Isaac N. Crun is the present postmaster, and T. M. Donaldson is railroad tation agent.

There are three store of general merchandise kept by the following persons respectively: Isaac N. Crum & Son, W. B. Keeler & Son, L. Plette & Co.

M. K. Walker and T. J. Kirkwood are the proprietors of the two drug

stores.

Boots and shoes are sold by J. Minaardi.

Groceries are weighed out by L. Wielenga.

Besides the foregoing houses of business there is one hotel, one harness shop, one millinery, two blacksmith shops, two grain elevators, both operated by J. B. Hendershott; one grist mill, turning lathe operated by wind power, and stock yards.

CHURCHES.

There are three churches, Baptist, Methodist and Dutch Reformed.

The Baptist Church--This church was organized in February, 1871. J. T. Hendershott, J. B. Hendershott, Mrs. Penninah Hendershott, Columbus Long, M. W. Yowell and wife, Mrs. Sophrona Yowell, William White and wife and Mrs. C. Finley, constituted the membership of the church. The same year the church was organized a large frame church building was erected at a cost of $4,000.

The building was dedicated in November, 1871, by Rev. Wm. Wood, assisted by Rev. Mr. Fry.

The membership of the church numbers sixty, Rev. F. M. Archer being the pastor.

The Sunday-school in connection with the church has an average attendance of seventy-five; J. T. Hendershott, superintendent, and Miss Lottie Keeler, secretary.

Methodist Episcopal Church--The first M. E. Church was organized by Rev. R. B. Allender, in 1855. The following persons constituted the class: W. B. Keeler and wife, Boyd Donnel and wife, Thos. Honnold and wife, Eli Pendroy, Jacob Pendroy and wife, Jacob Honnold and wife, John Young and wife and Wm. Donnel and wife.

The first regular pastor was R. B. Allender; the second was Rev. Fleinming; third, E. Woods; fourth, Austin Coleman; fifth, A. Lanbach; sixth, R. Holland; seventh, Ira O. Kemble; eighth, T. J. O. Wooden; ninth, Marcus Carrier; tenth, Rev. King; eleventh, J. H. Armstead; twelfth, T. J. Myers; thirteenth, E. Sampson; fourteenth, A. Kersha; fifteenth, A. J. Belknap: sixteenth, J. A. Cooke; seventeenth, A. H. Shaffer; eighteenth, F. M. Slusser; nineteenth, L. M. Hartley; twentieth, Rev. Cowen.

A frame church was erected during the summer of 1870. It is 30x40 feet, will comfortably seat 250 and cost $2,500.

The church when first organized used the Summit school-house as a place of worship.

There is a Sunday-school in connection with the church, with an attendance of about forty. The superintendent is Wm. Durose.

Dutch Reformed--This church was organized in 1871. In the same. year the organization was effected a frame church building was erected at a cost of $2,200. Rev. A. G. Lansing, A. G. Zigler and J. A. Meuland

have been the pastors. The present membership numbers about one hur dred.

There is a Sunday-school in connection with the church. John Braan. superintendent; William Lille, secretary.

The population of Otley is about 300.

AMERICAN CITY.

In July, 1848, a town was laid out on the west half of section 15, and called American City. James D. Putnam, S. S. Mangrum, Isaac N Crum and G. F. Hendry were the four proprietors of this pretentions town Nothing but the stakes driven by the surveyor ever indicated the existens of American City.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

AKER, A.—Blacksmith and farmer. Is a native of Ohio, and we

County, July 15, 1926. When an infant bronge

up

his

by his parents to Belmont county, where he remained about two years and then removed to Wayne county, Indiana, living there for two years. H went to Cass county, Michigan, and in the summer of 1845 he took residence in St. Joseph county. His father being a blacksmith, you Baker learned that trade. In 1850 he went to Berrien county, Michigan where he was engaged at his trade till 1853, when he moved to Iowa and settled in Red Rock, Marion county. Was there employed in blacksmithing for fourteen years, when he located on a farm, where he now resides. Now owns 100 acres, mostly improved. Was married to Miss Patient Garrett, October 29, 1850. She was born in Canada, January 28, 183: They have seven children living: Flora M., Esther G., Martha P., Wille G., A. J., Louis and Nathan. Lost five.

BALDWIN, JNO. F.-Deceased. One of Marion county's most es teemed citizens, was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1821, and came while quite young with his parents to the northern part of Ohio. That portion of the State at that time was a wilderness, and his father hai to cut a road and mark it, by blazing the trees, from what is now Akrot. Ohio, seven miles, to Yellow Creek, and was one of the first white families to settle on that stream. The father died after a few years, leaving the care of the family to John F. In 1850 John, with a brother, made the trip across the plains to California, and was moderately successful. In the winter of 1852-3 he returned to Ohio and sold his property, and removed. with the family early in the spring of 1853, to Iowa, crossing the river st Keokuk, and with an ox team they set out for the west, going as far as Winterset, and not liking it as well as some they had passed, they returned as far as what is now Summit township, Marion county. Here some of the family being taken sick, they were detained a few days, and liking the country better as days passed away, and the sick recovering, they concluded to remain, and made a purchase of lands. From that time to the time of his death, Mr. Baldwin was prominently connected with the transactions going to make up the the history of Summit township and Marion county, being one of the first to move for the organization of the township. It was named "Summit" for Summit county, Ohio, from whence he came. He, at various times, held township offices. During the late war he, being unable to go to war, did more than his share in car

ng for those around him, who were left at home while their husbands or brothers went. After the construction of the Des Moines Valley Railroad he was one of the first parties concerned in getting the station located here, at what is now "Otley," donating for the purpose a large sum of money, and a part of the station ground, giving also several hundred dollars to assist in building the three houses of worship at this place. Mr. Baldwin was for several years a member of the Congregational Church, and a consistent Christian. In politics he was Republican. Mr. Baldwin was never married, having devoted his whole life to the care of his widowed mother, who still survives him at the age of eighty years. Mr. Baldwin was always planning and making improvements around him, and had planted and cultivated several fine groves of trees, both native and foreign; had a comfortable residence, that was a home in every sense of the word. He died suddenly of congestion of the brain, attend by paralysis of the right side, November 27, 1880.

CR

RUM, I. N.—Of the firm of Crum & Son, dealers in dry goods, groceries, etc., Otley. Is one of the pioneers of Marion county and one worthy of special mention. He was born in Clarke county, Indiana, March 15, 1820, and moved with his parents to Morgan county, Illinois. Was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1845, when, having an attraction for the Territory of Iowa, he came to Marion county in the spring of that year. In 1857 he moved to Red Rock and erected what was known as the Buckeye House, being engaged in the hotel business until 1865. He then purchased a store which he operated in Red Rock until the fall of 1868, when he moved stock and building, including residence, to Otley. Here he and his son have been doing a leading business. In connection with their store they have the post-office, the duties of which they have discharged since the spring of 1869. The subject of this sketch is also engaged in agricultural pursuits and deals extensively in stock. His landed estate consists of 460 acres. Miss Sarah M. Harp, of Tennessee, became his wife, January 3, 1844. She was born January 16, 1824. Have two children living: John P. and William S. JOHN P., a member of the firm, was born in Marion county, Iowa, September 28, 1849. Has been raised and educated in his native county, and is now considered one of its prominent business men. He was married to Miss Allie Rowley, December 21, 1877. She was born in Wapello county, Iowa, October 20, 1853. They have one child, Maud (born November 16, 1878).

CRUM, S. G.-Farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Otley. Was born in Morgan county, Illinois, February 14, 1854, and when about 5 years of age his mother brought him to Marion county, Iowa. She remained but a short time and then returned to Illinois, S. G. being left in care of an uncle, I. N. Crum, by whom he was raised and educated. He owns over 96 acres of land, on which is situated a good house. Has about 150 bearing apple trees. Miss Phebe A. McComas, of Union county, Indiana, became his wife June 25, 1875. She was born May 26, 1853, and remained in her native county till twelve years of age, when, with parents, she moved to Marion County, Iowa. They have two children living: Charles W. and Effa M. Lost one.

EN BESTE, C.-Of the firm of Wielenga & Den Beste, dealers in dry goods and groceries, Otley. Is a native of the Netherlands, and was born March 1, 1853. He came to America in the spring of 1863. His occupation was farming until December 24th, 1880, when he embarked in

the mercantile trade. He is a man honorable and upright in all his dea ings. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Mack, March 1, 1878. She was born in Marion county, Iowa, in 1857. Her ancestors were natives of the Netherlands. They have one child living, Frank (born November 1, 1880). One deceased.

DONALDSON, T. M.-Railroad agent and telegraph operator, Otley The subject of this sketch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 22 1855. When about two years of age he, with parents, moved to Ottawa, Illinois, remaining about six months, when they located on a farin in Luc county, Iowa. There he was mostly raised and educated. In March, 1865. they moved to Marion county. June 2, 1873, he began to learn the art of telegraphing at Otley, where he assisted in the office till May 1, 1875, and since that time has been in the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company and the K. & D. M. Railway. He has discharged his duties as an agent to the satisfaction of the company, and also to the people of this vicinity.

ETHERINGTON, 1.0. THERINGTON, R. J.-Farmer, Sec. 32, P. O. Otley. Was born in

in

Etherington, who came to this county in an early day, and was here engaged in agricultural pursuits until his demise, August 8, 1875. R. J. has been raised and educated in this county, has adhered closely to his occupa tion, and now owns 160 acres of land, most of which is improved. Miss Martha Emerson, of Georgia, became his wife November 27, 1873. She was born January 14, 1855. Have four children: William, Nora A., John and Julia.

FIN

INLEY, MRS. C.-Sec. 12, P. O. Otley. Whose maiden name was Catlarine Neal, was born in the State of Vermont, June 7, 1824. When quite young, she moved with her parents to Pennsylvania, locating in Philadelphia county, at which place she was deprived of the care of her father by death. She resided here until grown to womanhood, and on the 8th day of April, 1840, became the wife of James Finley, a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Washington county, June 10, 1806, and was there educated at the common schools. When he attained manhood he engaged in mercantile business, which he successfully followed until his death. which occurred on the 12th day of January, 1858. In 1860 Mrs. Finley came to Marion county, settling upon her present farm, which contains S acres. She is a lady of culture and fine domestic habits. The family numbers seven children, five of whom are living: John B., Byron S., Ro land W., Florence E. and Robert F. One son, William P., was a sergeant in company E, First regiment, Excelsior brigade of New York, and was mortally wounded at the battle of Williamsburg, dying May 5, 1862; was acting as captain at the time of being wounded. He was a graduate of Duff's Mercantile College of Cincinnati, and a young man of more than usual business tact.

G1

IBBONS, LEVI M.-Sec. 20, P. O. Otley. His paternal grandmother was from Ireland, where she was raised and married to a Mr. Dobbins, who died, and she settled in Pennsylvania, where she married Joseph Gibbons, who was raised in that State, but born in Maryland. He (Joseph Gibbons) was of English-Irish extraction. Ashel was born to them in Pennsylvania, January 10, 1799, and married Mary Satterfield. who was of English-Dutch descent. Her mother was from the Steidman stock known to early American history in connection with Harper's Ferry

t

and Winchester. To Ashel and his wife were born five boys and three girls, one of the former being the subject of this biography, who was born May 21, 1821, in Belmont county, Ohio. He was raised in Kentucky, and attended school but nine days, having acquired what practical education he has without assistance. He came to this county in August, 1855, and three or four years subsequently bought forty acres of unimproved land, to which he has since added sixty-five acres more. He married Sarah Hoops, a lady of Dutch lineage, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio. The fruits of their union have been: Mary (married to Samuel Low), Pleasant, Annie (dead), Joseph, and Nimrod (died in extreme infancy). Mrs. Gibbons died in March, 1871. Mr. Gibbons owns 105 acres of excellent farming land, in splendid condition, well stocked and entirely free from debt.

GRAY, JOHN B.-Farmer, Sec. 3, P. O. Monroe. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Allegheny county, January 11, 1832. He spent his boyhood days on a farm in his native county. In the year 1864 he volunteered his services in company C, of the Fifth Pennsylvania heavy artillery, and was discharged in about ten months, when he returned to his home in Pennsylvania. In 1866 he moved to Iowa and located in Marion county. He is a model farmer and owns 120 acres of well improved land; his house and surroundings are pleasant and inviting. Was married to Miss Minerva Howell, October 25, 1855. She was born December 9, 1835. They have seven children: Sarah L., George O., Jane H., Catherine M., Annie L., John H., Lottie M. Mr. and Mrs. Grey are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

AMMOND, GEORGE M.-Otlev. Is a dsecendant from Thomas Hammond, who was one of the first settlers in Hingham, Massachusetts, where land was granted him in 1636. He took the freeman's oath March 9th, 1637. His (Thomas') wife was named Elizabeth Cason, of Lavenham, England. This story is told of her: When young, she took a walk with other youths to the Bank of England to see how money was made. The master of the mint was pleased with her appearance and chat, and gave her an invitation to try her hand in making money. She had made some impression upon him, and he was desirious of knowing if she could make an impression on the coin. He placed a piece of silver upon the die, about the size of a half crown. She came forward and grasped the lever, and stamped a fair impression on the coin. He presented her with the piece. It is now possessed by Stephen Hammond, of Roxbury, whose son William, of the eighth generation from her, is expected to inherit the treasure. Two of his children were baptized in Hingham. He moved to Newton after the birth and baptism of Elizabeth, in the year 1640, September 13th, and Thomas was born March 12th, 1643. In Newton two others were born, Sarah and Nathaniel. The father died September 30th, 1675. His estate was appraised at £1,139, 16s. and 2d. His wife, Elizabeth, was executrix. Four children are named in the will: Sarah, who married a Steadman; Elizabeth, who married George Woodward; Thomas and Nathaniel. To Thomas he gave the homestead and the barn. The following items are in the will: Nathaniel was to have one-third part of the fruit of the orchard, year by year, till he have an orchard of his own; and the use of the barn till his brother Thomas helped him build one. The subject of this sketch was born April 2, 1829, and was raised partly on a farm and educated in Summit county, Ohio. At the age of ten years he moved with his father