Stephen Douglas A. Van Dorn, 1860-1942

The Seymour Herald -26 February 1942

--------------------------------------

  Stephen Douglas A. Van Dorn, son of Abraham and Manervia Van Dorn was born October 26, 1860 at Hibbsville, in Appanoose county, Iowa, and departed this life Feb. 18, 1942 at the age of 81 years, 3 months and 22 days, at the home of his daughter Mrs. Frank Crooks near Seymour, Iowa.

  He was united in marriage to Jennie Stewart January 1, 1885.  To this union were born six children:  David Abraham of Dillon, Mo., Mrs. Frank Crooks of Seymour, Earnest Eugene of Jerome, Iowa, Ms. Clyde Smith, Mrs. Dolpha Bone of Seymour, William Bryan of Numa, Iowa, and one step-son Bernice Van Sickle.

  His wife preceded him in death March 26, 1901.

  He was a kind and loving father and kept his children together through long years of toil and hardship.  He was both father and mother to his children until they were all grown and married.  He spent all of his life on a farm south of Jerome, excepting a few years in Seymour.

  He was united in marriage to Lillie McCowan Sept. 23, 1916, who preceded him in death March 8, 1927.  After her death, he spent his time among his children.

  He had been in failing health for sometime, but always looked on the bright side of everything.  All was done that kind and loving hands could do, but to no avail.

  He was a great lover of little children; and was blessed with 21 children and 18 great grandchildren.

  Besides the above mentioned he leaves to mourn his passing a host of relatives and friends.

--------------------

Just a few days,

  And how we miss him.

Never will his memory fade.

Father is gone, but not forgotten.

  Claimed by the silent grave

  In the grave yard softly sleeping.

Where the flowers gently wave.

  Lies the one we love so dearly.

In his lone and silent grave.

  From this world of pain and sorrow.

To the land of peace and rest.

  God has taken our dear father.

Where he will have eternal rest.

  Rest on, dear father, your labor is o’er.

  Your toiling hands will toil no more.

A faithful father true and kind.

  No friend on earth like you we’ll find.

--------------------

Editor's Note: Stephen Douglas A. Van Dorn was buried in Southlawn Cemetery, Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.

Samuel Stoner, 1854-1931

The Seymour Herald – 25 June 1931

-----------------------------

  Samuel Stoner, son of Noah and Catherine Stoner, was born in Jackson county, Ohio, March 8, 1854, and departed this life near Jerome, Iowa, June 4, 1931, aged 77 years, 2 months and 27 days.

  He came with his parents to Appanoose county when six months of age, residing there until his death.

  On September 24, 1887, he was united in marriage to La Anna Bollman and to this union four children were born:  Robert, Mrs. Marcia Crouch, Ethel and Elmer. All with the wife were with him at time of death.

  Also leaves two grand-daughters, Blanch and Marie Stoner.

  He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Mrs. R. L. Stoner just two months ago.

  He was one of a family of twelve children, four dying in infancy, and Mary, John and George deceased.  Surviving are Mrs. J. B. McElvain, Mrs. G. B. VanDorn, Mrs. B. A. Morrison and Junetta.

  He lived a clean, moral honest life, a good neighbor, kind father and husband. During his last illness he was convinced after all he needed a Savior.  On February 16 he confessed Christ as he Savior and was very thankful for Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”  St. John 14-6. “And neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”  Acts 4-12.

  Funeral services were held at Jerome M. E. church conducted by W. W. White.  Interment in Jerome cemetery.

Jerome Cemetery Gravestone of

Samuel and La Anna Bollman Stoner

Row 6, Block 17, Lot 5

Loren Webster Van Dorn, 1894-1939

Unidentified Obituary in Veteran's Record

of American Legion Post No. 180 - Seymour IA

of which he was a Charter Member

-----------------------------

Services at Wellman for Loren Van Dorn

  Loren Webster Van Dorn was born in Appanoose county near Seymour, Iowa, September 27, 1894, and passed away at Knoxville, Iowa, Nov. 15, 1939 at the age of 45 years one month and 18 days. He was the eldest member of a family of seven children of George B. and Ellen Stoner Van Dorn. He was born and reared on the farm owned by his great grandfather, grandfather and father. He attended the rural school and later his parents moved nearer to Seymour to enable Loren and his brothers and sisters to attend the Seymour high school. From youth Loren applied himself very industriously to the tasks of the farm and studied most diligently in school.

  After graduation from high school in 1913, he and his father and brother Noah operated the two stock farms in partnership.

  On May 14, 1918, he entered the United States army at Centerville, Iowa. He served as private first class in the 313th Cavalry at Del Rio, Texas, and later in the 69th Field Artillery at Louisville, Kentucky. He was honorably discharged December 21, 1918. He resumed farming for several years and then entered the State University of Iowa where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1925. He was affiliated with the Phi Delta Gamma, a forensic fraternity and Rhoterian club, a debating society of which he served as president.

  On June 10, 1925, he was united in marriage to Mary E. Shetler of Wellman, Iowa, at Greeley, Colorado. They established their home in Boulder, Colorado, where their only child, Rosalind Marie, was born Aug. 14, 1926. During the 12 years of residence in Colorado Loren attended the University of Colorado several terms where he took post graduate work, and he taught for eight years in various Colorado schools serving as athletic coach or principal.

  For several years he operated a tire store and gasoline station in Boulder where Rosalind could receive proper medical treatment ... serious illness.

  On May 26, 1937, he was called back to Seymour by the sickness and death of his father. He then decided to move back to the farm to operate it and take care of his mother.

  In November, 1938, he was stricken down with a very serious illness known as Tularemia or "Rabbit Fever." For many months a high fever ravished his body, necessitating many surgical operations and hospitalization at various times. Gradually the fever subsided and he seemed to be on the road to recovery. He was always patient and hopeful that he would regain his health. Several weeks before his death he suffered a sudden relapse from which there seemed to be no apparent relief. It was decided best to move him to the Veterans Hospital at Knoxville for further care. He rapidly grew worse and passed away at 12 o'clock, Nov. 15, 1939. It was revealed that he suffered from acute Pericarditis of the heart.

  His passing away is a severe shock to his many friends and relatives and an almost unbearable grief to his wife, mother and daughter, who have almost constantly ministered to his needs during his long illness. He will also be greatly missed by his many relatives, friends and neighbors for he possessed an unusually pleasant, kindly disposition. He was truly a learned man, a generous friend and a most devoted father, husband and son.

  At Boulder, Colo., and in any school community he chanced to reside he took a most active part in Christian youth organizations. Always adhering to the principles of the Christ life, he rededicated his life to the furtherance of Christianity during his last illness.

  He leaves to mourn his wife, daughter, mother, two brothers, Noah of Rock Island, Ill., Earl of Seymour, three sisters, namely Opal Fox of Davenport, Orpha Weist and Alpha Brown of Seymour and a host of relatives and friends.

  The body was taken to Wellman, Iowa, for burial. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church Saturday, Nov. 18 at one o'clock. The Reverend Mr. and Mrs. Willis and Daniel Fisher conducted the services and a Mennonite ladies quartet rendered three beautiful selections. Six members of the American Legion served as pall bearers and the services at the grave were very impressive conducted by the Chas. Polton Post of the American Legion at the Wellman cemetery.

-------------------------

CARD OF THANKS

  We wish to thank those who so kindly sent flowers and otherwise aided so generously during the long illness and the death of our loved one.

  Mrs. Mary E. Van Dorn and daughter Rosalind and Mrs. Ellen Van Dorn.
----------------------
Sources of Information

  The information above is included on the Veteran's Record, Iowa Graves Registration Form, and obituary included in the Veteran's Notebook [Pages 192-194] compiled by the American Legion Post #180 of Seymour, Iowa.

Seymour High School - Class of 1913

Seymour High School

15th Annual Commencement Exercises

--------------------------

  I just came across in old family files saved by my aunt, Cadd Ruth Hawkins, an invitation to the 15th Annual Commencement Exercises of the Seymour High School for the Class of 1913, apparently sent to her by Loren W. Van Dorn, a member of the class, since his card was enclosed with the invitation.

  Loren Webster Van Dorn was born 27 September 1894 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, son of George Brittain Van Dorn and Ellen Abigail Stoner.  He was the grandson of Noah H. Stoner and Catherine Maddox and of Abraham S. Vandorn and Minerva Jan Vito.  His parents and grandparents are all buried in the Jerome Cemetery. 

 World War I - Draft Registation Card

of Loren Webster Van Dorn of Seymour, Iowa

 1913 Seymour High School Graduation Card

of Loren Webster Van Dorn

Invitation to the 

1913 Seymour High School Commencement Exercises

May 22 and 23, 1913

Francis William Crooks, 1881-1947

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

--------------------

Allerton Farmer Dies in Seymour

  Francis Crooks, 66, farmer living southeast of Allerton, died Wednesday morning, Sept. 10, following a long illness. He had been suffering with asthma and heart trouble and became worse Wednesday. Taken to Seymour to consult a doctor, he died at the home of his brother-in-law, E. E. Van Dorn.

  Francis William Crooks, son of Francis and Martha Crooks, was born Feb. 16, 1881 in Carrol county, Missouri and died Sept. 10, 1947 at the age of 66 years, 6 months and 25 days.

  He was united in marriage to Miss Nevada Van Dorn on Feb. 15, 1909 at Jerome, Ia. To this union were born four children: Cleo, Pauline, Geneva and Francis.

  Most of his life was spent in Iowa except 13 years spent at Ipswich, S.D. The family returned to Iowa from there in 1932 and resided near Seymour until four years ago when they moved to a farm south of Allerton.

  He is survived by his widow, two sons and two daughters: Cleo and Mrs. Roy Middleton of Guthrie Center; Mrs. Walter Pritchett of Newton and Francis of the home; also seven grandchildren, three sisters, two brothers and a number of nieces and nephews.

  He was a kind and loving husband and father, and had many friends who admired him for his kindly nature.

  Funeral services were held from the Methodist church in Seymour Saturday, Sept. 13. Music was furnished by Reva Anderson and Lorene Ockerman with Mrs. Harley Merritt at the piano. Pallbearers were Lowell Ockerman, Dale Shriver, Alva Blanchard, Jim Larkins, Lowell Shelly, and Harvey Blancard. Flower girls were three granddaughters, Verna Jean Steen, Peggy Lee Steen and Deloris Middleton. 

  Burial was made in the Jerome cemetery.

Crooks Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 5, Block 26, Lot 2

Edward T. "Ned" Jennings

Biographical and Genealogical History 

of Appanoose and Monroe Counties, Iowa 

[Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1903] 

Pages 445-446

-----------------------------------------------------
EDWARD T. JENNINGS

  It is not too much to say that in this commonwealth of the free and independent the man who performs faithfully the duties that fall to the lot of the American citizen is the peer of any proud and hide-bound aristocrat who ever pranced in the royal purple before the admiring gaze of serf-born foreigners; and at the end of a long life of conscientious and active effort he may well view with satisfaction and contentment the work of his hands. In this list of worthy and honored citizens we include with perfect right the name of Edward T. Jennings, who is one of the leading farmers of Appanoose county, and resides near the town of Plano.

  William Jennings, who was the father of our subject [Edward T. Jennings], was born in Covington, Kentucky, and died in Johns township, Appanoose county, in May, 1869; he married Christina Shultz, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Johns township May 16, 1874. They were married in Adams county, Ohio, and there began their home life. Mr. Jennings was a gunsmith by trade and followed this calling all of his life. In July of 1854 he left Ohio and took up his residence in Johns township, Appanoose county, where he and his wife remained the balance of their lives.

  One of the children of the above parents was Edward T. Jennings, whose birth occurred in Adams county, Ohio, September 13, 1837, and his youth was passed in the varied activity of most boys reared in the first half of the last century. At the very beginning of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in the Fifth Kansas Cavalry under Colonel H. P. Johnson, who recruited a company in Iowa. He was afterward transferred to the Sixth Kansas and saw much of the stern reality of war in Missouri, Arkansas and other western states. He was taken prisoner at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and for over a year endured confinement in the southern war prison at Tyler, Texas. He was among those who were engaged in chasing the Price raiders, and did considerable guerrilla fighting. After he was released from the prison he returned to Appanoose county. He first lived on a farm two miles south of Plano, and in 1892 removed to his present nice home just south of Plano. There he conducts his farming interests very profitably.

  Mr. Jennings was married in 1869 to Josephine Van Dorn, who was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, March 12, 1844, and died August 21, 1899; her parents removed to Appanoose county in 1856. Of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Jennings two are still living and keep house for Mr. Jennings--Lena and Elizabeth. Mr. Jennings lives over again the scenes of the Civil war among his comrades in the Grand Army of the Republic post at Centerville. He actively supports the principles of the Republican party, and has shown his interest in education in his community by serving for twenty-five years as president of the school board.

-------------------------------------------

Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas

Volume I - 1861-1865 [Leavenworth, Kansas: Bulletin 

Co-Operative Printing Company, 1867, Page 410]

-----------------------------------------

Sixth Regiment Kansas Volunteers-Cavalry-Company B

  Edward T. Jennings: Date of Enlistment, 12 August 1861; Date of Muster, 12 August 1861; Remarks: Assigned to Co. M, April 8, 1865; prisoner of war, captured at Muzzard Prairie, Arkansas, July 27, 1864.

---------------------------------------------

The Battle of Massard Prairie by Dale Cox

[Bascom FL: William Cox, Publisher, 2008, Page 96]

-------------------------------------

  Edward T. Jennings, Company B, 6th Kansas Cavalry, is identified as one of the Union soldiers captured at Massard Prairie.

------------------------------------------------

U.S. Civil War Records on Ancestry.com

--------------------------------

  U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles: Edward T. Jennings, Enlisted 8 Dec 1861, Rank: Private, State Served: Kansas, Was POW? Yes, Survived the War? Yes, Service Record: Enlisted in on 12 Aug 1861. Mustered out on 08 Apr 1865 at DeVall's Bluff, AR., Sources: Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas.

  Kansas Civil War Soldiers: Edward T. Jennings, Rank: Private, Company B, Date Enlist: 12 Aug 1861, Date Muster: 12 Aug 1861, Remarks: Assigned to Co. M, April 8, 1965; pris'r of war, capt'd at Muzzard Prairie, Ark., July 27, 1864.

  Kansas Civil War Soldiers: Edward T. Jennings, Rank: Private, Company M, Section: POW, Date Enlist: 12 Aug 1861, Date Muster: 12 Aug 1861, Remarks: Mustered out April 8, 1965, DeVall's Bluff, Ark.

  U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865: Edward T. Jennings, Side: Union, Regiment State/Origin: Kansas, Regiment Name: 6 Kansas Cavalry, Regiment Name Expanded: 6th Regiment Kansas Cavalry, Company: B, Rank Out: Private, Rank Out Expanded: Private, Film Number: M542 Roll 5.

  Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934:  Edward T. Jennings, State Filed: Iowa.

------------------------------------------------

Census Records on Ancestry.com
--------------------------

--1860 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll M653_311, Page 467, Image_3. 

--1870 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll M593_375, Page 452A; Image_17 and Image_18.  

--1880 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll T9_326, Page 499.3000, ED 17, Image_3.

--1885 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Johns Township, Roll IA1885_144, Image 23. 

--1895 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Johns Township, Roll IA1885_287, Image_9 and Image_10. 

--1900 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll T623_416, Page 3A, ED 17, Image_5. 

--1905 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Johns Township, Roll IA-75, Image_11. 

--1910 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll T624_390; Page 5A, ED 20, Image_1402.

--1915 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Johns Township, Roll IA1915_20, Image 546. 

--1920 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll T625_477; Page 4B; ED 23; Image_328. 

--1925 Kansas State Census, Ford, Ford County, Roll KS1925_49, Image_4. 

A. S. Van Dorn

The History of Appanoose County, Iowa

Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1878, Page 617

------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------

Plat Book of Appanoose County, Iowa

Drawn from Actual Surveys & County Records

by the Northwestern Publishing Company - 1896

----------------------------------

Lincoln Township

Wanda Elaine Weist Ross, 1920-1952

Seymour Herald - 24 April 1952

------------------------

  Wanda Elaine Ross, daughter of Roy and Orpha Weist, was born near Seymour, Iowa, Sept. 13, 1920. She passed away suddenly at her home near Carlisle, Iowa, April 1, 1952.

  Wanda attended the Seymour public school and was graduated with the class of 1937. After graduation she entered business college in Des Moines. On Nov. 25, 1939, she was united in marriage to Halferd A. Ross and to this union one son, Randy Hale, was born.

  She attended the Avon Community church near her home. At the time of her death she was employed in the office of the Rollins Hosiery Mills in Des Moines.

  She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Hal Ross, one son, Randy, her father and mother, two brothers, Robert and Ronald, and a host of other relatives and friends.

  I cannot say, and I will not say

  That she is dead--she is just away!

  With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,

  She has wandered into an unknown land.

  And let us dreaming how very fair

  It needs must be, since she lingers there.

  And you--of you, who the wildest yearn

  For the old-time step and glad return--

  Think of her faring on, as dear

  In the love of There, as the love of Here

  Thnk of her still as the same I say:

  She is not dead--she is just away!

  Funeral services were held at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Des Moines Friday, April 4, at 1:30 with the Rev. Mennenhall of the Avon Community church officiating.

  The funeral home vocalist sang "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "Beyond the Sunset" with organ music. Burial was in Laurel Hill cemetery.

---------------------------

  Note: Wanda Elaine Weist Ross was a granddaughter of George B. Van Dorn and Ellen Abigale Stoner.

Ellen Abigale Stoner Van Dorn, 1866-1952

Seymour Herald - 17 April 1952

------------------------

Mrs. Ellen Van Dorn Dies at 86 Years

  Mrs. Ellen A. Van Dorn, 86, passed away at the home of her son, Noah Van Dorn, Monday morning. She had been in ill health for some time.

  She was the mother of Earl Van Doren, Noah Van Dorn, Mrs. Roy Weist and Mrs. Glen L. Brown, all of Seymour community.

  Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon from the Liggett funeral home at 2 p.m., with the Rev. W. M. Cleeton officiating.

  Burial was in the Jerome Cemetery.

-------------------------

Seymour Herald - 24 April 1952

-------------------------

Obituary: Mrs. Ellen Van Dorn

  Ellen Abbie Van Dorn, daughter of Noah and Catherine Stoner, was born near Jerome, Iowa, Feb. 5, 1866. She passed away April 13, 1952, at the home of her son, Noah, near Seymour. She grew up in Appanoose county and attended the Jerome school.

  December 21, 1893, she was united in marriage to George B. Van Dorn at the home of the Rev. J. M. Lougridge at Crossroads. They established their home in Lincoln township where she spent the remaining years of her life. To this union three sons and four daughters were born. She enjoyed reading her Bible and in early life attended the Jerome church and later attended the Baptist church in Seymour.

  In her declining years she enjoyed the radio services.

  She was the last decedent of the Noah Stoner family and was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Loren; two daughters, Opal Fox and Hallie -- who died in infancy; and one granddaughter, Wanda Ross.

  After the death of her husband she made her home with her children. She is survived by two sons, Noah and Earl; two daughters, Alpha Brown and Orpha Weist, all of Seymour; 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

  Funeral services were conducted at the Liggett funeral home Wednesday afternoon, April 16, by the Rev. W. M. Cleeton.

  Mrs. James Anderson, Jr., sang "Jesus Saviour Pilot Me" and "At the End of the Road," accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Harley Merritt.

  Pallbears were Dewey Mattley, Lester Harper, Everett Hornaday, J. W. Hockett, George Brundage and Earnest Keller. Flower bearers were Mrs. Dewey Mattley, Mrs. Lester Harperm, Mrs. J. W. Hockett, Mrs. Wyllard Sales and Mrs. A. E. Ellingworth.

  Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

Marinda Alice Stoner McElvain, 1864-1947

Seymour Herald - 26 June 1947

-------------------------

Services Held for Mrs. John McElvain

  Funeral services for Mrs. John McElvain were held at the Baptist church in Seymour Wednesday, June 18, at 2 p.m., Rev. W. M. Cleeton, pastor, officiating.

  Interment was made in the South Lawn cemetery.

  Music was furnished by Mrs. Lucy Hughes and Mrs. Reva Anderson with Miss Allie Clark at the piano.

  Flower girls were the granddaughters, Donna and Dorothy Hibbs, Marjorie McElvain, Mrs. Paul McElvain, Mrs. Stanley McElvain and Mrs. Marvelle McElvain.

  Pall bearers were five grandsons, Harold, Paul, Marvelle, Donald, and Stanley McElvain and Richard Mincks, a nephew.

---------------------------

  Mirinda Alice Stoner, daughter of Noah and Catherine Stoner, was born near Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, on February 25, 1864. She passed away at the age of 83 years, 3 months and 20 days on Sunday, June 15, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ada McCabe, where she has made her home for the past two years, since the death of her husband.

  She was one of a family of 12 children, all having preceded her in death, except one sister.

  She was united in marriage to John B. McElvain on Nov. 19, 1891. To this union four children were born, three of whom survive her in death.  One son, Lawrence, passed away in 1942.

  She lived her entire life in Appanoose county with the exception of three years in Wayne county.

  She has been confined to her home for many years because of poor health and for teh past three years has been an invalid.

  Prior to her years of confinement, she was quite cheerful. She was an unselfish, loving mother, companion and friend.

  She is survived by her son George, and daughters--Mrs. Ada McCabe, and Mrs. Ruth Hibbs, all of Numa, her sister, Mrs. Ellen Van Dorn of Seymour; 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Card of Thanks

  We wish to thank all of our neighbors and friends for their kindness and floral offerings, during the illness and death of our mother.

The McElvain Family

Lincoln Township, Appanoose County

Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa

Edited by L. L. Taylor

Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1913

Page 406-407

------------------------------------------------

Lincoln township is bounded on the west by Wayne county, on the north by Johns township, on the east by Bellair and Pleasant townships, and on the south by Franklin township. It was organized in the '50s. Jerome postoffice was established a number of years ago but has been discontinued.

Lincoln has many good farms, the soil being arable and well drained by Cooper and Shoal creeks. Its people are industrious and progressive, as the well-tilled fields, good roads and fences, modern homes and farm buildings well attest. There are no better supported district schools in the county and the churches testify to the religious character of the men and women. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroads enter the township.

Among the early settlers were John Moore, who came here in 1848. He is said to have killed thirty deer in one week, they were so plentiful. Mr. Moore was wont to tell of his experiences. Wolves were so numerous that the farmers' live stock were in constant danger from their ravages. He told of killing a buck, a fine, large fellow. After skinning and dressing it, he took a hind quarter to town and traded it for the family's first set of cups and saucers. No mill, at the time of his settlement here, was closer than Des Moines, so the family subsisted for a while on grated boiled corn. Their buckwheat flour was made by a coffee mill.

S. C. Van Ness left the Keystone state in 1857 and arrived in this county. He became one of the prosperous men of this township.

Peter Sidles, born in Ohio, became a resident of this county in 1859. He located on section 3 in this township, and soon had one of the finest farms in the community. He was a veteran of the Civil War and very prominent both in church and lodge circles.

A. S. Van Dorn, after four years' experience in the gold mines of California, settled down to farm life in this township in 1855. He prospered and attained a place in the estimation of his neighbors that was enviable.

John Maning [Manning], an Ohioan, settled here in 1854 and became prosperous and influential. His son Harvey was a member of the Eighth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry.

Jonathan Rinker, a Kentuckian by birth, came to this state from Indiana in 1845, bring with him his wife, Elizabeth. They first settled in Van Buren county, removing from there to Appanoose in 1851 and entering a tract of land. The family, consisting of eleven members, traveled to their new home in a wagon drawn by oxen, and when he arrived at his destination Mr. Rinker had but eleven dollars remaining. The boys of the family were Robert F., Oliver C., Franklin, Leander, Walter and George W.

C. R. Jackson located in this township in 1854, coming from Indiana.

Robert S. Lowry was born in Indiana. The year 1847 found him in Illinois and from that state he removed to Appanoose county in 1853, locating on section 20, this township. He became one of the largest landholders in the county, owning at one time over a thousand acres. Mr. Lowry dealth largely in live stock and reaped a generous profit from his operations, part of which he invested in bank stock.

M. Darrah and his father, Henry Darrah, were early in the county, coming here in 1856. In 1858 the son married Susannah Lawrer, daughter of William and Catherine Lawrer, early settlers in the county.

Addison Pendergast was born in Ripley county, Indiana, in 1848. In 1858 he settled in this township with his parents. He was a veteran of the Civil war.

Henry Moreland [Morlan], who married Belinda C. Jones, daughter of an Appanoose pioneer, settled in this town in 1852. In the following spring they removed to Independence township.