-568- DANIEL UNGER, present sheriff of Cherokee County, was born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, September 6, 1843, and is the youngest of a family of six children of John and Mary (Fortes) Unger, natives of the State of Pennyslvania, and of German descent. Daniel passed his early life in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools. In December, 1861, he enlisted in the defense of his country's flag, becoming a member of Company B, Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the following engagements: Winchester, General Sheridan commanding; Port Republic, the Wilderness, all the battles leading to Gettysburg, and on the day of that memorable fight he was detailed to guard the wagon trains. He had belonged to the first, second and third army corps, and was finally assigned to the second under General Hancock. On December 9, 1864, he was mustered out, after which he was employed as wagon master, and was finally discharged and paid off at Washington, District of Columbia. He then returned to his own county and engaged in the lumber business. Afterward he drifted westward as did so many who wore the loyal blue during the Civil War. He stopped for a time in Cook County, Illinois, and in 1869 he came to Cherokee County, Iowa; he homesteaded eighty acres of land on which he lived two years, selling it at the end of that time. He then rented a half section upon which he farmed for three years, and again purchased a farm of his own, being very successful in its cultivation. In 1885 he removed to Cherokee, and in 1886 he was elected to the office of the county, which he still holds; he accepted the office at the hands of the Republican party, and assumed his official duties January 1, 1887. Mr. Unger was married in 1866, to Miss R. E. Sones, a native of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Six children have been born of this union: Mary A., Elmer M., William C., Ollie May, Burt E. and Nina J. Mr. Unger has held many local offices, including that of county supervisor. He is a member of the Odd Fellow's fraternity, the Knights of Pythias, and Custer Post, No. 25, G.A.R. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is one of the trustees. He has been a successful man in business, and now owns a half section of land in ______Township, which he rents out. N. D. GLEASON, son of Elisha Gleason, is one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of Silver Township. He was born March 22, 1857, in La Salle County, Illinois. He was twelve years of age when his father came to Cherokee County, and was reared to the occupation of a farmer, receiving his education in the public schools. He was married October 11, 1879, to Miss Sadie Pennington. Six children have been born of this union: Sadie Belle, Agnes Irene, Nathan Colby, Norman Boardman, Noel Edwin and Lester Huff. Mr. Gleason owns 320 acres of land, a portion of which his the old homestead which his father entered on first coming to Cherokee County. The old house, which was built of hewn logs in 1869, still -571- stands, a relic of pioneer days, too substantial to yield soon to the inroads of time and the elements. The present residence was erected in 1882 at a cost of $1,500, and is one of the best dwellings in the township; there are many other improvements on the Gleason farm, among which is noted a good barn, also stock scales, seven miles of fence, ten acres of fine grove, and a good tenant house. In politics Mr. Gleason is Republican. He is a member of Finvoy Lodge, No. 490, I.O.O.F., of Holstein, Iowa. His long residence in this county, his honorable dealings, and his industrious and upright habits, have won for him a wide circle of friends. ELISHA GLEASON, deceased, was one of the prominent and highly esteemed citizens of Cherokee County, in which he had long resided. He was born in Middlebury, Wyoming County, New York, February 2, 1819, and was a son of Abel and Ann (Hogle) Gleason. When sixteen years of age his parents removed to Washtenaw County, Michigan, remaining there two years; they then removed to La Salle County, Illinois, where Elisha grew to manhood; his youth was spent in attending the common schools, and in performing the duties that fall to the lot of a farmer's son; in later years he learned the carpenter's trade, and became an expert mechanic. He was married in La Salle County, Illinois, in May, 1845, to Miss Abbie Huff, who was born in the State of New York, and reared in Illinois. She was the daughter of John and Laura Huff. In the fall of 1859 Mr. Gleason removed to Jones County, Iowa, and lived there until 1864, when he went to Clinton County, Iowa. At the end of four years he came to Cherokee County and took a homestead in Silver Township, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred June 4, 1889. Mr. Gleason and wife reared four children: Judson, of Holstein, Ida County, Iowa; N. D.; Orpha, wife of Frank Stiles, of Silver Township, and Belle, deceased, the oldest child, the wife of G. D. Dudley. She died in 1879, leaving one daughter, Mabel, who has a good home with her uncle, N. D. Gleason. Mrs. Abbie Gleason died in September, 1874. Mr. Gleason was again married in the fall of 1885, to Mrs. Julia Mattoon, who is now living in Ida County. Mr. Gleason adhered to the principles of the Republican party; he was formerly an Abolitionist, and in Illinois was known as a conductor in the underground service. For many years he served as justice of the peace. He was a member of the Baptist Church for forty years, and was a liberal contributor to all religious movements. Shortly after his arrival in Cherokee County, before he had made any preparations for building his new house, his temporary dwelling had caught fire, and his entire possessions were destroyed; he was not at home at the time, and when he returned in the evening he found himself and his family homeless, without a mouthful of food or a change of clothing. There was not a dwelling in sight, and the broad, rolling prairie stretched unbroken before their view. But to one of Mr. Gleason's elastic temperament, such things were of only passing annoyance, for as he many times remarked, "Time will bring a change." And he also said in speaking of the trials which had fallen to his lot, "I have never seen a homesick day since I set my chair on my own homestead in Silver Township." He was noted for his generosity, and as one of his friends once remarked, "If Elisha had been a millionaire he would have been one of the jolliest fellows in existence." He was a kind and indulgent father, giving his children every educational advantage in his power. During the first year of his residence in Silver Township he devoted his evenings to teaching his boys, as there was no school in the township. the next spring his daughter Belle arrived from Clinton County, Iowa, and taught the first school in the township. F. T. STILES has been engaged in farming and stock raising in Silver Township since 1876. He was born in McGregor, Iowa, October 6, 1860, and is a son of Thomas and Catherine (Stennett) Stiles, who were born, reared and married in England. Soon after their marriage Thomas Stiles and wife crossed the sea and settled in Canada, afterward moving to Iowa. He fought in defense of the flag of his adopted country, being a member of the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, Company F. His wife died when the subject of this notice, F. T. Stiles, was but two years of age; he was then taken to the Soldier's Orphans Home at Davenport, Iowa, where he was reared and educated. At the age of sixteen years he came to Cherokee County, and worked by the month for several years; he saved from his wages sufficient funds to purchase forty acres, and later still another forty acres; this he had partly improved when he traded with N. D. Gleason, Esq., for his present farm of 160 acres, which is in a high state of cultivation. There is a good story-and-a-half house on an attractive site, substantial barns and buildings for stock and grain, and many modern conveniences. Mr. Stiles has made provision for future luxuries by planting three acres in small fruits and fruit trees. He was married December 19, 1883, to Miss Orpha Gleason, a native of Clinton County, Iowa. She was reared and educated in Cherokee County, and was a successful teacher before her marriage and since. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stiles—Jason Philip; he was born December 25, 1884. Mr. Stiles affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of Finvoy Lodge, No. 490, I.O.O.F., of Holstein, Iowa. He is a man in the prime of live, cordial in manner, strictly upright in business, and is numbered with the reliable citizens of Cherokee County. A. B. GLEASON is one of the leading men of Silver Township. He was born in Wyoming County, New York, October 27, 1825. His father, Abel Gleason, was born near Rome, Schoharie County, New York, June 4, 1795. He was a Freewill Baptist minister for fifty years of his life, and did faithful service in the cause of his Master. He departed this life January 3, 1874, at Clinton, Iowa. The mother of our subject was Anna Hogle, a daughter of Elisha and Susan (Little) Hogle. The Hogle family settled at Middlebury, New York, in 1807. The Gleason family is of Welsh origin, and traces its descent to two brothers of that name who came to this country and settled in Massachusetts about 200 years ago. Anna (Hogle) Gleason died November 4, 1836, at Wethersfield, Wyoming County, New York, leaving eight children. A. B. Gleason bade adieu to his native county, and October 12, 1837, removed to Washtenaw County, Michigan, where he resided two years. He then went to La Salle County, Illinois, and remained there until September 22, 1853, when he came to Iowa, settling in Clinton County, at Comanche. In 1861 he removed to Lyons, Clinton County. On August 5, 1862, Mr. -573- Gleason enlisted in Company C, Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he was First Corporal, G. W. Johnson, Captain, and Milo P. Smith, Colonel. He was honorably discharged after four months' service. July 15, 1869, he located on a farm near Comanche, where he lived four years. The season of 1873 was spent in Rochester, New York. In the spring of 1874 he returned to Iowa, and settled on his present farm, which was wild land. He now owns 320 acres of well-improved land, which he has reduced from its wildness to an advanced state of cultivation. He has a good residence, buildings for the care and protection of live-stock, and grain, and five acres of fine grove. There is a beautiful stream of living water which furnishes an abundant supply to the stock. Mr. Gleason devotes himself to general farming, and has been very prosperous, all his surroundings showing him to be and admirable agriculturist. He was married November 6, 1855, at Comanche, Iowa, to Miss Annette Jones, a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Hinman) Jones, natives of the State of New York. Mrs. Gleason was born at Patterson, Putnam County, New York. Three children were born of this marriage: Carrie, wife of J. G. Biller, M.D., of Correctionville, Iowa; they have two children, Howard and Nettie; Irving W. Gleason, of Armour, Douglas County, Dakota; he married Fannie Matoon, and they have two children, Nellie and Julia; Annie Mattie, wife of W. L. Lyman, of Silver Township; they have two children, Harry and Lulu. Mr. Gleason is Republican in his politics, and has served as justice of the peace. He has always taken a deep interest in educational and religious matters, and in all enterprises tending to advance the best interests of the community. On first coming to Iowa he engaged in teaching several years, and was also employed in that profession in Illinois. Mr. Gleason was in the great tornado of Comanche, Iowa, June 3, 1860, in which terrific storm 200 persons lost their lives; but, fortunately for them, no one of his family sustained any personal injury, yet he lost a large part of his property. A. J. GLEASON, dealer and manufacturer of harness, collars, whips, combs, brushes, etc. All kinds of harness made to order at Holstein, Iowa. He is the son of E. H. Gleason, deceased, whose sketch and portrait appear elsewhere in this work (one of the well-known prominent pioneers of Cherokee County). A. J. was born in La Salle County, Illinois, on the 28th of April, 1854. He was fifteen years of age when his father removed to Jones County, Iowa, later to Clinton County, and thence to Silver Township, Cherokee County, where A. J. grew to manhood. He was reared a farmer and received his education in a common school. After finishing his education he taught school one term in Ida County. In the fall of 1880 he engaged in his trade at Cherokee, Iowa. He worked there one year, and then went to Ida Grove, where he worked eight months. He started in business at Aurelia, May 4, 1882, and worked there until June 11, 1883, when he commenced business in Holstein. HIs extensive acquaintance, fair dealing and good workmanship have been such as to give him a successful business. Mr. Gleason was united in marriage, February 5, 1882, to Miss Bessie McCarthy, of Cherokee, Iowa. They had one child, I. D., who was born November 1, 1882, and died April 15, 1883. Mrs. Gleason died March 20, 1888. She was a woman of many virtues, and her death was regretted by all. Mr. Gleason is Republican, and he served as constable one year. He is in the prime of life, intelligent, cordial and honorable. He is one of the successful and enterprising business men of Holstein. JOHN T. SANGER is a well-known citizen of Silver Township, an ex-soldier of the late Civil War. He was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, June 22, 1842, and is a son of Appleton and Belinda (Austin) Sanger, natives of the State of Vermont, who located in St. Lawrence County, and remained there until death. They were the parents of four children: John T., Ira A., Edwin and Sarah E. John T. was reared in his native county, attending the common schools during the winter season, and devoting himself to farm work the remainder of the year. Not behind any of his countrymen, he enlisted December 1, 1863, in Battery M, Sixth New York Heavy Artillery; he was in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Laurel Hill, North Ann, Beaver Dam, Bethsaida Church, Cold Harbor; at the last-named place he was wounded in the right shoulder by a gun shot, on account of which he was confined in the Mt. Pleasant Hospital for six months; he then rejoined his regiment, but being unable to endure active service he was sent back to the hospital. He was in the city of Washington the night of the assassination of Lincoln. He was honorably discharged June 25, 1865, and returned to St. Lawrence County, where he remained eighteen months. He then removed to Detroit, Michigan, where he spent three years in the employ of a lumber company, measuring lumber. He then removed to Dakota City, Minnesota, and engaged in farming until 1875, at which time he came to Cherokee County and located on his present farm in Silver Township. the Sanger farm contains 240 acres of good land, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation. There are numerous improvements in the way of buildings, and eight acres of grove have been planted. Mr. Sanger was married in Cherokee, March 16, 1881, to Miss Emiline Bennett, a daughter of Philander and Millie (Neese) Bennett, now residents of Cherokee. Mr. and Mrs. Sanger are the parents of four children: James Edwin, Minnie Ellen, Millie, Mary E. Mr. Sanger affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of General Custer Post, No. 25, G.A.R., and of the A.F. & A.M., at Waddington, New York. THOMAS DELANEY was born in County Kildare, Ireland, August 1, 1833, and is the son of Patrick and Catharine (Norman) Delaney. He was but nine years of age when his parents emigrated to America, and settled in Western New York; there they remained until 1856, when they removed to Michigan and located at Saranac. In 1869 they pushed further west, and settled in Iowa County, Iowa, where they remained until 1882, at which time they came to Cherokee County. Patrick Delaney died in Iowa County in 1875, and his wife in Cherokee County in 1885. There was a family of five children; one sister, Theresa, came with her husband, Francis Cauley, to the county in 1881; she died February 17, 1885, and he died March 13, 1885, leaving a family of six children; these orphans have found a shelter and loving care with Mr. and Mrs. Delaney. Thomas Delaney, the subject of this sketch, has had a varied career; for three years he was employed in a glass factory, -575- and then he engaged in the lumber business in the pineries of Michigan for thirteen years, with the exception of a two years' absence. On coming to Iowa he engaged in agricultural pursuits which he has followed ever since. He has a fine farm of 240 acres in Marcus Township, with a nice dwelling, and barns for stock and grain; he has planted four acres of grove, and all the indications are that prosperity has attended his every effort. The people of the township have attested the confidence which they entertain for Mr. Delaney by calling him to fill the offices of school treasurer, trustee and assessor. He is a stanch Democrat and is duly appreciated by his neighbors and friends. Mr. Delaney was married August 1, 1866, to Bridget Foley, who was born in Tipperary County, Ireland, May 4, 1840. She is a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Payne) Foley, and when three years old her parents emigrated to this country. Mr. and Mrs. Delaney have had born to them eight children: Catharine, Thomas, Agnes, John, Edward, Benjamin, Francis and William. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Name, at Marcus. Mr. Delaney's life is a fair example of what can be accomplished with willing hands, pluck and perseverance. P. H. WEINTZ, harness-maker, Meriden, Iowa, has been identified with the history of Cherokee County since 1869. He was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, March 31, 1837, and is a son of Christian and Christina (Burmette) Weintz, natives of Hesse Darmstadt. The father was a farmer by occupation. At the age of fourteen years P. H. Weintz was apprenticed to a harness-maker at Kircheimbolanden, with whom he worked eight years. In 1859 he left his native land to seek his fortune in the United States. He landed at New York City, and went directly to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remaining there one year. He went to Chicago and staid there about one year, and then went to Appleton, where he made his home for nine years; during this time he worked at his trade. In 1871 he resolved to abandon his trade and follow the pursuit of farming; he bought eighty acres of land in Cedar Township, on which he lived for eleven years; he now owns 120 acres, having purchased forty acres from the railroad company. In 1882 Mr. Weintz came to Meriden, and again began working at his trade; he owns his shop and is doing a profitable business of $2,500 per year. His experience in the trade, both in this country and in the old country, have made him a skillful workman. Mr. Weintz was married April 9, 1863, to Miss Bertha Morris, a daughter of George and Ann (Henne) Morris. Mrs. Weintz was born in Germany, August 26, 1840, and at the age of eight years came to America with her parents, who settled near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Weintz have had born to them seven children: George D., who is at Storm Lake, in the employ of a loan and trust company; Anna J., a teacher; Henry C., Emma, Hulda, Clara and Carrie (twins). Mr. Weintz is a strong advocate of the principles of the Democratic party. He was a member of the Board of Education in Cedar Township, and was president of the School Board at Meriden in 1884. He was a member of the Town Council two terms, and was mayor of the town in 1888, serving in these various positions with credit to himself and the best interests of the public. He is a member of the Reformed Lutheran Church, and his wife is a member of the Roman Catholic Church; they are both conscientious in their belief, and are among the representative people of Sheridan Township. JOSEPH W. JONES, one of Meriden's enterprising and progressive citizens, came to Cherokee County in 1882. He was born in Shullsburgh, Wisconsin, September 16, 1857. His parents, Paul and Sarah (Lawton) Jones, natives of England, were brought to America in their childhood, and were reared in the State of Pennsylvania; they are both living at the present day. Our subject was reared and educated in his native town; at the age of seventeen years he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and for four years continued in this occupation. At the age of twenty-one years he left Shullsburgh, and for the next four years worked on a farm near Mineral Point, Wisconsin. In 1882 Mr. Jones came to Iowa and stopped at Newell; thence he went to Meriden, and again began working at his trade; in 1886 he began handling agricultural implements, in which business he is still engaged; he has received a liberal share of patronage, and has been prosperous in this enterprise. Industrious habits and strictly honest dealing have won for Mr. Jones a large circle of sincere friends. He has now closed out blacksmith and implement business, and devotes his whole time to the postoffice. January 24, 1884, occurred the marriage of Joseph W. Jones and Josie N. Allbee, a daughter of E. H. and Sarah (Severenger) Allbee. The father is a native of the State of Maine, and the mother was born in Missouri; both are still living. In politics Mr. Jones affiliates with the Republican party; he has served his town as councilman for two years, and in 1885 he was elected town treasurer, and is the present incumbent of the office. He was recommended as postmaster under President Harrison's administration, and on September 16, 1889, he received his commission which makes him Postmaster of Meriden. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are worthy members and active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Jones is superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He is a member of the order of Iowa Good Templars. T. D. KENNEDY, one of the most extensive stock-growers in Cherokee County, was born in Otsego County, New York, May 30, 1830. His father, Andrew T. Kennedy, was born in the State of New York, August 28, 1808, and died October 8, 1885; his mother was a native of New York, born September 5, 1808; she died May 25, 1886. When T. D. Kennedy was one and a half years old his parents removed to Knox County, Illinois, where they lived the remainder of their days. He was reared in that county, and received his education at Knox College, Illinois. He remained under the parental roof until his twenty-fifth year, when he left his father's farm and bought land in Knox County, on which he lived until 1872. Resolving to test the qualities of the land still farther west, he sold his farm and removed to Grundy County, Iowa; there he bought 360 acres, on which he made his home for ten years. He then came to Cherokee County and purchased 160 acres of land in Sheridan Township; soon after he added 280 acres to his first purchase, and later, 320 acres, making a total of 760 acres. Mr. Kennedy has made many valuable improvements on this farm; he has a nice residence in the midst of a tasty lawn, a commodious barn with sheds adjoining, and numerous other conveniences. Mr. Kennedy gives especial -577- attention to the raising of high grades of cattle and horses; he has more pedigreed short-horn cattle than any other dealer in the township, and forty head of horses; he has one thoroughbred Percheron horse of excellent pedigree. Mr. Kennedy was married April 28, 1852, to Miss Mary J. Arnold, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Reed) Arnold. She was born April 29, 1835, in Cattaraugus County, New York, and was seven years old when her parents removed to Knox County, Illinois. There she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have had born to them five children: Maria J., wife of J. E. Strain; Mary E., wife of J. W. Dailey; Theodore I., deceased; he was born September 10, 1857, and died October 8, 1879; P. J. and Grace, at home. In political matters Mr. Kennedy affiliates with the Republican party. During his residence in the county he has done much to advance its interests, and is highly honored and esteemed by all who know him. HENRY ASMAN, who has been a resident of Cherokee County for about eighteen years, is a native of Prussia, Germany, born September 22, 1840. When he was nine years of age his parents, Henry and Dorothea Asman, emigrated to America, being fully convinced that this country afforded a better opportunity for people to enjoy "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" than had been afforded them in their mother country. Accordingly, in 1849, they sailed over the great ocean to this continent, landing in New York City; from that place they went at once to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and located permanently near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Henry, of whom this notice is written, is the fourth of a family of five children, three daughters and two sons. He remained in Milwaukee, and at the age of thirteen years he went to learn the baker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years; he then worked at his trade in Milwaukee until 1861, when he enlisted in the defense of his country, or the country which he had made his by adoption. He became a member of Company I, Twenty-fourth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was sent South, being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, in General Sheridan's Division. He took part in the memorable battles of Perryville and Stone River, where he was captured as a prisoner of war; after several unsuccessful attempts to get through the Union lines he was paroled; three days later he was sent to Gallatin, Tennessee, from which point he was exchanged. He was detailed to post duty under Generals Grant and Sherman, and was mustered out in June, 1865. He came back to Milwaukee, and again went into the bakery business, which he continued until 1872, when he came to Cherokee County. The first eight years of his residence there he engaged in farming, but becoming tired of that, and thinking he could better his circumstances, he removed to the town of Cherokee, and embarked in the grocery trade, forming a partnership with Major Robert M. Smith that continued three years. Mr. Smith then sold his interest in the business to J. H. Umhoefer. That firm operated one year when Mr. Asman sold to E. W. Eimers. Mr. Asman remained out of business about eighteen months, and then started in the grocery business on his own account, at his present stand. His store-room proper is 22x60 feet, with a wareroom 18x24 feet. He carries a complete stock of groceries, crockery, queen's-ware and wooden ware, and has a large and profitably trade. Mr. Asman was married -578- in 1865 to Miss Louisa Buttner, of Gallatin, Tennessee, in which place he had a store for two years. Mrs. Asman is a native of North Carolina, and is the daughter of Abraham Buttner. Mr. Asman and wife have no children. Our subject has served as one of the trustees of the Citizens' Life Association at Cherokee, an dis a member of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 158. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the G.A.R., Custer Post No. 25. Success has seemed to crown his efforts; commencing away down at the bottom of the hill, he has kept steadily pushing onward and upward, achieving a little now and then; while other men were grasping for higher "stakes," he has humbly taken up with smaller things, and to-day has a handsome compentency. He owns a good farm, a fine grocery business, and a comfortable home in Cherokee.

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