-456- JOHN L. CHAPIN, an enterprising and progressive agriculturist of Sheridan Township, has been a resident of Cherokee County since 1869. He was born in Madison County, Indiana, in 1847, and is a son of Oran Chapin, a native of Kentucky, who was born in 1816. Oran Chapin married Miss Martha White, who was born in Indiana in 1824, and who died in 1853. In that same year John L. was bound out to Sims Garrison, who was living at that time in Indiana. At the early age of seventeen years our subject joined the defenders of the old flag, enlisting in the Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under command of J. F. Mansfield, son of General Mansfield. His first battle was fought on the Chickasaw Bluffs, and the next, January 11, 1863, at Arkansas Post; thence he went to Vicksburg, champion Hills, Port Gibson and Raymond, Mississippi, at the latter place his regiment taking 500 Confederate prisoners. He went into camp at Black River Bridge, and afterward went to Vicksburg, via Jackson, and thence to New Orleans; there Mr. Chapin's health failed and he was given a discharge; he remained in New Orleans eight weeks, and then returned to his home in Indiana. He remained there until 1868, his health getting no better, when he determined to go West to regain health; he went to Iowa, settling in Tama County, but afterward removing to Cherokee County. He took a homestead of eighty acres in Cherokee Township, which he improved and sold in 1886; he then bought forty acres in Sheridan Township, on which he makes his home. Mr. Chapin also owns 154 acres in O'Brien County, Iowa. Politically he casts his vote with the Republican party; he was elected by the people of his township to fill the office of trustee, but he declined to serve the term out. He is a member of the General Custer Post, No. 25, G.A.R. Mr. Chapin was married in January, 1873, to Miss Zillah Tyner, a daughter of S. D. Tyner, Esq. a native of Wabash County, Indiana. Eight children have been born of this marriage: C.C.; Orville G., died March 7, 1877; Mary L., Ella J., Izora A., Cora D., Arthur C. and Edith E. Mr. and Mrs. Chapin are acceptable members of the Methodist -457- Episcopal Church and take an active interest in all movements tending to upbuild the community in which they live. J. L. COBB, a retired representative farmer of Marcus Township, was born in New Jersey, June 2, 1832, and is the son of Stephen B. and Elizabeth (Conover) Cobb, natives of the States of New York and New Jersey respectively. He is an only child and was reared in the county in which he was born, acquiring his education in the common schools. When he had attained his twentieth year he made a trip to the West, and located in Jones County, Iowa, remaining there for a period of four years, when he removed to Benton County, Iowa; during all this time he had been engaged in farming, and in the spring of 1885 he came to Marcus with the intention of leading a retired life. He owns 400 acres of land in Plymouth County, near the Cherokee County, line in the township of Remson, which is under his supervision, although he does not undertake to farm it himself. Since his residence in Marcus Mr. Cobb has taken a lively interest in the affairs of the town; he was elected mayor of the village in the spring of 1889, and was appointed justice of the peace to fill a vacancy. He is a zealous worker in the Sabbath-school, and is now filling the office of superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sabbath-school; he is one of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the issues of the Republican party. Mr. Cobb was married in November, 1855, to Miss Augusta Potter, a daughter of I. N. and Mary (Ayres) Potter. Mrs. Cobb was born in New Jersey in August, 1834. Eight children have been born of this union: George W., of Sioux County, Nebraska; Mary E., wife of J. L. Kroesn; S.E., principal of the Kansas City public schools; J. P., of Cedar Falls, Iowa; C. W., a graduate of Iowa State Normal School and minister in Northwestern Iowa Conference; Benjamin L., of Pawnee City, Nebraska; Anna A. and B. M. While a resident of Benton County, Mr. Cobb was prominently identified with his political party, and to day he occupies a place among the representative men of Cherokee County. C. F. QUINN, the leading druggist of Meriden, is one of Sheridan Township's representative men. He was born in Richland County, Wisconsin, July 14, 1859, and is a son of John Fuller. When he was three years old his parents left Richland County, and went to California, making the trip overland in an emigrant train of 1,500 families; they disbanded at Chinese Camp, Tuolumne County, California. In two years Mr. Fuller died of pleurisy, and soon after the family went to New York, making the journey by steamer. After remaining in New York for six months they returned to Richland County, Wisconsin. Mrs. Fuller, mother of Mr. Quinn, was a native of the State of Pennsylvania; she was born in 1834, and died in Chicago, Illinois, November 25, 1888. When C. F. Quinn was nine years old he was adopted by Hollis Quinn, Esq., of Cherokee County, Iowa, with whom he lived until he was in his twenty-first year; during these twelve years his time was spent in farm work, and in attending the public schools. Soon after leaving the home of his adoption he bought eighty acres of land in Cherokee Township, but on account of sickness he was compelled to sell it and seek an occupation in which so much manual labor was not -458- required. He took up the study of pharmacy under the instruction of J. B. Ingels, M. D., pursuing this course for two and a half years. In 1885 he began work in the drug store of Dr. Ingels, continuing there one year. He then went to Cherokee, and entered the employ of W. G. Sylvester, druggist. At the end of a year he returned to Meriden and purchased the drug stock of Dr. Ingles, since which time he has done a fairly prosperous business of about $8,000 per year. Mr. Quinn is a man who may well be called self made, and he is fully deserving of the good will and esteem of his fellow townsmen. He was married in 1886 to Miss Ella E. Earl, daughter of H. W. Earl, Esq. Mrs. Quinn is a native of Iowa. One child has been born of this union, Charles A., born March 7, 1887. Politically Mr. Quinn gives his support to the Democratic party. He is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M. GEORGE W. HARTLEY was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 26, 1831, and is the son of George and Rebecca (Paul) Hartley, natives of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When he was two years old his parents removed to Jersey County, Illinois, where he spent his early life; he received a limited education in the subscription schools, but by close observation he has acquired a fund of practical information, and is equal to all the demands of business life. His youth being spent on a farm he was naturally instructed in the details of agriculture, and at the age of twenty years he began farming on his own responsibility. He rented land in La Salle County, Illinois, and after he had one crop fairly started he claimed his promised bride, and was united in marriage July 6, 1852, to Miss Mary Ann Hankinson, at her father's residence in Jersey County, Illinois. She was born in Butler County, Ohio, February 8, 1830, and is one of a family of twelve children of Lewis F. and Eleanor (Forman) Hankinson, natives of the State of New Jersey. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hartley remained in Illinois for two years, and then removed to Johnson County, Iowa, where Mr. Harley purchased 180 acres of land, a portion of which was in timber and the remainder raw prairie land. He improved this land and established a home in which they lived twenty-four years. they had every convenience and comfort, and were surrounded with plenty; the only drawback was the distance from a market place; at one time they were obliged to go eighteen miles, and later, fourteen miles. They decided to make a change in their location, and removed Johnson County, Iowa; there they were again pioneers. Although they were prosperous and successful in raising their crops they seldom had ready money, because, when they took their produce to market they would receive only money sufficient to pay their taxes, and were compelled to take the balance in trade. This state of affairs continued three years, when the coming of railroads wrought a change for the better. Being born of pioneer parents they were themselves indeed born to clear the way for others. The deprivations and hardships of their life in Johnson County did not deter them from undertaking the settlement of a new place. Accordingly, March 1, 1878, they landed in Marcus Township, Cherokee County, where they have since made their home. They disposed of their home in Johnson County in this wise: They traded their old home for the new, receiving two acres for one, and $30 per acre for the surplus acreage; they had 320 acres of land, and $600 in cash when they settled in the county. There was only a small -459- house for a dwelling, and two small farm buildings; 200 acres had been broken and one crop taken, and this was the amount of the improvements. Mr. Hartley has lost no time in producing a change in this farm; he has built a large two-story frame residence, and has erected substantial barns for stock and grain; he has planted nine and a half acres of grove, consisting of oak, hickory, elm, locust, walnut, catalpa, maple, box-elder, cottonwood and willow; his lawn is ornamented with shrubs and flowers of many kinds, and is a most attractive place; his orchard is composed of choice varieties, just beginning to bear. Mr. Harley farms quite extensively, being well prepared to follow this occupation in all its branches in a thorough and systematic manner. He is a man that has a wide circle of friends, and is widely and favorably known in the county. Politically he is identified with the Republican party, and takes an active interest in its work and welfare. He was appointed justice of the peace the first year he came to the county, and has held it from that time to the present, excepting one year; he has served as school director, secretary of the School Board, and has held the office of township trustee. He was elected to the presidency of the Western Cherokee Mutual Insurance Company, and has held this position for four years. He and his wife and children are consistent members of the Christian Church, and are numbered with the most respected and highly esteemed people in Cherokee County. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartley: Rebecca E. (deceased), wife of J. F. Pfaff, was born June 4, 1853, and died September 22, 1888; Henry C. was born December 22, 1854, and died February 2, 1855; Mary A. G. was born December 11, 1855, and died January 9, 1866; Jane C. was born April 24, 1861, and is the wife of William C. Bruce; Laura M. was born March 5, 1864, and is the wife of S. E. Henley; Sylvania R. was born July 11, 1866; Ambrose B., July 14, 1869, and Minerva F., January 13, 1874. JAMES E. JONES, an enterprising wagon-maker and dealer in agricultural machinery at Meriden, Iowa, was born in Shullsburgh, Wisconsin, June 11, 1859, and is a son of Paul and Sarha (Lawton) Jones. Paul Jones was born in Lancastershire, England, in March, 1832; he came when very young with his parents to Pennsylvania and remained there until his eighteenth year, when he determined to seek his fortune in the West; accordingly he went to Wisconsin, and there engaged in mining, which he continued until 1877, when he abandoned that business and began farming. Sarah (Lawton) Jones was born in Lancastershire, England, in 1834. James E. grew to manhood in his native town, receiving his education in the public schools of that place. After leaving the High School he worked for two years in the wagon shop, spending all his leisure time in hard study, preparatory to entering college. But his health failing this ambition was relinquished. The following nine years Mr. Jones was occupied with agricultural pursuits, and in September, 1886, he removed to Cherokee County, Iowa, and located at Meriden; he entered into partnership with his brother Joseph in the business of wagon-making; they also handled farm machinery in connection with the trade. They have been successful in this enterprise, and have won a large patronage by their strict business habits, and cordial, courteous manners. Mr. Jones was married April 18, 1888, to Miss Allie Parkinson, daughter of Colonel N. T. and Ann (Proctor) Parkinson, who was -460- born March 14, 1863, in La Fayette County, Wisconsin. Her mother was a native of England, and her father was born in the State of Kentucky. The Parkinson family were among the first settlers in Wisconsin. Mr. Jones gives his political support to the Republican party. He is District Chief Templar of the I.O.G.T., embracing Cherokee, Buena Vista, Pocahontas and Calhoun counties. He is a member of the Town Council, and has ever taken an active interest in all enterprises tending to advance the public good. WILLIAM POLK MILLER was born at Edenburgh, Shenandoah County, Virginia, November 27, 1844. His father was Richard Miller, a native of Virginia, whose ancestors came from England. His mother was Artemisia Grandstaff, whose family were prominent in the history of Pennsylvania. Richard Miller died in 1871, and his wife is still living at the old Virginia home. She was Mr. Miller's third wife, and bore him six children, four of whom are residing in Iowa. In April, 1862, Polk, as he is familiarly known, joined Rice's Battery, and was attached to Stonewall Jackson's command, and was with him until he was killed May 2, 1863. He was afterward under A. P. Hill's command, the battery being known as Wooding's. He served three years, surrendering at Appomattox, April 9, 1865. He received a shell wound in his left leg when the command was trying to get in Meade's rear at Catlett's Station. He missed but one engagement in which his command too part, that at Gettysburg, being ill at the time. After the return of peace he remained in Virginia until 1867, when he came West and for four and a half years was farming in Clarke County, Missouri. In 1871 he returned to Virginia, but after two years spent among the scenes of his boyhood he again went West, and remained for a few months with his half-brother, B. F. Miller, who was then engaged in banking and shipping grain in Webster City, Iowa. The following spring he went to Aurelia, bought and elevator, and embarked in the grain and lumber business, in which he continued until 1881. In 1882 he removed to Alta , and did a general lumber business until 1885, when he went to Webster City and became interested with his brother, B. F., in the Farmers' National Bank, being one of the incorporators and vice presidents; he was elected cashier, a position which he held until September, 1887, when he resigned and went South, passing the winter in Florida. The next spring he returned to Aurelia, finding it a pleasant place to live he erected a handsome residence at a cost of $3,000; it stands upon a slight eminence, is well planned, tastefully finished, and affords a most attractive home for Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Mr. Miller is engaged in no active business at the present time, but retains his financial interest in the First National Bank at Eagle Grove, Iowa, of which his nephew, H. A. Miller, is president. Mr. Miller was united in marriage at New Carlisle, Indian, September 22, 1875, to Mrs. Elizabeth Denio, widow of C. C. Denio. She was born in St. Joseph County, Indiana, August 26, 1843, and is a daughter of A. A. and Marietta (Hubbard) Whitlock, natives of the State of New York, and early settlers in Indiana. Mrs. Miller had two children by her former marriage: Virginia, wife of W. H. Reynolds, and Arthur Denio, who is engaged in the lumber business in Anselmos, Nebraska. He finds great enjoyment in his -461- domestic surroundings. He was made a Mason at Cherokee, and is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M., and Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R.A.M., and Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K.T. F. P. NEWHART has been identified with the interests of Cherokee County since 1882. He was born October 27, 1854 and is a son of M. W. and Sarah A. (Roe) Newhart. The father is a native of Pennsylvania, and a miller by trade; the mother is a native of the State of New York. In 1864 the parents removed to Ford County, Illinois; there the subject of this biography grew to manhood, receiving the training usually bestowed upon a farmer's son, and the somewhat limited advantages afforded by the public schools. He lived upon his father's farm until he came to Cherokee County, and bought a farm of eighty acres in section 27, Liberty Township. there he has since resided, making good improvements, and placing the land under cultivation. He has erected a comfortable dwelling, and has three acres of fine grove; all the surroundings show signs of prosperity and judicious management on the part of the owner. Mr. Newhart was married September 6, 1882, to Miss Mattie Zinn, daughter of William Zinn, Esq. She was born in the State of New Jersey, but was reared in the State of New York. three children have been born to Mr. Newhart and wife: Bessie M., Claire and Wilbert. Mr. Newhart adheres to the principles of the Democratic party. He has served as township trustee, and as justice of the peace; he is a member of the School Board, has served two terms as assessor, being the present incumbent of the office, and ha acquitted himself with much credit and to the satisfaction of the public. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., Lodge No. 542, Gibson City, Illinois. Both Mr. and Mrs. Newhart are respected members of the Christian Church, and are worthy of the esteem and confidence in which they are held by a large circle of acquaintances. GEORGE MARCUS MILLER is the manager for J. P. Dickey & Co., and also fot the Iowa RAilroad Land and Town Lot Company, Aurelia. He was born March 12, 1843, in the beautiful valley of the Shenandoah, at the village of Edenburgh, Virginia, and is the oldest of his father's family of six children by his third wife. His father was Richard Miller, who was born in Frederick County, Virginia, of Scotch-English ancestry. He was a merchant the most of his life, and like hundreds of others lost largely in the late war. He had married three times, his last wife, the mother of our subject, being Artemisia Grandstaff. Her original family name was Hepner; during colonial times one of them was captured by Indians and was held in captivity by the old chief, Grandstaff, and when released he chose that name as his own. George Grandstaff, the grandfather of Mr. Miller, was a Major in the War of 1812. Mr. Miller received a limited education, and grew up devoting his time to duties in his father's store. When war's first harsh call to arms was echoing up the valley, he enlisted in Company C, Tenth Virginia Infantry, under Colonel Gibbons, April 17, 1861. He received a scalp wound at the battle of McDowell, May 8, 1862, after which he was transferred to Captain Grandstaff's company, in the famous General Rosser Brigade. He was twice captured, the first time at Brandy Station, June 9, 1863; -462- he was confined at the Old Capitol prison at Washington; in six weeks was paroled, and in one month exchanged. He was again captured April 5, 1865, and was held for a time at the Maryland penitentiary, and was afterward transferred to Fort McHenry; he was in solitary confinement nine days, and was discharged June 13, 1865, after taking the oath of allegiance. During his first captivity he and his guard became much attached to each other; having received many favors at the hands of his guard, he promised on parting to aid him if opportunity ever offered. One day while standing on the street of his native town a squad of soldiers who were prisoners passed, footsore and weary. Mr. Miller discovered among them his former prison guard, and was then and there able to render him a return of the kindness he had shown him in his captivity. After peace was declared, his fortunes at the lowest ebb, he began working at the painter's trade, and followed that vocation until 1881, when he came to Iowa. He opened the yard for the J. P. Dickey Lumber Company, and soon became the representative of the Iowa Railroad Land and Town Lot Company. He is now serving his third term as mayor of Aurelia, and was at one time the village recorder. Mr. Miller was married June 16, 1869, at Edenburgh, to Miss Fannie C. Vincent, a native of Clarke County, Virginia, and a daughter of Joseph and Eliza Vincent. They have had seven children born to them, four living at present: Edith M., William V., Lizzie and Martha. Mr. Miller is a member of the Congregational Church. He belongs to the Masonic Order, to the Legion of Honor, and to the Modern Woodsmen. In 1888 he erected a commodious residence at a cost of about $3,000, and has one of the most delightful homes in the village. The eldest daughter has always made her home with her grandmother in Virginia. ROBERT MILES is one of the successful farmers of Liberty Township. He was born in Cambridgeshire, England, November 28, 1845, and is a son of Robert and Ann (Watts) Miles, natives of England. the father was born in 1811, and died in 1882; the mother is still living. Robert was reared and educated in his native land. Desirous of seeing the Western continent, in his twentieth year he bade farewell to his home and friends, and sailed for America. He landed in the city of New York, and went directly to Linn County, Iowa. For seven years he followed the occupation of a farmer in that county; he then came to Cherokee County and rented a farm in Sheridan Township. By industrious and economical habits he was enabled to save money enough to buy forty acres of land in 1872; however, he did not remove to this place until 1874. Three years later he made another purchase of eighty acres of land, making in all 120 acres; it is well improved, having good buildings and two acres of fine grove. Mr. Miles was united in marriage in January, 1871, to Miss Louisa Barger, a daughter of John and Mary A. (Roher) Barger, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Miles was born April 18,1 847, in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and lived there until she was seven years old; then her parents removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she was educated and grew to womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Miles are the parents of seven children: Anna M., Abbie Dell, Willie L., Robbie R. and Rosa May (twins), Edith L. and Bessie B. Mr. Miles is a Republican. He has held the office of road supervisor two terms; was -463- township trustee from 1882 until 1888, and has been school director, serving with that integrity and uprightness that have won for him the confidence of the entire community. He and his wife are honored members of the Presbyterian Church. JOHN H. UMHOEFER, the subject of this biographical sketch, has been closely connected with the business interests of Cherokee since 1874. He is proprietor of one of the most successful stores in the city, carrying a full line of groceries, crockery, boots and shoes. His trade is extensive both in the city and the country tributary to Cherokee. Mr. Umhoefer is a native of Wisconsin, born at White Water in April, 1861. His father, Theodore Umhoefer, a native of Germany, came to America when eighteen years of age. He married Anna Muellenburgh, and settled in Wisconsin. From than State the family removed to Winneshiek County, Iowa, and thence to Cherokee County. The parents still reside on the farm in Sheridan Township. John H. is the oldest son and third child of a family of five. He attended the common school, and then entered the State University at Iowa City, where he took a thorough course in the Commercial Department, graduating in 1881. Upon leaving school he went to Jordan, Minnesota, entering the employ of Frank Nicolin as book-keeper, with whom he remained one year, when he went to Wayne, Nebraska. There he embarked in general merchandising, which business he operated only three months when he sold out and returned to Cherokee. This was in November, 1883, and he then put in a $4,000 stock of groceries, near what is now the Boston Restaurant, on West Main street. He removed to his present quarters in the Vandercook Block in March, 1886. He occupies a room 24x100 feet, and a large basement; he carries a very large and well-selected stock of choice staple and fancy groceries, queen's-ware, boots and shoes; he employs the most obliging salesmen, and has made for himself a large and paying business. Mr. Umhoefer was married in January, 1884, to Miss Katie Holtey, of Winneshiek County, Iowa, the daughter of Theodore Holtely. they have had one child born to them, Theodore Eugene. Mr. Umhoefer is a very correct and prudent business man, and hence has been frequently called upon to fill various local offices of responsibility and trust. He was elected city recorder in 1886, and is still holding that office. He is secretary of the Retail Merchants' Association of Cherokee County, and one of the stockholders and directors of the Cherokee Building and Loan Association. In religious belief he is a Roman Catholic, and is one of the trustees of the church, having held that position for six years. Politically he is a Democrat, and is secretary of the Democratic, and is secretary of the Democratic Central Committee of his county. He is among the few young men who have commenced life without capital, and by virtue of strict business principles and industry have become the possessors of a fine business before middle life. And Mr. Umhoefer can honestly boast of having earned every dollar himself. JOHN C. WILSON, the leading photographer of Cherokee County, Iowa, established himself in business there in the spring of 1872, and may therefore justly claim to be one of the pioneer business men of the county as well as of the town of Cherokee. His work speaks more forcibly than the pen, for specimens of his artistic skill -464- may be found in nearly every home in Cherokee and adjoining counties. Concerning his earlier career, it may be said that he is a native of Canada, born in the quaint city of Osgood, July 18, 1848. His father, Andrew Wilson, a native of Scotland, was a farmer by occupation. His mother, Eliza (Foster) Wilson, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and died in 1862. John C. is the fourth of a family of nine children, four of whom survive. His school days were spent in Ottawa, Canada, where he remained until 1862. At the age of fourteen years he went to Ogdensburg, New York, where he remained until 1870, and in that year he came to Cherokee, Iowa. While a resident of Ogdensburg he began the study of his art under the tutorship of James M. Dow; he there acquired a fair knowledge of the business in its various departments, and at the end of five years he formed a partnership with his employer, the firm name being Dow & Wilson, which existed until the fall of 1869. Upon coming to Cherokee, Iowa, Mr. Wilson became a member of the grocery dealers in the place; when the firm sold out, and Mr. Wilson entered the employ of F. W. Huxford as clerk in a general store, where he remained one year. In May, 1872, he opened the doors of his art gallery, and ten years later we find him erecting one of the best brick business blocks in the place; it is a two-story structure, 24x80 feet; the first floor is occupied by a grocery owned by Harper Brothers, and a portion of the second floor is rented for an office, Mr. Wilson using the rest of the floor as a photograph gallery. He does excellent work in plain photographs and life-size portraits in India ink, oil or water colors. Mr. Wilson was united in marriage in 1875 to Miss Carrie L. Bates, a native of Winnebago County, Illinois, and a daughter of A. B. and Sophia Bates, natives of New England. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been blessed by the birth of four children, three of whom are living: Bessie May, Sophia C. (deceased), Clinton B., and Yolande Olivette. Politically every intelligent man in the free country has some choice of party, and Mr. Wilson's is with the Republicans, with whom he is an active worker. He has been a member of the Cherokee Town Council for two terms, and is ever alive to the business interests of the place. He belongs to Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M.; to Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R.A.M., and to Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K.T. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cherokee, Iowa. Mr. Wilson has succeeded well in the different enterprises he has undertaken, and much credit is due him, for he began with nothing but a will and a determination to win. He now owns considerable town property and a good farm in Silver Township, consisting of eighty acres.

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