards privates and the sick, describing continual shortages of food, provisions, and proper medical supplies. Many references are made to confiscation of chickens and other items from local residents who supplied the army with goods. One letter recounts an incident in which soldiers, who went months without pay, disembarked from a steamer and caused havoc in town by ransacking and stealing from several shops.
Sanborn's letters tell of men stricken with dysentery and complain that the measles epidemic continued to plague the army, mentioning the death of Dr. Taylor's nine year old son who recently died of measles (Mar. 4, 1864), and the difficulty in providing adequate treatment for patients in the field. An earlier letter (Oct. 14, 1862) describes the amputation of a soldier's arm. Some letters discuss Sanborn's own health and treatment for his ailments.
A letter records Sanborn's conversation with an officer who fought against the Indians at Yellow Medicine River (Oct.14, 1862). Another letter (Oct. 22, 1862) refers to the arrival at Fort Snelling of two opposing parties present to decide the fate of the Indians; one faction, led by Major-General Pope, wanted to drive out the Indians, the other, supported by Gov. Rice of Minnesota, wanted to punish a few guilty Indians while allowing the tribes retain their "ground".
Letters describe the movement of troops by train and boat, secrecy of the regiment's destinations, and physical hardship of long marches resulting in blistered feet, lame legs, and general fatigue. Sanborn also related hatred felt for the South and the desire of Union soldiers to burn down Jackson, Tenn., when they moved out (June 3, 1863). A letter compared the difference in pensions given to widows of privates to those of majors (Dec. 25, 1863).
Physical rights are retained by the LSU Libraries. Copyright is retained in accordance with U. S. copyright laws.
John E. Sanborn Letters, Mss. 3736, Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, La.

Children of John Eastman Sanborn and Rebecca M. Tate:

William Jacob Sanborn, born Sept. 5, 1853, died July 19, 1941
Mary Elizabeth Sanborn, born May, 19, 1856
Fanny Margaret Sanborn, born June 20, 1859
Clarence Herbert Sanborn, born Jan. 10, 1868

Boomer, Albert He was born Oct. 3, 1823 in New York. He was the son of Jonathan Allen Boomer (Dec 23, 1798 - Oct. 10, 1873) and Paulina Snow (1797 - May 4, 1827). He married Charlotte A Brownell on July 4, 1846 at Crystal Lake, McHenry County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Edwin C. Brownell (June 6, 1803 - Mar. 7, 1874) and Delilah Bates (April 9, 1805 - 1873). Albert Boomer's daughter Adelaide married George H. Fuller who served in Company C, 27th Iowa. George Fuller also studied under Albert Boomer, became a physician, and was Dr. Boomer's partner.

Albert Boomer M.D., Delhi

The father of Albert Boomer, the subject of this sketch, was Allen Boomer; he was a sailor in his early life, but at the time of Albert's birth, on the 3rd of October, 1823, was in the employ of the United States Government on the Grenadier Island in the St. Lawrence river, guarding the frontier from smugglers. He was of English descent; his father participated in the revolutionary struggle, and he himself was engaged in the War of 1812. The mother of our subject was Paulina (Snow) Boomer, of German ancestry. Allen Boomer, with his family, left the island, and settled on a farm in Jefferson County, New York, when Albert was five years of age, and about 1839 immigrated to Boone County, Illinois, and settled on Garden Prairie, six miles East of Belvidere. Prior to his nineteenth year Albert received little schooling, at no period more than four months in a year, at the ordinary common schools, He had, however, a great fondness for study, and finally obtained the consent of his father to attend an academy, if he would support himself. Willing to make almost any sacrifice for the sake of gratifying his thirst for knowledge, in company with another young man of similar tastes and aspirations, he erected on the outskirts of Belvidere a rude hut six by twelve feet, with a fireplace in one end and a bed in the other, and boarded himself there and attended the academy for nine months. He received some provisions from home, and with but little outlay, except for tuition and text-books, made very satisfactory progress.

He taught during the next winter, and attended school the summer following; then for about three years he worked on the farm in summer and attended the academy in winters. While thus engaged he employed some of his spare moments in reading medical books, and, becoming interested in the medical science, about 1849 began to give the subject his chief attention. He read first in the office of Dr. D. H. Whitney, and afterward with Dr. Lake, both of Belvidere.

In the spring of 1853 he graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, and during that same year established himself in practice at Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa. At first, in connection with his professional business, he conducted a drug store; but in about five years traded this for land, a portion of which is now the large and beautiful farm on which he now resides, one and a quarter miles north of Delhi village.

In 1862 Dr. Boomer was appointed assistant surgeon in the 27th regiment Iowa Infantry, under command of Colonel Gilbert, and served in that capacity with great faithfulness until near the close of the war. Part of the time he had full charge of the regiment, Surgeon Sanborn having medical charge of the brigade, and from exposure and over-work, became impaired in health, and was compelled to leave the army. He returned to Delhi, as he and his comrades supposed, to die. His greatest truble was the chronic diarrhea, which clung to him for four years, and indeed was never fully let him.

Since his return from the army Dr. Boomer has lived on his farm, and latterly has tried by degrees to retire from the medical practice, but his old neighbors, whose family physician, in some cases, he has been for more than twenty years, are reluctant to dispense with his valuable services, when he is at home.

Aside from his professional duties, he has been honored with postions of honor and trust. He was for two years he was a member of the lower house of the state legislature, and for six years a member of the state senate. During his senatorial term in the fourteenth and fifteenth general assemblies he was a prominent member, and took a very decided stand on the temperance question, being a strong prohibitionist.

Dr. Boomer has been a Republican since the party was organized, and a member of the Methodist church for more than thirty years.

On the 4th of July, 1846, he was married to Miss Charlotte A Brownell, of Boone County, Illinois, and by her has ten children, three of whom are now living, and three having died in infancy and childhood of diphtheria, under particularly melancholy circumstances. Dr. Boomer delayed joining his regiment in 1862 to bury two of these children, and the day after he left, obeying petemorary orders from military headquarters, the third, the youngest lamb of the fold, closed his eyes in death. Three smitten in 3 consecutive weeks, the mother went the third time to the cemetery, and with no husband present on whom to lean, but with the divine spirit to comfort and strengthen her. It was a dark hour, but she bore her burden with heroic firmness and true Christian resignation. The eldest living child of the family is the wife of Dr. George H. Fuller, surgeon by governmental appointment at the Indian Agency, Ross Fork, Idaho Territory.

Dr. Boomer is a well read man, of independent thought, and has very strong convictions of his responsibility as citizen, never wavering in the discharge of his duty in any of the relations of life. He despises a political schemer or a mere policy man of any class.

Iowa Biographical Dictionary 1878
(Courtesy of Randy Eutsler)

Senator Albert Boomer, General Assembly: 15 (01/12/1874 - 01/09/1876)

ALBERT BOOMER Born on the 3d of October, 1823. His father Allen Boomer, with his family settled on a farm in Jefferson county, New York, when Albert was five years of age, and about 1839 immigrated to Boone county, Illinois, and settled on Garden Prairie, six miles east of Belvidere. Prior to his nineteenth year Albert received but little schooling, at no period more than four months in a year, at the ordinary common schools. He had, however, a great fondness for study, and finally obtained the consent of his father to attend an academy, if he would support himself. He taught during the next winter, and attended school the summer following; then for about three years he worked on the farm in summer and attended the academy during the winters. While thus engaged he employed some of his spare moments in reading medical books, becoming interested in the medical science, about 1849 began to give the subject his chief attention. He read first in the office of Dr. D. H. Whitney, and afterward with Dr. Lake, both of Belvidere. In the spring of 1853 he graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, and during that same year established himself in practice at Delhi, Delaware county, Iowa. At first, in connection with his professional business, he conducted a drug store, but in about five years traded this for land. In 1862 Dr. Boomer was appointed assistant surgeon of the 27th regiment Iowa Infantry, under command of Colonel Gilbert, and served in that capacity with great faithfulness until near the close of the war. Since his return from the army Dr. Boomer has lived on his farm, and latterly has tried to retire from medical practice, but his old neighbors, whose family physician, in some cases, he has been for more than twenty years, are reluctant to dispense with his valuable services, when he is at home. Aside from his professional duties, he has been honored with positions of honor and trust. He was for two years a member of the lower house of the state legislature, and for six years a member of the state senate. During his senatorial term in the fourteenth and fifteenth general assemblies he was a prominent member, and took a very decided stand on the temperance question, being a strong prohibitionist. Dr. Boomer has been a republican since the party was organized, and a member of the Methodist church for more than thirty years. On the 4th of July, 1846, he was married to Miss Charlotte A. Brownell, of Boone county, Illinois.
Source: The United States Biographical Dictionary and Portrait Gallery of eminent and self-made men. Iowa volume (1878)

Albert Boomer bought land June 1, 1848 in Boone County, Illinois: Certificate 25,584. Description of land: The North East quarter of the North East Quarter of Section nineteen in Township Forty three of Range five, in the District of Lands subject to sale at Chicago, Illinois, containing forty acres.

1850 Census, Bonus, Boone County, Illinois: Charlotte Boomer (age 22, born VT), Albert Boomer (age 26, farmer, born NY), Delia A. Boomer (age 3, born Ills), and Alice Boomer (age 1, born Ills).

1856 Iowa State Census: Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa: Albert Boomer (age 32, born New York, Physician), Charlotte Boomer (age 30, born Vermont), Adalaide D. Boomer (age 9, born Illinois), Alice R. Boomer (age 7, born Illinois), Edwin R. Boomer (age 5, born Illinois), Wellington B. Boomer (age 3, born Illinois).

1860 Census, Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa: Albert Boomer (age 36, physician, born NY), Charlotte Boomer (age 34, born VT), Adalaide Boomer (age 13, born Illinois), Alice Boomer (age 10, born Illinois), Edwin Boomer (age 8, born Illinois), Albert W. Boomer (age 7, born Illinois), Charlotte Boomer (age 3, born Iowa) and Alonzo Clark (age 21, born Illinois).

1860 Agriculture Census, Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa: Albert Boomer (70 improved acres, 16 unimproved acres, cash value of farm: 800, value of farming equipment and machinery: 65, 3 horses, 2 milk cows, 2 other cows, 3 swine, Value of Livestock: 247. 150 bushels of wheat, 250 bushels of Indian corn, 250 bushels of corn.

1870 Census: Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa: Albert Boomer (age 46, physician, born New York), Charlotte Boomer (age 42, born Vermont), Delilah Boomer (age 23, school teacher, born Illinois), Alice R. Boomer (age 21, born Illinois), Merton Boomer (age 4, born Iowa), Allen Boomer (age 3, born Iowa) and Rosin Sanborn (age 18, born Tenn.).

1880 Census, Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa: Albert Boomer (age 55, farmer and doctor, born New York), wife Charlotte Boomer (age 53, born Vermont, son Merton E. Boomer (age 14, born Iowa), and son Allen L. Boomer (age 13, born Iowa).

1885 Iowa State Census, Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa: Albert Boomer (Township 88, Range 4, Section 8, SW NE, age 60, farmer, born NY), Charlotte Boomer (age 58, born Vermont), Merton E. Boomer (age 19, farmer, born Delaware County, Iowa) Allen L. Boomer (age 18, farmer, born Delaware County, Iowa) and Emily Lanning (age 12, born Texas).

Charlotte (Brownell) Boomer (born 1827), died May 15, 1888. She is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa.

1895 Iowa State Census, Burnside, Webster County, Iowa: Merton Boomer (age 28, born Indiana, farmer, Religion, Methodist), Minnie Boomer (age 25, born Illinois), Ralph Boomer (age 1, born Webster County, Iowa), and Albert Boomer (age 70, widowed, born New York, Religion, Methodist, Soldier in the War of the Rebellion: 27 Iowa, Surgeon).

Albert Boomer died April 15, 1899 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Delhi, Delaware County, Iowa.

Busy Life is Ended
Dr. Albert Boomer of Delaware Closes His Earthly Labors
Manchester, IA, April 17 - Saturday night there passed from our midst at his home in Delhi, Dr. Albert Boomer, one of the early settlers of this county, and a man identified very closely with all the best in our history. He was born in Connecticut, and was about 75 years old. He came to this county in the early '50s, settling at Delhi. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in the Twenty-seventh infantry, and was made assistant surgeon of the regiment, serving during the war. Returning to Delhi he resumed his practice, which he has carried on ever since. He was senator during the sessions of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth legislatures. He has ever been an uncompromising foe of the liquor traffic and a consistent prohibitionist. He was a member of the Methodist church, and was a high-minded Christian gentleman. Honest in all his dealings, kindly disposed toward all his fellow men, charitable in his judgments, he was one of our best citizens and will long be remembered as one who did his very best for what he considered the good of the community.
The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, Monday, April 17, 1899.

Iowa Cemetery Records: Albert Boomer, death date: April 16, 1899. Page 13, Birth date: 1824, Cemetery: Evergreen, Town: Delhi. Level Info. Tombstone Records of Delaware County, Iowa.

Children of Albert Boomer and Charlotte Brownell

Delila Adelaide Boomer, b. April 18, 1847 - d. Nov. 15, 1897
Alice Rosebell Boomer, b. Aug. 13, 1849, d. Jan 16, 1875.
Edwin Brownell Boomer, b. Feb. 8, 1851, d. May 12, 1867
Albert Wellington Boomer, b. July 6, 1852, d. Oct. 11, 1862
Charlotte Agusta Boomer, b. Jan. 15, 1857, d. Oct. 28, 1862
Henry Boomer b. June 27, 1859, d. August 3, 1859
Sylvia Mary Boomer, b. Aug. 6, 1860, d. Aug. 28, 1860
Willey Boomer, b. Oct. 8, 1862, d. Nov. 2, 1862
Merton E. Boomer, b. Dec. 16, 1865, d. Jan. 14, 1947
Lyman Allen Boomer, b. Jan. 13, 1867

Hastings, David C. He was born Jan. 4, 1830 in Connecticut. He was the son of George Willis Hastings (Apr. 13, 1794 - May 10, 1838) and Sarah Wyllys/Willis (Feb. 29, 1792 - Mar. 17, 1879). He married Margaret Cooper on Aug. 3, 1854 in Buchanan County. (Buchanan County Marriages Book 1, F-L, 1848- 1858). She was the daughter of William Cooper and Elizabeth Ross.

David C. Hastings

Photo Submitted by Ben K. Sager and Claudia M. Franklin

Benjamin Stratton Sager (Company C., 27th Iowa) carried a pocket photo album during the Civil War. It has the pictures of seven men. This photo was one of the photos that he carried. The only "Hastings" in 27th Iowa was David C. Hastings. He was the Assistant Surgeon and a member of the Commissioned Staff Officers. It is reasonable to assume that this is a photo of him.

David Hastings
Image LN-1922 came from the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

This is the same image that was submittedby Ben K. Sager above, but if you are interested in ordering a better quality photo click here.

1856 Iowa State Census: Perry, Buchanan County, Iowa: D. C. Hastings (age 25, born Connecticut, physician), M. A. Hastings (age 24, born PA). D. C. Hastings had been in the state of Iowa for 3 years. M. A. Hastings had been in the state of Iowa of 6 years.

1860 Census, Liberty, Buchanan County, Iowa: David C. Hastings (age 29, physician, born Connecticut), Margaret Hastings (age 28, born Pennsylvania), and Mary Palen (age 11, born Ohio).

State Senator
Republican
Occupation: Physician
Home County: Buchanan
Dates Served: 01/08/1860 - 01/12/1862 AND 01/13/1862 - 01/10/1864
District: 37

DAVID C. HASTINGS Born January 4, 1830 in Connecticut. He married Margaret Cooper on August 3, 1854 in Buchanan County. They had no children, but the Hastings brought up in their home a girl, Ida Hilton and also a nephew, Carl Cooper. He was elected Senator to the 8th (1860-1862) and 9th (1862-1864) Iowa General Assembly. He was a Civil War surgeon and received the appointment to the Twenty-seventh Regiment. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon September 16, 1862, mustered October 3, 1862, and mustered out August 8, 1865. David C. Hastings died Sept. 8, 1888 in Kiowa, Kansas. He is buried in Quasqueton Cemetery, Buchanan County, Iowa.
Note: with this write up is a picture identical to the one above submitted by Ben K. Sager.

1870 Census: Liberty, Buchanan County, Iowa: David Hastings (age 39, physician, born Connecticut), Margaret Hastings (age 38, born Pennsylvania) and Ida Hilton (age 14, born Alabama).

1880 Census: Cono, Buchanan County, Iowa: Levi Foust (age 54), Eliza Foust (age 43), Anna M. Foust (age 6), D. C. Hastings (age 48, physician, born Connecticut).

1885 Kansas State Census: Kiowa, Barber County, Kansas: D. C. Hasting (age 53, married, farmer, born Conn. From Iowa to Kansas, honorably discharged from the Volunteer Service of the United States: State: Iowa, Regiment 27, Company I (?).

David C. Hastings died Sept. 8, 1888 in Kiowa, Kansas. He is buried in Quasqueton Cemetery, Buchanan County, Iowa.

From Find a Grave
Margaret Cooper was the daughter of William Cooper and Elizabeth Ross. She was married to Dr. D. C. Hastings and was the sister of John W. Cooper, whose wife was Margaret E. Whittington Cooper.

Bulletin Journal 8 Mar 1928

Mrs. Hastings 96 Years Old--Lived in One House 73 Years--Aged Quasqueton Lady in Good Health--Came to County in 1850--She Reads Without Glasses---
Mrs. Margaret Hastings, Quasqueton's oldest and highly esteemed resident and possibly the oldest resident in Buchanan County, celebrated her 96th birthday Sunday, March 4, 1928. She spent the day quietly in her home, receiving callers and greetings from friends, wishing her many more happy birthdays. "Aunt Margy', as she is called by both young and old, doubts if there is another resident of Buchanan county who can claim the distinction of having lived in the same house for more than seventy-three years, or since her marriage to Dr. D. C. Hastings in Aug. 1854. He was a Civil War surgeon. They had no children, but Mrs. Hastings brought up in her home a girl, Ida Hilton, whom she considered as a daughter, also a nephew, Carl Cooper, both of whom passed away several years ago. There is no one else now residing in Quasqueton who was here when she came here. At one time there were seven families of her near relatives in this vicinity, but all have passed away.

She is a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Cooper, oldtime, well-known residents of Quasqueton. She was born at Peachbloom, York county, Penn., and later moved to Ohio with her parents, where they lived until 1850, when they came by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi river to Dubuque, thence from there to Buchanan county by team, arriving here the fifth day of December, having been a resident of this county now for more than seventy-seven years. At that time there were more people in Quasqueton than there were in Independence, but there were no school houses or churches. The first school house was built in 1851. It was the wing part to the brick building, now used as a residence and owned by Carl Sauer. There were not more than a half dozen houses on the east side of the river in 1852. The house now owned by E. T. Clark was the only fairly good residence here at the time. A minister came occasionally and held services in the different homes and she often entertained them in her home.

A bridge was built across the river in 1852. Mrs. Hastings has seen deer cross the river on the ice near where the bridge now is. She taught school at Spring Grove in 1851. In the early days her father raised sheep from which they obtained wool, which she picked to pieces, carded and wove into cloth and yarns. She also tells of making and molding candles.

Mrs. Hastings started housekeeping in one room, using nail kegs for chairs and a box for a table but says they entertained more people in their homes those days than most people do in their mansions now. She has quilts in her possession that she quilted soon after her marriage that are in good condition and which are fine specimens of quilting.

She was converted and joined the Congregational church soon after coming here and always enjoyed attending religious services until her hearing became impaired. Mrs. Hastings is in remarkably good health despite her advanced age. She gets about with a cane and says she could walk all about town if she could stand the cold. It has been a number of years since she used glasses, but she is a great reader. She can discuss most any subject and takes a real interest in the affairs of the day, her mind being as bright and clear as many half her age. She has always managed her own business affairs, at one time owning two farms. During her lifetime she made two visits back east, but never saw a place she liked as well as Iowa. She has a merry twinkle in her eye, which indicates her appreciation of a good joke, a ready smile and a friendly and cheerful greeting for all. Of late, her niece, Mrs. George Winsor, has been with her and looking after her home work.

She is of the opinion that she is the only subscriber today to the Bulletin-Journal who has taken it regularly since it was first published as the "Guardian" by Rich & Jordan, at Quasqueton, prior to its being moved to Independence in 1858.

Margaret (Cooper) Hastings (born 1832) died in 1929 and is buried in Quasqueton Cemetery, Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa.

Bordwell, Daniel Newcomb He was born Mar. 4, 1828 in Lenox, Madison County, New York. He was probably the son of Medad Bordwell and Myra Crosby. He married Sarah Antoinette Edgerton on Dec. 6, 1856 in Eaton County, Michigan. (Michigan, Marriages, 1822 - 1995). She was the daughter of Orrin Edgerton (1801 - ?) and Almira Selden (Apr. 8, 1799 - May 6, 1841).

Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York, June 1850 - Junior Class: Daniel N. Bordwell. Graduated OB.C. 1852. Residence Eckford, Mich. Room: 33 Seminary

Oberlin College for the College Year 1855-56, Theological Department, Jr. Class, Daniel N. Bordwell, A. M. Residence: Eckford Mich., Room: 54 T. H.

According to the two entries above, Daniel was a residence of Eckford, Michigan. Unfortunately on the 1850 Census, there are two Daniel Bordwell's in Eckford. The two families are listed on the same page in Eckford, Calhoun County, Michigan. If I had to guess (based on age), I would go with the first one. However, I am not certain.

This one was the right age: Charles M. Bordwell (age 34, farmer, born New York), Daniel Bordwell (age 27, born New York), Martha Bordwell (age 26, born New York), Melville Bordwell (age 8/12, born Mich), and Emeline Reed (age 22, born New York).

This one is a bit younger: Medad Bordwell (age 59, farmer, born Massachusetts), Myra Bordwell (age 58, born Vermont), Ann L. Bordwell (age 25, born New York, Daniel L. Bordwell (age 22, farmer, born New York) Thomas L. Bordwell (age 19, farmer, born New York) and Frances B. Henderson (age 10, born Michigan). I note that he is a farmer, and that the middle initial is L. However, I also note ALL the children have L. as a middle initial.)

Under the family Data Collection - Individual Records for Charles M. Bordwell I found this:
Name: Charles M. Bordwell. Spouse: Eliza Ingersoll. Parents: Medad Bordwell; Birth Place: Eckford, MI; Birth Date: Dec. 17, 1815; Marriage Place: Eckford MI; Marriage Date: Dec. 10, 1851; Death Place: Eckford MI; Death Date: Sept. 26, 1854.
I would think it would be safe to assume that Charles and Daniel are brothers. And that they were the sons of Medad Bordwell - except for one thing. There is a Daniel already listed with Medad Bordwell. Unless Daniel was counted twice (and one of the ages is wrong), I would not think that Medad Bordwell had two sons name Daniel. So I am still not sure. Note: after further research, I had another thought: perhaps the younger "Daniel" that is listed with Medad and Myra should be "David". There is a well documented David Brainard Bordwell listed as the son of Medad Bordwell. He was born 4/29/1823 - which would make him the same age as the younger "Daniel" listed above.

Cemetery Records at East Eckford Cemetery shows Medad Bordwell (March 2, 1791 - May 20, 1866 at Eckford, Calhoun County, MI) and Myra nee Crosby/Severance (Mrs. Medad) (Aug. 22, 1791- Oct. 11, 1850 at Eckford, Calhoun County, Michigan). None of the family trees for Medad and Myra show Daniel as their son.

Based on this biography, I think it is possible that Daniel Bordwell is the son of Medad and Myra Bordwell. He is not specifically named, but he was a Congregational minister in Iowa -- and was born in Madison County New York.

Medad Bordwell was born in Shelburne, Massachusetts. In 1834 he came from Madison County, New York, where he was then living, and located two hundred and forty acres of government land, on sections 14 and 23 in Eckford. In May, 1835, he brought his family -- consisting of his wife and eight children -- to their new home, and lived upon it till June 1865, when he died, having reached the age of seventy five years. His wife died several years previous to that date. Four of Mr. Bordwell's children are now living -- one son in Oregon, a daughter in Lansing, Michigan; another son, who is a Congregational minister, in Iowa; and another son, D. B. Bordwell, in Marshall, Michigan. The latter owns the old homestead in Eckford. When Medad Bordwell started from New York with his family, they were accompanied by several other families who were also coming west. Together they chartered a canal-boat on the Erie canal, and towed it to Buffalo with their own horses. From Buffalo to Detroit they came by water, and Mr. Bordwell -- the only one of the number who came with his family to Eckford -- here bought a yoke of oxen and came through from Detroit to Eckford with them, -- the trip occupying eight days, on account of terribly bad roads. A house was built of round logs, on sections 14, and was eighteen by twenty-four feet in dimensions. This was occupied until 1841, when the frame house now standing was put up. The farm is in the midst of a beautiful and highly fertile plain.
1877 History of Calhoun County, Michigan, page 138

1870 Census: Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan: Daniel N. Bordwell (age 42, clergyman, born New York), and Antoinette E. Bordwell (age 37, born New York)

1880 Census: Hazel Green, Delaware County, Iowa: Daniel N. Bordwell (age 52, born New York), wife Antoinette Bordwell (age 49, born New York), and son Charles M. Bordwell (age 7, born Iowa).

Home Missionary, Volumes 54-55: Appointments in February, 1882. Daniel N. Bordwell, Golden Prairie, Iowa.

1885 Iowa State Census, Cass, Jones County, Iowa: Daniel N. Bordwell (Township 85, Range 4, Section 16, NE SW, wage 56, minister, born New York), Antoinette Bordwell (age 51, born New York), and Charles M. Bordwell (age 11, born Michigan).

Rev. Mr. Bordwell preached his farewell sermon on May 6. Mr. Bordwell has been greatly respected and beloved during the years of his stay in Cass, and there is none but will lament the ill health that has led to the sundering of the ties that have so pleasantly bound pastor and people. Let whoever may fill his place, none can more fully exemplify in his every day life the truths he has preached, or more endear himself to everyone as a neighbor, friend, citizen and pastor. Mr. Bordwell will remain in Cass for the present. Everyone wishes him to stay, feeling that his presence in the community is as good as a sermon. There will be services every Sunday as usual, sermons will be read and the Sunday school kept up.
The Anamosa Eureka, May 17, 1888

The Rev. D.N. Bordwell and family, left Cass for their new home in Madison, Neb. last week. The causes which have led to this rather sudden change are the feeble condition of Mr. Bordwell and the hope that he might rally in the more bracing atmosphere of Nebraska. Many are the kind wishes they carry with them to their new home. Never has a minister and his family dwelt among the people of Cass who have been more worthy of esteem and love and there are none but what feel that we, as people and neighborhood, have met with a loss that can never be replaced. As a pastor, a friend, a neighbor, Mr. B. could not be excelled, and of him it could with truth be said: "A man he was to all the country dear." and Mrs. Bordwell is a fit companion for so worthy a man, and Charlie, well, we all love Charlie. To them all we can only wish "God speed."
The Anamosa Eureka, August 23, 1888

Daniel N. Bordwell died Sept. 24, 1888 in Madison, Madison County Nebraska. He is buried in Barnes Reserve Cemetery, Madison, Madison County, Nebraska.

Minutes of the Annual Session By General Congregational Association of Iowa:
Obituaries: Rev. Daniel M. Bordwell, late of Anamosa, at the home of his brother in Madison, Nebraska.
Daniel N. Bordwell, D. D. -- Mr. Bordwell was born in Lenox, N.Y., March 4, 1828, and died at Madison, Nebraska Sept. 24, 1888, aged sixty years, six months and twenty days. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1854, and from Oberlin Seminary in 1857. The year following he went to Iowa, where he was ordained and spent most of his ministerial life, which ended only with his last sickness and death. Among the places where he labored are Charles City, Webster City, Golden Prairie and Cass, Iowa. During the war he was two years chaplain of the 27th Iowa. He also preached a few years in Michigan, to which State he was brought by his parents in early childhood. Becoming a Christian in early years, and being naturally of a genial spirit, he grew up loving and beloved. If in churches where he went to minister there were difficulties, they dissolved before him. In social circles which he thoroughly enjoyed, there was about him that ease and charm which made him ever welcome, while his tact among men and his interest in their affairs made him a valuable member in society. As a minister, his work though quiet was effective, scholarly, logical in thought and sound in view. He was an interesting preacher. His sermons while simply illustrated, were yet clear and concise, instructive and winning. As a pastor, tender and sympathizing, his memory will be fragrant in all the churches to which he ministered ..
As evidence of the last statement, we quote the following from the pen of one of his parishioners at Webster City, written for publication soon after his decease:
For four short years only was he pastor of the Congregational Church of this place. More than twice that number of years have passed since he went out from among us, -- yet his memory is as fresh, his good deeds and his services to the church and communities with which he labored, are as well and as appreciatively remembered as they were on the day that he, at his own desire, left the church here to assume duties better suited to his failing health. Well do we know that no words of encomium can enhance the feelings of respect, admiration and entire trust with which Dr. Bordwell was regarded in our community. His unusual intelligence, his dignified simplicity, his great ability as a minister of the Gospel, drew all to him, while his devoted spirit, and the power he possessed of giving, at the right moment and in the right way, wise counsel and cordial aid, cemented for him many a lasting friendship.
For a long time Dr. Bordwell's friends had feared the event here recorded. Indeed he left the army at the close of the civil war in broken health, induced by the undue labors and the exposures to which his ministerial duties subjected him. And since that time his life has been one of pain, uncomplainingly born. Perhaps harder to bear even than the suffering was the thought constantly obtruding of being forced by failing health to relinquish the chosen work of his life. Mr. Bordwell continued to labor with the little charge he assumed after leaving here until last May, when public speaking became for him impossible. Repeatedly during the months of weakness that followed he expressed not only his willingness, but his earnest desire to depart and be with Christ, since his work was done. We extract the following touching words from a letter written by Mrs. Bordwell in July last to a friend here:
While to me it has seemed during all the months like living in the valley of the shadow of death, to the dear invalid himself all has been peace and joy unspeakable. His last words at night are, "Under the shadow of his wings." He seems wrapped in the embrace of God's love. I cannot tell you how wonderful are the revelations of love and beauty he has had. At times, he appears to me as if he has already passed the dark river, and had reached the other shore. And so we live from day to day: I, praying that the cup may pass from me, and he, calm and happy."
In August the family moved to Nebraska to share the home of a brother who had been very solicitous to have them try a change of climate for the invalid. But so late a change, as is often the case, tended to hasten rather than to retard the dreaded event.
Who can indulge in sadness over the close of a life so complete as this? Not complete in years, --far from complete in worldly success; but certainly finished and rounded out into full completeness by the unfailing exercise of an unselfish spirit, by a noble devotion to the good of others, and by an unquestioning submission to the will of Him who doeth all things well. For the bereaved wife and for the stricken son we mourn truly; but for the patient sufferer who is past, with such confident assurance, into his Redeemer's rest, let us rejoice.

Sarah Antoinette (Edgerton) Bordwell (born Oct. 4, 1832), died June 22, 1890 in Glenwood, Volusia County, Floria.

Died at Glenwood, Florida, June 22, 1890, of heart disease, Mrs. A. E. Bordwell, widow of the late Rev. D. N. Bordwell.
"Ah, me! how dark the discipline of pain
Were not the suffering followed by the sense
Of infinite rest and infinite release.
This is our consolation.

The death of Mrs. Bordwell has brought sorrow to us all. It was so sudden, so unexpected. There was no warning that the angel of death was hovering near one so well beloved by this entire community. It was like a stroke of lightning from the clear sky.
For five years Mrs. Bordwell lived among us as wife of our beloved pastor, and never did a couple set before their people better example of the highest, purest Christian life.
Failing health compelling Mr. Bordwell to see a change of climate, two years ago they left us. He reached Nebraska only to die, and after a short sojourn there Mrs. Bordwell decided to make a home for herself and Charlie in Florida. Her southern home was never to her what her home in the north had been, but she struggled bravely against the lassitude of the climate, homesickness and the sorrow the death of her beloved husband had brought her.
Seldom do we see a happier married life than theirs. It was a union of heart and soul as well as hands, and God be thanked that the separation was so brief! No murmur escaped her lips. She bowed submissively to her Master's will. Still all who saw her felt that the best part of her heart and life was buried in the lonely grave in Nebraska, where Mr. Bordwell was laid to rest. Still no one thought that so soon, for her, the trouble of life would be finished and she would be reunited to her beloved companion. Sickness, sorrow, pain all over and an eternity of joy before her.
"Daily the tides of life to ebbing and flowing beside them,
Thousands of aching brains, where theirs no longer are busy
Thousands of toiling hands, where theirs have ceased from their labors,
Thousands of weary feet, where theirs have completed the journey."

It is hard in one so good to point to any one trait and say, "In this she excelled." We who knew her and loved her so well will never forget her cheery ways, her hearty sympathy and the loving interest she took in us all. She laughed with us when we laughed and mourned with us when we were afflicted.
In the sorrow we feel we never more here shall greet her, and that there is another grief for the son who has lost in so short a time both father and mother, surely he does not need to be told how many mourn with him in this his hour of trouble. Not for her are the tears that fill our eyes, but for the son bereft of such a mother and for ourselves who have lost such a friend. For her, grief is lost in joy, and death swallowed up in victory. Best of friends, best of women, it is hard to say "Farewell, until we meet again."
"Until we meet again! That is the meaning
of the familiar words that we repeat
at parting in the street
Ah, yes till then! but when death intervening
Rends us asunder, with what ceaseless pain
We wait for thee again!

The friends who leave us do not feel the sorrow
Of parting, as we feel it, who much stay
Lamenting day by day,
And knowing when we wake upon the morrow
We shall not find in it accustomed place
The one beloved face.

"Faith overleaps the confines of our reason,
And if by faith, in in old times was said
Women received their dead
Raised up to life, then only for a season
Our partings are, nor shall we wait in vain
Until we meet again!"

The Anamosa Eureka, July 3, 1890
Anamosa, Iowa.

Charles M. Bordwell, born Kalamozoo Michigan about 1873, married Helen M. Yount on Sept. 9, 1895 in Black Hawk County, Iowa. His parents were listed as Daniel N. Bordwell and Antionette Edgerton. (Iowa, County Marriages, 1838-1934).

I found a marriage announcement in the Anamosa Eureka newspaper. I didn't type the entire announcment, but it said that Charles M. Bordwell "formerly resided in Cass, and that his father was for several years minister of the Congregational church of that place." (Note that the biography for Medad Bordwell said his son was a Congregational minister).

Comstock, Charles Andrew.

I found this roster for the 5th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. This appears to be the same Charles A. Comstock that enlisted in the 27th Iowa.

Company K, Charles A. Comstock, Age 44. Residence Lansing, nativity New York. Appointed First Lieutenant. Promoted Captain Feb. 1, 1862. Discharged Feb. 28, 1862.

Kiner, Frederick Francis/Frank He was born Nov. 16, 1833 in Landisburg, Perry County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Fredrick Kiner (1798 - July 9, 1871) and Nancy Ann Franks (1802 - ?). He married Eliza Ann Nicodemus on Oct. 11 1854 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Iowa County Marriages, 1838-1934). She was the daughter of Abraham Nicodemus (Apr. 1802 - Nov. 21, 1836) and Elizabeth M. Drach (Oct. 31, 1805 - Sept. 22, 1896).

Submitted by Steve Kiner, Descendant of Frederick Kiner.
Frederick F. Kiner was born in Landisburg, PA. (Perry County) on November 17, 1833. He moved to Iowa in 1847, and settled in Mt. Pleasant (Henry County). In 1854 he married Eliza Ann Nicodemus. He was a minister with the Churches of God in Iowa. Basing his decision on strong political and religious beliefs, Frederick enlisted with the 14th Iowa Infantry Co. I, on October 5, 1861 as a private and then received the position of first sergeant.

The unit moved from Camp McClellan in Davenport, Iowa to Benton Barracks in St. Louis, Missouri where they drilled in preparation for the forthcoming battles of Fort Donelson, and Shiloh. It was at the battle of Shiloh, on April 6, 1862, in the midst of the "Hornets Nest", that he was captured with over 200 others from the regiment. The next 6 1/2 months were spent as a prisoner of war at Camp Oglethorpe in Macon, Georgia until their parole at Aikens Landing on October 17, 1862. It was the horrible treatment and living condition endured as a prisoner (conditions which were just as terrible in northern prisons) which prompted him to write the book "One Year's Soldiering" in 1863.

Other involvements Frederick was a part of included being stationed at Columbus, Kentucky, Sherman's Meridian campaign, Bank's Red River expedition, the battle of Pleasant Hill, serving under General Canby at Fort Fisher and Blakely, and the "March to Montgomery" at the wars end.

On April 30, 1863 he was discharged for promotion to Chaplain of the same unit. He was mustered out of the 14th on November 16, 1864. On January 21, 1865 he was mustered to the Field and Staff of the 27th Iowa as the Regimental Chaplain and served in this capacity until being mustered out with his unit on August 8, 1865 - end of the war.

Pension records show that Frederick suffered as a result of the war from serious back injuries and "a nervous system a good deal broken down." The family moved to Ida Grove, Iowa sometime after the war where Frederick practiced law. His children were:

Frederick C. born 1855 - my line

Emma born 1857

Myra born 1859

Hamilton born 1864

Stephen born 1866

Jessie born 1868

Frederick was admitted to the Iowa State Soldiers Home (now known as the Iowa Veterans Home) Marshalltown, Iowa in 1900. He died on April 15, 1901 and is buried in the cemetery at the Veterans Home. If anyone has any information on Frederick F. Kiner's family or military history please contact me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you.

Steve Kiner (great-great grandson)

-When my liberties are buried, lay me by their side.

F. F. Kiner - One Year's Soldiering

1856 Iowa State Census, Flint River, Des Moines County, Iowa: F. F. Kiner (age 22, born PA, Cooper), E. A. Kiner (age 24, born MD), F. C. Kiner (age 1, born Iowa) and Mary B. Young (age 15, born MD). F. F. Kiner had been in the state of Iowa for 6 years. E. A. Kiner had been in the state of Iowa for 4 years.)

1860 Census, Center, Henry County, Iowa: F. F. Kiner (age 26, C. H. G. Preacher, born PA), Eliza A. Kiner (age 28, born MD), F. C. Kiner (age 4, born Iowa), Emma E. Kiner (age 2, born Iowa) and M. L. Kiner (age 8/12, born Iowa).

The following letters were submitted by Steve Kiner, descendant of Frederick Kiner: He said: "F. F. Kiner wrote letters to a publication called "The Church Advocate" during and after the war. For the last few years a minister named James Moss in Harrisburg PA has been sending me some of the articles FF wrote to the Advocate. I added a number to my website on the 14th Iowa but did not include the ones when he was with the 27th Iowa. They may interest you, though they are more of a religious content and not as much a unit history. Thought I'd send them to you anyway."

VICKSBURG, MISS., Feb. 19 1865. BRO. THOMAS:--When I last wrote to you, I had just gained my regiment at Eastport, Miss. We had hoped to remain there in winter quarters for two or more months, but this hope was soon blasted by orders to move again. Consequently, on the 9th of February we were ordered on board of transports. The entire command of Gen. A. J. Smith, the three divisions of the Sixteenth Army Corps, reached this place on the 1 th inst., and went into camp three miles east of Vicksburg. This beautiful Sabbath morning we are again ordered to prepare to go on board the transports, for what point I know not; the impression seems to be to New Orleans, then Mobile.

Bro. Thomas, I desire to say to my brethren through the ADVOCATE that I am still holding up to the soldiers the sinner's friend-Christ-and him crucified. I am most happy to say that there is quite a good interest felt and manifested among the soldiers in the cause of religion. I feel very much encouraged. My meetings are largely attended by officers and privates. Last Sabbath at 10 o'clock I preached to the officers in the Ladies' Cabin, on board the transport, coming down the Mississippi river, and in the evening to the soldiers in the front end of the cabin, and had a good time on both occasions. On my way down I procured and distributed among the men eight hundred sheets of writing paper, two hundred and fifty envelopes, the same number of religious paper, &c. This gives me a double opportunity of doing good among them; first, by opening my way to converse with them and forming their acquaintance. Second, causing them to feel that I am their friend and desire their welfare in spiritual matters; and thirdly, throwing much good, holy influence among them, I have ever tried to make the pious soldier especially feel that I am his well-wisher, and often do they seek my tent and give a history of their past experience, confessing their coldness since they have entered the army. They desire and are determined to hold out until, by God's blessing, a better day of opportunity dawns upon them. Truly, our conversation has often been most soul-cheering. Last evening, about dark, as I was standing talking with a number of soldiers, a young man (a soldier) touched me upon the arm. I stepped aside to hear his wants. Says he, "A number of us young members have concluded to hold a private prayer meeting out from camp, by ourselves, and desire you to come along and assist us." "With all my heart," I replied, and off we started, around the point of a hill. There those Christian heroes had selected a beautiful grassy spot, and there we opened our meeting by singing:

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer's ear."

We had a most soul-cheering little prayer meeting, some seven or eight uniting in prayer, after which we all shook hands together and returned to camp. Who dare say God is not remembered in the army? How many members at home take such pains to get to pray together? How many chaplains in the army follow their little flocks to the bower of prayer? Oh, that God would make us all more humble and devoted to his cause.

I am organizing the religious portion of my regiment into a class. I have already many names, and more are still adding. When I have it completed, I will give you a list, also our religious progress. Now, dear brethren, I ask the prayers of all God's people in behalf of the pious young men in the army, and all the Christians who have left their homes for their country's good. Hold them up to a throne of grace and do not forget to ask God to give much of his spirit to chaplains, that they may ever be equipped for the work, full of energy, love and forbearance.

F. F. KINER, Chaplain 27th Iowa Regt.
March 9, 1865
pg 361

CAMP CHALMETTE, LA., Feb., 1865.
BRO. THOMAS:--Permit me to publish through the ADVOCATE the soul-cheering news of a glorious revival among the soldiers. We arrived at this camp on the 21 st inst., and soon began to convert deserted negro shanties into houses of worship. My regiment, the 27th Iowa, and the 117th Illinois united and held our meetings together. The Chaplain of the 117th being absent I preached for the boys, who seemed to be wonderfully interested in the meeting. The first night I preached nine came forward to the altar of prayer. Numbers have been converted, and a more zealous set of Christian brethren I never worshipped with. As our interest increased one house became too small, so we have divided the meeting, and now each regiment occupies a house. Both meetings are going in with interest and success. This is my fourth year in the army, and I have never seen so much interest for religion manifested among the soldiers during my whole service before. I feel much encouraged, and feel well paid for my hardships in the army, since God is giving us souls for our hire. I am still getting additions to my regimental church. Last night seventeen believers united in fellowship, and more are ready to come in. Brethren, pray for us in the army, that God may continue to visit us with His spiritual presence, and many souls may yet be converted and be made happy recipients of eternal life. I am determined to labor by God's help that many brave soldiers may return happy to their homes who left them without religion and the glorious hope of Christianity. More anon.
F. F. KINER.
Chaplain 27th Iowa Infy.
March 23, 1865
pg 378

CAMP CHALMETTE, LA., March, 1865.
BRO. THOMAS:--I embrace this opportunity of saying to my brethren in Christ, and the readers of the ADVOCATE that I am still alive and well for which I feel thankful to God. I am happy to say that I am in the midst of a glorious revival. Scores of backsliders and sinners are being warmed up and converted. God has powerfully blessed us. Such a revival has never been seen in our western army. I never saw the people of God so united in the work. All denominations have melted into one. We know and recognize no differences. The whole theme is "praise God for religion." Shouts of praise go up night and day. You can find the soldiers praying under trees, in shanties, tents, &c. The work is powerful. To God be all the glory. I preach almost every night. Chaplains are very scarce, only one to four regiments on an average.

I must tell you that in the last couple of weeks I have organized a Union Church in my regiment, of fifty-three members. We take the Bible for our discipline, and all seem to be well satisfied. Some join every night. If would take from all regiments my organization would be immense, but it is only regimental. The following is a list of the number from each denomination:

M.E. Church, nineteen;

Baptist, ten;

U. B., four;

Disciple, three;

Lutheran, one;

Presbyterian, one;

P.M., one;

Church of God, one;

converts thirteen.

Total fifty-three.

Most of the members given here are backsliders who have been reclaimed, but have held their membership with the denomination given before enlisting in the army. The work still goes on. We have meetings at 9 o'clock A.M., 2 P.M. and at night. Hundreds crowd to hear the gospel. Had we larger houses for worship much more good would undoubtedly be accomplished. I ask the prayers of all God's people on our behalf, that He may continue to visit the army with salvation. I have received the first lot of papers sent to me. Send me all you can. -- Direct to 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 16th A.C., via Cairo, Ill.
F.F. KINER Chaplain
27 th Iowa Vol.
April 6, 1865 p. 394

PINE RIVER, ALA., March 24,
BRO. THOMAS:--After some delay, I will again pen a few lines for the readers of the ADVOCATE. If I am correct, I wrote you last from New Orleans. We left that "Camp in the Mud" as the boys call it, on the 7th, and crossed the gulf on the steamer Empire City, landing on Dauphin Island on the 8th, we remained upon that Isle of Patmos, composed of sand-banks and pine trees, until the 20th, when we again got on board of transports and the same day landed at this place, about twenty-five miles east of Mobile. We have had some slight skirmishing with the enemy. Tomorrow morning we expect to move forward again, to what point is not hard to conjecture. Suffice it to say, that we ought to have possession of Mobile. We have a large army and I have no fears as to the result of our campaign.

My health is very good, for which I thank God. Notwithstanding our movements, our revival commenced at New Orleans still goes on. Such a refreshing time has never been in the western army, if in any of the Union armies anywhere. When our meeting first began, it was by dozens, now it is attended by the thousands -- generals, officers and privates. Tonight about twenty bowed beside a pine log seeking Christ. -- What a time of revival. Such deep earnest feeling is unsurpassed in any meeting. Such cross bearing among the converts and brethren, of all denominations happily united, I never seen before. The whole theme is "glory to God." I have a large number to immerse at the first opportunity. They come to me urging me to immerse them from many regiments of our command. If God is willing, in my next I will be able to report a goodly number baptized in Christ. I feel much encouraged in my work. God is surely pouring his holy spirit upon my labors. Pray for us all, my brethren and sisters at home, that God may still continue his glorious work among us. More soon.
Yours in Christ,
F.F. Kiner
Chaplain 27th Iowa Infantry
May 11, 1865
p. 18

Religion Triumphs -- BRO. THOMAS:--I am still in the midst of gospel harvest. Ever since I first thrust in the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, at New Orleans in March, the work has gone on powerfully. Even during our hardest fighting around Forts Spanish and Blakely, we kept up our meetings most every night by such as were not on duty that day. I have never heard or seen such an outpouring of God's spirit upon His people as is realized here in the 2d Division, 16 th Army Corps. Hundreds are converted to God and reclaimed. Some of the worst of sinners are now the humble worshippers of God. My regimental church has eighty-five members -- I think it will soon be one hundred. I generally keep up my meetings so as to accommodate the brigade, where large numbers are converted and come not into my account. Last Sabbath, bless God, was a glorious day to us. I preached at one o'clock and gave invitation for candidates for baptism. The result was, I was permitted to bury thirty-eight believers in the liquid grave. Many more are ready to follow. Such earnest desire to be entirely Christ's I never saw. In our prayer meetings which are every day and night, two or three begin at once without calling upon either; and at our class meeting, or conference meeting, I have seen five at a time get up to talk and stand waiting for their turn to come around. Truly, it is marvelous how God is working in the army here, just preparing it to return home victorious, and grateful for His goodness and protecting care. All denominational spirit is lost. It is union, thank God. My discipline is just the one all want to adopt. Those who have been raised among the Roman Catholics and Lutherans, in fact of all creeds and professions, we find at the anxious seat, and then baptized in the rolling stream. Thank God, religion triumphs in the army; sin is becoming unpopular, but still reigns in high places. We are looking forward to the time when we can return to our homes and worship God under our own vine and fig tree. Yet all the vines and fig trees here are dedicated to God. Go where you will, you will find one, two or three under a tree, praying and holding an experience meeting by themselves between regular meetings. May God continue to bless us.
Yours in Christ,
F. F. Kiner.
June 22, 1865
pg 65

1870 Census: Marshall, Louisa County, Iowa: Frank F. Kiner (age 36, minister, born Pennsylvania), Eliza A. Kiner (age 38, born Maryland), Emma E. Kiner (age 12, born Iowa), Mira S. Kiner (age 10, born Iowa), Hamilton A. Kiner (age 6, born Iowa), Stephen W. Kiner (age 4, born Iowa) and Jessie B. Kiner (age 1, born Iowa). The family was indexed as Kines.

1880 Census: Tipton, Cedar County, Iowa: Frederick F. Kiner (age 46, minister, born Pennsylvania), wife Eliza A. Kiner (age 49, born Maryland), daughter Mina S. Kiner (age 21, born Iowa), son Avanel H. Kiner (age 16, born Iowa), son Watson S. Kiner (age 13, born Iowa), daughter Jessie D. Kiner (age 11, born Iowa) and daughter Nina W. Kiner (age 9, born Iowa).

1885 Iowa State Census: Ida Grove, Ida County, Iowa: Frederick F. Kiner (Township 87, Range 40, Section 14, Quimby Street, Attorney, born Pennsylvania), Eliza A. Kiner (age 53, born Maryland), Fredrick Kiner (age 29, salesman, born Des Moines County, Iowa), Hamilton A. Kiner (age 21, printer, born Des Moines County, Iowa), Stephen W. Kiner (age 18, printer, born Henry County, Iowa), Jessie V. Kiner (age 16, born Henry County.), Nino W. Kiner (age 14, born Louisa County, Iowa) and Card Kiner (age 23, salesman, born Louisa County, Iowa).

Eliza Ann (Nicodemus) Kiner (born Nov. 24, 1831), died Dec. 29, 1894. She is buried in Ida Grove Cemetery, Plot 190, Ida Grove, Ida County, Iowa.

January 4, 1894 Pioneer
Died at her home in this city, Saturday, December 29, 1894, Eliza Ann Kiner, wife of F.F. Kiner, aged 63 years, 1 month, 5 days.

She was born near Hancock, Washington County, MD, on November 24, 1831, her maiden name being Eliza Ann Nicodemus. When but a small girl she moved with her parents to New Windsor, Carroll County, MD, coming from here to Des Moines County this state in 1852 with her brother, Henry Nicodemus, with whom she made her home.

She was married to F.F. Kiner on October 11, 1854, thus their reunion lasted over a period of 40 years. She was the mother of eight children, four boys and four girls, two having died and crossed the dark river before her; Charles C. having died December 23, 1876 at Mt. Carroll, Illinois; and Nino W. on July 23, 1893 in Ida Grove. Six still live; F.C., H.A. and S.W. Kiner, Mrs. Emma E. Latchaw, Mrs. Myra S. Condit and Jessie V. Elser. These together with the bereaved husband mourn her loss.

She further leaves a mother over ninety years old, one sister, two brothers, and fifteen grandchildren.

1900 Census: District 43, Corwin, Ida County, Iowa: F. F. Kiner (born Nov. 1833, age 66, widowed, born Pennsylvania, Lawyer).

Frederick F. Kiner died April 15, 1901 and is buried in Iowa Veterans Home Cemetery, Section C, Row 11, Grave 3, Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa

Death of F. F. Kiner
Ida County Pioneer
Thursday - April 18, 1901

Word was received in this city Tuesday morning that attorney, F. F. Kiner, had passed away at the Soldier's Home in Marshalltown Monday night. The deceased had but just recently returned to that institution after having spent a few weeks in the city and was in a most feeble condition.

F. F. Kiner was one of the early citizens of Ida Grove and a man most highly respected by the entire community. He located here in 1882, establishing a law practice and continued in that career, and occasionally occupying the pulpit, ever since until about two years ago when he was compelled to retire on account of failing health. He was an honorable, just and charitable citizen and his wide acquaintanceship throughout the county will grieve to hear of his death.

During his long residence in Ida Grove he has been repeatedly elected justice of the peace and in filling that office the great generosity of his heart and his wise counsel have made themselves apparent upon many an occasion.

Obituary. Frederick Frank Kiner was born November 21, 1833, near Landisburg, Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death had passed his sixty-eighth birthday. Shortly after he had passed his eleventh year his parents came west locating in Stark county, Ohio, where they resided three years and then moved to Iowa settling seven miles north of Burlington in Des Moines county, and here he learned the cooper's trade. At the age of sixteen years he was converted and his first church affiliations was with the Church of God in 1853. One year later he entered the ministry, receiving his license at North Bend, 1861, and he remained twenty-eight years in active church work. October 5, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier at Camp McClellan, Clinton County, in the 14th Iowa Infantry, and was appointed an Orderly Sergeant, which position he held for eighteen months, carrying the musket at Donelson and Shiloh and at the latter place himself and nearly all of his regiment were made prisoners. Sergeant Kiner was held a prisoner for six months, spending his time at Memphis, Mobile, Chattanooga, Macon and in Libby Prison. After being exchanged he was promoted to the chaplaincy of his regiment at Cairo, Illinois, serving in that capacity until the expiration of his regiments time. He was in the Red River campaign with Sherman in his famous march to the sea, and participated in other noted engagements of the civil war. About 1878 he began studying law and was admitted to the bar in 1880, and two years later moved to Ida Grove where he has resided ever since. Mr. Kiner was married to Eliza Ann Nicodemus in October 1854, and to their union eight children were born, two of whom and the wife have passed on before him. The children who survive him are three daughters and three sons, Mrs. E. L. Latchaw, Mrs. Myra Condit, Mrs. Jessie Elser, Frederick C., Hamilton A., and Steven W. Kiner. The funeral was held at the Soldiers' Home yesterday and interment was made in the cemetery connected with that institution.

F. F. Kiner was indeed one of God's noble beings. He was generous to a fault, willing to sacrifice everything for his family or a friend and his many Ida county acquaintances will mourn his death. He was a grand, good and charitable man and the worst that could be said of him was, that he was not a money maker. He devoted a great deal of his time, earnings and energies in the cause of religion. He had perhaps done more gratuitous preaching than any other man in Iowa. His reward should be great.

Notes for the Officers and Staff of the 27th Iowa Voluntery Infantry.